It was a warm, golden Saturday, and Allison found herself at the beach, participating in a community clean-up event. The salty breeze teased her hair as she picked up litter, and the rhythmic lull of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to her task. The ocean's vastness reminded her how insignificant her troubles were in the grand scheme of things, but she knew she needed this—this time alone, this escape from the drama that had been shadowing her lately.
As she worked, her eyes wandered across the shore and landed on familiar faces—Topper and Sarah, who she recognized from the kegger party. Their presence immediately set her on edge. Topper's voice, as usual, carried over the distance, loud and dripping with disdain. It was hard to ignore how much the Pogues seemed to dominate his conversations as if he was incapable of speaking about anything else.
Allison straightened up, wiping a strand of hair from her face and crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, it's you again," she called out, her voice cutting through the air, drawing their attention.
Topper and Sarah turned to face her, surprise flickering across their features before Topper's expression hardened into his usual smugness. "I'm surprised you aren't on the cut making trash with Pogues," he sneered, his tone condescending and infuriating.
"Topper!" Sarah hissed, nudging him as if to remind him of his manners, though Allison doubted it would do much good.
Allison's patience was already wearing thin. "Where's your bully friend? I hope he isn't here," she asked, her voice laced with irritation as she scanned the beach for any sign of Rafe.
Topper's smirk only widened. "I can call him. I'm sure he'll come if he knows you asked," he replied smugly.
"Please don't," Allison rolled her eyes, her annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. She could handle Topper's arrogance, but Rafe's presence was the last thing she wanted to deal with today.
Sarah, sensing the tension, quickly interjected, her eyes darting between Allison and Topper. "Which bully friend?" she asked, though she seemed to already know the answer. Her gaze landed on Topper, silently urging him to explain.
"Your brother," Topper answered, his tone dismissive as if Rafe's actions needed no further justification.
Allison's eyes widened slightly in surprise, the connection between Sarah and Rafe finally clicking into place. "Oh, he's your brother? That's just great," she remarked dryly, the sarcasm evident in her voice.
Sarah's concern deepened, her brows knitting together as she turned her full attention to Allison. "Did he do anything to you?"
Allison hesitated, a flicker of something darker passing through her eyes before she masked it with indifference. "No, not to me," she replied, though her tone was sharp. "Why don't you let your boyfriend tell you what happened?"
Sarah's questioning gaze shifted to Topper, who rolled his eyes, clearly unbothered by the accusation hanging in the air. "Nothing. He beat the guy because they put a gun to my head."
Allison's eyes narrowed, anger flaring up at the memory. "He beat the guy who didn't have anything to do with a gun on your head," she corrected him, her voice cold and unforgiving.
Before the conversation could escalate further, a new voice cut in. "Thirsty?" A guy who seemed to be their friend appeared, offering Allison a bottle that looked like water.
Allison accepted it without thinking, taking a large gulp. Immediately, she grimaced, her face contorting with distaste. "What the hell is this?" she sputtered, staring at the bottle as if it had betrayed her.
"Just a concoction I made," he replied with a grin. "I'm Kelce, by the way."
Allison narrowed her eyes at him, though she couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Not bad, but you could've warned me. I thought it was water," she said, handing the bottle to Sarah before turning back to her work.
They finished the cleanup in relative silence, and everyone too focused on their tasks to engage in more than passing conversations. But the underlying tension from earlier remained, simmering just beneath the surface.
Once the work was done, everyone gathered in a large circle, the atmosphere one of camaraderie and shared purpose. The man who seemed to be leading the event stepped forward, raising his hands for attention. "Just a moment, friends, to acknowledge our blessings," he began, joining hands with those around him. "To the big Kahuna..."
Allison watched as Sarah stifled a cough, clearly struggling to stay serious. But when the man started talking again, she couldn't hold it in any longer. A giggle escaped her, and Allison found herself biting back laughter as well. The giggles quickly turned into full-blown laughter, drawing shushes and annoyed looks from those around them.
The man continued, seemingly unfazed by the interruptions. "Thank you for the opportunity for us to come out here and restore Masonborough to its virgin glory," he concluded, his voice solemn. "Amen."
