Chapter 15 Rafael

Rafael watched as Andrew slid into his sleek sports car. Since day one, his parents had indulged him with everything he wanted, creating a sense of entitlement, but he had changed and grown up to be a hardworking man who cared about people. Rafael had no doubt in his mind—they had definitely bought that car for him. Their decision not to speak to Andrew could have implications for Andrew's car title; they might even ask him for reimbursement or the title.

As he parked in his driveway, his eyes were drawn to an unfamiliar car parked in front of his home. Rafael shoved the door open, the slam that followed echoing through the silent neighborhood. The sight that greeted him in the living room was the last thing he needed. It was an example of Gabriella's blatant disregard for his rules, the disrespect of having a boy here at two in the morning on her second day living under his roof.

Gabriella, sprawled on the couch, hand in hand with a lanky young man. The coffee table was a mess, with plates of half-eaten snacks and empty soda cans scattered about. He recognized James Barton from high school, the guy who always seemed to trail behind Gabriella like a lost puppy. It wasn't even close to a decent hour for company, let alone for Gabriella to have a boy over, especially not one invited without his permission or presence.

Fury ignited in his chest, cold and sharp. He stalked towards them full of anger. "Gabriella? What's going on here?"

Gabriella, eyes wide with surprise, scrambled to sit up. "Rafael! Hey, this is James."

James, looking sheepish, mumbled a greeting Rafael didn't acknowledge. His gaze pinned Gabriella; his voice laced with ice. "What did I tell you about bringing people here, especially this late?"

Gabriella's defiance sparked. "He just came over. It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Rafael threw his hands up, exasperation warring with anger. "It's two in the morning, Gabriella! You don't just parade strangers into my house whenever you please."

"He's not a stranger, Rafael," Gabriella shot back. "And it's not like I threw a party."

"Save it," he said harshly.

James, caught in the crossfire, shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Rafael didn't care. "And you." He turned to James, his voice turning dangerous. "Don't ever think you can just waltz in here like you own the place. You stay away from Gabriella. And stay away from this house. Understood?"

James, looking pale under Rafael's glare, stammered a helpless, "Yes, Officer Duarte."

"I'm eighteen years old! Stop treating me like a kid."

"It doesn't matter! You know the rules. This is my place. You respect my boundaries."

"That's still no reason to go all cop on him."

Rafael's anger rumbled. "We'll talk about this later. When you're capable of acting like a responsible adult."

James hadn't budged an inch, showing no signs of leaving. "Get out now!" Rafael shouted.

With a quick glance back at Gabriella, James scurried out of the living room with Rafael on his heels. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the empty hall as James ran out of the house and forgot to close the door behind him. Rafael slammed the door shut and locked it. He returned to the living room to find Gabriella staring down at her hands, her face a mask of defiance and something else, maybe hurt.

This wasn't how he'd pictured things. He just wanted what was best for her, but right now, all he felt was a cold anger burning in his gut.

He stormed past Gabbi, leaving the living room tense and the air thick with the scent of brewing trouble. He climbed the stairs to his room. Slamming his bedroom door shut, Rafael twisted the lock savagely. Sleep was the furthest thing from his mind now. He had a lot to straighten out with his sister. He didn't hear her come upstairs to turn in for the night. She had to work early in the morning. What the hell was she thinking?

Why would she disrespect him on day two living in his home? At least she didn't ask Andrew over, not that he would come here to see her. He waited another fifteen minutes, and she still didn't come upstairs. He opened his door and rushed downstairs to the living room. With the TV off, her attention had shifted to her phone as she typed away, absorbed in her texts. She had cleared the coffee table of plates and soda cans.

"Go to bed!" Rafael shouted, startling her into dropping her phone.

"Damn, Rafael! When did you turn into a tyrant? It's a good thing you don't have children."

"Get some rest to be ready for work."

"I had to clear the coffee table and put things away in the kitchen. I didn't want to hear you yelling at me for leaving a filthy mess."

"Thank you. Now, get your butt upstairs to bed."

Gabriella moved from the couch at a snail's pace, then Rafael blocked her. "Turn off the phone."

"Why?"

"You need sleep, free from distractions. Remember, Andrew or Joe could fire you if you don't do your job."

"I doubt that. Andrew is my friend. He likes me a lot."

"Get upstairs!" He followed her upstairs. The creaking of the wooden steps tried his patience. "I have my alarm set for seven. You'll eat before work."

"Andrew said I could eat breakfast at the diner."

"Oh, he did, did he? How nice of him." He went to his room, longing for a quiet sanctuary where the chaos would end. Being a parent was not something he felt ready for at the moment, but he had agreed to take her into his home. He wanted to pour all his energy into Andrew, but the same obstacles from the past continued to hinder their connection. No matter what challenges he faced, he was determined to overcome them to have Andrew at his side. There was no way he would bring an end to what he had started with the man he had fallen in love with years ago, no matter what.

After he changed his clothes and slipped into bed, he grabbed his phone and sent a message to Andrew.

Rafael: Miss you already. I loved our time together. See you in the morning. Sending kisses to my love.

Andrew: Miss you too. I can't get enough of you. Love you.

With no work to worry about, he leisurely dressed in comfortable, casual clothes, savoring the thought of working with Andrew at the trailer. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted upstairs, tempting him to the kitchen. When he entered the kitchen, Gabriella wore her uniform and sat at the table drinking coffee.

"Hey, I'm sorry about coming down on you with James. I want you to be happy and safe while you live with me. But no male visitors unless I'm here with you. Clean up after yourself and we're good." He leaned over and hugged her.

"Thanks."

"So, are we good?" Rafael asked.

"We're good."