Being The Billionaire's Captive

HIS LITTLE toes curled under the impact of the fall, and tears sprung to his eyes the moment his knees connected with the rocky terrace of the sea cliff. He wailed in pain as little droplets of blood stained the gray stone, and not a single soul stopped to help him.

Little Raphael's eyes watered even more as he watched camper after camper waddle passed him, no one even acknowledging his presence.

He knew he wasn't the most likable kid at camp, and he was merely forced to go by his dad. Still, he wished someone would show him a little compassion...a little attention, at least once in his life.

Giving up, he tried to wobble to his feet with his knees still burning, but he was surprised to feel little cold hands holding onto his left arm.

His eyes widened in shock and gratitude as he turned to meet the eyes of the human who acknowledged that he indeed existed. When he did, the immense beauty was more than his little nine year old mind could process. The life and light that they held completely contrasted to how he felt.

She smiled warmly at him, encouraging him to stand straight. He blinked a few times, never once breaking his gaze from her admirable brown pools. Her eyes flickered to his knee for a quick second, as her smile immediately transformed into a frown. Raphael's heart sunk at the absence of her beautiful smile. But it was short lived when he heard her voice instead.

"Are you okay? How did you fall?" She asked, her voice soft and sweet like any eight year old, but it did something to him. It took a while before he answered after recovering from the shock of hearing her speak.

"I'm-I'm okay" His voice sounded small, but she heard him clearly. She quickly perked up at his accent, realising that he wasn't a local at all.

"Where are you from?" She questioned as she bent before him, slightly pushing up his shorts so that she could get a better look at his knee.

"I'm from Puerto Rico" He replied, slightly wincing when she ran her index finger over the base of the wound.

She paused abruptly, taking him by surprise and scaring him half to death when he thought he had just scared her off. However, his doubts were soothed when she smiled at him even wider.

"Say that again" She instructed.

"What?"

"Say that again" She repeated, this time with her eyes glistening even more. For the first time in forever, Raphael felt his lips pulling up in a smile.

"Puerto Rico" He obliged, loving the way how she squealed at it. He didn't understand her excitement, but he wanted to keep it alive.

He didn't even realise when she grabbed her water bottle from her bag pack to wash the dirt from his knee, he was just too invested in her.

"I know we're not allowed to say things like this..." She subconsciously looked around her as if checking to see if anyone was around, as her voice fell into as loud whisper, "But that was kinda sexy"

They both burnt red at her statement, before they erupted into childish giggles. She knew her mama would've given her a proper scolding if she heard what she had just said, but Tami had waited so long to use the word after somewhat learning what it really meant, and this stranger's accent really described the word in her head.

"There you go" She beamed proudly as she rose from her stooping position, and his eyes flickered to his knee, where he saw that she had wrapped her large ribbon that was holding up on of her curly pigtails around the wound as a substitute bandage.

His smiled grew larger, feeling much better. He didn't believe it had to do with the wound being managed, but the wonderful feeling of being cared for.

"That should control the bleeding until we get back to camp to a proper care giver. Can you walk?"

He nodded frantically with a bright smile on his face."I can manage. Th-thank you ...uh?"

"Tami" She finished for him, introducing herself in the process. "Tami Knowles" She outstretched her hand while he took it, immediately loving how small and soft they felt against his.

"Raphael De León"

"Say that again" She teased, causing them both to laugh. He fell in line with her strides after their laughter died down, and he suddenly felt anxious now that he had finally made a friend-- and a beautiful, kind one at that.

"So Raphael" She started, and he loved the way she said his name. "What brings you to The Bahamas? And at camp too?"

He suddenly forgot everything about his life when he realised that this was her way of starting conversation. She wasn't running off to be with her friends, nor was she simply being kind. She wanted to be his friend. He got exited at the thought.

"My dad has lived here for as long as I can remember. My mom sends me here in the summers. He sent me to camp because he had to leave for a meeting. But it's not like he cares if I starved at home alone or not. He just wanted me gone for the whole summer, even after he gets back from his meeting"

Tami felt slightly uncomfortable at his now gloomy state after mentioning his dad, and she felt guilty for asking in the first place, so she tried to get rid of the dull aura.

