Reminiscing

16 | Proposal

Anastasija Martinez

We arrived at the hotel and I went up to the shared room between Maya and I.

I quickly took a shower and did my makeup as well as pulled my hair into a silk back bun. I chose a sequin dress and paired it with clear heels.

(Picture below, black hair instead.)

I sprayed some perfume and then made my way downstairs. The hotel was huge but Rafael booked and designed the whole pool area for Maya. I helped too by the way.

I walked to the outdoor club and it was crowded. I managed to make my way to the bar and grab myself a shot or three.

I downed the shot as I watched Maya dance with Kian. The love in their eyes is what I've always looked for.

I've only fallen in love three times in my life. The first time was when I was 7, it was puppy love of course. Then again at 15, he was the first guy I've ever dated. The most recent time was Levi. Levi was a drug dealer I went undercover to arrest.

But Levi was different in my eyes, he did it because he needed the money. He had the same eyes as Rafael, and he loved me. Everything was ruined because Elijah decided to finally shoot him.

I find peace in Rafael because I find Levi in his eyes, I feel different things with Rafael, sure, but he's just my rebound. I think.

My eyes wandered around the party. I watched Matteo jump into the pool with five girls, I giggled to myself as I watched him. Then Ryder as he danced with the stripper.

My eyes finally landed on Rafael. I couldn't help but notice my blood slowly boiling as he pulled the blonde girl closer, her back against his chest as they swayed together.

He was dancing with her. His hands roamed her body. The same hands that were inside me an hour ago. I watched him move his hands in between her thighs.

"Cunt," I mumbled.

"Who's a cunt?" I turned to find a short blonde guy sitting next to me.
"No one," I replied, stiffly.

"You're pretty, can I have your number?" He asked, now standing in front of me.

"I'm good thanks," I replied, trying to stand up.
"Oh come on," he grinned, laying his hands on the bar table and having my cage in between his arms.

"I have a boyfriend," I lied.
"Oh really?"
"Yes,"
"I don't see him," he smiled "Leaving such a beautiful girl alone,"

"He's-" I stuttered before a deep voice from behind

"Right behind you, dumbass"

The guy turned around and lifted his head to even look at Rafael's face. Rafael held onto the guy's shirt and lifted him.

"Walk into this fucking place again and I swear to god I'll put you six feet under." He growled.

The guy squirmed to get out of Rafael's grip and as soon as he did, he ran away.

Rafael stood next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yes," I said coldly, not even looking at him.

Our attention quickly turned to Kian and Maya standing alone in the middle of the crowd. Suddenly Kian was now on one knee.

"Maya Mancini; I want you to be the only person I wake up to in the morning, I want to spend the rest of my life with you and give you all my love. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Screamed Maya as she fell into his arms. My eyes widened. I was happy for them.

I was now smiling. I looked over at Rafael but he wasn't smiling though. He looked rather sad that now his little sister was not his, not under his name.

I was still mad at him so I didn't give him any attention. I smiled and watched my best friend enjoy her wedding proposal.

We all went over to them and congratulated them. Maya couldn't stop crying tears of happiness while she hugged Rafael.

Although a he hugged him like she was saying goodbye.

Kian called me aside. "I want to ask for a favor." He smiled.

"That is?" I asked.
"I want your room key so I can spend the night with Maya. You'll take my spot with Rafael."

"No way," I responded.
"Please, I just proposed to her." He was pleased as he leaned his head sideways.

I sighed as I slammed my room keys into his hands, taking his keys. I downed another shot of vodka before moving over to the dance floor and celebrating with my best friend. 

It was sad knowing none of this was real, that all of this was a mission. Even when I was on vacation it felt wrong. I promised myself I wouldn't ruin Maya's birthday and I'm glad I didn't.

We danced and enjoyed our time, yet Rafael was busy with other women. The party had died down and everyone went up to their rooms. It was only me, Matteo and a couple of people I didn't know.

Matteo walked me over to my room which was with Maya, I wanted to pick up a pair of pajamas but as soon as we heard moaning sounds coming out of the room, we turned the other way.

"I'm gonna throw up," he gagged as he walked at a faster pace.

"So am I," we both laughed before we arrived at Rafael's room.

He knocked on the door and Rafael opened it, a towel wrapped around his torso showing his perfectly defined V-line.

My eyes couldn't help but admire his body. "Hey," he said.

"I got your package," teased Matteo before he walked away. I looked up at Rafael and he moved aside for me to enter.

I walked in and waited for him to close the door before I turned around facing him.

"I kinda couldn't get any clothes," I said.
"I'll give you something," he answered before walking over to his suitcase and pulling out a T-shirt.

"Thanks," I mumbled before walking into the bathroom. I pulled my dress off and put on his t-shirt, too bad I didn't have a bra.

I washed my make-up off and let my hair loose. I walked back out and Rafael was laying on the bed, scrolling through his phone.

I made my way over to the balcony and rested my palms on the railing, admiring the beautiful beach.

I laid my head back and inhaled the breeze. A calmness hit my body as Rafael's arm snaked around my waist, pushing my back against his chest.

My head was leaned on his shoulder as I rested my arm on top of his. "Beautiful isn't it?" He said as he looked at me.

"Me or the beach?" I chuckled.
"You," he whispered.