Russo scurries out of the room like a frightened rat and I turn my attention back to Darian. He's visibly shaking, and something inside me snaps—no. Melts. The rage I felt toward Russo is replaced by an overwhelming need to make sure he's okay.
"Hey," I say softly, stepping closer to him. "Sorry I lost it like that. You alright?"
Darian nods hesitantly, eyes still wide with residual fear. "I-I'm fine."
"Let me see, please." I gently reach for his arm where Russo grabbed him. I help him take off his suit jacket, then roll up his shirt sleeve. "It'll bruise," I tell him, releasing his arm. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. But that bastard won't bother you again, I promise."
Darian gives me a weak smile, but I can see that he's still shaken. "Thank you, Raffi. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't…"
"Anytime, D. Seriously."
I hope he can see just how much I mean it.
There's color blooming in his cheeks. "I should've managed the situation better," he mutters, looking away.
"The hell you should. Don't you go letting that fucker off the hook. No one touches you like that.No one."
Darian blinks, eyes searching mine. His lips part. He looks stunned. Beautiful.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," I tell him. "Ever. I promise." For a moment we just stand there as things seem to shift around us.
"Raffi," Darian says at last, "I…" He trails off, a shy look coming into his eyes.
"Are you sure you're alright?" I reach up, my hand finding his cheek, trying to reassure him. The softness of my own caress surprises me.
"I'm fine," Darian murmurs, leaning ever so slightly into my touch. "Really. Just a little shaken up, that's all."
We stand there, bodies close but not quite touching, except for my hand on his face. I slide my fingers down to cup his jaw gently, my thumb brushing under his lips. It's a tender, intimate gesture, but it feels right.
It feels like the only thing that matters.
"Raffi…" Darian breathes my name again, and it sounds like a plea, a question, a promise, all wrapped up in a single word.
Time slows to a crawl. I'm of every sensation: the warmth radiating from his body, the softness of his breath across my lips, the tremble in his voice. Before I can fully process what's happening, his lips meet mine in a tentative, almost accidental kiss.
Darian melts into me. His lips move eagerly under mine, hands coming up to grip my shirt. I deepen the kiss, stroking my tongue along his and swallowing his soft moan.
But just as quickly as it began, I stop it, stepping back reflexively.What the hell am I doing?
I just kissed Darian without even asking him—literally minutes after Russo was harassing him.
"Oh, shit, I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…I'm sorry, Darian. That was completely out of line."
He takes a step back, arms wrapping around his middle, and looks away. I feel even worse. "You don't have to apologize," he says.
"Listen," I say, struggling to regain my composure. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me?—"
"Raffi, really," Darian insists, a hint of the familiar steadiness returning to his voice. "It's fine. We were both caught up in a stressful moment. Let's just…get back to work."
"Right." But as much as I want to believe that we can simply move on, forget about this, things have changed.
Changed for me, at least.
Seems like Darian's used to assholes trying to kiss him out of nowhere.
"Uh, I better get in Sandro's ear about that fucker before he makes any more trouble around here," I say, thumbing over my shoulder. "And like I said—he won't bother you again, Darian. You have my word."
I won't bother you again, either, I vow silently, and I turn and leave, fast, before Darian has to give some awkward reply.