"So I won't see you around after summer then?" She asked, but the attempts to make him feel better went downwards when his face fell even more, as if he was just realising the fact too.

His frown grew deeper as he looked up to look at her, already missing her when he should go back to his huge, empty, lonely house back home. "I guess so. Will you be here every camp? Maybe we can see each other at camps?" A little hope sparked in him as he thought of the possibility, but her frown told him that she had no good answer to that.

"Actually, my family and I are moving to Nassau in two months. My dad suffered a great accident and my mom wants him to get special care there. So I wont go be back at camp next year or after that" She sighed as she thought about how she'll miss camp.

She has been going since she was five, and she always enjoyed being there with the wonderful kids and great hospitality and fun.

"So this will be goodbye?" Raphael's lower lip quivered at the thought of losing the only friend he have ever gained. But before he could fall deeper in his grief, Tami laced her thin fingers through his, shooting him an encouraging smile which totally did its best on his mood.

"Come on" She beamed."Let's not focus on what will happen after camp. Let's just enjoy the few weeks we have together"

Raphael loved this idea, so he frantically nodded as she spun to walk backwards with an exited look on her face.

"We can make a list and have the best time at camp ever! Oh and you can teach me Spanish! Wait you speak Spanish right? Oh my gosh is it rude of me to just assume to speak Spanish because you're Puerto Rican? I'm sorry if I offended you." She rambled nervously.

Raphael suddenly felt on cloud nine as he thought about spending everyday with the nicest and most beautiful girl at camp. His smile told her all the answers to her questions without even having to say a word. He quickly stabled her when she almost fell over from walking backwards, sending them both in another fit of laughter.

"I think we will be the bestest of friends Raphael De León" She laughed at how weird she sounded trying to say his name like how he said it, but he thought she said it perfectly.

"I agree, Tami Knowles"

Sixteen Years Later

THE SMILE never left Tami's face as she climbed the stairs that led to the stage. Cheers from her peers and her family were almost deafening, as she collected her graduating certificate.

She felt so proud of the journey she had made thus far, and she was more than eager for the others to come.

"Tamika Knowles. Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences" The reader announced as she smiled for the picture.

Despite the heat that encamped her body due to the large black gown, it all felt worth it as she walked from the stage with her degree in hand.

She had finished her first stage of becoming a doctor, and she was more so excited to start medical school this fall. Over the years, Tami had always known what she wanted to do with her future. She never had such passion for something, and that alone was enough to assure her.

Being at the University of The Bahamas was never easy, but she did it. Through all the tests, sleepless nights and headaches, she came through. And the smiles on her friends and family's faces was enough encouragement for her to be ready for the coming years that will be difficult, but will be worth it.

And nothing will stop that.

"Congrats Tami!" Her friend, Malik beamed as she walked passed him. She shot him a quick wave in response before heading back to her assigned seat.

She loved how the ceremony had been going so far, and she was more than eager to see the rest.

She watched heartily and in awe as each and every graduate collected their own certificates, and she couldn't have been more proud of them. These were some of the people who she had known since high school. How could she not?

I'm gonna give each and every one of them a hug, she thought as they all stood to stand applause while the last person collected. She giggled a little at the thought. How could she hug so many people in one day? Then again, being a hugger, she didn't doubt it one bit.

The ceremony ended beautifully later that evening, and Tami shuffled through the crowd eagerly to find her family. She was grabbed from behind suddenly, causing her to yelp in surprise as she was twirled around in giant arms.

"One more step to glory baby" Malik beamed as he placed her on her feet after her fit of giggling.

"I know! So exciting!" She replied, doing a mini-dance that only amused Malik even more.

Tami and Malik met two years ago when she applied for her graduate degree. They instantly clicked, and Tami loved him with all her heart, and so did he. Except, his love for her was quite different.

The bright-eyed man scratched the back of his neck shyly as he gazed in Tami's beautiful hazel eyes that always did a number on his heart. She cocked her head in confusion at his sudden shyness.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked, holding onto his hand in concern. That, however, didn't help his nerves.

