To Philippe’s surprise, Rafe gave him a lazy grin as he reached down and boldly adjusted himself. “Hiding things from me? I’m shocked,” he said, but he sounded far from it.
“I’ll meet you in the garage,” Philippe said before turning toward the elevator.
Rafe’s laughter filled the penthouse. “You don’t have to leave. I can behave myself.”
“I can’t,” Philippe muttered under his breath as he jabbed the elevator call button. From the fresh laughter rippling from Rafe, it was clear the vampire heard him.
Philippe could only breathe again when he was in the safety of the elevator as it whisked him down to the garage level. The entire encounter had lasted no more than a couple of minutes, but he felt shaken and drained. He leaned against the wall and scrubbed his hand over his face. Rafe might not be using his power on Philippe, but there was something so intense and magnetic about him. It left Philippe wanting to toss everything aside, to forget about the world and simply wrap himself around Rafe until there was nothing else.
It was more than a little stunning that Rafe seemed to return his desire. From the stories he heard from Ezra and Jullien, as well as what he saw at Blush, Rafe could have his pick of any human or vampire, it would seem. And from what Rafe had boldly posted on his Instagram account, he very frequently did.
Philippe wandered over to Rafe’s car but had to wait only a few minutes before Rafe’s determined footsteps echoed through the concrete parking area. Dressed in a mix of black and deep red, he looked like a sexy grim reaper. Or maybe just a nightclub owner.
Holding up the keys, Rafe jingled them and smiled. “Want to drive?”
“No, definitely not.”
Rafe chuckled and unlocked the doors. Philippe was relieved to find the interior smelled only of leather and that vague new-car smell. They didn’t speak beyond Philippe giving Rafe directions to the house. Rafe’s mood didn’t seem grim, but he was at least taking the moment seriously.
After nearly half an hour, Rafe pulled the car up the long driveway and parked in front of the sprawling two-story home. Philippe tried to see the home from an outsider’s eyes. It was a nice home, even if it was starting to look a little rundown and ragged in places. The yard was overgrown and hadn’t been tended since they moved in. The white paint looked a little dingy and worn. And the windows were covered with thick curtains, blocking out all light and warning away possible visitors.
He wordlessly led Rafe inside, where they were met by Ezra as he stood at the foot of the grand staircase. With arms folded tightly across his chest, he glared at Rafe. The other vampire smirked at him, appearing to be completely unperturbed by the less-than-warm welcome. Philippe could feel others close by, likely watching Rafe from the safety of the shadows.
“Enough, Ezra. Go hunt,” Philippe snapped before directing Rafe into the library.
Rafe winked at him and disappeared into the room while Philippe walked over to Ezra.
“You shouldn’t have brought him here,” Ezra growled in a rough whisper, though Philippe didn’t doubt Rafe heard him.
“He deserves to know the truth if the Variks are going to be of any help to us.”
“We don’t need their help or the trouble they bring,” Ezra said. “Everyone knows the Variks are dangerous and reckless.”
“And I don’t need this headache. We’ve discussed it, and I’ve made my decision. I’m doing what’s best for the entire clan.”
“It’s a mistake. Jullien thinks that as well. You usually will listen to him when you won’t listen to me. I can only guess he’s already wrapped you in some kind of spell.”
“Enough, Ezra. Just…just go. I don’t have time for this.” He didn’t wait to see Ezra leave the house as he turned and walked into the library, closing the door behind him. It was the same old argument he’d heard from Ezra since the beginning. He didn’t want to listen to it any longer. He wasn’t under a spell. He wasn’t blinded by the Variks. He knew what he was doing.
Rafe was standing at the far end of the room, his hands in his pockets as he appeared to be looking over the books on the shelf. The library was usually maintained as the most decorated room since it would be the one place Philippe dared to entertain other clans. And for the first time, the room looked plain and threadbare when placed against the decadent beauty of Rafe.
The Arsenault clan was not rich like so many others. Definitely not like the Variks. Philippe didn’t have much of a head for finances, and many of his clan members weren’t in a position to add to their wealth. They got by with the basics and Philippe’s main focus remained on giving his people a safe haven from the world.