Allison slept late into Sunday, the exhaustion from the night before clinging to her like a heavy blanket. When she finally stirred, the sunlight filtering through the curtains was already slanting toward late afternoon, and the gnawing hunger in her stomach was impossible to ignore. She dragged herself out of bed, her movements sluggish, and made her way to the kitchen. Only after she had eaten—devouring a breakfast that felt more like a feast—did the events of the previous night begin to creep back into her consciousness.
Fragments of memory flashed in her mind: Rafe's smirk as he offered her a ride, the powerful engine of his motorcycle beneath her, the thrill that had coursed through her as they sped through the night. She could almost feel the rush of wind on her face again, her heart beating wildly as she clung to his solid frame. A pang of embarrassment followed, and she shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. It was just the alcohol and drugs, she told herself, nothing more.
She headed to the bathroom, craving the cleansing touch of warm water to wash away the remnants of the night. As she stepped into the shower, the steam enveloped her, and she closed her eyes, letting the water cascade over her. The sensation was soothing, but as she relaxed, her mind betrayed her. The adrenaline rush of riding behind Rafe resurfaced, unbidden, and with it, a flood of vivid memories. She could still feel the way her thighs had pressed against his, his firm muscles beneath her hands, the vibrations of the motorcycle pulsing between her legs. The memory made her flush with a mix of arousal and shame.
The images grew more intense as she remembered how broad he had felt beneath her touch, how safe and thrilling it had been to hold onto him. The echo of Rafe's lips brushing against her neck sent a shiver down her spine. Without thinking, Allison's hand drifted down to her inner thigh, her fingers ghosting over her skin. The sensation made her breath hitch, and she cursed herself silently. She didn't want to think about him like this—didn't want to be affected by him.
But the memories wouldn't let her go. She grabbed the shower head, adjusting the pressure and directing the stream toward her breasts. The water hit her nipples, making them harden instantly, and a soft moan escaped her lips. As her hand moved between her legs, she stroked herself, her mind unable to detach from the thought of Rafe. She pressed the shower head against her clit, the intense stimulation causing a violent wave of pleasure to surge through her body. Her legs trembled as she reached for the wall to steady herself, and within moments, the intensity of her orgasm had her gasping for breath.
"Fuck..." Allison breathed out, her body quivering in the aftermath. She stood under the spray for a moment longer, the water mingling with the aftershocks of pleasure, making her clit tingle as she rinsed herself off. She exited the shower and wrapped herself in a soft bathrobe, her hair in a towel, before collapsing onto her bed.
As she lay there, her heart still racing, she checked her phone for any new messages. There were none. A wave of self-reproach hit her as she thought back to what had just happened."Did I really just do that?"she muttered to herself."Did I really just masturbate to the thought of Rafe Cameron?"The thought was mortifying, and she rubbed her forehead, sighing deeply. This, she decided, it was partly Eric's fault for leaving her so unsatisfied the night before—and partly Rafe's, for creeping into her thoughts in ways she hadn't expected.
The rest of the day passed in a haze of normalcy, but the memories of Rafe lingered like an unwelcome guest. Allison stayed home, watching episodes of Supernatural and trying to keep her mind occupied. Kie's parents were at work, and Kie herself was off with the Pogues, leaving Allison with plenty of time to herself. Though she considered joining Kie and the others, she ultimately decided against it. She kept telling herself she wasn't waiting for a message from Rafe, but the truth was harder to ignore.
・ • ・ • ・
The next day, Allison found herself working at The Wreck, helping out like she usually did. The routine was comforting, the familiar sights and sounds of the restaurant grounding her. She was wiping down the counter when Kie and her friends walked in, their laughter filling the space.
"Hey, Dad. Hey, sis," Kie greeted as she entered, her smile bright and infectious.
"Hey," Mike replied with a smile, nodding at the group.
"Hey, boys," Allison greeted the rest of the Pogues, who moved to the back of the restaurant with easy familiarity.
"Where have you been, Allison?" JJ asked his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity. "You've been MIA."
"Out and about," Allison replied nonchalantly, not wanting to dive into the details of her recent encounters with the Kooks. "But I did hang out with Jordan a few days ago," she added, leaning on the counter with a casual shrug.
JJ's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh really? You did?"
