Rafael's eyes lit up. "Good."
Adam looked back at him, suspicious. "Why good?"
Rafael's tone turned wicked. "Because if we are becoming friends, I want to see how you handle him in real time. Consider this educational."
Adam let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "You really are serious."
"I am," Rafael said, serene and merciless all at once. "And for the record, if anyone gives you trouble for being 'a civilian,' send them to me."
Adam blinked. "Rafael—"
"No, truly," Rafael said, with the sweet politeness of a man offering tea and violence in the same breath. "I have been looking for a healthier hobby."
That did it.
Adam laughed outright, the sound genuine enough that Max, now close enough to hear the tail end of it, slowed and narrowed his eyes with theatrical offense.
"Why," Max asked, hand settling at Adam's back as he looked between them, "does it sound like the two of you just formed an alliance against me?"
Rafael smiled at him with perfect innocence.
