Chapter 37 - Rafael
A sliver of light hits Rafael’s eyelids. He blinks them open slowly and stiffens as his gaze falls on the ceiling.
It’s plain gray. Wait—why is it grey? Where’s the black background or drifting stars his V-link projection system casts above his bed? Did he forget to turn it on?
His attention snaps to the light that woke him. It isn’t the usual neon scatter of Midtown outside, but an almost natural daylight, peaking through a flickering screen in need of repair.
Panic tightens in his gut. Where the hell is he?
Rafael starts to push up when a cool arm clamps down on his waist.
“You’re safe. It’s okay.”
The moment that deep, familiar voice hits, everything from last night floods back.
They’re at Kane’s place. Above Dragoon’s Rest, in Shreveport.
Their first night together—in what he guesses is his new home.
A dull ache runs through him at the reminder, but it’s chased away by the reminder of who he left for.
He turns toward the man. A smile tugs at his lips.
Kane lies next to him on the bed, in nothing but his purple pendant and boxers, with his auburn hair tousled from sleep. His green eyes are soft and heavy-lidded.
“I just forgot where I was,” Rafael murmurs, sinking into the pillow.
“Having second thoughts?” Kane’s brow lifts.
Rafael shakes his head. “No. Just…adjusting.” His fingers drift over chrome, meeting flesh at his shoulder, then settle on Kane’s chest. “I want to be here. With you. Nowhere else.”
Whatever tension is left in Kane’s expression eases. “Good.” He speaks in a low purr that sends a shiver racing down Rafael’s spine. “Because I’m not letting you go again. Not without a fight. And new chrome’s expensive these days.”
A laugh slips from Rafael. Before he can say anything else, Kane leans in and captures his mouth.
The kiss starts slow and deliberate, though it deepens quickly.
His hand at Rafael’s waist slides down, settling at his hip. Another joins on the opposite side to lift him up and over Kane’s legs. Trying not to break contact, Rafael scrambles to follow his lead.
As he settles atop Kane’s thighs, heat shoots straight to his core. A moan he can’t restrain escapes his lips. He rests both hands on those wide-set shoulders and leans in closer. He’s more than ready for a second round.
Only the minute their chests touch, Kane breaks the kiss and presses their foreheads together.
For a beat, Rafael is too stunned to speak. He sits frozen, aware only of the arms around him and the hardness stirring beneath his boxers.
By the time Rafael finally gathers the nerve to speak, Kane beats him.
“I have to get ready.” The hand at Rafael’s waist slides up. A thumb brushes his cheek. “We’ve got our afternoon briefing.”
Rafael’s stomach knots. He knows Kane has duties. Probably now more than ever, with what he hinted at last night. Except knowing that doesn’t dull the sting.
His hands push at Kane’s chest to sit up and move off. “Right. Sorry, I’ll—”
Kane’s grip tightens at his hips, holding him in place. Rafael’s inhale catches as their gazes lock.
“What’s wrong?” His brows draw together. “Talk to me.”
The shock softens, heat pricking at Rafael’s cheeks. “I’ll just…miss you.” He lets out a shaky laugh. “I know. Stupid. Things are different now. We’re together.”
That earns him a frown. “Remember what I said before? Nothing you say is stupid. Not to me.” Kane’s expression softens. “And I’ll be back soon. We’ll have dinner before I leave tonight. Non-negotiable.”
“Okay. I’d like that. A lot.” Rafael can barely restrain his grin.
“Good.” Kane gives him a quick peck before easing him off his lap and onto the bed. Then he rises and heads for the closet. The door glides open at a wave of his hand, but instead of reaching inside, he pivots to face Rafael.
“I’m assuming you’re on board with making this permanent?” His hand gestures between them. “Moving in with me. Here.”
Rafael nods. “Yeah. I am. I—it’s a big shift.”
Besides, where else would he go? The lieutenants are the only people he truly knows in the Outer Districts, and all his belongings are in his Midtown apartment.