"I-uh- I was just thinking that maybe later we could-"

"Hold that thought Malik." Tami quickly interrupted, but did it as sweet as possible with apology swimming in her eyes and evident in her tone. "I just spotted my family. I don't want to lose them in the crowd again. I'll call you later, yea?" She didn't wait on a reply. She just quickly pecked his cheek before she dashed towards her family.

Her mother was first to spot her daughter's head of bouncing curls as she ran towards them. Her mother had insisted on numerous occasions that Tami should straighten her hair for the ceremony, but Tami argued that she wanted it to stay in its natural luxurious curls.

She was always a confident woman in her appearance and body. She was never shy with it either, posting on social media any chance she got, showcasing her curvy figure and alluring beauty.

"Mama! I graduated! Again!" She laughed as she dived on her mom in excitement. Her eyes watered in pure happiness for the wonderful woman she had raised.

"I know baby. I am so proud."

"That's all I ever wanted" Tami's heart soared for what felt like the hundredth time in one day.

Her mother had always had high expectations of her, raising her in a strict way, but never sheltered her too much. She ensured that Tami had ambition and drive, aiming for nothing but success.

Sometimes, when all her friends were heading to parties, getting drunk and being wild teenagers, Tami had always been upset with her mother for forbidding her.

And so when she turned 18 six years ago and finally got the chance to be 'free', she jumped head on in her new adult liberty.

She had her fare share of being free, young and wild, but ultimately, she found her way back home, knowing that wasn't the person she was. Some people saw her as 'stuck up' and 'hype', but she never minded it. She didn't mind her lack of friends either. She found the company that she was happy with and stuck with that. And she was happy.

It made her mother proud, and that's all that mattered.

"What about my hug?"

Tami beamed at her younger sister, Amy, before wrapping her in a hug too. Amy was all the friend Tami needed, along with Malik. Even though Tami was seven years her elder, they connected wonderfully.

Amy would even feature Tami in some of her YouTube videos, doing crazy challenges and being her doll for her hair and make-up tutorials. They were a happy bunch, and Tami was happy she had such a person in her life.

"I'm happy for you Tami. You are such a role-model" Amy mumbled in her shoulder.

"I try to be" Tami said with a chuckle as they pulled away to take a selfie. With both of them having a large social media presence, with Amy having 20k followers and Tami having 15k, within seconds of Amy posting the picture, hundreds of likes and comments kept rolling in, expressing love and congratultaions.

"I'm gonna go grab a water. You want one?" Amy asked, laughing at a comment at the same time.

"Yea. Room temperature please."

"Gotcha"

Tami took the opportunity to check her own social media. She beamed at the hundreds of wishes and congratulations that swamped her notification panel.

She pressed the 'like' button on as much as the comments as possible, replying to a few as she could, but one in particular stood out to her.

Of course, almost half of her comments said the same thing or something similar, but something about the picture on this stranger's profile picture caught her attention.

Tami never really took an interest in men. Not that she was gay, but she was just far too busy to do so, or most of the men were always too intimidated by her tremendous goals and her refusal to settle for the ordinary. But this person in particular, even though the picture was as small as her finger tip, sparked her interest.

*Congrats beautiful*, it read. So simple and common, yet it made her feel so...weird.

She couldn't help but open the profile, but cursed when she saw that his profile was private. Nonetheless, she quickly sent him a follow request as something-or someone came into view.

"Dad!" Tami beamed as she rushed over to him as his mom wheeled him forward. "Where were you?" She mumbled as she hugged him.

"I went to the bathroom" He signed, given that he lost his speech years ago when he suffered stroke after stroke.

It was a hard time for Tami and her family, and the move to Nassau wasn't easy either. Nonetheless, they made it through, and Tami in particular took it upon herself to learn and teach her whole family sign language for his sake.

With instances like these when she could've easily asked her mom where he was, she always conversed with him to give him a sense of normalcy.

She remembered how much of a chatterbox her dad was, and how he hated being so reliant on others to get through. So she always just sat and engaged him in conversation like nothing was ever wrong, and nothing changed.

