A Million Shades Of Love And Betrayal (Whispers of Deception Book 1) by Stevens Leigh

Author:Stevens, Leigh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-08T00:00:00+00:00

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Rafael

Today went a lot better than I had planned. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over everything, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Yasmin had agreed to move in with me, and we'd decided that our engagement should be a real one instead of the fake charade we’d been keeping up. I desperately wanted to tell her that I loved her, that I was in love with her, but I didn't want to overwhelm her or make her feel pressured to say the same.

I watched her, feeling a warmth spread through me. Every moment with her felt precious, and I couldn't get enough. It was a warm day, and a walk sounded like the perfect way to spend the rest of the evening.

We packed up our gear and returned it to the counter, exchanging friendly banter with the range staff as we did. Stepping outside, the fresh air was a welcome relief from the enclosed range. The sky was a dull blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, and the sun was descending but I could still feel its warmth.

"So," I said, turning to Yasmin with a grin. "How about we get some ice cream?"

Her eyes lit up. "Ice cream sounds perfect."

We strolled to a nearby ice cream parlor, one that had been around for decades and had the best homemade flavors in town. The bell above the door jingled as we entered, and the sweet, creamy scent of ice cream enveloped us.

"What are you having?" I asked as we approached the counter.

"Hmm, tough choice," she mused, scanning the array of flavors. "I think I'll go with chocolate. What about you?"

"I'll have the chocolate mint," I said, handing over a few bills to the cashier.

"You're one of them," she laughed when I shot her a confused look. "I don't believe mint and chocolate should go together."

"It's quite nice," I told her as we waited. "You should try it."

She shook her head immediately. "That's never going to happen, just like you refuse to try pineapple on pizza."

I couldn't argue with that. "Touche."

Just then we were called to collect our ice cream. With our cones in hand, we stepped back outside and began walking down the tree-lined street.

"So," I began after a few moments of companionable silence. "Tell me about what it was like growing up with your brother and sister."

Yasmin licked her ice cream thoughtfully, I had to look away to shake off the spicy thoughts that crowded my mind with just one lick. "It was chaotic. There's always something going on with three kids in the house. My sister, Amirah, was always getting into trouble, and my brother, Khalid, was an overachiever. I was in the middle, trying to find my own path."

She chuckled softly. "There were a lot of fights, a lot of laughter, and a lot of love. I can't imagine growing up any other way. What about you? What was it like being an only child?"

I took a deep breath, considering her question.

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