Allison stood in her bathroom, the soft glow of the vanity lights reflecting off the mirror as she meticulously applied the finishing touches to her makeup. The anticipation for the Midsummer Party buzzed in the air, but beneath the surface, her emotions were tangled in a web of confusion and excitement. The elegant dress she wore hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her natural beauty with a hint of understated sophistication.
When she finally stepped back into her room, she found Kie sitting on her bed, already dressed in a lovely purple gown that flowed around her like a cascade of twilight. Tiny flowers adorned her hair, giving her an ethereal, almost otherworldly beauty.
Allison couldn't help but gasp in admiration."Wow, Kie, you look beautiful," Allison exclaimed, her eyes wide with genuine awe.
Kie's head turned toward her sister, a smile blooming on her lips as she took in Allison's appearance. The short, elegant dress Allison wore was the perfect blend of chic and sexy, enhancing her already striking features.
"No, look at you, you look beautiful," Kie countered, her tone filled with sisterly pride.
Allison returned the smile, a rare moment of mutual appreciation between them.
She stepped closer to the mirror, turning slightly to admire her reflection. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of self-consciousness that only her sister would notice.
Kie, however, wasn't in the mood for the festivities. She let out a frustrated sigh, her earlier excitement dampened by the thought of what the evening would entail. "I can't believe my parents are making me go to this stupid thing," she grumbled, her tone thick with disdain.
Allison shrugged, trying to be optimistic. "It can be fun," she offered, though she knew better than anyone how these parties could be—stiff, pretentious, and filled with people who barely noticed each other, too consumed by their own self-importance.
Kie, however, wasn't swayed. "No, trust me, it can't," she insisted. "Too many kooks in one place can never be fun." The finality in her voice left no room for argument.
Just as the tension between them threatened to resurface, they heard Kie's mother's voice calling from downstairs, a sharp reminder that the party awaited them. The sisters exchanged a knowing look before heading out, both bracing themselves for the night ahead.
・ • ・ • ・
The Island Club was a dazzling spectacle, the grandeur of the event amplified by the warm, golden lights that adorned the venue. Everything was meticulously arranged, from the tables overflowing with gourmet food to the soft strains of music that filled the air. It was the kind of party where appearances mattered more than connections, and everyone was eager to show off their best.
Kie's grip on Allison's hand tightened as they arrived, her anxiety palpable as she scanned the crowd. "Our boys are here," she said, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Pope and Jordan working at the food station.
Kie wasted no time, dragging Allison toward them with a mischievous grin. The two boys had their backs turned, and focused on their tasks, giving Kie the perfect opportunity to tease them. She leaned in, adopting a playful British accent. "Excuse me, sir. Do we have to shuck these ourselves?" she asked, her voice dripping with faux sophistication.
Both boys turned around, their faces set in annoyed expressions that quickly morphed into laughter when they realized who it was. Allison, catching on to Kie's game, joined in with her own terrible British accent. "Because it might mess up our costumes," she added, trying to suppress her giggles.
Jordan and Pope couldn't help but laugh, their previous frustration melting away as they greeted their friends.
"We wouldn't want that now, would we?" Pope said, grinning as he performed the Pogue handshake with Kie.
Allison opted for a hug with Jordan, her heart skipping a beat when his arms wrapped around her.
"That accent was bad," Jordan teased as he pulled back, his smile warm and genuine.
"It was. I was gonna let it go," Kie agreed, still chuckling. But as they looked around, the reality of where they were began to sink in. "You ever seen this many kooks in one place?" Kie asked, her tone tinged with unease.
Pope nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Yeah, last year."
"We're in the lion's den," Kie muttered, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
"Exactly," Jordan agreed, his gaze following hers. He then turned back to Allison, his eyes softening as he took in her appearance. "Wow, you look beautiful," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Allison blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you," she replied, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his voice.
Their moment was interrupted by a sudden burst of applause from the crowd. The four of them turned to see the Cameron family making their grand entrance, their presence commanding attention like royalty. Allison's eyes were immediately drawn to Rafe, who was already deep in conversation with his fellow kooks. He looked every bit the part of the golden boy—handsome, confident, and dangerously charming.