He was lucky to be alive, and he knew that- they all did. And despite the odd looks they got now and then from passerby's, Tami never showed any sign of awkwardness, grief or embarrassment with him. It was why he loved her so damn much.

"I'm so proud of you baby girl" He held onto her tight after he expressed his silent words, and she beamed once more as she kneeled down to give him a proper hug.

"You were my number one motivation dad" She told him truthfully, remembering all the times she thought of giving up. But her parents- her family, meant too much to her to disappoint.

"We can head to the beach and take a few family pictures now." Tami suggested as Amy returned with their water. "After that I'm going out with Malik. I think that's what he wanted to ask me"

Tami frowned when she remembered how she had cut him off abruptly. That wasn't like her, but she made a mental note to call him as soon as she left the noise.

Her mother smiled knowingly at her, and so did her dad, and Tami avoided eye contact at all cost.

"What?" She whined when it got too much.

"Oh nothing " Her mother quickly defended. "But are things getting-"

"No mama" Tami quickly answered, knowing what she was going to ask. "Malik and I are just friends. Nothing more"

Tami knew her parents really liked Malik, and who wouldn't? He was sweet, kind, smart and most definitely handsome and fit, and his skin tone was a little fearer than hers, making his amber eyes pop in a most mesmerising way. But she never had feelings for him, neither did she explore to see if she did.

It was quite surprising at first, given that her mother never approved of anyone Tami had an interest in, but yet she liked the one man Tami hadn't fallen for.

Her parents didn't look convinced, but they didn't get a chance to prolonged the argument, since Tami grabbed her little sister and bolted for the exit.

When will she find the one? She had no clue. But she had a feeling it wont be an easy task to introduce him to her family.

So whoever it is better hold out a few years, because she wasn't ready for that type of awkward situation.

"Is that the last bag?" Raphael asked his driver, as he handed it to one of the flight attendants.

"Yes sir. You're all set for your flight" David smiled at the man he's called his boss for the past six years. They weren't exactly 'friends' per se, but they got along quite well.

Raphael was even a bit bummed that he wasn't coming with him. But David had his wife and kids here in Puerto Rico. He wouldn't take up his life and leave his home, no matter how well Raphael paid.

Raphael understood completely. When his parents separated when he was just seven years old, he had to move from country to country to be with either his mom or his dad, despite the fact that they didn't give a flying f**k about him. It had been a lot to bare.

So, he wouldn't ask David to take up his family and move them to another island. He simply had to find a new driver, or drive himself.

"It was good working with you David. I wish you all the best" Raphael expressed truthfully, giving the smiling man a firm handshake.

David had always been such a happy man. It was one of the reasons why Raphael kept him so long, despite the fact that he drove a little slower than how he preferred. It almost made him sad losing the only 'somewhat friend' he had.

"Was a pleasure sir. I hope you find what you seek in The Bahamas. I hear its a lovely country"

"That it is" Raphael's lips tilted up for a quick second, but not because of the island he was moving to, but because of a certain girl he met sixteen years ago on that very island.

Raphael didn't smile. Like ever. But the only time someone would catch a glimpse of a ghost smile, was whenever he thought about a curly haired girl with the brightest eyes and cutest little nose.

"My accountant should send your final payment within a week, and a little bonus for all the trouble. I knew my departure was sudden." The grim-looking man explained, but David didn't look hurt at all.

"Gracias, sir. It was no trouble really. All the best-uh again" David beamed, knowing when Raphael said 'bonus' it was indeed a generous amount.

They exchanged handshakes once again before Raphael climbed the stairs to his jet. The door closed behind him, and he saw the flight attendant, Lacy, he believed his name was, pushing a duffle bag in a corner.

"Give that one to me" He instructed, his voice booming through the space like sonic.

The woman yelped in shock as she quickly spun on her heels. She blushed crazily as she handed him the bag, tucking away a lock of hair in the process as she twisted the thighs together.

A perfectly arched brow was what she received in response, as Raphael grabbed the bag beside him and threw it on a nearby seat.

He'd had women flirt with him all the time, but he wasn't in the least interested. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd been intimate with a woman. It was solely a phase of young adult flings here and there.

