When they finally pulled into the driveway, the house loomed before them, quiet stillness a stark contrast to the lively party they had just left behind. The darkness of the night wrapped around the house like a protective cocoon, giving it a comforting yet mysterious air. Rafe killed the engine, and the silence that followed was thick, charged with unspoken emotions.
Allison glanced at Rafe, her heart fluttering as she took in the sight of him in the dim light. There was something about this moment—about the way he looked at her, his eyes soft and full of unspoken words—that made her feel more connected to him than ever before. They stepped out of the car, the cool night air brushing against their skin, and walked to the door. Rafe's hand was warm and steady in hers, a silent promise of safety and comfort.
The house was spacious, elegant, and yet somehow comforting. As they walked through the empty hallways, the only sound was the soft echo of their footsteps. It felt intimate, almost as if the house itself was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come. Rafe led her up the stairs, their hands still intertwined, and into the bedroom. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, casting a warm, golden hue over the space. It was simple yet there was something undeniably intimate about it.
Allison's eyes wandered over the room, taking in the large bed with its rumpled sheets, the clothes casually strewn across the floor, and the faint scent of his cologne that lingered in the air.
Rafe let go of her hand, walked over to the bed, and sat down on the edge. His eyes never left hers, filled with an uncertainty that tugged at Allison's heart.
"I've been thinking about this," he said quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability that made him seem so much more human, more real.
Allison walked over to him, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the air thick with emotions that neither of them had dared to speak until now.
"About what?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she stood in front of him, her hands itching to reach out and touch him, to comfort him.
Rafe looked up at her, his eyes soft, vulnerable in a way she hadn't seen before. "About us," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "About how much you mean to me. I don't want to lose you, Allison. I'm not sure I could handle that."
Allison's breath caught in her throat, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions—love, relief, and a touch of sadness. She knelt down in front of him, placing her hands on his knees, and looking up into his eyes with fierce determination. "You won't lose me," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill over. "I'm not going anywhere."
Rafe's hands came up to cradle her face, his thumbs gently brushing away the tears that had started to fall. The tenderness in his touch, the way he looked at her as if she was the most precious thing in the world, made Allison's heartache in the best possible way. She felt a sob rising in her throat, but she swallowed it down, her hands coming up to cover his, holding onto him as if she were afraid he might disappear.
Rafe leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was full of everything they hadn't said, everything they had felt but couldn't put into words. It was a kiss that spoke of promises, of a future that they would face together, no matter what. It was slow, deliberate, and filled with a tenderness that made Allison feel cherished and loved.
When they finally pulled away, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other, their hearts beating in sync. Rafe gently pulled her up onto the bed with him, wrapping his arms around her as they lay down together. The weight of the world seemed to lift off their shoulders as they held each other, their bodies fitting together perfectly as if they were made to be this close.
Allison nestled into his chest, her head resting over his heart, listening to the steady rhythm that matched her own. For the first time in a long time, she felt at peace, like she was exactly where she was meant to be. The warmth of Rafe's embrace, the soothing sound of his heartbeat, lulled her into a sense of safety and security that she hadn't felt in a long time.
As she drifted off to sleep, she felt Rafe's hand gently stroking her hair, his voice a soft murmur in the darkness. "I'm not going anywhere either, Allison. We're in this together."
And with those words, Allison knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand, heart to heart. The future might be uncertain, but with Rafe by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came their way.
・ • ・ • ・
The next morning, when Allison woke up, it took her a moment to remember where she was. The warmth of the bed, the scent of Rafe's cologne still lingering in the air, and the strong arms wrapped around her all brought the memories of the night before rushing back. She smiled softly, her heart swelling with the realization that this was her new reality—waking up next to Rafe, feeling his body close to hers.
She looked down at herself, noticing she was wearing his t-shirt, which hung loosely on her frame, the fabric soft against her skin. It felt intimate like a piece of him was wrapped around her, protecting her.
Rafe shifted in his sleep, pulling Allison even closer to him, his arms locking tight around her waist. His hand rested on her bare stomach where her t-shirt had ridden up, his touch warm and possessive. She could feel his breath against the back of her neck, steady and soothing.