Jordan, who had been quietly observing the conversation, shrugged as well. "What? Am I supposed to tell you guys everything?"
"Yes, especially when it includes a hot chick," JJ retorted, grinning mischievously.
"Shut up, JJ," Kie interjected, rolling her eyes as she overheard. "And sit down."
The boys sighed in mock defeat, taking seats at the table while Mike asked Allison to prepare some leftover food for them. Kie joined her behind the counter, and they worked together in comfortable silence. Once the food was ready, Allison carried it to the bar, where she exchanged a smile with Jordan.
Just as she settled into the routine, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, and her breath caught when she saw the name on the screen: Rafe. Three new messages waited for her.
Rafe: Hey, princess, miss me?
Rafe: I just wanted to see if you want to hang out.
Rafe: Tonight?
Allison couldn't help but roll her eyes at the first message. It was so typical of him, full of arrogant charm. She quickly typed a reply, her fingers moving faster than her thoughts. "I'm at work."
Rafe's response was almost immediate.
Rafe: When are you going to finish? I'll pick you up.
Allison hesitated, her heart beating a little faster. Part of her wanted to say no, to keep her distance. But the other part—the part that had been haunted by thoughts of him all day—was harder to silence. "No," she typed quickly, adding, "I mean, I have to take a shower and change clothes."
Rafe: So you wanna hang or not?
Allison bit her lip, torn between her desire to maintain control and the undeniable pull she felt toward him. After a moment's thought, she typed, "Yes, I do. Pick me up at the house in two hours."
Rafe: I will.
A small smile tugged at her lips despite herself, and she slipped her phone back into her pocket. She glanced over at Kie, who was dancing with John B, and decided it was time to let Mike know she'd be leaving soon. As she headed toward the door, she felt Jordan's arm wrap around her shoulders.
"Hey, beautiful," Jordan greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hey," Allison replied, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"Wanna join us, or sneak out for a bit?" Jordan asked, his tone playful.
"Uh, neither," Allison replied, guilt tugging at her. "I have plans with Jessica and need to go home soon." The lie slipped out before she could stop it. She hated lying, but she didn't want anyone to know she was meeting Rafe.
"That's too bad," Jordan said, dropping his arm, though his disappointment was clear.
"I'll make it up to you," Allison promised, her voice soft. "We can watch a movie together."
"Yeah, Kie mentioned that. Pope and JJ are probably coming too," Jordan said, a hint of a smile returning.
"Great, we can sneak away from them," Allison whispered, making Jordan smirk.
"Looking forward to it," he replied.
Allison gave him a quick peck on the lips before saying goodbye to everyone and leaving The Wreck.
・ • ・ • ・
Back home, Allison had an hour to get ready before Rafe arrived. She hoped he wouldn't show up earlier than expected, giving her enough time to prepare. After finishing her makeup, she slipped into a pair of Texas shorts, a black top, and a leather jacket, anticipating another motorcycle ride. But when she heard a horn outside and saw Rafe in a jeep instead, she couldn't help but smirk.
"No motorcycle this time, and I got ready for it," Allison remarked, showing off her leather jacket as she slid into the passenger seat.
Rafe laughed, the sound rich and unguarded. "I didn't think you liked it so much."
Allison felt a blush creep up her cheeks, remembering the rush of adrenaline—and the aftermath in the shower the following day. "You have no idea," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of honesty and teasing. "Where are we going? To a party?" she asked, curious about his plans.
"You'll see," Rafe replied, keeping the destination a mystery as he drove. His tone was playful, but there was an undercurrent of something more—anticipation, perhaps, or even excitement. It was as if he enjoyed keeping her guessing, and Allison couldn't help but feel a mix of irritation and curiosity.
As they left the familiar streets behind, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over everything. Allison watched the landscape change, her mind whirring with possibilities. She stole a glance at Rafe, his expression focused yet relaxed as he navigated the winding roads. There was a confidence in the way he drove, a sense of control that both unnerved and intrigued her.
When the jeep finally came to a stop, Allison realized they had arrived at a familiar place—a country club. She couldn't hide the surprise in her voice as she asked, "You seriously brought me to a country club?"
Rafe turned to her with a smirk. "I reserved a table for us. We can have a drink and dinner."
Allison raised an eyebrow, her suspicion growing. "I thought we were hanging out, not going on a date."