"Here comes Lord Capital and the Exploiters," Kie muttered, her disdain for the Cameron family evident in every word.
"She's definitely going to poke somebody's eyes out with that," Pope commented, nodding toward Rose's extravagant headpiece, which seemed to scream for attention.
Allison forced a smile, the tension in her chest tightening as she watched Rafe from across the room. "I'm going to need a drink if I want to get through this party," she muttered, more to herself than to the others. The idea of facing Rafe in this setting, with so many eyes around, made her uneasy.
Without waiting for a response, Allison excused herself and made her way to the bar. She ordered a glass of white wine, grateful for the slight buzz that came with it. The first glass went down easily, the alcohol soothing her nerves. By the time she was halfway through her second, she had positioned herself across from Jordan, who was still busy at the grill. They exchanged occasional smiles, each one a brief moment of connection in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
Just as Allison was beginning to feel a semblance of calm, she sensed someone approaching from behind. The familiar scent of cologne mixed with the subtle rustle of a suit jacket sent her heart racing. She recognized the light baby blue suit before she even turned her head.
"Hey, Allison," Rafe's voice was soft, almost gentle, a far cry from the tense conversations they'd had before.
Allison forced a small smile, her mind scrambling to keep her emotions in check. "Hey," she replied, her voice steady, though the sight of him so close made her pulse quicken.
Rafe moved to stand directly in front of her, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip. "Are you going to talk to me now?" he asked, his tone laced with an undercurrent of something that sounded like regret.
"It's not like I didn't talk to you when you came to the restaurant," Allison countered, looking up at him through her lashes. He seemed different tonight—sober, almost vulnerable.
"Yeah, you did," Rafe nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before he looked back at her. "But are you still mad at me?"
Allison downed the rest of her drink, the alcohol giving her the courage to speak her mind. "We should talk somewhere else. Meet me in the locker room in five minutes."
Rafe nodded, his expression unreadable as he watched her walk away. He knew Jordan was watching them, and the idea of provoking him brought a twisted smile to his lips. Finishing his drink, Rafe headed inside, his mind already racing with possibilities.
The locker room was dimly lit, the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights the only sound as Allison paced nervously. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a reminder of the conflicted feelings she had for Rafe. She wasn't sure what she wanted—whether this conversation would bring closure or pull her deeper into something she wasn't ready to face.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"It's me," Rafe's voice came from the other side, the familiar drawl sending a shiver down her spine.
Allison unlocked the door, letting him and she quickly closed the door before turning back to Rafe. "Did anyone see you?" she asked, her voice low and cautious.
Rafe shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "I don't think so. What, you don't want to be seen with me?" His tone was light, teasing, but there was an edge to it that made Allison's stomach twist.
"I don't think that would be a good thing," Allison muttered, avoiding his gaze. The idea of anyone finding out about them sent a wave of panic through her.
"Because your little Pogue friends wouldn't like it," Rafe stated, his voice dripping with contempt.
Allison let out a bitter laugh, the irony of the situation not lost on her. "I'm sleeping with the enemy," she remarked, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.
"I'm not your enemy," Rafe told her, stepping closer, his eyes locked onto hers.
Allison met his gaze, the sincerity in his blue eyes catching her off guard. But as much as she wanted to believe him, the truth of their situation weighed heavily on her. She sighed, looking down at the floor, her emotions a tangled mess. "Maybe we should stop seeing each other," she suggested, though her voice lacked conviction. Deep down, she wasn't sure if she really wanted to end things with Rafe.
Rafe chuckled, a sound that was both amused and frustrated. "That's not gonna happen," he said, his voice firm, as if the very idea was absurd.
Allison looked up at him, his proximity making her heart race. He was so close now, she could feel the heat radiating off him. "Rafe," she began, but her words faltered when he gently placed his hand on her jawline, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek.
"You don't really want that," Rafe said softly, his voice a low, hypnotic murmur that sent shivers down her spine. "You're just scared of what the Pogues will think."
