Page 59 of Disciplined: His Forbidden Crush

“Mmm,” Rafael hummed, his voice low and husky. “I couldn’t stop thinking about your body, and how it feels to be buried in you.”

The words sent a jolt of need straight to Summer’s core, his heart juddering. He imagined the way Rafael would take him, rough and dominating, leaving no doubt who was in control. And yes, while they made love some nights, Rafael tender and sweet as he made Summer tremble beneath him, right now the thought of being utterly owned by Rafael again thrilled down Summer’s nerves.

But.

“Rafael, we can’t,” Summer protested weakly. “We’re supposed to have brunch with Coco.”

“Fuck brunch,” Rafael growled, his breath hot against Summer’s neck as he nipped at the sensitive skin there. “I could eat you up right here and now.”

Summer tried to gather his wits, knowing that giving in to Rafael would mean disappointing his friend. “But they have pandebonos at the café,” he wheedled, hoping to tempt Rafael. “I know you love them. You don’t want to be late.”

Rafael’s lips brushed against Summer’s ear. “I don’t give a fuck if we’re late. Quiero follar a mi novio.”

The words shouldn’t have sounded so sweet, but hearing Rafael call him his boyfriend filled Summer’s chest with warmth. Not so long ago, Summer would never have imagined Rafael saying anything of the kind, but now…things were different now.

“Please,” he insisted, despite his growing desire. “The coffee will get cold if we don’t stop now.”

Rafael chuckled, his breath tickling Summer’s ear. “You’re right,” he conceded, pressing a gentle kiss to Summer’s cheek. “Wasting good coffee would be unforgivable.”

Clearly reluctant, Rafael pulled away, handing Summer a cup before leaning in to press another tender kiss to the back of Summer’s neck. “You smell increíble,” he murmured, and Summer couldn’t help leaning into the touch, contentment filling him like the warmth of the coffee.

It was blissful to have Rafael home again, and to enjoy such domestic moments. Rafael had changed a little since following Summer back to L.A. but not so much that he was no longer the man Summer fell in love with. Now he seemed even more that man, the one Summer had known before prison had shrouded him in this dark and dangerous surface.

Summer eyed him now. He looked like a drug runner, which was fair. And…was that blood on his collar?

“Hey,” Summer suggested, eyeing the stain. “Why don’t you change into something a bit more… brunch-friendly?”

Rafael raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the idea, but he nodded and disappeared into the bedroom. Minutes later, he emerged wearing a brightly patterned short-sleeved button-up with red and yellow roses all over it. Summer grinned at the sight of his fearsome enforcer in such a playful shirt.

“Muy guapo,” Summer teased, biting his lip as he took in the way the vibrant colors conspired with Rafael’s dark tattoos to make him look a little like a hipster.

Rafael laughed, smoothing a hand down the front of the shirt. “I feel like a fucking tourist,” he admitted, but there was a lightness to his voice that made Summer smile.

“Come on,” Summer said, grabbing his keys and leading Rafael out of the apartment. “Let’s not keep Coco waiting.”

Out in the sun-drenched streets of L.A., Summer hesitated for only a moment before reaching for Rafael’s hand. Rafael flinched away at first, old habits resurfacing, but then he grabbed Summer’s hand and held it firmly, squaring his shoulders as if daring anyone to say anything.

“Remember,” Summer whispered in Rafael’s ear, feeling the heat of Rafael’s body along his side, “you’re still tougher than anyone who sees us today.”

Rafael chuckled, giving Summer an amused look before sliding on a pair of sunglasses. “You always know how to stroke my ego, don’t you, bichito?”

Summer’s heart skipped a beat at the endearment and the pleasure of walking hand-in-hand with Rafael through the crowded streets. It was a simple act, yet it felt like a daring challenge to the world. He knew that for Rafael it was exactly that, and that Rafael would never have done it for anyone but Summer.

“Here you are!” Coco’s voice rang out as Summer and Rafael approached the outdoor café where they’d agreed to meet for brunch. “There’s my boys.”

“Hey, babe,” Summer greeted her with a wide smile, feeling a surge of happiness at the sight of his vibrant friend. Coco’s hair was an electric shade of blue today, her freckles painted to match, and she was wearing a bright yellow sundress that seemed to capture the sun’s rays.

“Rafael! I love your shirt!” she exclaimed, eyeing the colorful pattern of red and yellow roses. “It suits you.”

“Gracias, Cococita,” Rafael replied smoothly. As they sat down, he draped his arm casually across the back of Summer’s chair, claiming him without hesitation. The public display of affection made Summer’s heart lift, knowing that this simple gesture required a great deal of courage from nis naturally guarded man.

“Have you been taking care of my Summer-boo?” Coco asked teasingly, batting her eyelashes at Rafael.

“Always,” Summer grinned.

Rafael chuckled, running his fingers down the back of Summer’s bare arm. “It’s my job.”

Summer leaned back, feeling his chest swell with warmth and pride as he watched Rafael deflect Coco’s mock flirtations. He hooked a foot around Rafael’s ankle under the table, wanting that small connection. Instead of pulling away, Rafael squeezed Summer’s shoulder affectionately. Summer leaned into the touch, happy to be here, in the sun, with his best friend and the man who loves him.

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