Page 28 of Endlessly Raphael
“We are not in the Mafia.” He practically spits the words. “And we definitely don’t deal drugs.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You didn’t. I just want to make sure you understand. What we do is…” He shrugs. “We’re not bad guys, but we’re not the good guys either. The world isn’t that simple.”
“No, it’s not. You obviously don’t want to tell me, and that’s fine. I’m not gonna push. I don’t think I need physical protection anyway.”
Raphael nods. “Just as well I’m here now. You don’t have to do this alone.”
“You’re a sweet guy, and I appreciate it, but I am alone. I don’t expect anything from you except enough togetherness to make this look legit. After that, you’re off the hook.”
A deep crease forms in his brow, but he simply nods.
“I think he’s gonna try to find us though. Maybe even object to it or something. Are there any out-of-the-way courthouses other than the big one downtown?”
“I can look into that,” Raphael says. “For now, I think we should go to your place and get a few of your things to bring back here.”
“Bring back here?”
“Wouldn’t it make sense if we’re a couple? You don’t want me at your place, so when we’re together, we’ll have to come here.”
“Oh. Right. I didn’t really expect that.”
Raphael brushes his fingers under my chin. “I would like to spend more time with you.”
“Same.”
“Good. What should we do now?”
Taking this beautiful man to the shittiest part of town isn’t something I want to do, but he’s right. And hell, if I’m honest, I’d much rather be here. “I guess we can go to my place and just get it over with.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
“Trust me. It can.”
ELEVEN
Raphael
As we head to Haven’s place, I can feel the tension and nerves pouring off him. I wish he understood that his circumstances mean nothing to me, but maybe he’ll figure it out once he sees it for himself.
He keeps hedging as he gives me directions, and I want to send a wave of compulsion over him to calm him down. I’m not used to this hesitant and embarrassed side of the normally confident man. Granted, I don’t know him well, but I know his confidence is genuine. At least, it usually is.
“Well, here it is,” he says, gesturing to a run-down brick building. “Home sweet home. I know you’re jealous.”
“Hey.” I put my hand on his thigh. “I don’t judge you.”
He nods, but his eyes are hard. “It’s just bullshit, you know?”
“Yep, and it’s almost over. Eyes on the prize, Haven.”
“Right.” He blows out a breath. “You can wait here, and I’ll bring my stuff down.”
I chuckle. “That’s not gonna happen.”
I pull into a parking space and shut the car off. I chose my modest car today, which based on the area we’re in, was a smart move. It’s still the nicest vehicle in the lot.
“Hope it’s here when we come out,” Haven says, walking slowly as though he thinks if he dawdles enough I’ll change my mind.