Everyone clapped politely as they began to disperse, the event coming to a close.
As they were leaving, Sarah called out to Allison, "There's a party Kelce is throwing today if you want to come."
Allison considered it for a moment before nodding. "I'll think about it. Thanks for the invite," she said with a polite smile, though her mind was already spinning with excuses not to go. As much as she wanted to keep her distance from Rafe, she couldn't deny the curiosity tugging at her.
・ • ・ • ・
Later that day, Allison was sprawled out on her bed, her laptop balanced on her knees as she watched an episode of Supernatural. The familiar show was a comfort, a way to escape from the reality of her life for just a little while. A bowl of snacks sat beside her, and she absentmindedly munched on them as the show played. But her relaxation was short-lived when her phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting her escape. She glanced at the screen and saw Jessica's name flashing, along with a call.
Sighing, Allison paused the show and picked up the phone. "Hey, what's up?" she answered, trying to keep her voice light.
"You're going to a party with me tonight," Jessica announced, not bothering with pleasantries.
Allison groaned, already sensing she wouldn't have much of a say in the matter. "Do I have a choice?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
"Nope. It's going to be a good party," Jessica replied with the kind of enthusiasm that made it hard for Allison to say no, even if she wanted to.
"Is it Kelce's party?" Allison questioned, her curiosity piqued.
"How did you know?" Jessica sounded genuinely surprised.
"I already got an invite but wasn't planning on going," Allison admitted, her tone casual, though she could feel the beginnings of resignation creeping in.
"Well, now you are. Get ready, I'm picking you up in two hours," Jessica instructed, her voice leaving no room for argument.
"Fine, see ya," Allison said, hanging up the phone with a sigh. She stared at the ceiling for a moment, contemplating her options—or lack thereof. But Jessica's persistence was hard to resist, and part of Allison, a part she wasn't ready to fully admit, was curious about what the night might bring.
Resigned, she closed her laptop and pushed herself off the bed, heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The hot water did little to soothe her nerves, but by the time she was done, she felt a bit more prepared to face whatever the night had in store. She carefully picked out her outfit: black leather shorts, a matching leather top, and heels that added just enough height to give her confidence without making her uncomfortable. The all-black ensemble made her feel powerful like she could handle anything—or anyone—that came her way.
Just as she finished applying her makeup, she heard the familiar honk of Jessica's car outside. Glancing at her reflection one last time, Allison grabbed her purse and headed downstairs, slipping out the door.
Jessica and Brandon were waiting in the car, Brandon behind the wheel. As Allison climbed into the back seat, she greeted them with a smile, though her mind was still racing with thoughts of what the night might hold.
The drive to Kelce's house was filled with Jessica's excited chatter about who would be there and what the vibe would be like. Allison listened half-heartedly, her thoughts drifting to the earlier encounter at the beach and how easily the Kooks dismissed the Pogues. The tension between the two groups was palpable, and while she wasn't sure where she fit into it all, she knew she didn't want to get dragged down by their petty rivalries.
When they arrived, the party was already in full swing. Music thumped from the speakers, and the house was packed with people. Brandon quickly disappeared to find Kelce, leaving Allison and Jessica to navigate their way through the throngs of people. They eventually found a group of girls they knew in the living room, and Allison immediately reached for a bottle of tequila, pouring shots for everyone.
The alcohol hit quickly, easing the tension in her shoulders and making the room seem a little less overwhelming. She found herself relaxing, sharing stories about her time at boarding school. She told them about the strict rules and lack of boys, which prompted sympathetic laughter from the girls. Brandon reappeared after a while, this time with a few joints in hand. He offered them to the group, and Allison didn't hesitate to take one, letting Brandon light it for her.
She took a long drag, the familiar burn in her lungs followed by a wave of calm that settled over her. "This shit is good," she remarked, exhaling slowly.
"Only the best," Brandon replied with a grin, passing another joint to Jessica.
They continued drinking and smoking, the haze of alcohol and weed blurring the edges of the night. The conversations around the table grew louder, and more animated, and Allison felt herself slipping further into the relaxed, carefree vibe of the party.
