As Allison walked up the steps to her house, the lingering taste of Rafe's kiss on her lips, her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The warmth of his touch, the intensity of their connection—it was intoxicating, making it harder and harder to pull away. But as she closed the door behind her, the reality of the situation settled in. She was treading dangerous waters, caught between her growing feelings for Rafe and her genuine care for Jordan.

She leaned against the door for a moment, her eyes closed, trying to calm her racing heart. Rafe had called her his girlfriend in front of his father, a label she hadn't expected or agreed to. It complicated everything. Their relationship, if she could even call it that, was supposed to be secretive, casual—nothing serious. Yet here she was, pulled deeper into his world, a world filled with danger, possessiveness, and unpredictable emotions.

"Allison, is that you?" Kie's voice called from the kitchen, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Allison straightened up, pushing her worries to the back of her mind. "Yeah, it's me," she replied, trying to keep her tone light as she walked toward the kitchen.

Kie was standing by the counter, sipping on a smoothie. She turned to face Allison, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in her sister's appearance. "You were out all night?"

Allison nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah, I stayed over at a friend's place."

Kie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A friend? Anyone I know?"

"Just someone from the Figure Eight crowd," Allison said, keeping her answer vague.

Kie studied her for a moment, sensing there was more to the story, but she decided not to press further.

Allison couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at her. She was living a double life, keeping secrets from the people she cared about most. The guilt was becoming harder to ignore, but she wasn't sure how to untangle herself from the web she had woven.

The day passed in a blur of sunshine and laughter on the beach, but Allison's mind remained clouded. She kept glancing at her phone, half-expecting a message from Rafe, but none came. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed.

By the time evening fell, she was exhausted. She retreated to her room, craving solitude. As she lay in bed, her thoughts returned to Rafe. The way he had looked at her, the possessiveness in his voice when he called her "his," the way his touch made her heart race—it was a dangerous combination of feelings that she couldn't shake.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. She reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Rafe's name on the screen.

Rafe: Miss me already, princess?

Allison felt a rush of emotions—excitement, confusion, guilt—all mixing together in a whirlwind. She stared at the message for a moment before typing a reply.

Allison: You wish.

She bit her lip, waiting for his response, unsure of what she wanted him to say.

Rafe: I know you do. See you tomorrow?

Allison hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. Part of her wanted to say no, to put some distance between them, but another part of her longed to see him again. Before she could overthink it, she typed a response.

Allison: Maybe.

Rafe: I'll take that as a yes. Goodnight, princess.

Allison sighed, setting her phone aside. She closed her eyes, trying to quiet the thoughts swirling in her mind. She knew she was in too deep, but for now, she let herself get lost in the complicated feelings that Rafe stirred within her.

As she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were filled with images of him—his intense gaze, the way his touch sent shivers down her spine, the thrill of being close to him. It was a dangerous game she was playing, and she knew it. But despite the risks, she couldn't bring herself to walk away. Not yet.

・ • ・ • ・

Allison lay on her bed, half-watchingSupernaturalbut barely absorbing the plot, her thoughts kept drifting to Rafe. He had promised they would see each other today, but as the hours slipped by, her phone remained stubbornly silent. Anxiety crept in, twisting her stomach into knots as she wondered where he was. The thought of ending things with Jordan had crossed her mind more than once today, but that decision felt monumental. What she felt for Rafe was so much more intense, so much more complicated, and the comparison left her reeling. Her heart fluttered just thinking about him, a reaction she couldn't control no matter how hard she tried.

The quiet evening was suddenly interrupted by a soft thud against her window. Startled, Allison paused the episode and walked over, her heart skipping a beat when she spotted Rafe outside, framed by the dim glow of the streetlights. He looked up at her with an expression she couldn't quite place—was it desperation, sadness, or something else entirely?

"What are you doing here?" Allison called down softly, her voice laced with concern.

"I needed to see you... and talk," Rafe replied, his voice uncharacteristically vulnerable, almost desperate. "Can I come in?"

Allison's worry deepened. She nodded quickly, not caring how late it was. "Use the front door. No one's home."

She rushed downstairs to unlock the door, her mind racing. The second Rafe stepped inside, he didn't waste a moment. His hands cupped her face, and he kissed her with an urgency that sent her heart spiraling. She kissed him back, but as soon as she pulled away to catch her breath, she noticed something in his eyes that hadn't been there before. A deep sadness, a brokenness that made her chest tighten.

"Rafe," Allison said, her voice softening as she placed a gentle hand on his cheek. "What's wrong?"