And he was right. As much as she hated to admit it, that was exactly what she was afraid of. The thought of her friends finding out about her and Rafe—especially Jordan and Kie—filled her with a deep sense of dread. She could already imagine their looks of betrayal, the accusations, the disappointment. But there was something about Rafe that pulled her in, something she couldn't easily walk away from.
"Then... can we at least keep this a secret?" Allison asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She wasn't ready to give him up, but she also wasn't ready to deal with the fallout.
Rafe hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers. He didn't like the idea of sneaking around, and didn't like sharing her attention with anyone else, especially the Pogues. But he also knew that this was the only way to keep seeing her. He finally nodded, his hand still cradling her face. "Okay, as long as I get to see you, we can keep it a secret."
Allison was surprised by his willingness to compromise, a smile slowly spreading across her lips. "Really?" she asked, a mix of relief and disbelief in her voice.
"Yeah, really," Rafe confirmed, his own smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "Now before I change my mind."
Before Allison could respond, he swiftly lifted her off the floor, his hands gripping her thighs as he pinned her against the wall. Allison gasped in surprise, but her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer.
Rafe's lips crashed against hers in a hungry, desperate kiss, their tongues battling for dominance. He could feel the tension in her body, the way she melted into him, and it only fueled his desire. His hands roamed up her sides, his fingers digging into her skin as if he couldn't get close enough.
Without breaking the kiss, Rafe carried her over to the counter, setting her down as he positioned himself between her legs. His hands slid up her thighs, pushing the fabric of her dress higher as he explored her skin. Allison's breath hitched when his fingers brushed against her, her own hands tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.
But then she broke the kiss, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Someone will notice we're gone," she whispered, though her words lacked any real urgency. The last thing she wanted right now was to stop.
"Then we better make it quick," Rafe replied, his lips already trailing down her neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. He sucked gently at the sensitive spot just below her ear, and Allison couldn't help the soft moan that escaped her lips.
"Sure you won't be begging for more?" Allison teased, though her voice was already thick with arousal.
Rafe's hand moved to her throat, his grip firm but gentle as he brought his lips to her ear. "After I'm done with you, you'll be the one begging for more," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin, making her shiver.
His hand slid beneath her dress, his fingers finding their way to her panties. He could feel the heat radiating from her, the wetness that betrayed how much she wanted him. With a smirk, he slipped his finger beneath the fabric, teasing her entrance with slow, deliberate strokes.
Allison gasped, her head falling back against the wall as Rafe continued to torment her with feather-light touches. Her fingers tightened in his hair, her body arching toward him, silently begging for more. But Rafe was in no rush. He wanted to savor every moment, every reaction he pulled from her.
He hooked his fingers around the waistband of her panties, sliding them down her legs and tossing them aside. The cool air hit her skin, sending a shiver through her, but it was quickly replaced by the warmth of Rafe's mouth as he kissed his way down her inner thigh.
Without warning, Rafe dropped to his knees, his hands spreading her legs wider as he positioned himself between them. He pressed a kiss to her thigh, then moved closer, his breath hot against her center. The anticipation was almost unbearable, but when his tongue finally flicked out to taste her, the pleasure was immediate and overwhelming.
Allison's hands flew to the counter behind her, trying to steady herself as Rafe worked his magic. His tongue moved against her with a skill that left her breathless, teasing her clit with quick, light strokes before dipping lower to taste her fully. She moaned, her head falling back as she lost herself in the sensation.
Rafe gripped her thighs, pulling her closer as he intensified his efforts. He lifted her legs over his shoulders, giving him better access, and the angle allowed him to reach her in ways that made her toes curl. His tongue and fingers worked in perfect unison, driving her closer and closer to the edge with every movement.
Allison's breath came in ragged gasps, her fingers digging into the counter as she tried to hold on. But it was no use—Rafe knew exactly what she needed, and he wasn't going to stop until he had her falling apart in his hands.
"Rafe," she breathed out, her voice thick with need. "Don't stop."
Rafe's response was a low, satisfied hum against her skin, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through her. He pumped his fingers inside her, alternating between long, slow strokes and quick, hard thrusts that made her whole body tremble. Her whimpers grew more erratic, each one a sign that she was getting closer, and Rafe could feel the tension building inside her.