Rafe shrugged casually, unbothered by her resistance. "Call it what you want."
She was about to protest further, but the hostess arrived to escort them to a private booth. The setting was elegant, the kind of place where the affluent dined without a second thought. As they settled into their seats, Allison felt a mix of discomfort and curiosity. This wasn't what she had expected, but then again, Rafe had a way of keeping her on her toes.
They ordered wine and food, and for a moment, an awkward silence settled between them. Allison sipped her wine, letting the rich taste linger on her tongue, trying to figure out what game Rafe was playing. But when he finally broke the silence, it was with a question that caught her off guard.
"So, where do you work?" he asked, his tone casual but genuinely curious.
"At The Wreck," Allison replied, still studying him, wondering where this conversation was headed.
"You don't seem like someone who would work there," Rafe noted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed her.
Allison shrugged, her defenses rising. "I'm just helping out. I don't need the money." She paused, then added, "I met your sister, Sarah. She's definitely nicer than you."
Rafe's expression soured slightly, though he quickly masked it. "You don't know her as well as you think," he said, the words carrying a hint of bitterness. He was quick to change the subject. "So, you moved here for the summer?"
"Yeah," Allison nodded, taking another sip of wine. "But I lived here when I was little. We moved to New York when I was seven."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food, and Allison couldn't help but feel relieved. She was still trying to figure Rafe out, and the wine wasn't helping her keep her thoughts straight. She reached for her glass, knowing she'd need a lot of it to get through the evening without losing her cool.
"So, do you usually go hard at parties, or was the other night an exception?" Rafe asked after a few bites of food, his tone teasing but with a genuine interest behind the words.
Allison laughed softly, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. "I love parties," she admitted. "But I was also at boarding school for the past three years, so we weren't allowed to drink, let alone do drugs."
"Why boarding school?" Rafe asked, leaning in slightly as if he were trying to get a better read on her.
Allison sighed, not really wanting to delve into the past, but feeling oddly compelled to be honest with him. "Long story."
"We have the whole night," Rafe prompted, his voice encouraging.
She took a deep breath, deciding to give him the condensed version. "Okay, well... I went to a private school in Manhattan. In my first year of high school, I started going to parties with a lot of drugs and alcohol. I got into a relationship with an older guy who did drugs with me. My parents found out and sent me to boarding school."
"And you still do drugs?" Rafe asked, his tone more curious than judgmental.
"They won't find out this time," Allison said, pressing a finger to her lips in a mock gesture of secrecy.
Rafe grinned, clearly amused. "I like you."
Allison stared at him, not sure how to take that. "But don't think you have a chance," she said firmly, though there was a small part of her that wasn't entirely convinced.
"Well, you're here with me, aren't you?" Rafe shrugged, his smile widening. "So I'm still winning more than some other dude."
"No, you're not," Allison argued, though her tone lacked the sharpness she had intended.
Rafe chuckled, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth. "I think we need more wine," he said, signaling the waitress for another bottle.
"Yeah, we do if you don't want me to leave sooner than expected," Allison agreed, though she couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her as the alcohol began to take effect.
"Definitely don't want that," Rafe smirked, pouring more wine into their glasses.
As the evening wore on, they continued to drink, the wine loosening their tongues and breaking down the barriers between them. Allison didn't realize how close she had moved to Rafe until she found herself laughing at something he said, her hand resting lightly on his arm. She quickly pulled back, but the moment hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Sorry, wine makes me touchy," Allison apologized, her cheeks flushed with both alcohol and embarrassment.
"I don't mind, princess," Rafe replied smoothly, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"Why do you call me princess?" Allison asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Because you don't like it," Rafe replied simply, his lips curving into a smirk.
Allison laughed, the sound a bit louder than she intended. "Of course, you want to irritate me."
"And I see it's working," Rafe smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Allison playfully swatted his shoulder, but her hand lingered longer than it should have. "You're such a jerk."
"And you're touching me again," Rafe pointed out, clearly pleased with himself.
Allison rolled her eyes, finishing the last of her wine. Just then, the waitress approached, informing them that the restaurant was closing soon. They exchanged a glance, surprised at how quickly the time had passed.
Rafe paid the bill, ignoring Allison's half-hearted protests to split the cost.
