The drive to the restaurant was quiet, yet Olivia didn't feel the need to talk or make him talk. She was relaxed just listening to the soft music playing and watching as the streets passed by. It wasn't long before they arrived. Rafael handed the keys to his SUV to one of the valets and ran to open her door. Allowing her to hook her hand on his arm, he leads her inside.
The restaurant was a beautiful place. It was elegant and yet perfect for the family. The wall was an antique sort of wood. The furniture was red and burgundy. It was a lovely place. The host greeted them at the entrance of the restaurant.
"Evening, reservations?" She replied, a small smile on her lips.
Rafael gave her a polite smile in return. "Barba, table for 2."
Olivia noticed the way the host's smile dropped just a bit.
"Of course, right this way Mr. Barba." She waved over a waitress. "Take Mr. Barba and his fri-"
"Date." Rafael corrects her, with a certain edge to his tone.
The host glared at him but forced a smile. "I apologize, take Mr. Barba and his date to their table please."
The waitress didn't seem to mind who he was. She simply took them to their table and asked what they wanted to drink. Not once did she show any disrespect or fear towards him.
Olivia glanced over at the host, who at the moment was whispering to a male. "You know her?"
Rafael glanced over his shoulder but shook his head. "No." Seeing the look on Olivia's face he chuckled. "Half the people in here might know me, Olivia, doesn't mean I do."
Olivia nodded. "I get it." Suddenly her phone rang. Glancing down at the number, her eyes widen.
Rafael noticed her surprise. "Everything okay?"
"Y-yeah." Picking up the phone she took in a deep breath. "I have to take this."
"Of course." Rafael took the napkin off his lap and stood. "I am going to the restroom."
Waiting until he was gone, she answered the phone. "Noah?!"
"Olivia!" Noah laughed.
"Hey sweetie, wait Noah how did you get the number? Does Craigen know you are calling?" Olivia couldn't help but feel worried. If Craigen didn't give permission then this can go downhill quickly.
"Yes, but he said I could only talk to you for a minute or two." Noah mumbled. "When are you coming home?"
Olivia felt her stomach twist. "I don't know baby, but soon I promise." Seeing Rafael appear at his seat once more, she knew time was up. "Noah, I have to go. I'll call you soon." Hearing the small goodbye, she placed her phone away. "Sorry."
"For what?" Rafael chuckled. "Child?"
Olivia nodded hesitantly. "Y-yes, my son." Olivia smiled, seeing the questions in his eyes she found it cute. "I adopted him, from a bad situation. He went through some pretty bad things. Noah was just a baby when it all happened. I left him with a close friend of mine, while I see how things turn out here. My brother can't take care of himself as it is. My parents died a few years back, so she was my only option."
Rafael nodded. "How old?"
"16." Olivia laughed. "Soon he will leave my side."
Rafael grabbed her hand. "They will never really leave. He is the only child?"
"Yes. I was pregnant once." She stopped, not wanting to get into it.
Rafael understand and was quick to change the subject. "Have you picked what to eat?"
The rest of the evening was surprisingly good. They talked about everything and anything. Rafael would ask sometime and it would turn into a full-on conversation. They didn't have those awkward silence you get on dates. The only time they didn't speak was when they ate. She would see him laugh or smile and it almost seemed as if it was not natural. Like it had been a long time since he did it. Hell, it was weird for her to laugh so much as well. Only with Noah does she ever feel so comfortable to be true self.
Rafael glanced at the watch and sighed. "I want to show you something."
Olivia frowned but gave him a nod. "Alright." Paying the check, he walked her to the truck and helped her into it. The drive wasn't long, but it surprised her to see him pull into an empty parking lot. "What is this place?"
