Chapter 969: I Love You

The kiss was sweet and it filled their hearts with so much warmth, the good kind. Even though the temperature was low it didn't bother Rowena at all.

She was dazed when the man's lips touched hers. She had never kissed anyone like this before and she didn't know what to expect.

His lips were soft and sweet. When his tongue eagerly thrust into the small opening between her lips, trying to enter and explored her mouth, Rowena batted her eyes. She let him in and soon their tongues were dancing together to the same tune.

When the kiss ended, he moved back his head a little to admire her beautiful face. When he let go of her lips after the sweet kiss, Rowena stared at him wide-eyed, feeling a sudden void.

"There," said Raphael gently. "Now, you don't have to wonder anymore."

He was referring to her curiosity about kissing him earlier. Rowena batted her eyes, still in a daze. Her voice trembled when she spoke.

"Th-thank you...." she murmured. The princess touched her lips, trying to find the traces of his sweet lips on hers. "It was really nice."

Raphael smiled at her shy demeanor. He loved their kiss earlier. Seeing how she pressed her lips, he tilted his head and kissed her again. This time, Rowena could respond better. She wrapped her hands around his neck and sucked on his lips. Slowly her breath started panting.

They made out so naturally as if they were used to doing it with each other. Rowena's mind was a bit of a blur. She thought this was a wonderful dream. She was longing for his presence and now he came. She was wondering what holding his hand and kissing him would feel like, and now she was doing those.

So, this must be a really nice dream, triggered by her desire that she kept hiding deep in her heart. Her heart knew she wanted Raphael, and tonight it gave him to her.

That was the only explanation. Otherwise, why would someone like Raphael want Rowena? She was problematic and didn't have anything good to offer. So, if Raphael came to her and told her he wanted her, this must be a dream.

If this was not real, she might as well take advantage of this beautiful dream and vent her longing for him. She secretly wanted him, but deep inside she thought she didn't deserve him. 

What should she do with her feelings for him?

"Raphael..." she pursed her lips and looked at him with gleaming eyes. "Ahh... what should I do with you? What should I do when you leave me for good? You will make me heartbroken."

"I told you I would never leave you," Raphael said, assuring her. "I hope you can believe me."

Rowena looked away. "I want to believe y

ou but..."

Her chest pounded so hard and she started experiencing shortness of breath. Her dress felt so suffocating. She couldn't breathe properly. 

Raphael's eyes widened when he saw her unbuttoning the top part of her dress. She murmured, "I just feel hot. It feels suffocating so I need to get rid of it."

The third button was unfastened and Raphael could see her skin through the opening. It looked so sexy and alluring. However, he was worried that Rowena would feel uncomfortable around him, so he decided to leave.

"Do you want me to go?" he asked her unsurely. "Or do you still need me here?"

He remembered the letter he received from Rowena saying she needed his help, but even after they kissed, she still didn't really tell him what was it that she needed help with.

Perhaps, she just needed someone to talk to, and now that she was better she no longer needed him.

"No, please don't go," Rowena held Raphael wrist. "Please....?"

She didn't want him to go and leave her even in a dream. She cupped his face and whispered. "I love you, do you know that?"

It was like a magic spell that broke a curse. When Rowena said she loved him, Raphael knew he was feeling the same and he no longer held back.

He kissed her again and soon he let desire overcome him. The sweet kiss turned to passionate and their bodies were engulfed by lust. While his lips were busy kissing her, his nimble hands helped Rowena undress.

Soon, both were naked and their bodies were intertwined in bed, venting their love and longing for each other. For the first time in her life, Rowena cried happy tears.

"I love you too, Rowena," Raphael whispered sweetly when he entered her.

***

The next day came and Raphael woke up in Rowena's bed. He looked at Rowena's sleeping form and couldn't help but smile. He kissed her forehead. The memories of what happened the previous night came back to him and he felt his heart flutter.

Rowena had helped him get clarity. Now, he truly knew what he wanted. It was Rowena. Last night, they had opened up their feelings for each other. They were in love.

And last night, they had also consummated their love. It was such beautiful lovemaking.

"Mmmm?" Rowena's eyes blinked open. "Raphael?"

Was she still dreaming? Why was he still here? She furrowed her brows and looked at him more closely. Her head throbbed with a headache.

"That's me." Raphael nodded and took her hand in his. "I… I want to marry you, Rowena. Since the two of us hav

e already fulfilled marital vows despite not being wedded yet–please allow me to take responsibility for you."

"Huh?" Rowena was still shocked. She batted her eyes in confusion. She felt something was not right.

And then it hit her.

She touched her body and realized she was naked. And when she moved her hand, she could feel his skin touching hers. He was naked too.

Did they have sex last night? Why couldn't she remember?

"I…" Rowena thought it had nothing been more than a wonderful and passionate dream, but she realized that it was real. She asked him in a stammer, "How… how did you come here?"