"Just don't touch me, I can walk on my own," Allison insisted as they stood up, the wine making her feel a bit unsteady.
Rafe raised his hands in surrender. "If you say so." He grabbed the remaining wine bottle, clearly not wanting it to go to waste.
Allison walked ahead, determined to maintain her dignity, but the more she walked, the more her legs felt like jelly, especially in her high heels.
She groaned in frustration as she leaned against a wall to remove them. "Ugh, I hate heels."
"Why do you wear them, then?" Rafe asked, amused by her struggle.
"Because I look good in them," Allison replied defiantly, though she couldn't help but laugh at herself.
"You don't look good if you can't walk in them," Rafe teased his tone light but his eyes warm.
"Thanks for the compliment, jerk," Allison muttered, walking barefoot toward the car.
"You're welcome," Rafe said, following her closely, ready to catch her if she stumbled.
Once inside the car, Rafe offered her the wine bottle. "Want more?"
Allison took it from him with a grateful smile. "Yes, good thinking to take that with you," she said, finishing the remaining wine in a few long gulps.
"I'm going to need something stronger," Rafe said, reaching into the center console and pulling out a small bag of white powder.
"Is that cocaine?" Allison asked her tone a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Yeah," Rafe replied, spreading some out on the console and cutting it into two lines. "You want one?"
Allison hesitated, her mind flashing back to the last time she had done cocaine. But the wine had dulled her inhibitions, and the thought of saying no seemed impossible. "Yeah, I want one," she finally said.
"Go ahead," Rafe smirked, handing her a rolled-up dollar bill.
Allison leaned down, snorting the line quickly, the familiar burn and rush of euphoria hitting her almost instantly. She leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes as the sensation spread through her body, making everything feel sharp and vivid.
"You good?" Rafe asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern beneath the bravado.
"I feel great," Allison replied, a smile spreading across her face.
Rafe snorted his line even faster than she had, sniffing and wiping his nose with a satisfied grin. "Fuck, that hits."
"It sure does," Allison agreed, her body buzzing with energy. "And it's so hot in here." She shrugged off her leather jacket, tossing it aside.
Rafe's eyes followed her movements, his gaze lingering on her now-exposed skin. "You're hot."
Allison chuckled, feeling a rush of heat that had nothing to do with the temperature. "You're not so bad yourself, Cameron."
"So you know my last name. Interesting," Rafe remarked, a note of intrigue in his voice as he leaned in closer.
Allison hesitated, her pulse quickening as she looked at him. The mixture of alcohol, drugs, and Rafe's undeniable allure had eroded the walls she usually kept firmly in place. She bit her lower lip, thinking back to the moments she'd spent scrolling through his Instagram, scrutinizing each photo. "I might have looked for your Instagram," she admitted quietly, feeling a little embarrassed by the confession.
Rafe's eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise. "Oh, you did? Did you like what you saw?"
Allison's thoughts drifted to a particular photo of him on the beach, shirtless and carefree, the sun highlighting the hard lines of his muscles. She felt a flush creep up her neck, the memory of his toned body making her heart race. She uncrossed and recrossed her legs, trying to regain some composure, but Rafe's intense gaze didn't help.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat.
Rafe's smirk grew, and he placed a hand on her thigh, gently uncrossing her legs again. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her breath catch in her throat.
"Rafe," Allison breathed out, her head turning slightly to meet his eyes, realizing just how close they had become.
The car's interior felt suddenly smaller, more intimate as if the space between them had shrunk to nothing. She could feel his breath against her lips, and the way his fingers stroked her thigh sent shivers up her spine. "What?" Rafe murmured, his voice low and laden with desire. His hand moved higher, his fingers teasing the hem of her shorts as he maintained eye contact. "Tell me what you want."
Allison's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions, but at that moment, only one thing was clear—she wanted him. The logical part of her brain was drowned out by the surge of desire that coursed through her. She could feel the heat between them intensify, the air thick with anticipation.
"Backseat," Allison managed to say, her voice shaky but resolute. She needed more, and she needed it now.
Rafe didn't need to be told twice. Without a word, they both climbed into the backseat, the confined space adding to the urgency of their movements. As soon as they were settled, their lips met in a hungry, fevered kiss. Allison straddled him, her fingers already working on the buttons of his shirt, the fabric sliding up as she tugged it down his shoulders. Her hands skimmed over his chiseled abs, the feel of his warm skin under her fingers making her pulse race.
