Page 60 of Too Hot

“Thanks, Rafe.”

Rafe took Brianna by the elbow and escorted her back to where they were sitting. “I’ll go grab our food and water,” he said after making sure she was seated.

“Lara, do you have cameras?” he asked. Something about that fire bothered him.

“Only at the back door, not around the building.” He nodded. “Here’s your food and drink. Take your time. I won’t be leaving for at least another hour.”

“Thanks.” Rafe took the tray of food to the table. “Here we go.” He took her plate and water and sat it in front of her, before putting his own food on the table.

“Smells so good,” she said, picking up her bagel dog to take a bite.

“It really does.” He picked up his chicken and chili wrap and dug in. The spicy chili hit his taste buds. They ate quietly for a few minutes.

“So, tonight?” Brianna asked.

“We’ll basically hang out in the club. I’m not saying I won’t touch you or anything.”

“You said we wouldn’t scene.”

“Correct. We could watch some scenes or just sit a chat with our friends. We’ll play it by ear, but I didn’t want you to be disappointed when we don’t scene.”

“I’m not. I’m just worried…” Her words trailed off.

Rafe polished off his wraps. “Worried about what?”

“Don’t you want to scene?” Her voice was so soft and tentative.

“There’s more to the lifestyle than scening.”

“I just thought…” Again, she broke off her words.

“Brianna, you can tell me anything. Communication is important.”

She nodded. “I assumed you wanted to play tonight. I thought that’s why I packed an overnight bag.”

Rafe grinned. “I want to spend the night with you regardless if we play or not.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed.

He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. “Remember, no pressure, you call the shots. My place or your apartment. You have the right to tell me no.”

She blinked at him. “I do, don’t I?”

“Yes. You have the right to tell any man no, and they better listen.”

“And if they don’t?”

“They’ll regret it.”

* * * *

Brianna liked this protective side of Rafe. Even when he was putting out the dumpster fire, he made sure he put himself between the fire and the women. She knew he was protective, but it had really started to come out.

“Thank you.” She turned her hand over in his and squeezed.

“For?”

“Being you.” It was the truth. The men she’d been around hadn’t been very open or honest with her, and that included her father.

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