Rafael jumped out of the car and jogged to her side. Helping her out he allowed her to grab onto his arm. "This is where my adoptive parents worked. After the day shift ended, the illegals who were kept in the basement were brought up, they worked the night shift." Olivia kept her eyes on him, he moved his jaw in an effort to stop his reaction to the story. "One night, the factory caught on fire. Faulty electrical wires because the owner shirked on safety protocol or something." His eyes wouldn't advert, Olivia knew he was relieving the occurred. "Some of us escaped from the basement, but…everyone on the work floor, they…they died. Including my parents." Rafael took in a deep breath, there were moments he could still smell the smoke, hear the screams, feel the heat on his face. "You know, I remember standing right here, looking at all the fire, waiting for my parents to come out. They never did."
Olivia wasn't sure what to do or say for that matter. She didn't expect him to open up this much to her. "The owner?"
Rafael chuckled humorlessly and with disgust. "The owner paid off the cops, a few city officials. They lied, said my parents and the others were squatters, they weren't supposed to be here. The case was closed. So when I had the money, I bought this property and I tore that factory down. I've been waiting this time, hoping one day I could build something important here. You know? Hospital or a school. I just wanted to honor the memory of my parents."
Olivia leaned her head on his shoulder, trying to give him some comfort. "How old were you?"
Rafael shrugged. "10 or 11."
Olivia frowned slightly. "Adoptive?"
"You caught that." Rafael chuckled. "I was just 6 years old when my parents found me. My mother was a junkie and my father was a deadbeat, who pimped my mother out. I don't remember much, but I do remember running down the street. Crying and covered in blood. My father Ramon found me and took me. They took me in after that, I never knew what happened to my biological family after that."
"I am sorry Rafael. Your parents didn't deserve that, much less receive no justice for it."
The gang lord covered her hand with his. "It's fine now really. I have come to terms with it. But after you asked and told me about Noah, seemed fair I share something." Giving her a small smile, he walked them both towards the truck.
Olivia decided to do something she wouldn't normally do. As she was climbing into the truck, she turned to face Rafael and kissed him. She simply pecked him on the lips and felt him go stiff. As she slowly pulled away, Rafael's arm wrapped around her waist, and his other hand cupped her jaw. She was surprised by the eagerness he kissed her with. It wasn't demanding nor was it a possession, simply a great kiss. He was holding back, she can tell and that was something she was thankful for. As breath became necessary they both pulled back. Olivia bit down on her bottom lip, to stop herself from smiling.
"For what it's worth, I was planning that after we got home." Rafael chuckled, his hand still on her jaw. "I don't want you to think this is something I do with every woman I meet."
Olivia frown. "Meaning?"
"I haven't dated another woman since my wife. Nor have my children had another woman's presence that wasn't their mother's." He played with a strand of her hair. "But they seem to like you."
Playing her part, she placed her hand on his chest. "And you?"
With a smirk, he kissed her. "I suppose I'm starting to." Just then his phone rang. "Sorry."
"It's fine." She had to find the cuteness in that fact that although he had gone from the attentive man on a date, to the feared gang lord, he had not let go of her. His hand was still on her hip as he spoke on the phone.
"What's up Javier?" Rafael's smile quickly dropped. "Are you sure? Have Ryan meet me at the house, do not tell Damon any of this, not until I am sure it's all true." Hanging up the phone he took a few breaths to calm himself. "Let's get you home."
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
Rafael shook his head. "Nothing, let's get you home and I'll handle it."
Olivia was tired of this. She has done everything the way the feds and Craigen have wanted her to. Now it was her turn to do it her way, the way she knew and the way she was sure to get her deep in. "No!" Rafael frowned at her. "I want in Rafael, I want to help and be there. You really can't be shielding me from it all. I was associated with you the second I stepped into your home. I have my skills, use me." Leaning closer to him, she cupped his jaw. "And whether you like it or not, you already said yes."
"I have not."
Kissing him once more, she waited until he began responding to pull back. "You just did Barba."
Rafael watched her for a moment but nodded with a sigh. "Alright then, you want in you got it. But remember you are nothing to them at the moment Olivia. You must earn your spot with the others. I can't do that for you, not if you want their loyalty and respect."
Olivia let out a shaky breath. "I understand."
"Let's go."
