Valor on the Move

Harris sighed. “I still can’t wrap my head around it. What the hell he could have been thinking.”

“He wasn’t,” Shane said. “I think he went down a tunnel of grief and rage and smacked right into hopelessness. And he couldn’t see his way out. Couldn’t see right from wrong in that dark place.” He quickly added, “Not that it’s an excuse.”

“No,” Nguyen agreed. “There is no excuse. We’re just glad that shot missed and you were able to recover Valor. Speaking of whom…”

Shane turned to find Rafa approaching down the corridor with his parents and agents in tow. Shane’s belly actually somersaulted like he was a kid picking up his date, all nervous excitement and eager affection.

Act normal. Be normal.

Rafa wore his standard type of preppy outfit, and had combed back his hair as usual. His gaze was on the polished floor, and when he reached Shane and looked up, smiling, his nose wrinkled. Shane nodded, keeping his expression placid.

The president stepped forward with his hand extended. “Mr. Kendrick. I wanted to personally thank you for saving my son’s life.”

Shane shook his hand. “I was only doing my job.”

Castillo chuckled. “Well, Rafael was very intent on making sure we all knew you had nothing to do with that unfortunate business.”

The first lady shook his hand as well. “Yes, Rafa has been extremely insistent that you went above and beyond to ensure his safety. So thank you. You have our eternal gratitude.”

Shane kept his gaze away from Rafa. “You’re welcome. Like I said, I was only doing my job.”

An aide appeared. “Mr. President, the meeting is beginning shortly.”

“Well, duty calls.” Castillo shook Shane’s hand again and gave Rafa’s shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll see you tonight.”

As the president left for the West Wing with his detail in tow, Rafa spoke up, his voice studiedly casual. “I’ve got to go check the sauce. Shane, want to come up with me? I just wanted to say a couple things. I know you were doing your job, but it still means a lot to me.”

“Sure,” Shane said, his pulse zooming.

“Yes, Rafa’s cooking for us.” Camila smiled tightly. “Thank you again, Mr. Kendrick.” To Rafa she added, “Darling, I’ll see you in a couple hours for dinner. I look forward to it.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Rafa nodded to Harris, Nguyen, and his detail. “See you guys later.” He turned for the stairs, and Shane followed a few steps behind.

As they passed the second floor on the way to the third, Shane looked at his feet and not Rafa’s ass in front of him. They were in the private part of the residence now, but household staff could still be around.

Stay professional. Steady.

They passed the Linen Room and went down the little corridor to the kitchen. Rafa motioned Shane ahead of him, not meeting his gaze. As Shane stepped inside, he heard the click of the door closing. When he turned, Rafa was standing close, his lips parted, and chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Shane…”

Their arms snaked around each other like they were meant to, fitting so naturally together. Rafa bent his head, pressing his face against Shane’s neck, and the wet sensation of his breath was warm and sweet and good. Shane hugged him closely and never wanted to let go. He knew he would—that he had to—but for a minute, he let himself hold on.

“I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again,” Rafa mumbled. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Missed you too.”

Lifting his head, Rafa edged back, his hopeful eyes bright. “Really?”

Shane smiled, running his fingers up and down Rafa’s spine. “Really.”

Rafa kissed him, sweet and gentle at first, and then deeper. Shane drank him in, memorizing every sigh and gasp, and the raspy slide of Rafa’s tongue against his. He tasted like tomatoes and oregano, and the air was thick with it.

Shane wanted to stay, but he had to be strong. He gently broke the kiss. “You’re cooking dinner for your parents?”

Rafa beamed. “Chris, Hadley, and Adriana too. I’m nervous. I’m just doing spaghetti, but I want it to be good.”

“Smells great.” Shane couldn’t resist licking into Rafa’s mouth again. “Tastes great.”

Laughing, Rafa murmured, “Wish you could stay for dinner.”

“But we both know I can’t.” Exhaling, Shane stepped back, resting his hands on Rafa’s shoulders, unwilling to break contact just yet.

Rafa’s smile faded. “I know.” His worried gaze searched Shane’s face as he squeezed his waist. “Are you okay? They told me about Alan. I can’t believe it. I never thought even for a second…”

“I didn’t either. I should have. I’ve known him for years. I should have realized something was off.”

“No! Don’t you dare blame yourself. You’re not a mind reader, Shane. It wasn’t your fault.”

He cupped Rafa’s cheek. “You know if I’d suspected anything, I would have stopped him. I’d never have let them take you. Never let you get hurt.”