It wasn't long before a guy approached their table, his eyes slightly glazed from whatever he'd been indulging in. "Hey, Rafe said he has some ye-yo if anyone wants," he announced, his voice slurring slightly.
"Tell him to bring it here," A blonde girl sitting across from Allison, replied, her tone eager.
Allison's mood soured at the mention of Rafe. She leaned over to Jessica, her voice low with annoyance. "Rafe again?"
Jessica merely shrugged, clearly unbothered by his presence.
True to his word, Rafe appeared a few minutes later, taking a seat beside the blonde girl. His gaze scanned the table, lingering on Allison before he turned to a girl with a flirtatious smile. "So, I hear you called me here," he said, his tone smooth.
The blonde girl shot him down with a simple, "I called you because I wanted a line." She wasn't interested in anything other than the drugs he'd brought.
"Anyone else wants it?" Rafe asked, his eyes sweeping across the group before landing on Allison.
Jessica, sensing Allison's hesitation, spoke up. "I want it if Allison is going to have one too."
Allison's eyes flicked to Jessica, torn between the urge to push back and the ever-present curiosity tugging at her. She met Rafe's gaze, which was filled with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. Despite everything in her telling her to stay away, she found herself saying, "If it's as good as last time."
Rafe's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile as Jessica handed him the money. He collected the rest from the group, pocketing the crumpled bills with practiced ease before pulling out a small bag of cocaine. As he prepared lines for everyone, Allison watched him closely, her emotions a mix of resentment and reluctant fascination. There was something about him that pulled her in, despite every logical reason to keep her distance.
Jessica was the first to lean over the table, snorting her line with a practiced ease. She handed the rolled-up hundred-dollar bill to Allison, who hesitated for just a moment before following suit. The rush was immediate, the familiar burn in her nostrils followed by a flood of euphoria that made everything around her seem brighter, sharper, and more intense.
The group laughed and talked as the cocaine coursed through their systems, the night taking on a surreal, almost dreamlike quality. Brandon and Jessica soon decided to find more friends outside, leaving Allison alone at the table, her mind buzzing with the mix of drugs and alcohol.
Feeling a sudden burst of energy, Allison downed a shot of tequila and made her way to the dance floor. The music pounded through the speakers, the bass vibrating in her chest as she moved with the rhythm. She caught the eye of a guy across the room, and before she knew it, he was by her side, offering his hand with a charming smile. Without hesitation, she took it, letting him pull her close as they danced.
"You must be the new girl," he whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin as they swayed together.
Allison smiled, the alcohol and drugs making her bold. "How do you know?"
"Because I would have remembered you," he replied smoothly, his grin widening. "I'm Eric, by the way."
"Allison," she introduced herself, letting her body move in sync with his.
There was something thrilling about the way he held her, his hands firm on her waist, guiding her movements with confidence.
"Damn, you're so hot," Eric whispered huskily, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. He pulled her closer, his hands sliding down to rest on the curve of her ass. Allison didn't mind; in fact, she welcomed the distraction. Her hips moved with a seductive rhythm, her body reacting to the beat of the music and the heat of his touch.
Moments later, she turned in Eric's arms, wrapping her own around his neck. They shared a playful smile before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. His hands roamed over her body, and she moaned softly into his mouth, her own hands exploring the muscles of his back. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate, and more urgent as their bodies pressed closer together.
While Allison was lost in the moment, another pair of eyes was watching her intently from across the room. Rafe stood with a drink in his hand, his gaze never leaving her as she danced and kissed with Eric. His jaw clenched, a flicker of something dark and possessive passing through his eyes. He was drawn to Allison from the moment he saw her at the golf course. Unlike the other girls who threw themselves at him, Allison was different. She was confident, independent, and completely uninterested in playing his games. And that made him want her even more.
As Eric's hands slid down to squeeze Allison's ass, Rafe's grip on his drink tightened. He didn't know what it was about her that got under his skin, but he knew he had to find out. He needed to get closer to her, to break down her walls and see what lay beneath that fiery exterior.
Eric pulled away from the kiss just enough to whisper in her ear, "Wanna take this somewhere else?"
