Page 42 of Endlessly Raphael
“Yeah, that’s what we all want until we figure out what’s right in front of us,” Justice says. “All I wanted was to get to the safehouse and learn how to be a normal guy. I got this instead and I definitely wouldn’t trade it. Give Haven a little credit.”
“Do I just tell him? How can I know for sure?”
Eros stands and walks over to me, leaning on the back of the armchair across from me. “Listen to your heart. Push your fear back and let your instincts tell you the truth. If it’s real, you’ll know it. As far as telling him, you just have to decide when the time is right. Trust yourself. You’ll know.”
I nod, but I’m unconvinced.
“I have a question,” Justice says. “If he told you he changed his mind right now and he just wanted to go on with his life, what would your reaction be? Would you let him go? No big deal? After all, you could find someone else.”
His question, while innocent on the surface, triggers the feral part of me. My jaw tightens and my fangs threaten to drop at the very idea of letting him walk out of here.
“And if he found someone else?” Justice continues. “Someone he’d rather marry? Would that be okay as long as he was happy?”
“He’s mine,” I growl, the answer seemingly coming from some deep, undiscovered part of me.
Justice grins knowingly. “Thought so.”
Eros chuckles. “Mystery solved.”
Rubbing my knuckles against my sternum, I’m literally stunned. Given that my reaction to most men, even the ones who have been good in bed, is indifference, this discovery has me shaken.
“Go back to your home,” Eros says, softly. “Be with Haven. You’ll figure it out.”
I get to my feet in a daze. “Thank you both.”
“And don’t worry,” Eros continues. “We won’t tell the others. It’s your decision to share when you’re ready.”
I nod. As I walk back to my apartment, a glimmer of hope I haven’t allowed myself to feel in ages blooms in my chest. Haven could very well be the man I’ve waited a lifetime for.
Could it really be my turn for fate’s grace?
SIXTEEN
Haven
When I finally peel my eyes open in the morning, I stretch and snuggle in the bedding. As soon as I get the money, I’m buying whatever brand of mattress this is, because it’s legit the best sleep I’ve ever had.
I roll to my side and just like he promised, Rapha is lying beside me. He’s awake and gazing at me with a serene smile on his lips. “Good morning, my beauty.”
Reaching out, I tickle the soft skin of his chin. I wonder how he avoids stubble. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Well enough. You?”
“Like the dead.” My stomach rumbles loud enough that Rapha raises an eyebrow. “Guess I’m hungry.”
“Let’s get you fed. What would you like? I can order in while you freshen up.”
“French toast? Bonus if it’s stuffed with berries.”
“You got it.”
I flip the blankets back and slide out of bed, but as I twist around, Rapha is still there, watching me. “What?”
“Just admiring you.”
Putting my hands on my hips, I tilt my head. “You know, you weren’t supposed to be cool and romantic and interesting. Let’s not even talk about the sex god part. I’m gonna try real hard not to get attached to you.”
“Why? Would that be so terrible?”