****
Still sitting in front of Genie’s home, neither wanting to leave the other, Rafa eyed her, but she faced the window, staring into the dark night. “You’re still a part of this. Once Compton breaks the news to Diego and Flores, I’m almost positive they won’t cooperate without you.”
“You mean without us.” She spoke softly, her body quivering with emotion. The day had been too long, and it didn’t seem to want to end. She had experienced the complete arc of emotions and Rafa sensed her exhaustion.
“Without us,” he agreed. “There’s still a chance we’ll be heavily involved, despite Compton throwing his weight around.” Rafa crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw hardening. “Trust me, I want in this case just as much as you do.” It’s not that he didn’t trust the FBI to close this case quickly, but he was afraid if they didn’t, and if the Snakes succeeded in murdering anyone else, he’d feel responsible for having been a part of that organization.
She sighed, yanking both hands through her hair. “I don’t know what I was thinking, confronting him. I just thought…” He allowed her a few moments to collect her thoughts. “Ever since… um, ever since college, I’ve just had this thing.”
“What thing?”
“I kinda have this thing about being in control.” She gave him a tentative glance.
He smiled, resting his head against the headrest and meeting her gaze. “Don’t most women?”
She glowered. “This is different. I always feel as if I have to prove myself… my worth.”
With elbows on her knees, she fixed her eyes on her house. Rafa knew she didn’t see her house, but some event in her past that defined her present attitude.
“Genie, are you okay?”
She opened her mouth to speak and then shut it. Her fingers combed her hair again. Her smile was inauthentic. “I’m fine. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“Genie—”
She shook her head, causing him to stop. He wouldn’t push her to be more open. She’d already shared her painful past and that was probably all she had the energy for tonight. She trusted him with her heartbreak, but beyond? Could he trust himself with her heart?
“You stay here. I can see myself to the door.” She hopped out quickly. “I’ll lock up, I promise. See you in the morning.”
He frowned while watching her hurry to her front door. She was keeping her distance, and he’d be wise to do the same. At least until the case was over.
She closed the door and flipped the porch light, signaling she was okay. Rafa let out a sigh, a wave of weariness washing over him. His adrenaline had run its course. He turned the key in the ignition and backed out her driveway.
Rafael (The Santiago Brothers Book One) Page 31