Allison nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as he took her hand and led her toward the stairs. The night had taken on a hazy, dreamlike quality, and she was too caught up in the moment to care about the consequences.
As they made their way upstairs, Allison felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Rafe watching her, his expression unreadable. She held his gaze for a moment, silently daring him to say something, but he didn't. He just stared, a dark intensity in his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine.
Once they reached a bedroom, Eric wasted no time. He pushed her against the door, his hands already moving to undress her. Allison let him, her mind fogged by the drugs and the alcohol, the thrill of the moment overriding any lingering doubts. She helped him pull off his t-shirt before he leaned in to kiss her again, his hand sliding down to cup her between her legs. She moaned against his mouth, her body arching into his touch.
Eric undressed her quickly, his breath hitching when he saw her pink, see-through panties and matching bra. "Fuck, you're so hot," he growled, his voice thick with desire.
Allison moaned, arching her back to press her body against his. She wrapped her legs around him as he lifted her, carrying her to the bed and throwing her down onto the soft mattress. Eric stripped off his pants and boxers in record time, his erection straining as he eyed her like a predator sizing up his prey.
He slid the soaking fabric of her panties down her legs and threw them onto the floor and then he was on her in seconds, his hands gripping her hips hard enough to leave bruises as he positioned himself between her legs. Allison bit her lip as he guided his cock to her entrance, the anticipation making her head spin. He pushed inside her, his breath ragged as he began to thrust, his movements fast and rough.
Allison tried to lose herself in the sensation, but something was off. Eric's pace was frantic, driven by his own need, and while she could feel the pleasure building, it wasn't enough. It was almost like he was trying to get it over with as quickly as possible, and that left her feeling unsatisfied, disconnected from the moment.
He pounded into her, his hands gripping her thighs as he lifted one leg over his shoulder, driving deeper inside her. Allison whimpered, her body responding to the stretch, but her mind was elsewhere. She wanted more, needed more than what he was giving her.
Eric slammed into her one last time, his breath hitching as he came, emptying himself inside her with a low groan. He rolled off her, panting as he lay beside her, his eyes closed in post-orgasmic bliss.
Allison stared up at the ceiling, her body still humming with unfulfilled desire. After a moment, she turned to him, her voice low and tinged with frustration. "Aren't you going to finish what you started?"
Eric cracked one eye open, looking at her in confusion. "What do you mean? I finished."
"I didn't," Allison replied bluntly, her frustration evident.
"You didn't?" Eric repeated, his surprise almost insulting.
Allison let out a sigh of annoyance, rolling her eyes as she climbed out of bed. "You just wasted my fucking time," she muttered, quickly pulling on her panties and searching for her discarded shorts.
Eric sat up, watching her with a dazed expression. "We can do another round," he offered weakly, though his tone lacked any real enthusiasm. It was clear he had already mentally checked out.
"Not gonna happen," Allison shot back, slipping her shorts back on and fastening them with quick, frustrated movements. She felt a mix of disappointment and irritation, not just at Eric but at herself for expecting more from someone she barely knew.
She spotted her bra on the floor and bent to pick it up before she headed into the bathroom to fix herself up and Eric left the bedroom.
While she was putting on her bra she heard a faint noise outside the bathroom—a slight creak of the floorboards. Her head snapped up, and a jolt of unease ran through her as she noticed a shadow by the door.
Suddenly the light was turned on and she realized it was Rafe, he was leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"Oh my god," Allison muttered, startled. "Are you stalking me?"
Rafe's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with amusement as he saw she wasn't wearing a t-shirt, "Kelce isn't going to like what you did in his parent's bedroom," he commented, his tone teasing.
Allison narrowed her eyes, her annoyance flaring again. "Do I look like I care?" she snapped, pushing past him into the bedroom before she picked up her shirt off the floor and put it back on.
Rafe chuckled, following her. "You seem a bit frustrated," he observed, his voice low and mocking.
"Get lost, jerk," Allison muttered, trying to walk past him, but Rafe blocked her way. He wasn't going to let her go that easily.
"Wait," Rafe said, reaching out to grab her wrist gently but firmly. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Since that party, I've been wanting to ask you something."