But when two different women claimed that they were pregnant with 'his' baby, he stopped the reckless act. He knew he'd been careful enough to use a condom, and being in and out of court for nine months was something he grew sick of.

These women would do anything for money. One woman even went as far as using her nails to try and break the condom. Raphael had left her in bed that day, checking out of the hotel and going all the way home. He had never been intimate with a woman in his own house. That was his private quarters.

The woman pouted from behind him, not sure as to why he hadn't acknowledge her. She was sure that she caught him eyeing her earlier before. Was he playing hard to get?

"Lucy?" She heard him call, and she immediately perked at this.

"Yes?" She answered a little too eagerly. "Well it's Lacy but-"

"Can you check if Mrs. Garcia needed anything? Maybe you can stay with her too. I'm all set here" It was more like he was kicking her out than simple asking her to check on the lady in the cabin next door.

Yet, she did her job, smiled and simply agreed. She watched way too many movies with hot private jet sex with rich men, and had hoped it'd become a reality. Maybe next time.

"Yes sir. Will you need anything else?" She asked out of politeness, the disappointment quite evident in her voice.

"Privacy" He stated flatly without even looking at her. "I mean, that's why I got the plane in the first place right?" He met her eyes with a cold glare, which only sent her scurrying away.

With a sigh of relief that the annoying woman was gone, Raphael watched as the asphalt rused by as the plane took off. He was finally leaving Puerto Rico.

He loved his country, and he'd forever be a Jibaro by heart and blood. But after his mother's death two years ago when he was only days away from turning twenty-three, he had to get out of there.

His father had also died when he was seventeen, leaving him to inherit all his wealth and take over his business once he turned eighteen.

Raphael was never close to any of his parents, so he barely felt the loss. When he was with his father whenever he visited Grand Bahama, he would barely give him a glance. His father only spoke to him when he was talking about the business he'd inherit one day, since he was his father's only heir. And it wasn't much different with his mother either.

His parents started their business together while they were married. It was successful indeed, but they hadn't planned to have a child. When they did and it drove them to divorce, Raphael's father moved to The Bahamas, taking the busines with him. His mom was forced to turn her share of the franchise into her own thing. And successful she was.

She did a fine job at being a 'single mother CEO', and the headlines would praise her for such 'strength'. Yet, Raphael would only laugh at those headlines, knowing she was indeed a 'super CEO', but never a 'super mom', as they'd put it.

He never knew what motherly or fatherly love felt like. He never had siblings, and he wasn't even allowed to get a freaking dog. The only love he knew was from Mrs. Garcia who practically raised him. But even her he'd isolate himself from most times.

He'd often believe that she was kind to him simply because it was her job to do so, being his nanny and one of the house keepers. But after time, he noticed that the old widow actually cared for him. And so even now, she was the only staff he'd brought along with him.

After his mom's death, being on the front of every paper and all, he decided to get somewhat of a fresh start. Hence, he'd spent the last two years in the process of selling his mother's franchise, but still kept his late father's.

Once it was all settled, he grabbed a map and started his search. Every place he had chosen, and every advise he'd gotten from his travel advisors didn't seen to entice him. He had travelled to numerous countries for business, yet he just couldn't find the place where he'd be at 'peace'--or at least what he could get from it.

However, two days ago when he saw that instagram post of the woman he'd loved all these years, he just knew. He hasn't been to The Bahamas since his father died eight years ago, and living there never crossed his mind. But he knew, when he saw that smiling beauty, that that was the place he could call home.

He didn't know if he'd see her again, since she now lived in Nassau, and he was going to Grand Bahama. But that island was where he met the one person who could do wonders to his world with just a smile. It was the place he met the girl who sparked some sort of happiness in his cold, dark mind on random days.

It was home, because it held his best and probably only happy memory--summer camp with Tami Knowles.

Raphael cried for the first time in years that day when the final day at camp rolled around, because he knew he would never see her again. They'd grow up and forget each other. He surely didn't, but he was sure she did.

He ran his finger over the wrinkled pink ribbon that he had tied to his duffle bag so that he doesn't lose it. Sixteen years, and he still had the broad pink ribbon.