If VitaCorp hasn’t seized them. And if they haven’t, Lian might have tossed half out of spite.
If she didn’t, then he’ll have to see her again.
He draws a breath. Luckily, he doesn’t have to handle any of this on his own anymore. “Can we talk through the details later?” he asks. “That is, if you’re not too busy…”
Half-dressed in a pair of utility pants, Kane inclines his head. “I’m never too busy for you.” He pulls on his shirt, followed by his jacket and usual vest. “We’ll figure it out. Together. All right?”
Rafael smiles.
“Here,” Kane adds, holding something out. “These should fit.”
A heap of fabric lands in Rafael’s lap. Some long-sleeved blue shirt, simple trousers, and a dark coat. Rafael notes the smaller size and glances up at Kane.
“Don’t worry. They’re not anyone special’s,” he explains as he straps on his usual armor. “Just some extras we keep for new members.”
Warmth creeps under Rafael’s shirt. “I wasn’t worried,” he mutters, standing from the bed.
Once he’s dressed, he turns to discover Kane already in his visor, securing weapons across his shoulders.
At the reminder, Rafael moves in close and presses his face to Kane’s armored chest. “Please be safe.”
Fingers curl around his neck. “I always am.” Kane’s voice is steady, edged with seriousness. “But you need to be, too. Take Pixie with you—or someone I approve—if you go outside.”
“Okay.” Rafael tips his head up, rises onto his toes, and captures Kane’s mouth in a kiss. When he pulls away, more words slip out. “Can I at least say goodbye before you leave?”
A startled laugh leaves Kane. “I’ll likely be downstairs for most of the morning. But why don’t you come with me and say hello to everyone?” He clears his throat, gaze flicking aside. “As far as I know…only Coda is aware you’re back.”
Rafael’s stomach flips. What will they think about him staying for good?
Then again, they’ve never given him a reason to worry before. “I’d love to,” he settles on.
Once they’re dressed, Kane leads them out of the apartment and down the stairs into the underground tunnel. Sensors line the brick walls, more than Rafael remembers, each one blinking along newly installed security panels.
“My uncle and his crew built this when they were starting out,” Kane says as they round a corner.
“It runs under most of Shreveport—gets us to places like Dragoon’s Rest, the med bay, even a safe house, without being seen.
” He glances at Rafael with a smirk. “Might come in handy if Athena ever makes a serious move.”
Rafael hums. It’s the first time anyone’s actually explained the tunnels to him, despite how many times he’s walked them. And unlike before, every step doesn’t set him on edge.
Near the entrance to Dragoon’s Rest, vintage jazz hums through the walls. When the doors slide open, Rafael blinks.
The bar is empty. No off-duty crew. No locals at the holo-billiards table. Only a flash of dark hair and bright color at the counter.
“Echo,” Rafael blurts.
She swivels on the stool with a grin. “Hey, kid! Long time no see.” Echo throws a wink at Kane, whose jaw tightens.
He peers down at Rafael. “I’ll give you two a moment,” Kane tells him, then drills his gaze across the bar to Echo. “Briefing in five minutes.”
Echo gives a slight inclination, her shoulders tensing.
With a quiet goodbye only for Rafael’s ears, Kane pivots and marches toward the back room. His attention remains on Echo until he slips through the doorway.
Only then does her cheerfulness return. “Have a seat, doc!” Echo kicks the nearest stool. “We’ve got a lot to cram into five minutes.”
The shift in mood isn’t lost on him. Perhaps Kane and his crew are a lot more tense these days. But it’s not his place to push. Rafael slips onto the stool beside her. “How’d you know I was here?”
A chuckle rolls from her. “I can make Coda talk…and I might’ve seen Kane rush you back to the bar.” She wiggles her brows.
Color rises to Rafael’s neck. Their reunion was brief but intense, cut short by Kane’s nightly patrol.
“Here.”