Allison stopped, sighing deeply as she realized he wouldn't let her go until he got what he wanted. She turned to face him, crossing her arms defensively. "Ask me what?"
His eyes locked onto hers, the intensity of his gaze making her stomach flip. "Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked, his tone almost casual, but the question felt loaded, charged with an undercurrent of something more.
Allison hesitated, not sure why the question mattered to him. "None of your business," she replied, her voice cool as she tried to maintain her composure.
Rafe's lips quirked into a slight smile. "Is that a no?" he pressed, his gaze never wavering. "I mean, you just hooked up with that guy, so I hope you don't."
Allison bristled at his persistence. "Is there no one else at this party you can bother?" she shot back, exasperated.
"Not really," Rafe replied with a shrug, his expression completely unbothered by her hostility.
"Hard to believe that. I'm sure girls are literally throwing themselves at you," Allison said, her tone biting, trying to put some distance between them.
"Oh, you're sure?" Rafe's grin widened, his eyes dancing with amusement. "So you think I'm hot?"
"I didn't say that," Allison retorted quickly, feeling her face flush. "I just noticed they were looking at you and being all flirty."
"So you were paying attention to who was flirting with me?" Rafe asked, leaning in slightly, his grin turning almost predatory. "Interesting."
"No. Stop twisting my words," Allison said, her annoyance growing. "I don't even have to pay attention to see that."
"Well, they are not as interesting as you," Rafe said, his voice softening as he looked at her with a mix of intrigue and something else she couldn't quite place.
"That's too bad. I'm not interested in you," Allison shot back, crossing her arms more tightly, as if that could keep him at bay.
Rafe smiled, unphased. "See, I just think you're playing hard to get." He leaned closer, and she could feel the heat of his body, the intensity of his presence. "And I like a challenge."
His fingers lightly trailed down her spine, sending a shiver through her, and before she could protest, he gently moved her hair aside to gain access to her neck. His lips brushed against her skin, a light, teasing touch that made her breath catch in her throat.
Allison didn't push him away, though every rational part of her mind screamed that she should. Rafe's proximity, the warmth of his breath on her neck, and the way his fingers grazed her skin—it was intoxicating in a way that felt almost dangerous. She knew she was teetering on the edge of something, but she couldn't bring herself to pull back.
Sensing her hesitation, Rafe took it as encouragement. He pressed his lips more firmly against the sensitive spot below her ear, sucking gently. A soft moan escaped Allison's lips before she could stop it, her body betraying her. His hand slid down to squeeze her ass, pulling her closer against him, and she felt the unmistakable hardness of his body pressing into hers.
"Fuck," Allison mumbled, throwing her head back instinctively as her resolve crumbled.
The frustration from earlier, the dissatisfaction with Eric, all of it seemed to melt away under Rafe's touch. He had a way of getting under her skin, of making her feel things she didn't want to admit.
"I bet I can satisfy you better than that guy you were dancing with," Rafe murmured, his voice low and confident. His hands tightened their grip on her waist, his lips trailing down her neck in slow, deliberate kisses.
Allison shivered, her mind spinning as she tried to process what was happening.
"And you clearly enjoyed grinding on me last weekend," Rafe added, his tone carrying a hint of smugness.
"I didn't grind on you then," Allison protested weakly.
"Yeah, you did," Rafe replied, his voice low and sultry. "While I was giving you a massage. You didn't even realize you were doing it." His hands roamed her body with practiced ease, each touch calculated to elicit a response.
"Stop," Allison muttered, trying to regain control of herself. She placed her hands on his chest, pushing him back just enough to create some space between them. She needed to clear her head, to think. With a deep breath, she stepped away from him, putting some distance between them as she turned to leave.
But Rafe wasn't going to let her go that easily. "You could've done that five minutes ago, but you didn't," he called after her, his voice laced with amusement.
Allison didn't respond, too focused on getting away from him before she did something she'd regret. She flipped him off over her shoulder as she hurried down the hallway, but Rafe just grinned, watching her retreat with a mixture of satisfaction and frustration.
