When he breaks the kiss, they’re both breathless. Rafael’s grin tugs a crooked one out of him.
“Didn’t realize how much I needed that,” Kane murmurs, the words slipping out easier than expected.
“Me too.” Rafael’s still catching his breath, but his gaze sweeps their surroundings. “What is this place? Are we in the…1900s?”
Kane chuckles and loops an arm through his. “You got it.” He guides them down the street to the café. As they pass the front of the shop, he pauses, nodding at customers in vintage coats and dresses lined up at a counter inside.
“Yes, this is Café Flora. Famous for its macarons, soufflés, croissants…” He trails off as a waitress walks by with a tower of cream puffs glistening with caramelized sugar. “And croquembouche.”
Rafael stares wide-eyed. “Wow. That looks incredible.” His focus stays locked on the dessert even as Kane leads him to their table.
Once they’re seated, Kane leans in with a smirk. “Good—because I already ordered us one.”
Before Rafael can reply, a server approaches and places the dessert between them. “Bon appétit,” she says, thendisappears inside the café.
A gasp slips from Rafael. “This looks amazing! I really hope V-link’s taste simulation isn’t too off. It gets close…but it’s nothing like the 4D theater.” His hand darts out, fingers hovering over the pastry, then pulls back. “Wait—did you want the first bite?”
“Nope.” Kane winks. “All yours.”
He doesn’t hesitate. Rafael rips off a piece and pops the puff into his mouth. After a beat, a satisfied hum escapes his lips.
Kane’s unable to resist himself, taking one from the top. “That good, huh?”
Rafael nods, chewing.
“We’ll see about that,” he mutters and finally samples the pastry.
The second the treat hits his tongue, the sweet cream and caramel are so vivid his brows lift. Maybe Coda upgraded his headset, or VitaCorp pushed some new upgrade through.
“Anything like the real deal?” Rafael asks, mouth now empty.
After a final bite, Kane leans back in his chair. “Decent. But I wish you could experience them here with me.”
Rafael’s expression softens. “You’ve already come to me so many times, risking yourself in Midtown. Making time for me like this is enough.”
Warmth stirs in Kane’s chest. He reaches across the table. Rafael meets him halfway, their fingers slotting together. “You make me so happy.” His voice is soft but certain.
The declaration hits harder than expected. It’s not like Rafael hasn’t complimented him before or expressed his feelings. But this is something different, something bigger.
Kane’s instinct is to look away and let it roll off.Except not when it comes from Rafael.
He studies their hands instead, the chrome against tan skin.
When he finally lifts his gaze, Rafael is watching him with a smile that tightens his chest all over again. Despite everything, he looks at Kane as if there’s nothing to question. Nothing to fear.
It’s still jarring.
From the first night, this man caught his attention without trying. Now Kane’s here—in V-link via the Veil—when he should be calling shots downstairs.
Nights that used to be spent planning raids have shifted to mapping the safest routes to Rafael’s door.
Letting someone matter like this should terrify him. This weakness is what got his uncle killed.
But as Rafael’s thumb traces his palm, Kane knows it’s too late.
He’s in love with Rafael.
His shoulders stiffen. Kane has never been in love before. There have been lovers, sure. Only those were simple and easy to leave behind.