Rafe inhaled shakily, his eyes closing briefly as if the question itself pained him. "I fucked up, Allison. I always fuck everything up. Nothing I do is ever good enough."

"Talk to me," she urged, her thumb stroking his cheek in soothing circles. "What happened?"

For a moment, Rafe seemed to battle with himself, his jaw clenched as if holding back a torrent of emotions. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need a place to stay. Just for tonight... I'll figure something out tomorrow."

Allison's heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone. She nodded, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "You can stay here. But you need to tell me what happened."

She led him to her bedroom, where they sat side by side on the bed. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and palpable tension. Rafe hesitated, his eyes fixed on the floor as if searching for the right words.

"I owed Barry a lot of money for coke," Rafe began, his voice low and strained. "He came by my house earlier today, and took my bike as a down payment. I didn't know what else to do, so I tried to steal a watch from my dad's safe, but he caught me. I had to tell him everything."

Allison's heart sank as she listened, her hand instinctively tightening around his.

Rafe continued, his voice trembling slightly. "We went to Barry's place, and my dad paid him off, but... he told me I'm a liar, a thief, and that I can't be trusted. He told me not to come back home." He finally looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and hopelessness. "So... I get it if you don't want me here either..."

As Rafe moved to stand up, Allison stopped him by grabbing his hand. Her heart clenched at the pain in his voice. She squeezed his hand, trying to offer comfort, "No, Rafe. I want you to stay," she said firmly, her eyes locking with his. "And if something like this happens again, you can come to me. I'll help you, with money or whatever else you need. I'm here for you."

Rafe's eyes softened at her words, a flicker of something warm and fragile passing over his expression. "I don't want to take money from you—" he started, but before he could finish, Allison noticed something on his wrist—a bandage. She gently took his hand, concern flooding her, "What's this?" she asked.

Rafe pulled his hand away slightly, his gaze dropping. "It's nothing."

"Rafe," Allison pressed gently but firmly, "Who did this?"

Knowing she wouldn't let it go, Rafe sighed heavily. "Barry. He burned my hand."

Allison's heart clenched at the thought of Rafe in pain. "Does it hurt? Do you need painkillers?" she asked, her concern evident.

Rafe shook his head, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Let's just talk about something else."

Allison studied him for a moment, seeing the pain he was trying to hide. She wanted to take it away, to make him feel safe and loved.

"Like what?" Allison asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Rafe's smile turned more genuine, if only for a moment. "This bed is pretty comfy. You should've invited me here sooner," he joked, lying back on the bed as if trying to lighten the mood.

Allison chuckled, the sound light and comforting. "But before you fall asleep, you need to shower and get out of those dirty clothes."

Rafe grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Only if you shower with me."

"I knew you'd say that," Allison replied, rolling her eyes playfully.

Rafe stood up and began undressing, his eyes never leaving hers as he did so. There was something mesmerizing about the way he moved, the way his body, scarred and strong, seemed to carry the weight of all the mistakes he'd made and the battles he'd fought.

Allison couldn't help but admire him, her eyes tracing the lines of his muscles, the tension in his shoulders, and the way his skin seemed to glow in the dim light of the room. "So handsome," she said in a teasing, seductive tone, half-lying on the bed.

Rafe smirked, stepping closer to her, he grabbed her legs and pulled her closer to the edge of the bed, "And so strong," she added, her voice softening as she looked up at him with something close to awe.

"Yes, princess," Rafe nodded, his hands sliding down to her legs and his eyes darkening with desire, "Do you want me to rip those clothes off, or will you do it yourself?"

"Mm, tempting," Allison replied, standing up in front of him. "But I'll do it myself."

She began stripping, her movements slow and deliberate, knowing full well the effect it was having on him. Rafe's eyes followed her every movement, his gaze hungry, his breath quickening with each article of clothing that hit the floor.

When she was completely naked, Allison took his hand, leading him to the bathroom. The tension between them was palpable, charged with an electric anticipation that made her skin tingle. As she stepped into the shower and turned on the water, she could feel Rafe's gaze burning into her, his desire palpable.

Allison turned around, allowing the water to cascade over her body as she reached up to wash her hair. She could feel Rafe's eyes on her, could almost sense the way his breath hitched as he took in the sight of her.

When she opened her eyes, Rafe was standing right in front of her, his expression a mix of raw hunger and something deeper—something that made her heart ache with a need she didn't fully understand.

Allison shuddered as Rafe's hands slid down her body, his touch igniting a fire within her. She felt every inch of her skin come alive under his touch, each caress sending shivers down her spine. The warmth of the water contrasted with the heat between them, creating an intoxicating sensation that made her head spin.

