He didn’t have room in his life for a relationship. Nor was he that guy. As much as he wanted her, he wasn’t an idiot.
It had been a while since he’d been on a real date. But last he remembered, women didn’t want to be with killers. They wanted nice picket-fence-type things. Like his sister.
Your sister’s with a killer.
Yes, but Noah had changed. He wasn’t exactly domesticated, but he didn’t have the same sharp edges that he used to have. Rafe wasn’t even sure that was possible for him.
He didn’t have time for this. If he didn’t get moving soon, he’d be late. Ever since he’d come back from the dead, he treasured the time he could spend with his family. He paused as he passed Diana’s room and hesitated at the door. What if she was asleep? He’d told her to go and rest.
Stop being a pussy and knock.
Before he could, the door swung open and Diana took a step back at the sight of his raised fist.
“Shit! I mean, sorry. I was coming to say goodbye.” Rafe had never felt more like a flustered teenager, stammering and sweating when he spoke to a pretty girl.
The thought made him stand straighter. He was known for his icy control. Losing focus was a good way to get a knife in your back. Just because he wasn’t in the game anymore didn’t mean he could afford to get sloppy.
“Right. Of course. You probably have a million things to do.”
Guilt pricked at him again. Maybe he should invite her along. It felt wrong to go out and leave her to fend for herself. However, he was going to visit his family, and despite how she got under his skin, he wouldn’t bring someone unknown around the most precious people in his life.
“Just need to run a few errands. Anything you need while I’m out?”
She shrugged. “No, I’m good. Actually, I’m really tired already. Which is ridiculous since all I’ve done is eat breakfast and take a shower. But… yeah.”
Her hand fluttered unconsciously to her ribs and Rafe realized she was probably in pain.
“There’s more painkiller in the bathroom cabinet. Just in case.”
She grunted noncommittally, so he could only hope she wouldn’t let pride stop her from taking them.
Not your problem either way.
With a little wave, Rafe headed out, making sure to lock the door behind him. The sight of her little wince stayed with him as he rode the elevator down to the parking garage and on the drive over to the penthouse that served as headquarters for Blake Security.
But as soon as the elevator opened on the top floor, his attention was diverted by the sight of Lucia holding his niece.
When she saw him, Lucia let out a little squeal that startled the baby.
“Rafe! You’re here. I didn’t know you were coming.”
He grinned, unable to conceal the thread of pure joy that wrapped around his throat every time he saw her. Especially now, seeing her all grown up and so happy. She’d been a sweet kid who had grown into a lovely woman. And now she was a mother.
“Hey, Lulu. Noah asked me earlier to come by.” He leaned down so she could kiss his cheek.
When he got close, he turned his head to kiss Lucia on the forehead and then placed a soft kiss on top of Isabella’s head. She blew a spit bubble and waved her chubby little legs in excitement.
“Look, Izzy. Uncle Rafe is here,” Lucia cooed in a soft voice.
He took her from Lucia and sighed as the baby curled trustingly against his chest. If pressed, Rafe would always say that Lucia was the most beautiful baby he’d ever seen, but he couldn’t deny that Isabella was a close second. She’d gotten the intense dark hair of her father combined with her mother’s big gray eyes. Then, somehow, despite not being blood related, she seemed to have gotten the mischievous nature of her almost-Aunt JJ. Which was evidenced when she suddenly sat straight up and held out her arms to someone standing behind him.
“Look, Matthias. She missed you,” Lucia commented.
Rafe turned and nodded to the kid. Matthias usually only talked to him when absolutely necessary and didn’t pretend to like him. It was the type of honesty that Rafe respected. He passed the baby carefully, noticing that whereas Izzy had been on the verge of going to sleep in his arms, she was wide awake as she stared up at Matthias.
Then they all smelled it.
“Oh, bugger,” Matthias muttered. “Every time. It’s like she saves it for me.”