"You're so fucking hot," Rafe growled against her, his voice rough with desire. The sight of her, the sound of her, everything about this moment was driving him wild.
Allison's moans grew louder, more desperate, as she felt the waves of her orgasm approaching. She was on the brink, her body taut with anticipation, and when Rafe finally pushed her over the edge, it was with a cry that echoed through the locker room.
"Fuck," Allison gasped, her body shuddering as the orgasm washed over her. Rafe didn't let up, his mouth and fingers working her through every last tremor until she was spent, her legs trembling around his shoulders.
He kept his mouth on her, his pace slowing as he savored the taste of her, the way her muscles contracted around his fingers. He watched with satisfaction as her body slowly stilled, the aftershocks of her climax leaving her breathless and boneless against the counter.
When she finally sighed, her body going limp, Rafe withdrew his fingers and gently unhooked her legs from his shoulders. He stood, helping her sit upright on the edge of the counter, his eyes locked on hers as he licked his fingers clean, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
"I need you inside me," Allison whispered, her voice still weak from the intensity of her orgasm. Her hands moved to the waistband of his pants, unzipping them with urgency.
Rafe raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Are you sure? We've been in here for at least 15 minutes already," he teased, though he made no move to stop her as she pulled his pants and boxers down.
"I don't care, Rafe," Allison replied, her voice filled with need. She wanted him, needed him, and nothing else mattered at that moment.
Rafe chuckled, loving the way she was so desperate for him. "You're making it really hard to say no," he said, his tone dripping with amusement.
Allison didn't respond. Instead, she pulled him closer, capturing his lips in a heated kiss as her hand wrapped around his erection. She stroked him slowly, savoring the feel of him, the way he throbbed beneath her touch.
Rafe moaned into her mouth, his hips instinctively bucking against her hand. But he quickly regained control, grabbing her wrist and stopping her movements.
Allison wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she parted her legs for him. Rafe positioned himself at her entrance, his eyes locking onto hers as he slowly pushed inside.
The feeling was electric, the heat of their connection almost too much to bear. Rafe groaned as he felt her tightness envelop him, and Allison inhaled sharply, her nails digging into his shoulders as he filled her completely.
Rafe didn't waste any time, his hips moving in a steady rhythm that quickly became more frantic. His lips found her neck, biting and sucking at the tender flesh as he drove into her with increasing intensity. Allison's head fell back, her mouth open in a silent cry of pleasure as he hit that perfect spot inside her over and over again. Every thrust sent shockwaves of pleasure rippling through her body, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of it all.
Rafe's grip on her waist tightened as he pounded into her, his breath hot against her ear. The sound of their bodies coming together, the heat, the pressure—it all built into something almost primal. He was rough and relentless, and Allison couldn't get enough. The way he moved, the way he claimed her, it was intoxicating.
"Fuck, you feel so good," Rafe growled, his voice thick with lust. He could feel her walls clenching around him, her body responding to every movement, and it drove him wild. He wanted to lose himself in her, to forget everything else, and for those moments, nothing else existed but them.
Allison's moans grew louder, more desperate, as she felt another orgasm building inside her. She couldn't hold back, couldn't stop the way her body reacted to him. The pleasure was too much, too overwhelming, and she was powerless against it.
"Rafe... I'm so close," she gasped, her hands clawing at his back, urging him on. She needed him to push her over the edge, to send her spiraling into that blissful oblivion.
Rafe responded by thrusting even harder, his hips snapping against hers with a force that made her see stars. The friction, the pressure, it was all too much. With a final, powerful thrust, he sent her crashing into her climax, her body convulsing around him as waves of ecstasy tore through her.
Allison cried out his name, her voice echoing through the locker room as her orgasm ripped through her. Her body shook with the intensity of it, every nerve ending alight with pleasure. She clung to him, her nails digging into his skin as she rode out the aftershocks, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Rafe watched her come undone, the sight of her in the throes of pleasure pushing him to the brink. He could feel his own release building, the tension coiling tight in his core. With a low groan, he buried himself inside her one last time, his hips stuttering as he came hard, his release filling her completely.
