Shared ragged breaths fill the room. Above him, Kane still hovers, auburn hair damp and clinging to his forehead. One last exhale, and he lets his weight go, sinking down onto Rafael. His arms come around Kane without hesitation, pulling him close. Kane’s answer is a satisfied hum and a press of lips to his neck.
For a moment, there’s only warmth and the tangle of their bodies.
Then a sharp beep slices through the air.
His eyes snap open. He peers over Kane’s shoulder toward the kitchen.
On the counter, the visor’s lenses blink red. Rafael’s smile fades.
They could only ignore the real world for so long.
23
Chapter 23 - Rafael
Rafael taps his wristlink, replaying Kane’s message. Even on the third listen, the address doesn’t change: 145 West 115th Street in Midtown. He glances up at the InSite Bank tower, its mirrored windows catching the first hint of dawn.
At half past five, it’s unlikely anyone’s working inside yet, and the streets are nearly deserted. But that doesn’t mean he’s alone.
A security drone hums overhead while sensors near the entrance sweep the street. Even the air seems to buzz with InSite’s jingle, “Watching over a safer tomorrow.” The familiar tune drifts from hidden speakers, loud even over the noise of a passing HOV train.
Normally, Rafael would be on one of those trains, heading home half-asleep. But today’s different. This is his first day off in a week. And officially, his first real date with Kane.
His fingers tighten on the box in his arms. Since Kane rushed out of his apartment, they’ve traded only a handful of short messages over V-link. Until last night, when Kane finally sent a time and a place.
He checks his wristlink again, but before the time comes into focus, a low rumble echoes through the street. The sound grows, swallowing the noise around him.
A sleek, green and black motor HOV swings around the corner. Not with the usual electric whisper but a growl straight out of an old V-link film, coming from what must be custom speakers.
The bike skids to a stop before lowering onto its stabilizers. A figure swings off the bike, leather jacket gleaming under the lights. With a flick, their helmet comes off.
Kane.
A smile tugs at Rafael’s lips.
The man crooks a chrome finger with a smirk, and Rafael stares.
Is this really happening?
“Climb on!” Kane calls over the engine. He swipes over the dash, and a compartment opens, revealing a second helmet. “Got everything ready. Don’t worry.”
His gut tightens. Rafael’s never set foot on a motor HOV, and definitely not in Midtown with Kane, where anyone from work might recognize him.
The questions rattle through him. But the pull—the chance to do this with Kane—outweighs everything else.
A dozen objections flicker through his mind.
Kane glances back at him, smile spreading.
Rafael’s feet move before he can reconsider, carrying him toward the bike. As he reaches for the helmet, Kane cups his jaw and pulls him close. The kiss steals his breath, warmth lingering when they part.
I missed you.
The words want to escape, but he swallows them. Too soon.He stays silent and slips on the helmet while Kane checks his wristlink. Eyes now shielded, Rafael examines the seat. He’s not sure how to get on, where to put his—
“Come on.” Kane’s hand finds his wrist, tugging him over. “There you go.”
Rafael settles behind him, arms circling the man’s waist. Despite their last more-heated encounter, his cheeks warm from the proximity.