Test of Valor by Keira Andrews

Author:Keira Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, M/M
ISBN: 9781988260334
Publisher: Keira Andrews
Published: 2018-04-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Ready?” Rafa asked. “The car will be here soon.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Shane stared at his medium hard-shell suitcase, open on the bed, his clothes rolled neatly inside, toiletries and shaving kit tucked into the corners. Ready to spend three nights on a train with your parents. Yep. Well, he was as ready as he’d ever be, so he zipped the suitcase closed.

He turned to where Rafa leaned against the doorjamb, shoulders slumped, eyes on the floor. His button-down was crisp and ironed, tucked into his slacks, and hair gelled. He’d seemed so relaxed when they’d gone to bed, but in the light of day…

There would undoubtedly be photographers at the train station, and Shane understood why Rafa was driven to wear his old White House costume. It still set Shane’s teeth on edge.

Even after Camila’s performance the night before, Rafa wanted to please her. Shane supposed it was an innate need in most people. Sure, he’d wanted to please his parents—make them proud too. And he had.

The grief that would never go away panged dully. His parents had been generous and kind, not like that bi—

He cut off the train of thought. She was Rafa’s mother, and it wouldn’t do any good to resent her. Even if she is a bitch. Of course he’d shaved and dressed sharply himself, so who was he to talk? If he didn’t care what the Castillos thought, why didn’t he just wear shorts and flip-flops?

“You don’t have to come,” Rafa said quietly.

“What? Of course I’m coming.” He went for levity. “Don’t want to give your parents the chance to talk you around to their way of thinking.”

But Rafa didn’t laugh. Instead, he blinked, jerking his chin back. He pushed off the doorframe. “You think they could convince me? You don’t think I can stand up to them?”

Shit. “No, of course you can. Sorry. It was a bad joke, baby.” Shane stepped close and ran his palms up and down Rafa’s rigid arms, the sleeves of his blue shirt silky.

“Maybe you shouldn’t call me that.” Rafa dropped his eyes again.

“Oh.” Shane struggled to get the right read on the situation. “Is it… Do you not like it? That I call you ‘baby’?” He had to admit he’d miss it, but obviously if it bothered Rafa, he’d stop. “You should have told me ages ago. I’m sorry.”

Rafa sighed loudly, shaking his head. He met Shane’s gaze. “I do like it. But maybe I shouldn’t?”

“How does it make you feel? When I call you that?”

A little smile lifted Rafa’s full, beautiful lips. “Makes me feel safe. Cared-for. Loved.”

Shane traced a finger over the freckles dotting Rafa’s nose. “Good. Because I will always love you. Protect you. When you’re forty-five, you’ll still be my baby.”

Rafa captured Shane’s finger and kissed the tip, then threaded their fingers together. “I like being your baby. But still your partner.”

“Absolutely. We’re equals, no matter what.”

Rafa looked up at him imploringly. “So you know you can tell me anything. No matter what it is.

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