Though now pale, it was still bright with the memories of the first time he saw her, and she wrapped this very ribbon around his bruised knee until they were back at camp.

He secretly kept it with him, though she never noticed its absence, and it was by far his most prized possession. Out of all the things, all the mansions, cars and assets he had bought in his life, this was the one thing he treasured the most.

His phone vibrated in his back pocket, and he checked it with confusion, since he had no friends, and it was a Sunday, so it was least likely work related.

However, he relaxed when he saw that it was a notification. Tami had posted another picture, and he immediately tapped the small icon. The spot where his heart should be tightened when he was met with her beautiful smile on his large phone.

She was standing on the beach, with her curly tendrils flowing over her smooth shoulders, and a pair of dark glasses perched on her cute nose.

Oh that cute little nose.

Raphael always dreamed of kissing her on it, and running his fingers through her hair again. He remembered how she hated having other people's hands in her hair when she was eight.

He couldn't help but wonder if she still had that pet peeve. Even from the videos she made with her younger sister where she would let her do her hair, Tami's face would sometimes scrunch in annoyance if her sister tugged it too hard.

She had allowed him only one chance to touch her hair that summer, and it was only because he caught her a pretty butterfly.

He double-tapped the picture, seeing the heart pop up as he exited her profile. He then checked in his notifications, seeing the request she had sent on the day of her graduation that almost sent him yipping like a damn kid on Christmas day.

Yet, he had yet to accept the request. What was he afraid of? He had no clue. Wasn't this what he had wanted from the minute he left camp? Didn't he always wish they'd find their way back to each other? So why chicken out now?

Deep down, he knew the answer.

He was afraid that she'd actually message him. As dumb as it sounded, he was afraid that she actually remembered him. What if she doesn't like the man he'd become? Yes he was successful and rich, but he was so dark inside, so...empty.

She was so full of life and happiness, chasing her dreams and becoming a wonderful young woman. He was ashamed that he hadn't fulfilled all those dreams they talked about on the last night of camp under the stars when it was far passed bed time. He knew that she'd achieve each and every one of hers, but he had only told her that he wanted to be happy, find a woman to be his wife and have them living in a perfect house because he knew that was what she'd wanted to hear him say--that he was going to be happy.

But he wasn't.

With a sigh, he pushed back the phone in his pocket with the request still pending. He rested his head against the head-rest as it started to throb with a familiar pain.

-"Don't be sad Raph. One day in the future, we will meet again and we will sit and talk over drinks, or whatever adults do"- She had said in her own humourous way that night. He waited on that day for sixteen years, yet it never seemed like it was coming.

'This could be it', his subconscious poked, but he quickly dismissed the thought. What will he tell her when she asks if he had achieved those dreams? Or worse, what if she didn't even remember him?

'Then tell her the truth', the man in his head spoke again. 'Tell her you haven't known happiness from the day you parted, and you need her to save you'.

Yea right. And look like a freak? Besides, maybe she had changed too. Maybe she wasn't the same Tami she was years ago. People grow up right? It'd never work. Ever. Case closed.

But still, Raphael found himself taking out his phone again, this time to make a call.

"Yes. Can we detour to Nassau instead?" He asked, well aware that he sounded crazy. Yet, no one ever questioned him.

"No sorry sir. We have to disembark in Grand Bahama. There are no-"

"How soon can we leave again for Nassau?" He wasn't interested in the details, and everyone knew that, unless it was with his business.

"6 pm, sir"

"Okay." He checked his watch, seeing that it was only 9 am, and the flight wasn't meant to be longer than two and a half hours. "Be ready"

And with that, he ended his brief call. He decided that he'd get Mrs. Garcia settled in at the house and ensure everything is settled before he left again.

What was he planning to do? He had no idea. How was he going to even find her? Not a clue.

Yet, he felt like he NEEDED to at least go there. If it's even to simply grace the land she'd been living on for over a decade, he was sure it'd grant him at least a little joy.

So as he wrapped his finger around the ribbon and leaned his head back with a small smile. All he knew was that whatever should happen on that island, will definitely change his life.