Page 69 of Endlessly Raphael

From where I stand, I can feel the heavy beat of his heart in my own chest, the sadness and worry pushed back slightly by the lightness of the music. This is the moment I want to capture. The brief moment when the weight of the world is easier to carry, when he remembers who he is at his core, when he can still be young and carefree. I hope I can always give him a refuge from the world.

The song changes and he opens his eyes, startling when he notices me. His cheeks turn a lovely pink that has me moving toward him.

“How long were you watching me?”

“Just a minute or so, but it was lovely. You looked happy.”

Haven smiles, playing with the edge of my t-shirt. “I am, mostly. I mean, I’m worried too, but every time I start to get worked up, I close my eyes and remind myself that you exist.”

“I want to be that for you, always. A safe place.”

Searching my eyes, he steps closer until our chests are pressed together. “Thank you. Like, for everything, you know?”

“I know. Let’s sit. It’s time I told you a few things.”

“Oh goody. Is this the part where you tell me how you hypnotized my father?”

Is it? Am I ready to reveal to him what I am? I owe him something at this point, but maybe I should start with the easy to digest bits—my profession and what we are to each other. The immortal creature of the night reveal can wait a little longer.

Once I’m seated, Haven settles onto my lap, his scent heightened by his increased body heat from dancing. My insides stir and my gums throb with need. I have to close my eyes to keep my beast at bay a little longer.

Haven drags his hand through my hair. “I feel the same way when we’re close.”

I open my eyes. “What way is that?”

“Like I want to eat you.” His hand moves to the back of my neck where he drags his nails across my skin. “I would devour you if I could, to keep you with me always. That’s how you feel too, right?”

I nod, astounded that our desires align so perfectly. “Yes. You make me insane with need.”

Haven searches my eyes, and as he does, his own soften. “I wish you could see yourself right now. You’re so gorgeous, Rapha. Like a piece of art that came to life. Your eyes are like stars glowing in the night sky. I don’t know how you manage to look how you do, but maybe you’re not really from here.”

“From here?”

“Earth. Maybe you’re an alien who lives in the stars and just visits Earth when you feel like it. There’s no way you’re just a regular man like the rest of us.”

“There’s a reason you feel the way you do about me.”

His eyes go wide. “Are you an alien?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “No. I was born to human parents on planet Earth.”

Haven giggles, twisting his fingers in my hair. “Okay. Then what’s the reason?”

I clear my throat as the words tickle my throat. “I never thought…”

“What?” He brushes his forehead against mine before pulling back enough to meet my eyes. “Tell me, Rapha.”

“Haven, my beauty, you’re my fated mate.”

TWENTY-FOUR

Haven

I can tell from his reaction that this is a very meaningful moment for him, but I’m confused as fuck.

“What does that mean?”

“Right. You wouldn’t be familiar. What it means is that you and I are destined to love each other. Our souls are literally connected.”