He cocks an eyebrow. “Okay. Shoot.”
“I know that Carmine is a financial planner and works for the family.”
“Yes. He’s a nerd.”
I smirk. “And Shane does stuff for the government that we’re not really allowed to know about.”
“Yes, he’s a meathead.”
I laugh and bump him with my shoulder. “Why don’t I know what you do?”
“You know.” He frowns over at me. “I fly.”
“For who?”
“Anyone who wants to hire me. Although I have a stable of regulars that I work for and haven’t taken on anyone new in quite some time.”
I sit and blink at him. “I knew you know how to fly, it just didn’t occur to me that you did it for a living.”
“I’d rather fly than do just about anything else.”
“Then why don’t you work for a commercial airline?”
“Because I have a demanding family, and I need to be available to them at a moment’s notice. That’s hard to do when you’re on a rotating schedule with an airline.” He shrugs and shoves almost half of a pancake into his mouth. “I’m doing what I like.”
“Do you enjoy working with the family?”
He swallows and seems to think it over. “I love my family. If I choose not to work with them, I’d have to leave. And that’s not an option for me.”
“I see.”
He glances my way. “But you don’t like that answer.”
I push my empty plate aside and offer him a shrug. “I don’t know what answer I want, to be honest. I love that you’re close to your family. I’m close to mine, as well. But I’ve never wanted to be involved with the family business. And my uncle has always made me feel that he loves me whether I want to participate or not.”
“It’s not like you do nothing, Annika,” he reminds me as he stands and puts the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. “I know for a fact that Igor has you handy in case someone needs to be patched up.”
“I don’t mind that,” I admit softly. “And it doesn’t happen often. I guess my point is, my uncle wouldn’t disown me if I didn’t want to help with the family business.”
“I’m a man,” Rafe says simply. I start to argue, but he holds up a hand. “Call it sexist or misogynistic, but it doesn’t change the fact that if I were a woman, less would be expected of me. My father wouldn’t disown me, but he would shut me out of a lot. I wouldn’t be privy to information, and I certainly wouldn’t have the protection I have now.”
“And then there’s the money,” I say and know immediately by the look in his blue eyes that I’ve overstepped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“My father isn’t the only one in this room who’s wealthy,” he reminds me. “The last time I checked, you’ve never wanted for anything. Or gone without.”
“Rafe, I didn’t mean to insult you.”
“Well, you did. I work my ass off for this family. I kill, I run all over this godforsaken globe, and I won’t have you questioning my motives. I’m here because I love my family. If that’s not something you want to be a part of, or if it’s something you find insulting, we can find another place for you to stay.”
“Jesus.” I hang my head in my hands and wish I could hit the rewind button to go back about ten minutes. “I’m a bitch.”
“Right now? Yeah.”
My head snaps up. There’s not only anger in his voice. There’s hurt, as well, and it makes me feel like the worst person ever. “It came out entirely harsher than I meant, Rafe. All I meant was—you know what? It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. I was out of line. Nothing you could do would insult me, and I don’t want to stay anywhere else.”
He blows out a breath and hangs his head.
“Forget it. Let’s get ready to do some sight-seeing before we go see my parents this evening.”
He moves to walk past me, and I reach out for his hand, tugging him to me.
“I’m sorry.”
“I said forget it.”
I wrap my arms around his middle and hold on tightly. “I have a stupid mouth, and I didn’t mean it.”
“Hey.” He kisses my head, and it makes me feel a little bit better. “I said it’s okay. Maybe I just know that you never wanted to be involved with someone who’s committed to the organization the way I am. I’m not leaving it, A. And you need to know that before we go much further.”
“I know it.” I look up at him. “I know, Rafe. And if I thought I couldn’t deal with it, I wouldn’t be here. The truth is, I just want to be with you. No matter what.”
He lets out a long breath and kisses my forehead.
“It’s fine, Annika. Let’s go have a good day.”
“Okay.”
“Are you enjoying Seattle, dear?” Rafe’s mother, Flavia Martinelli, asks me later that evening. “Have you been sight-seeing?”
“She just got here yesterday, Mom,” Rafe says but wraps his arm around his mother’s shoulders and gives her an affectionate squeeze.
“Well, we did do some sight-seeing today,” I reply as Flavia fills my glass with wine. “Rafe took me to Pike Place Market, where he bought me the most amazing bouquet.”
“The market really does have the best flowers,” Flavia agrees.
“We wandered around downtown and just had a good day.”
“And what do you think of the condo?” Carlo asks.
“It’s a nice place.” I smile politely and sit next to Rafe at the table, where appetizers are being served.
By staff.
I’m used to this at Uncle Igor’s house, and I always forget how fancy it makes me feel until I’m in the situation again.
“I love the view,” I continue. “The water is just so blue. And it’s fun to watch the ferries float on the Sound, as well.”
“It really is a nice view,” Flavia agrees. “Perhaps you should buy a house near the water, Rafe.”
I frown as I take a bite of my Caprese salad and turn to Rafe. “Are you looking for a house?”
“Well, you two can’t live in the condo forever,” Flavia continues. “It’s so small. There’s no room to stretch out and enjoy each other. And what about when you start having children? No, it certainly won’t do for the long term. But I know of some absolutely gorgeous homes for sale that have amazing views. One of my good friends is a realtor. I’ll give her a call next week.”
“I don’t think I’m in a rush to buy a house,” Rafe says and eyes me warily. “I haven’t even talked to Annika about it yet.”
“Oh.” Flavia looks between us and cringes. “Oh, dear. I’m sorry to speak out of turn. My mind just starts working, and my mouth starts to babble.”
I smile, but I make a mental note to ask Rafe many questions when we get back to the condo. I feel like I’m missing something, something big. Like he isn’t telling me everything.
And Flavia mentioned children. I don’t know how I feel about kids. At least, kids of my own. I mean, I just got here.