For the rest of the night, Allison tried to avoid any further encounters with Rafe, but it was impossible to shake the lingering feeling of his touch, the way he had managed to get under her skin so effortlessly.
By the time the party began to wind down, she was exhausted—mentally, physically, and emotionally. She slipped out of the house and found herself sitting on the steps of Kelce's porch, her heels discarded beside her. The cool night air felt refreshing against her skin, a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside. She rubbed her aching feet, willing herself to sober up before she made the walk home. The last thing she wanted was to face Kie's parents in her current state.
The door behind her creaked open, and she didn't bother looking up. She was too tired to deal with anyone else tonight. But the familiar voice that followed made her tense.
"What are you still doing here?" Rafe asked, his tone casual as he stepped outside, his presence once again unsettling her.
Allison rolled her eyes, not in the mood for his games. "Jessica left without me, so I'll walk back home when I sober up a bit," she replied curtly, still focused on her feet.
"I can drive you home," Rafe offered his voice surprisingly sincere.
Allison finally looked up at him, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. "Why would I want you to do that?"
"Why not? It'll be faster than walking," Rafe replied with a shrug as if the answer were obvious.
"Don't you have some girls lined up to take home?" Allison asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She didn't want to admit that the thought of being alone with him, even for a short ride, made her nervous for reasons she couldn't fully explain.
Rafe smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I can take you if you're offering," he quipped, though there was a note of seriousness in his voice that hinted at something deeper.
"I'm not offering anything," Allison shot back quickly, trying to shut down whatever he was insinuating.
"I just want to help you out, alright?" Rafe said, his tone softening, catching her off guard.
Allison sighed, knowing he was right about the drive being faster. "Okay, fine," she conceded, standing up but feeling the ground sway beneath her. She grabbed the porch railing for support, her head spinning from the mixture of alcohol and drugs still coursing through her system.
Rafe walked over to his motorcycle parked nearby and grabbed a helmet, holding it out to her. "You can wear this."
Allison stared at him in shock, the idea of riding a motorcycle in her current state was almost laughable. "Are you crazy? I'll throw up if you drive me on that motorcycle. I thought you had a car."
"I came here with a motorcycle," Rafe explained simply as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Allison groaned in frustration, sitting back down on the steps. "Never mind. I'll just wait it out," she mumbled, holding her head in her hands.
Rafe walked closer, noticing the slight tremble in her hands. "You don't look really good," he observed, his tone more concerned than teasing this time.
"Yeah, well, I don't feel good either," Allison mumbled, not bothering to hide her discomfort.
Rafe's brow furrowed in concern as he crouched down beside her. "I can get you some water if you want," he offered, his tone gentler than before.
Allison looked up at him, her annoyance tinged with confusion. "Why are you being so nice?" she asked, not used to this side of him.
Rafe sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just think we started off on the wrong foot," he admitted, his eyes meeting hers with an honesty that took her by surprise.
Allison let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with bitterness. "That's an understatement," she muttered, shaking her head.
Rafe stood up, brushing off her comment. "Okay, I'm going to get you some water," he said, heading back into the house.
"Cold water, please," Allison called after him, though her voice was softer, almost resigned.
A few moments later, Rafe returned with a bottle of cold water and sat beside her on the steps. Allison took a grateful sip, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat and clearing some of the fog from her mind.
"I shouldn't have mixed drugs with alcohol and different kinds of alcohol," Allison admitted, feeling a bit more clear-headed as she leaned back against the railing.
"Yeah, you really did go hard," Rafe agreed, watching her with a mix of curiosity and concern. It was as if he was trying to figure her out, to understand what made her tick.
"Well, I haven't been to a really good party in quite some time," Allison said, feeling a bit more relaxed as she settled into the conversation.
"So what's a girl like you doing with the Pogues?" Rafe asked, genuine curiosity in his voice as he studied her.
Allison frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. "A girl like me?" she echoed, unsure of what he was getting at.
"Yeah," Rafe replied, gesturing vaguely at her stylish outfit and confident demeanor. "Hot, pretty, and rich. You don't exactly fit in with their crowd."
Allison scoffed, rolling her eyes at his superficial assessment. "You think Pogues can't be hot?" she challenged, raising an eyebrow.
