Their lips meet, and Rafael’s fingers dig into Kane’s armor. He kisses gently at first, but the drag of Kane’s tongue stirs another kind of heat under his skin. Just as Rafael starts to give in, Kane eases away and presses their foreheads together.
Those green eyes hold Rafael’s in silence until Kane whispers, “I’m sorry…I know this doesn’t make up for how I acted after Viper left. But I need you to know—I’m doing the work. For the crew. For you.”
Rafael’s lips lift slightly. “I forgave you already, Kane.” His hands trail up to cradle the man’s face. “And I’m grateful for your words, for all this.” He hesitates for a breath. “I only hope you’re doing it for yourself too. Not only for us.
“I am,” Kane answers without hesitation. He draws Rafael in, fingers still intertwined, and leads them toward the blanket.
They move as one, carefully sidestepping the candles. Kane sinks down first, tugging Rafael with him until they’re seated on the grass, knees nearly touching.
He lets out a slow breath and continues, “I know I told you what really happened with Athena—how she changed the deal. But Cipher made me realize…I’ve been leading like someone my uncle never was.” His mouth tightens, and Rafael squeezes his fingers.
“It goes against everything I was taught. Letting Echo run with her wild ideas. Letting Wren screw up and figure it out—crash a HOV or two.” Kane looks away briefly, jaw tightening. “But it’s the right call. I want a crew that’s strong. Unified. One my uncle would’ve respected—even if it took me too long to get there.”
An ache digs into Rafael’s chest. “He would, Kane,” he says softly. “And you didn’t lead them wrong. Just maybe not the most…efficient route.”
Kane snorts. “Well, here’s hoping I can be more ‘efficient’ from now on.” He gestures to the rooftop. “So we can actually have moments like this. Up here, alone, despite Natural Order.”
He inhales sharply. As if reading his mind, Kane shakes his head and adds, “It’s fine. My lieutenants have their orders. And more importantly, they’ve made plans of their own. We’re doing all we can to take Athena down.”
Rafael’s thumb traces slow circles over chrome knuckles. “I hope you stop her.”
“We will.” Kane brings Rafael’s hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the skin. “I can’t promise peace forever. This is still Shreveport, and I won’t go easy on anyone who tries to invade our territory—or threatens the people I care about.”
The conviction in his words sends a shiver through Rafael.
Kane sets a free hand on his shoulder. “But I’m committed to ending this war and giving you a life worth leaving everything and everyone you love behind.”
Rafael doesn’t hesitate. He pulls himself free only to surge forward, wrapping his arms around Kane and pressing close. “Thank you,” he murmurs, the words muffledagainst Kane’s jacket.
A grunt rumbles from Kane as he draws Rafael in at the waist. With a gasp, Rafael lets himself be guided until he’s straddling the man’s lap. Their faces inch closer, heat pooling in Rafael’s gut—until Kane stills, grip easing as he turns his head aside.
“So tell me—what were you working on this morning?” Kane’s mouth twists into a smirk. “Caught a glimpse of some recipe list on the holopad. Didn’t mean to pry, but I couldn’t help noticing.”
“Uh—oh, that.” He didn’t realize he had left the holopad on.
“Well, I finally started letting myself imagine what I want to do, you know, after all this settles down.” His fingers drift across the familiar armor. “It might be totally unrealistic, and I don’t even know where to start—but…I was thinking of opening a food stand…in the marketplace. What do you think?”
Kane’s grin sharpens. “Actually, that sounds perfect for you.” He squeezes Rafael close. “But if you’re serious, Echo and I can help you find anything you need. Say the word. Coda’s crew could help build the stand. And Pixie—apparently, she’s obsessed with holo design. You’d be open in no time.”
Rafael’s stomach flips. “Really? That would be—amazing.” He leans in, pressing his face against Kane’s shoulder. “I mean—I have no idea what I’m doing. Opening a stand, running the place…it’s all way over my head. But it—it feels right. Like something I could actually be passionate about.”
The next words almost slip out. “I can’t wait for my family to see it.”
Maria said she plans to visit, along with her new boyfriend. So what about his parents?
A deep voice tickles Rafael’s ear. “What is it? You got quiet…”
He lifts his head to meet Kane’s creased forehead. “I was just thinking…about my mom and dad. I haven’t told them anything yet.”
Kane nods. “It’s your call. But if, and when, you want to reach out, I’ll be there.”
“Kane, I—” Rafael swallows hard, fighting the knot in his throat. “Thank you.”
“Of course, sweetheart.” Kane presses a soft kiss to his lips. “Whatever comes next, we face it together.”
Something in Rafael finally gives.
Tears prick at his eyes. He clings tighter to Kane, breathing in that familiar scent of cooling liquid and leather.