“You’re right.” He releases his shoulder and cups his face instead. Rafael tenses but doesn’t pull away.
Kane’s heart hammers. This isn’t something he’s said to anyone—not once in any of his past relationships. But he keeps going, thumb brushing across Rafael’s cheek.
“I don’t know how long we’ll last. But there’s one thing I’m certain of…” He takes a breath. “I’m in love with you.” Rafael inhales. “I’m not asking you to say it back. But if there’s a chance—even the smallest part of you that might—then we don’t do this. We stay together. Face whatever comes next as a team.”
By the time he finishes, Kane’s pulse is glowing red in his HUD. But he keeps his eyes locked on Rafael, whose own heart rate skyrockets.
At first, there’s no response.
Rafael’s mouth opens. Nothing comes out. He straightens, throat working as he tries again.
“I don’t know what to say,” he whispers. “I’m not sure if I love you, Kane. I care about you—a lot. Right now, that’s all I know.”
His hands fall to his sides as he steps back.
Rafael doesn’t love him…
“I’ve been so happy with you.” Rafael’s shoulders sag. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this…content. But with everything—I think it’s best if we end this now. Before it gets worse. I don’t want to start something that’s doomed to fail.”
“So that’s it?” Kane snaps before he can stop himself. “You’re just giving up because we’re ‘doomed to fail,’ according to you.” He shakes his head.
“How do you know I won’t leave the crew someday? Or that you won’t get sick of VitaCorp and break free?”
Rafael opens his mouth. Kane doesn’t let him answer.
“Nobody can predict the future. But this—” He gestures between them. “This surrender? That’s on you.”
Tears well in Rafael’s eyes.
For a second, something flickers there. Kane’s heart skips a beat. Maybe he changed his mind.
Until Rafael bows his head, shoulders caving in.
“Kane,” he croaks. “I care about you. But, like I said, things are complicated. I—”
Whatever hope Kane was holding on to snaps.
He raises a hand, cutting Rafael off. “Stop.” His fingers tremble before curling into a fist. “You’ve said enough. I told you I love you. That I’d fight for us. But it’s obvious you won’t. And I’m done wasting my time.”
Rafael’s expression crumbles.
Kane turns away before he can see more. He should leave, get on his bike, and go. But his feet won’t move. Despite this gutless breakup, he loves Rafael. No matter what, he wants to stay, wants to fight.
In the end, his pride wins.
The Chrome baron doesn’t beg. Not for Rafael. Not for anyone.
He forces himself across the park toward his bike. On the HOV, his hand hovers over the start. For a second, Kane almost looks to see if Rafael’s still there by the pond.
His focus shifts back to the road ahead.
Back to business. Back to Shreveport.
31
Chapter 31 - Kane
Kane soars high above enemy-territory rooftops, fingers clamped tight around the bike’s handles. The sting of Rafael’s decision still lingers, even this far from Midtown. But this is what he needs right now: to return home and focus on his crew.