They paused just long enough to toss his shirt aside, then resumed their passionate embrace. Allison moaned softly against his lips as his hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve with a mix of tenderness and raw hunger. She could feel the tension building between them, the heat of their desire almost unbearable.
"This is what I like," Allison purred, her fingers tracing the hard lines of his abs, reveling in the feel of his taut muscles beneath her touch.
"My abs?" Rafe asked, a chuckle rumbling in his chest, though his eyes were dark with lust.
"I like guys who work out," Allison replied, biting her lip as she admired his physique, feeling her arousal deepen at the sight of him.
Rafe grinned devilishly, his hands slipping under her top and pulling it over her head, tossing it into the front seat with little regard. His eyes darkened with appreciation as he took in the sight of her in a red lace bra, the color a striking contrast against her skin. The bra was both delicate and fierce, perfectly embodying the mix of fire and vulnerability that she exuded.
Rafe's hands roamed over her exposed skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Allison's breath hitched as she started kissing his neck, grinding her hips against his with increasing urgency. She was pleased to feel the hardness pressing against the fly of his pants, a clear sign that he was just as affected as she was. Her fingers moved to unbuckle his belt, her touch brushing against his growing erection.
Rafe groaned as she freed him from his pants, his arousal straining against his boxers. His lips trailed down her neck, eliciting a breathless moan from her as he explored the sensitive skin there.
"Rafe," Allison gasped, her hands tangling in his hair as she arched into his touch, her body craving more.
He smirked against her skin, his hands skillfully removing her shorts and panties in one smooth motion. As soon as she was fully exposed, Rafe's hand slipped between her legs, his fingers gliding through her slick folds with expert precision. Allison's moans grew louder as he teased her clit, his touch light but purposeful, driving her wild with anticipation.
Her body responded to his every movement, her hips twisting and bucking against his hand as she lost herself in the sensation. "Please," she whispered, her voice heavy with need, her eyes pleading for more.
Rafe didn't make her wait any longer. His lips found hers again, their kiss deep and heated as his fingers continued their tormenting rhythm. He slid two fingers inside her, thrusting roughly, and the intensity of the sensation made Allison cry out in pleasure. Her nails raked down his back, leaving marks as she held on for dear life.
Rafe's fingers worked her relentlessly, each thrust pushing her closer to the edge. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as she neared her climax, her body trembling with the effort to hold on just a little longer.
"Rafe," she moaned, her voice breaking as she felt the first waves of her orgasm crash over her.
He didn't let up, continuing to pump his fingers inside her as she came, his name falling from her lips in a litany of pleasure. The force of her release sent shockwaves through her body, leaving her shaking and breathless as she rode out the high.
As she came down from the peak, Allison's hands moved to the hem of his boxers, her fingers working deftly to free him. Rafe groaned in anticipation as she touched him, the sound vibrating through her and making her want him even more. He withdrew his fingers from her, and she whimpered at the loss, but that feeling quickly faded as she realized what was coming next.
Rafe pressed his fingers to her lips, the same fingers that had just been inside her. "Ready for something better?" he asked, his voice rough with desire.
Allison nodded, her eyes dark with lust as she licked along his fingers, tasting herself on his skin. The act sent a jolt of arousal through both of them, heightening the tension in the air. She gave his fingers one last long stroke, twirling her tongue around them before pulling back with a soft pop.
The need between them was palpable, and Allison wasted no time in helping him remove his boxers completely. Then, she slowly lowered herself onto his throbbing erection, tipping her head back and moaning as he filled her. The sensation was overwhelming, his thickness stretching her in a way that made her feel deliciously full.
She began to move, rocking her hips back and forth as he gripped her waist, guiding her rhythm. Rafe's hands dug into her flesh, pulling her down harder onto him with each thrust. Allison held onto his broad shoulders, their pace quickening as they both chased the pleasure that was just within reach.
Allison buried her head in the crook of Rafe's neck, her breath hot against his skin as she tried to stifle her screams. They moved together with an intensity that left them both breathless, the sound of their bodies coming together echoing in the confined space of the car.
