Page 124 of Boost

“Condemn me if you want, I don’t give a fuck, but dragging up the past ain’t gonna change it.”

I felt the vexation radiating off him from across the large space, and all it took was a subtle indication from Tian to let him know that his point had been made.

Raf cleared his throat and resumed in an even tone. “I’ve officially stepped back from the Boost Foundation, not out of shame or the twisted bullshit you guys get off on printing, but out of respect for Colton Donavan and respect for my private life.Private life,”he reiterated as if he were addressing imbeciles. “Now, we’re done here.”

Ignoring the shouted questions and flurry of activity to keep up with Raf and Christian’s hurried strides, Raf’s eyes locked on me as he headed in my direction.

Time slowed yet raced out of control within the same instance. My heart stilled yet pounded against its ribbed confines. My breath refused to come until I was shunted into the elevator by the fortified wall of Raf and Tian’s bodies.

I choked on words as they all tried to come at once. Rafael seemed as rocked as I felt, and he hesitated touching me.

“Greer,” he finally murmured. “I needed to set myself free. To setusfree.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You would have tried to talk me out of it.”

“Damn right I would have! That out there was extremely risky. How do you know it won’t backfire?”

He shrugged as if it was as simple as can be. “I had to take that chance. I fucking love you, and I won’t have this hanging over us any longer. Simple.”

A beat passed before we simultaneously moved with a sudden need to connect. Raf tilted my head as his mouth claimed mine. His tongue delved and lashed, urgent and fueled by unrelenting desire. I was lost to our surroundings as the elevator smoothly rocked during its ascent.

“Yeah, because it isn’t awkward watching the woman I used to make out with, make out with another guy.”

I gasped as reality came crashing back to find Christian leaning against the opposite wall, arms folded, and aiming a dark glare our way.

“Then, don’t fucking watch,” Raf snapped, easing back but keeping a firm hand on my hip.

Tian pursed his lips despite a glint of humor entering his eyes. “There’s only so many times I can count the buttons on the control panel, Ortiz.”

Raf snorted. “You’ve got fingers and toes, countthem.”

Tian gave a blasé eye roll before his gaze became alarmingly severe. His focus sliced into Raf, and I knew that look—he was about to give an unpopular opinion.

“No biting.”

“Tian!”I couldn’tbelievehe just said that.

Raf took a half-step his way. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t bite her; she doesn’t like it. Or spanking.”

I pressed a trembling hand to my forehead. “Jesus, Christian! Thanks for having my back, but you arewayout of line.”

“She told me yesterday,” Raf snapped. His tone left zero tolerance for Christian’s ability to be arrogant and altruistic all at the same time.

Tian’s shoulders relaxed, and he nodded. His expression softened when his gaze drew to me.

“I’ll always have your back, Gree.”

“I know, but seriously!”

The ding from the elevator didn’t disguise his snigger. When the doors opened, Raf intertwined his fingers with mine and led me into the tiled reception.

“Oh, and Ortiz?”

We paused hand-in-hand, and Raf’s eyebrows rose expectantly.

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