Rafe's hands roamed over her curves, tracing the outline of her body as if memorizing every detail. He was gentle yet firm, his touch both soothing and electrifying. When his fingers found the small of her back, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together under the cascading water. Allison could feel the rapid beat of his heart against her chest, mirroring her own.

She looked up at him, her breath catching as she met his gaze. There was something in his eyes—something raw and vulnerable, a depth of emotion she hadn't seen before. It was as if, in this moment, he was baring his soul to her, letting her see the parts of him he kept hidden from the rest of the world.

"I don't deserve you," Rafe murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of the water.

Allison shook her head, reaching up to cup his face in her hands. "Don't say that," she whispered, her thumb brushing against his cheek. "We're both messed up, Rafe. But maybe we can help each other."

Rafe closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. For a moment, they simply stood there, holding onto each other as if they were each other's lifeline. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their small, steamy haven.

Her fingers danced over his firm chest, feeling the taut muscles beneath his skin, the heat radiating from his body. When her hand moved lower, brushing against his growing arousal, Rafe let out a low, guttural sound that sent a thrill through her.

"Don't tease me," he groaned, his voice rough with need.

Allison smirked, enjoying the power she had over him, the way his body responded to her every touch. She glanced down, watching as he hardened further under her hand, her fingers finally wrapping around his length. She stroked him slowly, deliberately, relishing the way his hips bucked against her, the way his breath came in short, ragged gasps.

As she continued to stroke him, she could feel the tension coiling within him, the barely restrained control he was fighting to maintain. Precum leaked from the tip, and Allison licked her lips, her mouth watering at the thought of tasting him.

Without warning, she dropped to her knees, her mouth hovering just inches from his throbbing erection. Rafe's breath hitched, his hands tangling in her hair as she flicked her tongue out, tracing the underside of his shaft before wrapping her lips around the head.

The taste of him was intoxicating, a mix of salt and heat that made her moan around him as she took him deeper into her mouth. Rafe's grip tightened in her hair, guiding her movements as she bobbed her head up and down his length, her lips and tongue working in tandem to drive him wild.

"Fuck, Allison," Rafe groaned, his voice strained as he fought to keep control. He pushed her further down his cock, his hips thrusting up to meet her, his breath coming in harsh, ragged gasps. "Just like that..."

But just as he felt himself nearing the edge, Rafe pulled her away, his breath ragged as he looked down at her with dark, hooded eyes.

"I need to be inside you," he groaned, his voice thick with desperation and desire. He grabbed Allison's chin, pulling her up to meet his gaze, his blue eyes burning with intensity. The hunger in his stare sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself unable to resist the pull between them.

"Works for me," Allison breathed, but before she could lean in for a kiss, Rafe had other plans.

With a swift, possessive motion, he spun her around, pressing her body firmly against the cool tiles of the shower wall. Allison gasped at the sudden shift, her pulse quickening as she felt the heat of Rafe's body behind her. His hand traced a slow, deliberate path down her back, making her arch into his touch.

Rafe's fingers found their way between her legs, brushing against her slick folds, teasing her until she whimpered with need. He stroked her slowly at first, drawing out her anticipation, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "I've wanted this all day. You have no idea how much I missed you."

Allison bit her lip, her hands splayed against the wall as she tried to steady herself. The way Rafe's fingers moved over her, with just the right amount of pressure, had her body trembling with desire. She pressed back against him, feeling the hard length of him against her, and it only made her want him more.

"Rafe," she breathed, her voice quivering with need. "Please..."

"Please what?" Rafe murmured, his lips brushing against her neck as he continued to torment her with his touch. "What do you want, princess?"

"Stop teasing me," Allison pleaded, her voice breaking as the ache between her thighs became unbearable. "I need you inside me."

Rafe chuckled darkly, the sound sending a thrill through her. "As you wish," he whispered.

He shifted his hips, positioning himself at her entrance. Allison felt the head of his cock pressing against her, and she tensed with anticipation. Rafe moved one hand to her hip, holding her steady as he slowly pushed inside her, filling her inch by inch. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pain and pleasure that made her moan loudly.

"Fuck, Allison," Rafe groaned as he sank deeper into her. The tight heat of her body clenching around him nearly undid him, but he forced himself to move slowly, savoring the feeling of being inside her.

Allison's fingers curled into fists against the wall as she tried to hold on, the sensation of Rafe's cock stretching her, filling her completely, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her. She arched her back, pushing against him, wanting more, needing more.

Rafe seemed to sense her urgency, his grip on her hip tightening as he began to move, his thrusts deep and controlled. The sound of their bodies moving together, the slap of skin against skin, echoed through the bathroom, mingling with the hiss of the shower.