Her orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, sudden and powerful. Her body shook with the force of it, her inner walls clamping tightly around him as she cried out in ecstasy. But Rafe didn't slow down—if anything, her release seemed to spur him on. He thrust into her with even more fervor, fucking her through her orgasm and pushing her towards a third one.
It wasn't long before the pleasure overwhelmed her again. Allison's body trembled violently as she was pushed over the edge for the third time, her cries growing weaker as she struggled to catch her breath. Her thighs quivered on either side of Rafe, her entire body consumed by the mind-numbing bliss he was giving her.
Rafe felt her tightening around him, the sensation driving him to the brink. With a final deep thrust, he buried himself inside her, his own release hitting him hard. His body shook as he came, digging his nails into her hips as he rode out his orgasm. The heat of their combined pleasure was almost too much to bear, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.
When it was over, they collapsed against each other, breathless and sated. The car was filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, the air thick with the scent of sex and sweat. They sat there in silence for a moment, both of them coming down from the high and relishing the satisfaction they had achieved.
Allison couldn't help but smile lazily as she rested her head against his shoulder.
"This was more than good," she murmured, her voice tinged with the afterglow of pleasure.
Rafe smirked, his fingers trailing down her spine as he looked at her with a glint in his eye. "Round two will be even better," he promised, his voice low and filled with a mixture of desire and confidence. His hands continued to trace patterns on her back, lingering on the smooth curve of her hips as if he were already planning their next encounter. Allison could feel the heat between them start to build again, but this time she pulled back slightly, giving him a teasing look.
"If you get to round two," she quipped, her tone playful as she lightly tapped his shoulder. "Now, pull your pants up and drive me home."
Rafe chuckled, the sound rich and full of amusement. He wasn't used to being told what to do, especially by someone who had just melted in his arms, but there was something about Allison's stubbornness that he found irresistibly charming. "My home?" he suggested, half-joking, half-hopeful.
"No, Rafe." Allison rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "My home."
Rafe's smirk returned, his eyes darkening with something that resembled both challenge and promise. "Next time you roll those pretty eyes, it'll be because I'm fucking you harder than I did now," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent shivers down her spine.
"Is that a promise, pretty boy?" Allison replied, her tone equally seductive as she met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down.
"Yeah, princess," Rafe responded, his smirk widening, clearly enjoying their verbal sparring as much as their physical connection.
Eventually, they both moved to get dressed, the air in the car still thick with the remnants of their passion. Rafe helped Allison back into her clothes, his hands lingering on her skin longer than necessary as if he were memorizing every curve and line. Once they were both settled in the front seats, the cool night air drifted in through the open windows, a welcome relief from the heat they'd created.
As Rafe started the engine and began to drive, Allison couldn't help but steal glances at him, her thoughts a chaotic mix of confusion, desire, and something else she couldn't quite name. Despite her initial reservations, there was no denying the strange pull she felt toward him. He was infuriating, cocky, and everything she knew she should avoid, yet there was something about him that drew her in—something that made her want to see what lay beneath the surface.
The drive back to her house was quiet, the silence between them comfortable rather than awkward. The night had taken on a different quality, a softness that seemed to wrap around them like a cocoon. Allison found herself relaxing against the seat, the tension of the day melting away as they neared her home.
When they finally arrived, Rafe parked the jeep and walked her to the door. The night air was cool against her flushed skin, and she was suddenly very aware of how close he was, his presence both comforting and electric.
"See you tomorrow?" Rafe asked, his tone hopeful but with a hint of that familiar cocky edge.
Allison hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Part of her wanted to say no, to put some distance between them before things got even more complicated. But the other part—the part that had spent the day thinking about him, craving the intensity of their connection—was harder to ignore.
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Rafe's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. It was different from the heated passion they'd shared earlier—more tender, almost sweet. "Good night, princess," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and intimate.
"Good night," Allison replied, watching him walk back to the jeep with a mix of confusion and anticipation swirling in her chest. She couldn't quite shake the feeling that things between them were far from over.
As she closed the door behind her, the quiet of the house enveloped her, the events of the night replaying in her mind. Despite everything—despite the risks, the complications, and the undeniable chaos that Rafe Cameron brought into her life—Allison couldn't help but smile.
Rafe might not be as bad as she had thought and maybe she was looking forward to seeing him again.