Her butt was pressed against his crotch, and that's when she felt it—his morning arousal, hard and insistent against her. A mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of her lips as she decided to have a little fun. She moved her hips slightly, rubbing against him, eliciting a low, guttural moan from Rafe that sent a thrill of excitement through her.
She bit her lip, holding back a giggle as she felt the effect she was having on him. Deciding to tease him a bit more, Allison reached down between them, her hand traveling slowly inside his boxers until she brushed over his erection. The reaction was immediate—Rafe's breath hitched, his grip on her hips tightening as he let out another low moan.
"Hey..." Rafe's voice was a blend of a moan and a whisper, still thick with sleep and desire.
"You awake?" Allison asked, her voice soft and teasing, enjoying the power she had over him at that moment.
"Yeah..." Rafe took a deep breath as she gripped his length and began to stroke it, slow and deliberate. The heat of her touch sent shivers down his spine, and he bucked his hips into her hand, his body craving more.
He wasn't surprised by his body's reaction to her even in sleep—waking up with morning wood was nothing new—but the intensity of his desire for her, the way she could drive him wild with just a touch, was something he hadn't experienced before.
As she continued to stroke him, Rafe let out guttural moans into her ear, his breath hot and heavy against her skin. He could feel himself getting close to the edge, but he didn't want this to end too soon. He wanted to savor every moment, to draw out the pleasure for as long as possible.
With a groan of frustration, Rafe stopped her hand's movements, his fingers wrapping around her wrist to still her. "Stop," he whispered, his voice strained with the effort of holding back.
Allison pouted slightly, but before she could protest, she felt his hand slowly creeping lower until it pressed between her legs, stroking her inner thighs in the same slow, deliberate manner she had used on him. The teasing touch sent a shiver of anticipation through her, her breath hitching as he kissed her neck, his lips warm and soft against her skin.
The sensation of his fingers rubbing against her through her panties, combined with the light kisses on her shoulder, made Allison let out a soft moan, her body arching into his touch. She could feel the wetness pooling between her legs, her desire for him growing with every passing second.
Rafe's hand moved with purpose, his fingers slipping under the waistband of her panties to touch her directly. He could feel how wet she was, the slickness coating his fingers as he began to rub her more firmly. Allison's breath hitched, her body trembling with need as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge.
But just as she was about to tip over, Rafe stopped, pulling his hand away and leaving her whimpering with frustration. Before she could voice her complaint, she felt him pulling her panties down her legs and shuffling behind her, pushing his boxers off before sliding back into position.
His right arm slid under her side, wrapping around her chest to hold her tightly against him. His other hand returned to its previous position, rubbing between her legs, this time with more urgency. His kisses trailed along her shoulder, nibbling lightly on her skin, making her breathing come in short, ragged gasps.
Allison could feel the heat building inside her, the pressure coiling tighter and tighter in her lower abdomen.
His hand tightened its grip around her waist, nails lightly grazing her skin as he whispered into her ear, "You're so wet for me, baby."
Allison could only moan in response, her back arching against him as his fingers continued their slow, deliberate movements. The sensation was overwhelming, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body. She felt his kisses grow hungrier, more desperate, as he nibbled on her earlobe and neck, the heat between them intensifying with every passing moment.
She was right on the edge, teetering on the brink of ecstasy, when Rafe suddenly pulled his fingers away. Allison let out a soft whimper, her body trembling with unfulfilled need. "Rafe, please..." she moaned, her voice breathless and filled with desperation.
"Not yet," he murmured, his voice deep and commanding, yet tinged with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. He wanted to draw this out, to make her feel every bit of pleasure he could give her. His hand gripped her thigh, lifting her leg to open her up to him. She felt the tip of his erection brush against her, teasing her entrance as he rubbed himself against her wetness. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, and Allison could feel herself losing control.
"Please, Rafe..." she begged, her voice trembling as she ground her hips back against him, desperate for more.
"You want me to fuck you, baby?" he whispered into her ear, his voice rough with desire. He could feel her nod against him, her need evident in the way her body writhed against his.