The room was filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, their bodies trembling as they came down from the high. Rafe remained inside her for a moment longer, savoring the warmth and the intimacy of the moment, before finally pulling out. Allison whimpered softly at the loss, her body still buzzing with the remnants of her pleasure.
"Rafe, I don't think I can stand," Allison murmured, a lazy smile on her lips as she looked up at him through half-lidded eyes. She felt weak, her legs still trembling from the intensity of their encounter.
Rafe chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "That's the point," he said, his voice laced with smug satisfaction. He crouched down, retrieving her panties from the floor and rolling them back up her legs. "Don't forget these," he added with a wink, making her smile.
"Thanks," Allison said, her voice soft as she leaned against the counter for support. Rafe's touch was gentle as he kissed her thigh, sending another shiver down her spine. His hands lingered on her hips for a moment, his eyes dark with a mix of possessiveness and satisfaction.
He helped her back to her feet, holding her steady as she regained her strength. "I hope this happens again soon," Allison confessed, her voice low as she met his gaze. Despite everything, despite the complications, she knew she wasn't ready to give him up.
"Oh, yeah?" Rafe smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Get that smirk off your face," Allison playfully swatted his shoulder, though she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips.
"You're making it really hard to do so," Rafe replied, his tone teasing as he followed her to the sink. They washed their hands in silence, the tension between them now replaced by a comfortable intimacy. The air was thick with the scent of sex and sweat, a reminder of what they had just shared.
As Allison finished washing up, she turned to see Rafe fixing his hair in the mirror, trying to smooth out the mess they'd made of it. She was about to leave the locker room when a voice suddenly cut through the quiet, startling them both.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sarah's voice was sharp, laced with suspicion as she stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of her brother and Allison together.
"Oh, great," Rafe muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes as he turned to face his sister.
Allison's heart skipped a beat, panic rising in her chest as she realized they'd been caught. She quickly composed herself, trying to appear nonchalant, but the tension in the room was palpable.
"Topper and Kelce were looking for you," Sarah said, her gaze flicking between them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
Rafe nodded, brushing past her without another word, clearly eager to avoid further questioning. "Yeah, I'll go find them," he mumbled as he made his way out of the room, leaving Allison alone with Sarah.
Allison was about to make her own exit when Sarah's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Are you sleeping with my brother?" Sarah asked, her tone blunt and accusatory.
Allison hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She knew Sarah could be a problem if she decided to spill the truth. After a moment, Allison took a deep breath and gave the only answer she could. "Let's keep this between us," she said quietly, meeting Sarah's gaze with a look that was both pleading and firm.
Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the admission. But after a tense moment, she nodded. "Fine," she replied, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But be careful. Rafe's... complicated."
Allison nodded, grateful for the warning even though she already knew it all too well. She quickly made her way out of the locker room, her heart still pounding in her chest. She was relieved that Sarah had agreed to keep quiet, but the encounter had shaken her. She knew she was playing with fire, and it was only a matter of time before she got burned.
・ • ・ • ・
When Allison finally made her way back outside, she spotted Jessica and her boyfriend Brandon dancing on the grass, looking blissfully carefree. She approached them with a forced smile, trying to shake off the lingering tension from her encounter with Sarah.
"Hey, guys. I hope I'm not interrupting," Allison said, her voice light as she joined them.
Jessica turned to her with a wide smile, immediately pulling Allison into a hug. "Heyyy, girl! I know we haven't seen each other in the last couple of days, but my birthday is coming up, and you're invited."
Allison returned the hug, genuinely pleased to hear the news. "That's great. I'm definitely coming," she replied, though her mind was still reeling from everything that had happened tonight.
Jessica pulled back, eyeing Allison with a mischievous grin. "And bring that date that ruined your makeup," she teased, her tone playful.
"What?" Allison asked, momentarily confused.
Jessica laughed. "You were kissing someone, obviously. Your makeup is a bit smudged."
"Fuck, I didn't bring anything to fix it," Allison muttered, suddenly self-conscious.