He looks over as a mug of coffee glides down the bar toward him.
“So, tell me,” Echo starts as Rafael takes a sip. “Is this visit…more permanent?”
“Uh—” Rafael shifts his weight. “Yes, I am. Hopefully, that’s okay with you…and the rest of the crew?”
The lieutenant beams. “Of course, doc!” She lifts her mug. “Welcome to Shreveport! We’re glad to have you. Again.” Echo’s gaze flicks to where Kane disappeared. “Hopefully, with you here, boss man will lighten up. As much as we can with all the chrome, anyway.”
“Thanks!” he cheers, but her last comment sticks. Perhaps this is his opening. “Um…what do you mean by that? Kane sort of explained…everything going on with Natural Order. But is that it? You guys…seem distracted.”
Echo sighs. “Well, I bet you’ve noticed, but things are a bit tense around here. Not everyone’s thrilled with the boss man’s latest calls.”
His mind scrambles to understand what she means when the front door opens. He stiffens. But it isn’t Natural Order enforcers or an earth-shattering explosion. An armed Viper and Wren enter.
Both of them zero in on him, and his muscles lock up. The moment doesn’t last. Wren rushes forward, stopping shy of bumping into him. “Hey, Rafael.” She straightens. “Hope you’ve been doing okay.”
While Echo chuckles behind them, his fingers tighten on the mug.
Was Wren about to hug him, or was she being her usual clumsy self? Either way, the warmth in her words leaves a lump in his throat.
“Hey, Wren. You too.” He peers over her shoulder at Viper.
The lieutenant nods curtly before swiping his wristlink and striding across the bar. Viper’s always been reserved, same as Echo is loud and Wren overeager. A reality he would take every day rather than if they pretended to be someone else.
“Are you…visiting?” Wren asks.
Suddenly, everyone’s attention is on Rafael. He shrinks in his seat and mumbles, “Staying.”
“Really?” Viper and Wren ask in unison. His tone is sharp, while hers accompanies a slack jaw.
Someone clears their throat.
Everyone’s attention snaps to Kane by the back door with Coda. He gives Rafael a nod, though he swears his lips twitch in the faintest smile. At the bar, Echo and Wren stiffen, and Viper stares ahead.
Echo jumps from the stool. “Coming, boss man.” She rushes over after a wink at Rafael.
Wren follows after, “Sorry, sir. We got caught up in saying hello.” She gives Rafael a wave before disappearing into the room.
Once they’re out of sight, Kane turns to Rafael. “We’ll be finished in a few hours,” he says. “Why not get comfortable upstairs and start a list of what you want from your old place? Coda already squared things with VitaCorp. No one will be touching your stuff.”
Rafael jerks back. “Seriously? They didn’t throw a fit?” He’s certain Lian told someone the second he left.
Coda shrugs. “Technically, you’re on extended leave.” He turns without elaborating, following the others inside.
A smile starts to rise at the techie’s work, but stalls when Rafael sees Kane’s frown.
“It won’t hold forever.” Kane crosses his arms. “We’ll need someone to grab your things today if possible. We can talk after the meeting.” His attention shifts to Viper, still checking his wristlink. “Let’s go.”
He ducks in to join his lieutenants, leaving Rafael alone with Viper.
“It’s good to see you again, Viper,” he tries to break the silence.
Viper peers up. “Is it?” he snaps. “Nothing’s ever good around here. Not for long.” His eyes narrow. “Just keep that in mind…since you’re moving in.”
A cold weight settles in Rafael’s stomach. He can’t think of a single response before Viper disappears behind the steel doors. His gaze drops to the coffee in his hands. For some reason, he can’t shake the sense that he’s stepped into something far more complicated than he understood.
Even so, this is the life he’s chosen, a life with Kane.
Part of him trembles at what awaits ahead, like returning to his apartment and seeing Lian. Or worse, telling his parents about his decision.
But he’s moving forward anyway.
Kane is at his side, and that makes the difference.