With a low groan, Rafe finally gave in, slowly pushing himself inside her. Allison let out a soft cry as he filled her, his length stretching her in the most delicious way. He moved slowly at first, savoring the feel of her tightness around him, but as she moaned and pushed back against him, he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
The room filled with the sounds of their bodies coming together—the soft slaps of skin against skin, the ragged breathing, and the moans that escaped their lips. Allison's hands gripped the sheets beneath her, her head thrown back against his shoulder as she lost herself in the sensation. Rafe's arm around her chest tightened, pulling her closer to him as he thrusted into her harder, his breath hot against her ear.
Allison could feel the tension building again, the coil in her lower abdomen tightening with every thrust. She was so close, teetering on the edge of release, when Rafe's thumb found her clit, rubbing in quick, firm circles that sent her spiraling over the edge.
"Rafe!" she cried out, her body convulsing as the orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave. She could feel herself pulsing around him, the pleasure overwhelming as she rode out the waves of her climax.
Rafe groaned into her hair, feeling her walls tighten around him, pushing him to his own release. With a few more thrusts, he followed her over the edge, his body shuddering as he spilled inside her. His arms held her tightly as they both came down from their highs, their breathing heavy and uneven.
For a few moments, they stayed like that, bodies intertwined, hearts pounding in sync as they caught their breath. The intensity of their connection left them both feeling raw, and vulnerable, yet completely satisfied.
Rafe was the first to move, gently easing out of her and rolling onto his back. He pulled Allison with him, cradling her against his chest as they lay there in the aftermath of their passion. His fingers brushed through her hair, his touch soothing and tender.
The intensity of the moment hung between them, a silent understanding of the depth of their connection. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that started slow, almost tentative, but quickly deepened as Rafe pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her as if he couldn't get enough. It was a kiss that said everything they hadn't had the chance to voice.
Allison eventually broke the kiss, a soft smile playing on her lips as she rolled onto her back to stretch. The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their entwined bodies.
"I'm going to shower," she announced, sliding out of bed, the cool air sending a shiver down her spine.
Rafe's voice, low and filled with that familiar teasing warmth, stopped her just as she reached the door. "Hey, princess..."
She spun around, her heart fluttering at the playful tone in his voice. "Yes?" she replied, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"You look so sexy in my t-shirt," Rafe told her, his smirk widening as he propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes raking over her with a mixture of admiration and desire.
Allison couldn't help but blush, her smile turning coy as she glanced down at the oversized shirt hanging off her frame. "Thank you. I might just keep it," she teased, her voice light but laced with sincerity.
"Go ahead," Rafe replied, his gaze softening, filled with warmth and something deeper—an unspoken affection that made Allison's heart skip a beat. It wasn't just about the shirt; it was about the sense of belonging, of being a part of each other's lives in a way that felt natural, and inevitable.
As she showered, the hot water cascading over her skin, Allison found herself replaying the morning's events in her mind. There was a certain peace that settled over her, a contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time. The steam filled the room, enveloping her in a comforting cocoon, but even the warmth of the shower couldn't compare to the warmth she felt in Rafe's arms.
After drying off and dressing, Allison made her way to the kitchen, the scent of fresh coffee already filling the air. As she moved around the kitchen, preparing breakfast, she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist from behind. Rafe's presence was solid, grounding her in a way that made her feel safe, and cherished.
"I'm never letting you go again," Rafe whispered against her shoulder, his voice a gentle promise as he placed feather-light kisses along her skin. The tenderness in his touch, the way he held her like she was the most precious thing in the world, made her heart swell with emotion.
"You better not," Allison chuckled, her voice soft as she settled comfortably in his embrace, feeling the weight of the world lift off her shoulders. With him, she felt protected, like nothing could touch them as long as they were together.
The silence between them as they sat at the table was comfortable, filled with unspoken words and shared glances. There was no need for conversation; their connection ran deeper than words, and the quiet moments were just as meaningful as the ones filled with laughter. Allison's thoughts, however, drifted back to the events that happened a few days ago, to the confrontation with her aunt and Kie that had left her reeling.
Finally, she broke the silence, her voice hesitant but determined. "I was thinking of going to Kie's house and getting some of my stuff. No one should be there right now." She glanced up at Rafe, watching his expression carefully.
