Kane chuckles. “Good to know…” He lifts what’s left of the muffin toward him again. “But one more bite—to be sure.”
Heat floods Rafael’s face as he leans forward for another taste. This time, his tongue grazes Kane’s chrome finger, smooth and cool against the warmth.
“Still good?” Kane’s voice drops deeper now.
All Rafael can offer is a nod.
This draws another laugh from Kane, who grabs another from the tin, this time for himself. “Maybe next time I’ll bring over some real produce,” he suggests. “We can cook somethingtogether. Your choice.”
Rafael’s grin widens. “Yes, of course! That sounds great.” But despite his words, his shoulders tense.
Would it always be just the two of them, tucked away in his apartment? But what if he wants more?
Lost in thought, he barely notices Kane’s frown until the man speaks. “What’s wrong?”
Rafael’s fingers tighten around the muffin. Should he admit it? Say what he’s really thinking and risk ruining the mood? Kane’s already risking enough by coming here at all. Asking for more would be selfish.
“Nothing!” he says.
A hand finds his waist, drawing him closer until he’s fully pressed against Kane’s. When Rafael looks up, green eyessearch his face.
“If we’re going to keep seeing each other,” Kane starts, tone stern yet gentle. “Honesty is nonnegotiable. I need to know what’s going on, to anticipate and plan for anything that might hurt you—or us. Remember?”
Rafael’s chest tightens. “I don’t want to upset you. I don’t want to ruin this…” What are they? Boyfriends? Are they dating or in a relationship?
Warmth softens Kane’s expression. “Nothing you say is going to ruin this. I don’t need protection from the truth. I need to know what’s on your mind.”
“I—” Rafael swallows. “I want to go on a normal date too. Somewhere outside, with you…I just don’t know if that’s possible.”
Kane leans back. “That’s it?” He almost laughs. “That’s not a problem. I’ll figure something out—take you somewhere proper. But I’m drawing the line at Shreveport. It’s too dangerous right now. But don’t worry about this, okay? That’s my responsibility.” He tilts his head. “Deal?”
He nods. “Deal.”
“Good.” Kane leans in, stopping with their foreheads only inches apart. “You know, I’ve been thinking about the last time I was here…about what could’ve happened—if we weren’t interrupted.”
Heat shudders through Rafael. For three days, he’s replayed that kiss in his mind, wondering what could’ve been. His fingers curl into the fabric of Kane’s jacket. “Me too,” he whispers.
Kane’s mouth lifts at the corner. One arm tightens around Rafael’s waist while the other slips behind his thigh, and suddenly Rafael’s feet leave the ground. His legs lock at Kane’swaist as a rush of arousal washes over him.
Their eyes meet, both grinning.
The grip under Rafael’s thighs secures as Kane carries him toward the living room through a doorway from the kitchen. When they reach the couch, he’s lowered gently onto his back. Kane settles one knee beside his, reaching for his coat with a smirk. When the jacket hits the floor, Rafael falls speechless.
Light from the window screen glints off Kane’s arms, the metal stark against his pale skin. Even the wires at his throat glow as they disappear beneath his collarbone. Stamina stims, maybe pain inhibitors. And there, resting against his sternum, is a purple pendant Rafael’s never noticed before.
A leg slots between his, the other bracketing his thigh, and Rafael’s attention flicks to a shadow looming over him.
“You’re beautiful, you know that?” Kane’s voice is rough as he leans in, a hand braced next to Rafael’s head. “I thought so when we first met. It was a risk—I know. But you know what truly got me? Despite Echo bleeding out, you didn’t flinch. Showed more spine than half my crew.” His breath gusts against Rafael’s lips. “And then you were kind. Too kind—caring about people you didn’t know. Treated my crew like they mattered. I don’t see that much from your world.”
Rafeal’s pulse hammers in his throat.
“I thought you were handsome too,” he manages. “Despite you being…intimidating.” Rafael shakes his head, pushing the memory away. They’ve come a long way since then. “But you were fair. Considerate. The way you protected your crew—I knew you were different. And strong. Handsome. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Lips press against his before he can say more. Rafael surrenders, mouth parting. Their kiss deepens as cool fingersslip beneath his sweater. Kane’s touch slides up over his stomach, skimming the center of his chest.
A gasp catches in Rafael’s throat. His body presses forward, desperate for more.
Except Kane pulls back. Their gazes find each other. Even through the haze, Rafael understands what he’s asking. He gives a quick, certain nod.