Page 16 of Rafael

He stepped closer and cupped her cheek. “She needs to be passionate in her beliefs and in her love.” He stared down at her face, falling into the depths of her eyes. “Passionate in her love,” he repeated, “for her family, her community and animals. I couldn’t be with a woman who didn’t love animals or who didn’t defend her family.”

Gisele’s tongue slipped out and swept across her lips, leaving a glistening sheen Rafael found hard to resist.

He wanted to kiss her. To claim those lips and taste this woman who’d been more concerned about her bird than her own life. One who’d come to her cousin’s defense when she’d thought she was being mistreated.

He’s a keeper, Johnny squawked, pulling Rafael out of the trance he’d fallen into.

He straightened, let his hand fall to his side and gave Gisele a tight smile. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

“That’s not—” she squeaked, cleared her throat and started again. “That’s not necessary. Good night, Romeo—er...Rafael.” She spun and darted for the front entrance.

He’s a keeper, Johnny repeated as she ducked through the door.

Rafael grinned at the bird. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He followed Gisele out the door and to the base of the steps leading up to her home above the shop.

She ran up the steps and dove into her apartment, slamming the door shut behind her.

Rafael climbed up after her. When he reached the top, he tapped his knuckles against the door. “Gisele?”

“Go away,” she said, her voice sounding as if she stood immediately on the other side of the door, not halfway across the room inside.

“I really need to check your apartment for intruders.”

“There’s no one here but me,” she said. “Go away.”

He shook his head even though he knew she couldn’t see him. “Not until I’m positive you’re not being held hostage and being forced to say what you think I want to hear.”

“I’m not being held hostage,” she said.

“Prove it,” he insisted.

The sound of locks turning was followed by Gisele yanking open the door. “See? It’s just me.”

“Have you checked in your closet or under your bed?” he asked.

“Oh, for the love of—” She stepped aside. “Check for yourself.”

He enteredand made a quick pass, thoroughly checking behind, beneath and inside places a person could hide. When he was satisfied, he returned to where Gisele stood at the door.

“All clear,” he said. Before she could make a bitingretort, he cupped the back of her head and dropped a light kiss on her lips. “Sleep tight.”

Then he was out the door, pulling it closed behind him. He paused on the landing, listening. “Lock the door.”

The sharp metal click left him with a smile on his face.

He hadn’t planned on kissing her. But he’d kissed her anyway.

And she hadn’t slapped him.

His grin broadened.

If she’d been angry about the kiss, she wouldn’t have hesitated to slap him into tomorrow.

She hadn’t slapped him. Which meant she was either too shocked by the move or was still recovering from that shock.

Or she’d like the kiss.

Rafael chose to believe the last scenario. He let himself back into the shop and locked the door behind him.

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