Page 45 of Rafael (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 28)

Rafael nodded. “All right, I agree.”

“Thank you for agreeing,” Nathaniel said.

“You have become far more determined than I remember you being, Nathaniel.”

“You remember the anger issues Richard had for so long that turned out to be Anita’s anger in him?”

“I remember, we were all relieved when she discovered how to take back her anger.”

“I think I’ve gained some of her resolve.”

“Anita is one of the most resolute people I know,” Rafael said.

“Yes, she is.”

The two men looked at each other for longer than seemed necessary, and then Rafael said, “I will have to watch you more closely from now on then, won’t I?”

“More like you should stop discounting me when you negotiate with us.”

“I do not discount you.”

Nathaniel gave a small smile. “It’s okay, most people do, or did.”

“Then my apologies, Nathaniel, I will do better in the future.”

“Thank you.”

“In the spirit of honor, if we feel thatma petiteis in danger, then we will come to her aid, even if we must fight our way through all the wererats to do it.”

“I would expect nothing less, and if I die, then do whatever you have to do to get Anita out and safe.”

“Don’t worry, we will,” Micah said.

With my stomach aching from the game of metaphysical keep-away that Rafael had just forced Nathaniel to help me play, I wasn’t feeling as friendly as I had before, but... “I’d rather the plan is you don’t die and instead kill the son of a bitch.”

“That is my preferred plan, too,” Rafael said with a smile.

Benito said, “We must go if you are to prepare.”

His smile faded and he nodded. “Do I deserve a kiss, or are you too upset with me?”

“Are you reading my face or my emotions?” I asked.

“Your face, I think.”

I nodded. “Since I’m going to be friendly with you at the fight, sure, why not.”

“That’s not very enthusiastic,” he said, frowning.

“You just hurt me in a nonconsensual way because the power was a rush; sorry, but I expected better of you.”

“I am sorry, Anita.”

“You keep saying that today.”

“I am off my game, I admit that.” His face was suddenly the seriousness of earlier. I needed him better behaved toward me, not depressed, and then I realized that there was still part of him that believed Hector might be his son. Jesus.

It cut him slack, so I went to him. I gazed up into that solemn face and said the only thing I could think to say that might help. “I’m sorry about all the conflicts. I honestly believe that Hector’s mother is gaslighting you so that you will hesitate tonight.”

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