Rafe shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Not to me. They're all just lowlifes."
Allison felt a flare of anger at his casual dismissal. "That doesn't give you the right to beat the shit out of them," she shot back, her voice sharp.
Rafe's expression hardened, the playful edge disappearing. "And it doesn't mean they can put a gun to my best friend's head," he argued, his tone rising with his own frustration.
Allison sighed, realizing that this argument would go nowhere. She wasn't going to change his mind, just as he wouldn't change hers. "Okay, let's change the subject," she said, her voice softer as she tried to steer the conversation away from the escalating tension. She met his gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. "That cocaine was good quality. Where did you get it?"
Rafe's expression relaxed slightly, a hint of a smile returning as he recognized the shift in the conversation. "Yeah, it is. I have more if you want," he offered, his tone lightening.
Allison shook her head, the thought of more drugs making her stomach churn. "Definitely not right now. But seriously, where did you get it?"
"Barry," Rafe replied simply. His eyes scanned her face, noticing the slight flush of her cheeks and the way her shoulders had finally relaxed. "Are you feeling any better?"
"Yeah, a little bit," Allison admitted, taking another sip of the water.
"Let's get you home, then," Rafe said, standing up and extending his hand to her.
Allison looked up at him, still hesitant. "What if I don't feel good on the ride?" she asked, the prospect of getting on a motorcycle with him still making her nervous.
"If you don't feel good, I'll stop driving," Rafe promised, his voice steady and reassuring. "Come on. I'm not going to sit here all night."
Allison sighed, realizing that she didn't have many options. She placed the water bottle in her purse and slipped her heels back on, though she winced slightly at the pressure on her feet. She took Rafe's hand, allowing him to help her up, and felt a surprising sense of steadiness as he steadied her. Rafe handed her the helmet and, with a surprising amount of care, fastened it under her chin.
He swung his leg over the bike and offered her a hand, Allison hesitated for a moment. She was about to effectively mold her body to Rafe Cameron's, and the thought made her stomach flip for more reasons than one.
After a moment of hesitation, she climbed on behind him. The feeling of molding her body to his was both thrilling and unsettling, her front pressed flush against his back as she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
"Ready?" Rafe asked, his voice vibrating through her body as he turned his head slightly to look at her.
"Yeah," Allison replied, her voice muffled by the helmet. She squeezed her eyes shut as the engine roared to life beneath her, the vibration of the bike reverberating through her entire body.
As they sped through the quiet streets, the wind whipped against her skin, pulling her further into the present moment. The initial rush of fear began to subside, replaced by an unexpected sense of exhilaration. The night air was cool, and crisp, and carried the scent of saltwater and pine, grounding her as the world rushed by in a blur of lights and shadows. Despite herself, she found a small part of her enjoying the ride, the sense of freedom it offered, as if the weight of the night was being left behind with each passing mile.
But even with the thrill of the ride, Allison remained acutely aware of the man in front of her. Every time Rafe leaned into a turn, she tightened her grip around his waist, feeling the solid strength of his body through the layers of his clothes. It was an intimacy she wasn't prepared for, especially not with him, but it was undeniable. She couldn't ignore the way his presence made her feel—unsettled, intrigued, and a little bit reckless.
When they finally came to a stop, the engine's rumble fading into silence, Allison hesitated to let go. She kept her arms wrapped around him for just a moment longer, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cool night air. It wasn't until she realized they had reached her destination that she reluctantly peeled herself away from him, climbing off the bike with shaky legs.
She took a deep breath, her heart still racing from the ride, and removed the helmet, handing it back to Rafe. Her head felt slightly clearer, but the buzz from the night's events lingered, making everything feel a little surreal.
Rafe watched her with a knowing smirk as she steadied herself. "You okay, princess?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
"Don't call me princess," Allison snapped back, her usual feistiness returning as she tried to regain some semblance of control. She took a step back, but her knees buckled slightly from the lingering effects of the night. Rafe was quick to catch her, his hands firm on her arms as he guided her to sit down on the grass.
