They’re at Kane’s place. Above Dragoon’s Rest, in Shreveport.
Their first night together—in what he guesses is his newhome.
A dull ache runs through him at the reminder, but it’s chased away by the reminder of who he left for.
He turns toward the man. A smile tugs at his lips.
Kane lies next to him on the bed, in nothing but his purple pendant and boxers, with his auburn hair tousled from sleep. His green eyes are soft and heavy-lidded.
“I just forgot where I was,” Rafael murmurs, sinking into the pillow.
“Having second thoughts?” Kane’s brow lifts.
Rafael shakes his head. “No. Just…adjusting.” His fingers drift over chrome, meeting flesh at his shoulder, then settle on Kane’s chest. “I want to be here. With you. Nowhere else.”
Whatever tension is left in Kane’s expression eases. “Good.” He speaks in a low purr that sends a shiver racing down Rafael’s spine. “Because I’m not letting you go again. Not without a fight. And new chrome’s expensive these days.”
A laugh slips from Rafael. Before he can say anything else, Kane leans in and captures his mouth.
The kiss starts slow and deliberate, though it deepens quickly.
His hand at Rafael’s waist slides down, settling at his hip. Another joins on the opposite side to lift him up and over Kane’s legs. Trying not to break contact, Rafael scrambles to follow his lead.
As he settles atop Kane’s thighs, heat shoots straight to his core. A moan he can’t restrain escapes his lips. He rests both hands on those wide-set shoulders and leans in closer. He’s more than ready for a second round.
Only the minute their chests touch, Kane breaks the kiss and presses their foreheads together.
For a beat, Rafael is too stunned to speak. He sits frozen, aware only of the arms around him and the hardness stirring beneath his boxers.
By the time Rafael finally gathers the nerve to speak, Kane beats him.
“I have to get ready.” The hand at Rafael’s waist slides up. A thumb brushes his cheek. “We’ve got our afternoon briefing.”
Rafael’s stomach knots. He knows Kane has duties. Probably now more than ever, with what he hinted at last night. Except knowing that doesn’t dull the sting.
His hands push at Kane’s chest to sit up and move off. “Right. Sorry, I’ll—”
Kane’s grip tightens at his hips, holding him in place. Rafael’s inhale catches as their gazes lock.
“What’s wrong?” His brows draw together. “Talk to me.”
The shock softens, heat pricking at Rafael’s cheeks. “I’ll just…miss you.” He lets out a shaky laugh. “I know. Stupid. Things are different now. We’re together.”
That earns him a frown. “Remember what I said before? Nothing you say is stupid. Not to me.” Kane’s expression softens. “And I’ll be back soon. We’ll have dinner before I leave tonight. Non-negotiable.”
“Okay. I’d like that. A lot.” Rafael can barely restrain his grin.
“Good.” Kane gives him a quick peck before easing him off his lap and onto the bed. Then he rises and heads for the closet. The door glides open at a wave of his hand, but instead of reaching inside, he pivots to face Rafael.
“I’m assuming you’re on board with making this permanent?” His hand gestures between them. “Moving in with me. Here.”
Rafael nods. “Yeah. I am. I—it’s a big shift.”
Besides, where else would he go? The lieutenants are the only people he truly knows in the Outer Districts, and all his belongings are in his Midtown apartment. If VitaCorp hasn’t seized them. And if they haven’t, Lian might have tossed half out of spite. If she didn’t, then he’ll have to see her again.
He draws a breath. Luckily, he doesn’t have to handle any of this on his own anymore. “Can we talk through the details later?” he asks. “That is, if you’re not too busy…”
Half-dressed in a pair of utility pants, Kane inclines his head. “I’m never too busy for you.” He pulls on his shirt, followed by his jacket and usual vest. “We’ll figure it out. Together. All right?”