"Yeah, I'll go with you," Rafe replied without hesitation, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"You don't have to," Allison said, though she felt a wave of relief at his offer. The idea of facing her aunt again, or even just stepping foot in that house, made her stomach twist with anxiety. But with Rafe by her side, she knew she could handle it.
"After what happened last night, I'm not letting you go anywhere alone," Rafe said sternly, his protective instincts kicking in. The memory of what could have happened if he hadn't been there to save her was still fresh in his mind, and the thought of her being in danger again made his blood run cold.
Allison gave him a small, appreciative smile, but her gaze dropped to the table as the weight of yesterday's events pressed down on her.
Rafe reached across the table, taking her hand in his, squeezing it gently.
The sincerity in his words, and the unwavering support he offered, made her feel stronger, and more capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead.
They finished their breakfast in companionable silence, the tension easing as they prepared for the day ahead.
・ • ・ • ・
When they arrived at Kie's house, Allison's heart was pounding in her chest, anxiety bubbling up as they approached the door. She had hoped the house would be empty, that she could grab her things and leave without any confrontation. But when they opened the door to the room where she had been staying, her heart sank.
Her mother and Kie's mom were there, packing her belongings into a suitcase. The sight made Allison's blood run cold, anger and betrayal flashing through her.
Her mother's eyes met hers, a cold, calculating gaze that made Allison's stomach twist. "Oh, good, you came," her mother said, her tone as icy as her expression. "We didn't even have to look for you."
"What the hell are you doing?" Allison demanded, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and confusion.
"What does it look like?" her mother replied coldly, not even bothering to hide the disdain in her voice. "You're going back home with me."
Allison scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive gesture. "No, I'm not. But thanks for packing that for me. I'll take it." She reached for a bag that was closer to her, but her mother grabbed it, moving it out of her reach.
"You're not getting your stuff if you're not coming with me to New York," her mother said, her voice stern and unyielding.
"Seriously?" Allison exclaimed, disbelief and frustration bubbling up inside her. The situation was quickly spiraling out of control, and she felt like she was drowning in her mother's relentless attempts to control her life.
"Yes," her mother replied simply, her tone final.
Allison took a deep breath, trying to keep her temper in check. "Then I'll just get my laptop. I don't need anything else." She moved towards the table where her laptop was, but her mother blocked her way again, her expression unyielding.
"The laptop we bought you for your last birthday?" her mother questioned, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Not going to happen either. I'm going to check what you have on there."
"That's an invasion of privacy," Allison snapped, her anger flaring.
"So you have something more to hide besides a bag of cocaine?" her mother retorted, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Allison's heart sank, knowing that no matter what she said, her mother had already made up her mind.
Her mother's gaze shifted to Rafe, who had been standing silently behind Allison, his presence a comforting weight against the tension in the room. "Is this the boy I heard about? Who got you into drugs again?" her mother asked, her tone dripping with disdain.
"What?!" Allison exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "He didn't get me into drugs." The accusation stung because it was aimed at the one person who had been there for her through everything.
Her mother ignored her, her eyes still fixed on Rafe with a cold, scrutinizing gaze. "It's good that your father isn't here because this wouldn't end well," her mother sneered.
"Just leave Rafe out of this," Allison yelled, her frustration boiling over. "Whatever Kie told you, it's a lie."
"So it's a lie we found cocaine in your room?" Anna interjected, her voice sharp and judgmental.
Allison glared at her, her anger flaring hotter. "You know what? Fuck you for going through my stuff!" she shouted, her voice shaking with the force of her emotions.
"Don't speak to your aunt like that, Allison!" her mother snapped, her voice cold and commanding.
"We're leaving," Allison declared, turning away and pushing Rafe towards the door, but her mother quickly grabbed her arm, her grip tight and unyielding.
"You're not going anywhere," her mother insisted, her voice hard and unrelenting.
Allison yanked her arm away, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I've had enough of you controlling my life," she cried out, her voice shaking with emotion.
"So sending you to the best schools and giving you money is controlling your life?" her mother asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"No, you sent me to a boarding school away from my friends," Allison countered, her voice breaking slightly as the pain of years of suppression spilled over. "You never asked me what I wanted. You never cared about how I felt. You've been trying to control every aspect of my life since I can remember."