"Let me sit down," Allison muttered, feeling the world tilt slightly as she sank onto the cool ground. "I'm never drinking and riding on that bike again," she added, her voice a mix of exasperation and relief.
Rafe laughed, crouching down beside her. "That's a lie," he said, his tone teasing but not unkind.
Allison couldn't help but smile, despite herself. "Thanks for the ride, but you can go now," she said, trying to dismiss him, though part of her was surprised at how comfortable she felt with him there.
Rafe, however, wasn't so easily deterred. He kneeled in front of her, his grin never faltering. "Not until you give me your number," he said, holding out his phone expectantly.
Allison raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Isn't it enough that you know where I live?" she questioned, her tone wary.
"Not nearly enough," Rafe replied, his smile widening as he waited.
She sighed, the fatigue from the night catching up with her. "I don't know if I want to give you my number," she admitted, half expecting him to press further.
But Rafe remained unfazed. "Oh, come on," he said, rolling his eyes slightly. "You see, I'm not as bad as you think."
Allison looked at him, trying to gauge his sincerity. Despite everything she knew about him, or thought she knew, there was something about the way he looked at her now that was disarming, almost genuine. "I've seen nothing," she replied flatly, though her tone had softened.
Just as Rafe was about to say something, a light flickered on inside the house, illuminating the yard. Allison's heart skipped a beat as she realized someone might be coming to check on her.
"Oh, shit," she muttered, grabbing Rafe's hand and pulling him with her as they quickly moved to the other side of the house, away from the prying eyes.
Rafe followed her without question, curiosity piqued. "Why are we sneaking around?" he asked, amused by the sudden urgency in her actions.
Allison peeked around the corner, making sure the coast was clear before answering. "Someone from the house almost saw us," she whispered, still holding his hand as they crouched under a window.
Rafe raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the situation. "I'm sure it would be so bad if someone saw you with me," he said sarcastically.
"No," Allison shook her head, her voice low and urgent. "It would be bad if they saw me drunk and high. I can barely stand."
Rafe chuckled softly, clearly entertained by her predicament. "How did you run then, huh?" he teased, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You've got more energy than you think."
Allison rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "That's not the point. You're gonna give me a boost so I can climb up into my room," she said, changing the subject as she looked up at the window she had left slightly open before leaving for the party.
Rafe's grin widened. "Are you gonna help me climb up too?" he asked, the cocky smile returning.
"No, Rafe," Allison whispered back, exasperated. "Just help me, please. I'll give you my number."
"Give me your number first," Rafe insisted, pulling out his phone and handing it to her.
Allison rolled her eyes again but took his phone, quickly typing in her number before handing it back to him. "There you go. Now let's just get this over with."
"When you climb up, I'm going to call you," Rafe warned, dialing her number as he spoke. "If it's a fake number, I'll let everyone know you're here."
"Are you serious?" Allison stared at him, trying to gauge if he was joking or not.
"Dead serious," Rafe replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He cupped his hands for her to step on, ready to give her the boost she needed.
Allison sighed, muttering under her breath, "You just proved once again that you're a jerk," before stepping onto his hands. She used his shoulder and the windowsill for support as he hoisted her up. With a final push, she managed to pull herself through the window and into her room.
Once inside, she leaned out the window, whispering, "Thank you," before trying to close the window, but Rafe stopped her.
"Wait," he said, holding up his phone. He pressed the call button, and a second later, Allison's phone buzzed in her purse.
She showed him the screen, where his call was displayed, and Rafe smiled widely, clearly pleased. "Well, thank you. We'll have to do this again sometime," he said with a grin.
A chuckle escaped Allison's lips despite her best efforts to stay annoyed with him. "I don't think so," she replied, shaking her head.
"Good night, princess," Rafe winked at her before turning to walk back to his motorcycle.
Allison watched him for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Despite everything—his arrogance, his recklessness, his infuriating charm—she couldn't help but feel that tonight had changed something between them. She wasn't sure what it was, but as she closed the window and leaned back against the wall, she knew one thing for certain: Rafe Cameron was not as easy to figure out as she had once thought. And maybe, just maybe, she didn't want to stay away from him as much as she had convinced herself she should.