Jessica gave her a knowing look, clearly intrigued. "I got you, girl. If you tell me who it is," she said, her tone conspiratorial.
Allison hesitated, biting her lip as she considered her options. She knew she couldn't afford to let this secret slip, but Jessica was one of her closest friends. Maybe she could trust her—at least a little. "I can't. It's supposed to be a secret," she finally admitted, her voice low.
"A secret lover, hmm?" Jessica's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is he older? Married or something?"
"No," Allison quickly denied, shaking her head. "He's... he's kind of my secret."
"Your secret?" Jessica's interest was clearly piqued. "So you have one more guy you're seeing."
Allison groaned, feeling the pressure of Jessica's persistence. "It's more complicated than that."
"Just tell me, please. I won't tell anyone," Jessica pleaded, her expression earnest.
Allison sighed, knowing she had to give her friend something. "Fine, but not here," she said, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. "But if you tell anyone, including Brandon, I'm literally going to kill you."
"Your secret is safe with me," Jessica promised, her voice filled with excitement as Allison led her to a more secluded area to fix her makeup.
As Jessica worked on touching up Allison's makeup, she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Okay, we're done. Now tell me who's the lucky guy—or guys."
Allison hesitated again, knowing this was a dangerous line to cross. But Jessica was her friend, and she needed to confide in someone. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Rafe."
Jessica's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open in disbelief. "Rafe Cameron?" she exclaimed, her voice a bit too loud for Allison's liking.
"Be quiet, Jessica!" Allison hissed, her heart racing as she looked around to make sure no one had heard.
"Sorry," Jessica quickly apologized, though her shock was still evident. "But seriously, you and him?"
Allison nodded, biting her lip as she glanced at Jessica. "Yeah, me and him."
Jessica looked both astonished and intrigued, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "And I thought you didn't like him."
Allison sighed, running a hand through her hair as she tried to explain. "Well... one thing led to another, and here we are," she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation. "But it's nothing serious. We're just hooking up."
Jessica shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around the idea. "Wow, I just never would have guessed... Rafe Cameron. So, how is it? Is he, like, really good in bed, like everybody says?" she asked, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
Allison blushed, the memories of their encounters flashing through her mind. "Yeah," she admitted, her voice soft. "He is. But it's more complicated than that."
Jessica raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Complicated how?"
"It's just... I don't know, there's something about him. He's intense, and sometimes he's sweet, but then there's this other side of him... it's like he's constantly fighting something," Allison confessed, her voice dropping as she tried to articulate the complicated feelings she had for Rafe.
Jessica nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I get it. He's a lot to handle. But if it's just a fling, you don't have to worry about all that, right?"
Allison nodded, though deep down she knew it wasn't that simple. The truth was, she was starting to feel something for Rafe, something that went beyond just physical attraction. But she wasn't ready to admit that, not even to herself.
"Yeah, you're right," Allison said, forcing a smile as she pushed those thoughts aside. "It's just a fling."
Jessica gave her a supportive smile, sensing that Allison didn't want to dive too deep into the topic. "Well, whatever it is, I'm here for you. And your secret is safe with me, I promise."
"Thanks, Jessica," Allison replied, genuinely relieved to have someone she could talk to about this. It felt good to have a friend who could listen without judgment, even if she couldn't tell her everything.
With her makeup fixed and her secret safe, Allison felt a little more at ease. She said goodbye to Jessica and rejoined the party, determined to enjoy the rest of the night.
・ • ・ • ・
As Allison made her way back to the party, she passed by the grill where Jordan was still busy preparing food. The sight of him brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't resist the urge to walk over and say hi.
"Hey, did you try our famous oysters?" Jordan asked, his eyes lighting up as she approached.
"Oh, I still didn't. Sorry," Allison replied, feeling a bit guilty for not having tried any yet.
"Well, you can now," Jordan said with a grin, handing her a plate with a few oysters on it.
Allison took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. "That's really good, chef," she told him, genuinely impressed by the flavor.
Jordan smiled, clearly pleased with her reaction. "Wait till you see what else I'm good at in the kitchen."