Her mother's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as she shot back, "We sent you away to protect you, Allison. You were out of control—drugs, partying, bad influences. You were throwing your life away. How does that make us the bad guys?"
Allison shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "You didn't protect me, Mom. You isolated me. You made me feel like I wasn't good enough like I didn't deserve your love unless I was perfect. And now you're doing it again. You think that by controlling me, by taking away everything, I'll just fall in line and be the daughter you want. But that's not going to happen."
For a moment, her mother was silent, clearly taken aback by Allison's outburst. There was a flicker of something in her eyes—regret, maybe, or understanding—but it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the same cold, unyielding resolve.
"Okay then," her mother finally said, her tone icy and detached. "If you want to go your own way, fine. But don't expect us to support you. We'll freeze your bank account, and you won't get any of your expensive clothes or things back. Let's see how you do on your own."
Allison felt like the floor had dropped out from under her. The finality in her mother's words hit her like a physical blow, knocking the air from her lungs. "You can't do that," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation.
"Oh yes, I can," her mother replied with a cold, triumphant smile. "You want to make your own choices? Then you can live with the consequences. You can live on the cut and see how drug addicts end up. Go ahead and see how you like it, living without the safety net we've always provided."
Her mother's words stung, each one cutting deeper than the last. The coldness, the complete lack of empathy, left Allison feeling like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, with no one to catch her if she fell. The woman who was supposed to love her unconditionally had just turned her back on her without a second thought.
Allison clenched her fists, fighting the tears that threatened to spill over. "You really think cutting me off is going to make me come crawling back to you?" she asked, her voice low and shaking with barely suppressed rage. "I don't need your money, and I don't need your approval. I'll figure it out on my own."
Her mother's eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Allison had already turned on her heel, marching towards the door with Rafe close behind her. She didn't look back as she stormed out of the room, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger, hurt, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal.
The front door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing through the empty hallway as they stepped out into the cool air. Allison's hands were shaking, her vision blurred by the tears she was trying desperately to hold back. She felt Rafe's hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her, reminding her that she wasn't completely alone.
"What am I going to do now?" Allison's voice was barely above a whisper, her words choked with emotion. "I have nothing..."
Rafe immediately stepped in front of her, his hands cupping her face gently. He wiped away the tears that had begun to spill down her cheeks, his touch warm and reassuring. "Hey, hey, look at me," he said softly, his eyes full of concern. "You have me. I'll take care of you, alright?"
Allison's heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in his voice easing some of the crushing weight in her chest. She nodded, leaning into his touch, her hands coming up to grip his wrists as if he were her lifeline. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Rafe's expression softened, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne, letting it soothe her frazzled nerves. For a moment, the world outside didn't exist—it was just the two of them, holding on to each other like they were each other's anchor in a storm.
"You don't have to thank me," Rafe murmured into her hair, his voice a comforting rumble. "I'm here because I want to be because I care about you. We'll get through this, Allison. Together."
Allison nodded again, closing her eyes as she let herself relax into his embrace. For the first time since the confrontation with her mother, she felt a glimmer of hope. Rafe's unwavering support, his calm strength, made her believe that maybe—just maybe—she could get through this.
・ • ・ • ・
A little while later, they arrived at the Island Club, where Jessica, Kelce, and Topper were hanging out. The sun was shining, and the atmosphere was relaxed, but Allison still felt a heaviness in her chest, the confrontation with her mother weighing on her. She tried to push it aside as she and Rafe joined their friends, but it lingered in the back of her mind, gnawing at her.
Jessica, who was lounging on a beach chair with a drink in hand, noticed the tension in Allison's posture immediately. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she sat up, setting her drink aside.
Allison shook her head slightly, her eyes distant as she took a sip of her own drink. "Not really," she admitted, her voice quiet.
"What happened?" Jessica pressed gently, her brows furrowed in worry.
Allison hesitated for a moment, trying to find the words to explain the mess her life had become in the past few hours. "My mom... she's in the Outer Banks," she began, her voice heavy with emotion. "Rafe and I went to Kie's house to get my stuff, and she was already there, packing it up. She wanted me to go back home with her."
Jessica's eyes widened in surprise. "I can see how that could cause some problems," she said, her tone laced with sympathy.
