Page 3 of Disciplined: His Forbidden Crush

Rafael nodded slowly, his mind already busy with the logistics of such a mission. It wouldn’t be easy, tracking down one rebellious young man in a foreign city. But if anyone could do it, it was Rafael.

“I’m placing a great deal of trust in you, Rafael,” Garcia said, his gaze boring into Rafael’s. “You have always been loyal to me, to Los Hermanos. I know you will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Rafael straightened in his chair, meeting Garcia’s gaze head-on. “I will not fail you, jefe,” he vowed. “I will find Verano and bring him home, no matter what it takes. You have my word.”

Garcia nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. “Good. You have free rein to discipline the boy however you see fit. I mean that, Rafael,” he added with emphasis. “Whatever it takes to make him see reason, to remind him of his duty to this family.”

Rafael’s mind flashed to the spoiled, reckless young man Garcia had described, and he felt a flicker of remorse. The boy he’d known must have changed a great deal to be in need of such correction.

“I understand,” he said, his voice firm with resolve. “I will do whatever is necessary to get the outcome you want, jefe. You have my loyalty, now and always.”

Standing, Garcia embraced him. “I know I can count on you, Rafael,” he said. “You will have all the funds and resources you need to complete this mission. Bring my son home, and remind him of what it means to be a Garcia.”

Rafael nodded, his jaw set with determination. “Consider it done.”

Dismissed, he left the room, and was surprised that Raul fell into step beside him.

“Come, there’s a room for you,” Raul said, smiling. There was something behind the smile, however, something serious. Something was clearly weighing on Raul’s mind, but Rafael knew better than to pry. He would wait for Raul to speak in his own time.

To Rafael’s surprise, instead of taking Rafael down to his old rooms in the barracks, Raul led the way to the guest rooms. They passed a number of closed doors before Raul stopped in front of an ornately carved set of double doors. He pushed them open, ushering Rafael into a lavishly appointed suite.

Rafael stepped inside, taking in the rich furnishings and plush carpets with an appreciative eye. Beyond the sitting room he saw a doorway open to a bedroom, with a large, comfortable-looking bed. Another door must lead to a bathroom. It was a far cry from the sparse, utilitarian cell Rafael had occupied in prison, and he felt a rush of gratitude to the Garcias. Still, he turned to Raul expectantly.

“All this for me? You must want something.”

Raul smiled, but his eyes were troubled. “Rafael,” he began, then paused, as if searching for the right words. “There’s something you should know about Verano. Something that’s...changed, in the years you were gone.”

Rafael’s curiosity spiked, but he remained silent, letting Raul gather his thoughts. Whatever this was about, it was clearly a delicate matter.

Raul ran a hand through his dark hair, his jaw tightening. “Verano has always been a little different, you know? More sensitive, more artistic. But since he ran away, his behavior has become...concerning.”

Rafael frowned slightly, trying to reconcile Raul’s words with his own memories of the bright, charming young boy he had once known. “Drugs?”

“No, no. If that were all, I think father would understand. But instead,” Raul said, and his expression was wary, as if expected an outburst from Rafael, “it is the company he keeps. In L.A., that is.”

“Tell me,” Rafael said in a low tone.

Raul grimaced. “Men. Or rather, a certain kind of man.” He made an effeminate hand gesture, and Rafael felt a cold jolt go through him. For a moment he thought Raul was calling him out, but it seemed that was not the case. “I’m telling you this so it doesn’t shock you if you find him…involved in some way in such things.”

Ah. Raul wanted to make sure Rafael didn’t freak out over it. “I just got out of prison,” Rafael said dryly. “I think I can handle seeing that.”

It was supposed to be a joke, but Raul’s expression was deadly serious, his eyes holding a silent plea. “I’m not asking you to condone it, Rafael,” he said quietly. “Just...be kind to him, if you can. He’s still my little brother, no matter what.”

That Raul was still trying to protect Verano struck a chord in Rafael’s heart. Lucky kid, to have a brother who loved him in spite of such things. He gave a slow nod. “Of course,” he said, his voice rough. “Verano was always a good kid. I’ll do what I can for him.”

Raul’s shoulders seemed to sag with relief, and he managed a small smile. “Thank you, Rafael. I know you’ll take care of him. Do whatever it takes to bring him home.”

Rafael met Raul’s gaze steadily, his expression resolute. “You have my word, Raul. I’ll handle this with care, and I’ll bring Verano back safe. He’s family, after all.”

Raul nodded, clapping Rafael on the shoulder in a gesture of gratitude and trust. “I knew I could count on you, my friend.”

When he had gone, Rafael sat down on the sofa, his mind whirling. Back to the U.S. again? It wouldn’t have been his first choice. But for little Veranito, yes, he would do it.

Verano likes men. That was bad. Of course, Rafael couldn’t fault him for the preference, but for being caught, yes. That was bad.

I’ll have to explain some matters to him, Rafael thought. Some things were supposed to be secret, after all.

Chapter Two

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