Chapter 33:
Raphael's knuckles throbbed, the sting of fresh wounds biting into his skin as he stepped into Ines' apartment.
His shirt was torn, smeared with dirt and blood, his body ached from the night's fight.
He barely had time to knock before the door swung open, revealing Ines in an oversized sweater, her hair slightly messy from sleep.
Her eyes widened in horror.
"Raphael!" she gasped, reaching out for him. "What the hell happened to you?"
He smirked slightly, trying to downplay it. "Just a little disagreement."
But Ines wasn't having it. She grabbed his wrist, pulling him inside, slamming the door shut behind them. "Sit down."
Raphael chuckled, letting himself be dragged to the couch. "You're bossy when you're worried."
"Shut up," she snapped, running to the bathroom to grab a first aid kit.
When she returned, she kneeled in front of him, examining the cuts on his face. "God, you're bleeding everywhere."
"It's not as bad as it looks."
