Page 5 of Raphael
"I understand," I say calmly.
"You'll have your own key and the security code. The system is more... extensive than most homes." He gestures to a sleek panel on the wall. "I'll show you how it works. Don't ever disable it, even during the day."
"Is there something specific I should be concerned about?"
His dark eyes assess me for a moment. "No. It's just a precaution."
He's lying. I grew up with a cop for a father. I know what enhanced security means. It means someone thinks there might be a threat. But I also know better than to press the issue.
"Where will you be staying?" he asks, changing the subject.
"I have an apartment with my mother about twenty minutes from here."
He nods. "On days when I'm working late, I'd prefer if you stayed over. There's a guest room that's yours to use. I'll pay extra for overnight stays, of course."
"That's fine," I agree, though the thought of sleeping under the same roof as him makes my pulse quicken in ways it shouldn't.
A small voice interrupts us. "Daddy? Annie!"
Marco appears in the doorway, his hair sticking up in all directions, clutching a stuffed dinosaur. His smile when he sees me is so genuine that my heart melts a little.
"Good morning, buddy," Raphael says, his whole demeanor softening. "Ready for breakfast?"
"Dinosaur pancakes?" Marco asks hopefully, looking between us.
Raphael glances at me with a raised eyebrow. "Think you're up for the challenge on your first day?"
"Absolutely," I say with more confidence than I feel. "But you might need to give me some pointers."
What follows is a surprisingly domestic scene: Raphael directing me around the kitchen, showing me where ingredients are kept while Marco perches on a stool at the island, chattering excitedly about his dinosaur collection. Together, Raphael and I manage to create passable T-Rex shaped pancakes that delight Marco to no end.
As Marco eats, Raphael pulls me aside. "I need to leave in about fifteen minutes. Will you be okay on your own?"
"We'll be fine," I assure him. "Is there anything specific you'd like us to do today?"
"Just get to know each other," he says, his eyes lingering on mine a moment longer than necessary. "Marco has plenty of toys and books. There's a small backyard if you want to go outside. Just... stay on the property."
Another warning that raises questions I know I shouldn't ask. "We won't leave without texting you first."
He nods, apparently satisfied. "I'll be back by six, hopefully earlier."
While Raphael goes to gather his things, I sit with Marco, asking about his favorite dinosaurs and books. By the time Raphael returns, Marco is excitedly showing me his collection of plastic dinosaurs, explaining each one's characteristics with surprising detail for a five-year-old.
"I'm heading out," Raphael announces, now wearing a suit jacket that emphasizes the breadth of his shoulders. "Be good for Annie, Marco."
"I will, Daddy." Marco runs to hug his father's legs.
Raphael crouches down to Marco's level, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Love you, buddy."
"Love you too," Marco replies, planting a kiss on his father's cheek before returning to his dinosaurs.
As Raphael straightens, his eyes meet mine. "My number is programmed as the first contact in the house phone and on the fridge. Call me if you need anything. Anything at all."
"We'll be fine," I repeat softly. "Have a good day."
He hesitates for a moment, as if there's something more he wants to say. Instead, he simply nods and heads for the door. Before leaving, he pauses, looking back at Marco with an expression so full of love it makes my chest ache.
Then his eyes shift to me, squinting slightly. "Take care of him," he says, his voice low and serious.