Allison laughed, a playful glint in her eyes. "Can't wait."
But the lighthearted moment was quickly interrupted when Jordan's expression turned serious. "What did Rafe want earlier?" he asked suddenly, his tone filled with concern.
"What?" Allison almost choked on her food, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected question.
"When you were standing over there," Jordan pointed to the spot where she had been before leaving to meet Rafe in the locker room, "He came up to you, but you quickly left."
"Oh..." Allison sighed, quickly trying to think of an explanation. "Nothing important."
"I mean, if he is bothering you—" Jordan started, his voice filled with a protective edge.
"No, no," Allison shook her head, cutting him off before he could continue. "He wasn't bothering me, don't worry."
Jordan studied her for a moment, his concern still evident, but he finally nodded. "Okay, if you're sure."
Just then, Kie's voice called from behind them, breaking the tension. "There you are. I was looking for you."
"Everything okay?" Allison asked, turning to face her sister.
"No, I hate this party," Kie said with a dramatic sigh. "I need my sister to make it not so boring."
"What can I do?" Allison asked, eager to help distract Kie from her frustration.
"Dance with me," Kie replied, grabbing Allison's hands and pulling her away from Jordan and the grill.
The two sisters joined the crowd on the dance floor, letting the music wash over them as they moved together. Other girls joined in, and for a moment, Allison felt herself getting lost in the rhythm, her worries and secrets fading into the background.
But as they danced, Kie noticed something on Allison's neck. Her eyes narrowed as she leaned closer to get a better look.
"What's that on your neck?" Kie asked, her voice filled with suspicion. "Looks like a red mark."
Allison's hand instinctively flew to her neck, trying to cover the hickey that Rafe had left earlier. "Probably just a mosquito bite," she replied quickly, hoping to brush it off.
Kie gave her a skeptical look, but she didn't press the issue. Still, the mark didn't look like a mosquito bite to her, and it made her wonder if someone had been making marks on Allison's neck—and that someone wasn't Jordan, since he had been outside the whole time.
After their impromptu dance session, the sisters made their way to the porch, where Kie's parents were standing. They were just about to join them when a commotion broke out near the entrance of the club.
Allison and Kie turned just in time to see JJ being dragged out of the club by a security guard. JJ, being his usual mischievous self, was making a scene, his voice loud and full of bravado as he addressed the onlookers.
"It's okay, everybody! Do not panic. Leave it to the men and women in uniform. Let's hear it for them," JJ called out, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he pointed dramatically at the security guard. Then, with a grin, he added, "Rose! You look like Lady Liberty."
"Let go of him!" Kie shouted, her voice cutting through the crowd as she rushed toward JJ. Her outburst earned everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to the spectacle unfolding before them. "You can't boot him! I invited him here."
"Kiara, stop it," her parents tried to intervene, their voices stern, but Kie wasn't having it.
"I'm a member of this club," Kie declared, her voice defiant as she stood her ground.
Allison noticed Rafe standing nearby, watching the scene with a smirk on his face, clearly amused by the chaos. The sight of him made her stomach twist, a mix of anger and something else she couldn't quite name.
Kie's intervention gave JJ the perfect opportunity to push the security guard away, causing him to stumble into a nearby table. "Sorry about that," JJ said with mock sincerity before turning to the Pogues. "Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon's. Kie, Pope, Jordan, and Allison, you as well. All right? Rixon's Cove. Let's roll. All right, Kie, come on. Workers of the world unite. Throw off your chains!"
Kie ran toward her friends, laughing as she threw her arms around JJ, the tension from earlier melting away in the face of their shared rebellion.
Allison was about to follow when she felt a hand grab her shoulder. She turned to find Rafe standing there, his expression hard. "You can't go with them," he said, his voice low and commanding.
Allison stared at him, her own anger bubbling to the surface. "Yeah, I can," she shot back defiantly, shrugging off his hand before turning and running to join the other Pogues.
Rafe watched her go, his jaw clenching in frustration. He downed the rest of his drink, his eyes narrowing as he watched Allison disappear into the crowd with her friends.