Each thrust sent a shock of pleasure through Allison, building a tension in her core that threatened to explode. Rafe's hand slid around to the front of her body, finding her clit and rubbing it in slow, deliberate circles that made her cry out.

She was close, so close, and Rafe could feel it. His pace quickened, his thrusts becoming more erratic, his breathing ragged as he drove them both toward the edge. "Come for me, Allison," he growled, his voice low and rough in her ear. "I want to feel you come."

That was all it took. With one final, powerful thrust, Allison's body shattered around him. She cried out his name, her entire body shaking as she rode the wave of her orgasm. Rafe held her tight, his hand never leaving her clit as he worked her through her release, prolonging her pleasure until she was a trembling mess in his arms.

The sensation of her walls tightening around him was too much for Rafe. With a guttural moan, he followed her over the edge, his hips jerking as he came deep inside her. The pleasure was overwhelming, almost too intense to bear, but he didn't stop until he had emptied himself completely.

They stood there for a moment, the water still cascading over them as they caught their breath, their bodies pressed close together. Rafe gently kissed the back of her neck, his hands sliding up her sides in a comforting gesture as they both came down from the high of their lovemaking.

Finally, Rafe pulled out of her, and Allison let out a soft whimper at the loss of him. He turned her around, his hands sliding up to cradle her face. He looked at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks.

"Allison," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "You have no idea what you mean to me."

Allison's eyes welled up with unshed tears, her heart swelling with a mixture of joy and fear. She knew they were both broken, that their relationship was far from perfect. But in this moment, none of that mattered. What mattered was the connection they shared, the way they made each other feel—alive, wanted, needed.

"I think I'm starting to," she whispered.

Rafe kissed her deeply, a slow, lingering kiss that spoke of all the emotions he couldn't put into words.

When they finally pulled away, Allison rested her forehead against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek. She felt safe here, in his arms, despite all the chaos that surrounded them.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Rafe said softly, his voice filled with tenderness as he reached for the shampoo.

They washed each other in a comfortable silence, the intimacy of the moment making Allison's heart swell with something she hadn't expected to feel—contentment. She had never been one for relationships, always keeping things casual and unattached, but with Rafe, it felt different. She felt connected to him in a way that scared her, but at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

After the shower, they wrapped themselves in towels and returned to her bedroom. Rafe sprawled out on her bed, looking more relaxed than she had ever seen him. She climbed in beside him, resting her head on his chest, tracing patterns on his skin with her fingers.

They talked about everything and nothing, about the TV show she had been watching, about their plans for the next day, about the mess they had both gotten themselves into. Rafe listened, his hand stroking her hair as she spoke, his presence calming her in a way she hadn't expected.

"So, about the girlfriend thing," Rafe said after a while, his tone a mix of uncertainty and vulnerability.

"It's okay, Rafe," Allison replied, sensing where the conversation was heading. She looked up at him, her eyes softening.

"No, I mean... I didn't want to put pressure on you or anything," he continued, his voice hesitant. "I just... I panicked when my dad asked who you were. I didn't want him to think you were just another girl I was messing around with."

Allison's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. For all his bravado and arrogance, there was a part of Rafe that was still just a boy wanting to be seen, to be loved for who he was and not who he pretended to be. She reached up, cupping his cheek in her hand. "I'm not just another girl, Rafe. And I don't want you to think you're just another guy to me."

Rafe's eyes softened, his usual guarded expression melting away to reveal the raw emotion underneath. "So, you don't mind if I keep calling you my girlfriend?"

Allison smiled, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "I'd like that," she admitted.

A slow grin spread across Rafe's face, and for the first time in a long while, it wasn't tinged with arrogance or mischief. It was genuine, filled with something that resembled hope.

"Good," Rafe said, his voice softening as he pulled her closer. "Because I don't want to stop."

Allison settled against him, her heart swelling with emotions she hadn't been prepared for. "You know, you're not as tough as you like people to think," she teased lightly, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw.

Rafe chuckled, the sound vibrating against her cheek. "Don't go spreading that around, princess. I've got a reputation to maintain."

"I won't tell," Allison promised, her voice growing sleepy as she nestled closer to him.

Rafe pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her protectively. "Good, because you're the only one I want to be this way with."

Allison's heart swelled at his words, and she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his embrace lull her to sleep. She had no idea what the future held for them, but for now, she was content to be right where she was—wrapped up in the arms of the boy who had somehow, against all odds, stolen her heart.

And as Rafe held her close, he realized that maybe he had found something worth holding onto.