"Yeah," Allison sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And because I don't want to go back, she said she's going to freeze my bank account and that I can... I can live on the Cut." Her voice wavered slightly at the last part, the reality of her situation hitting her like a ton of bricks.
Jessica's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Seriously? That's insane!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with outrage. "Well, I can assure you, you'll never live on the Cut as long as you have me and Rafe."
Allison smiled faintly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thanks, Jess. I know I can count on you."
Before they could continue the conversation, they were interrupted by a familiar voice calling out Rafe's name. Allison's head whipped around, her heart sinking as she saw Barry approaching, his expression dark and dangerous. She knew that the last time Rafe had seen Barry, things hadn't ended well, and the sight of him now filled her with dread.
"Why's your family think I'm just some bitch they can shit on?" Barry's voice was loud, and aggressive, his anger palpable as he approached Rafe. "First, your dad kneecaps me in my house."
Rafe's demeanor immediately shifted, his body tensing as he stepped forward, trying to calm Barry down. "You got your money, Barry. You got your money," he said, his voice steady but strained.
"That ain't the point," Barry spat, his voice dripping with venom. "I'm asking you, what am I? Am I just some little bitch? Is that what your family looks at me like?"
"No. No," Rafe tried again, his eyes darting nervously as he attempted to defuse the situation.
"No! No!" Barry mocked with a bitter laugh. "Okay, so then why is your little sister and her little surf rat friends running around stealing 25K out of my house? Can you tell me that?"
Rafe's eyes widened in surprise. "My little sister robbed you?" he asked, genuinely confused. He hadn't seen Sarah for days, and the idea of her being involved in something like this seemed impossible.
"Yeah, Sarah robbed me. That's why I'm here," Barry replied, his voice laced with anger, his eyes burning with intensity.
"She won't pick a dollar up off the street," Rafe said, still trying to reason with him. "What are you talking about?"
"Do I look dumb?" Barry stepped closer to Rafe, his face inches away, his anger radiating off him in waves. "You think I don't understand what's going on here? 'Cause I'm telling you right now, you better sort this out with your sister, or else I am. 'Cause I want my money."
"Listen..." Rafe began stuttering, his breath coming in shallow gasps, "...I don't know what you're talking about."
"The Pogues are all around Outer Banks stealin' shit out of everybody's house," Barry explained, his voice rising with each word, "and you got no idea? Your sister's involved in it."
"Sarah Cameron, home invader?" Rafe was still skeptical, placing a hand on Barry's shoulder. "You know how stupid..."
"How stupid you are?" Barry yelled, grabbing Rafe's arm and shoving him to the side. "How many times I gotta deal with you? That's 25K!"
Seeing Rafe struggling, Allison's protective instincts kicked in, and she quickly stepped forward, placing herself between Rafe and Barry. "Hey, leave him alone," she demanded, her voice strong and clear despite the tremor of fear running through her. She knew Barry was dangerous, and the last thing she wanted was for this situation to escalate.
Barry's gaze flicked to Allison, a sneer curling his lips as he sized her up. "Oh, so now the princess wants to play hero, huh?" he taunted, his tone dripping with condescension. "You got no idea what you're stepping into, sweetheart."
"Allison, don't," Rafe warned, his voice tense as he reached out to gently pull her back. He didn't want her getting involved in this—didn't want her anywhere near Barry.
Ignoring Rafe's plea, Allison squared her shoulders, her eyes narrowing as she stared Barry down. "I'm not going to let you push him around. This isn't his problem—it's yours. Go take it up with Sarah if you have an issue."
Barry laughed, a harsh, grating sound that sent chills down her spine. "You think I won't? I'm gonna get my money, one way or another." His gaze darkened as he looked back at Rafe, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You better believe that."
"Just back off, Barry," Rafe finally spoke, his voice low and steady as he pushed Allison behind him, shielding her with his body. "I'll talk to Sarah, but this isn't the way to handle it."
Barry's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed like he might lash out. But then he took a step back, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "You better sort it out, Cameron. Or else." His gaze lingered on Allison for a beat longer, his eyes gleaming with something dark and unsettling. "And keep your little girlfriend out of this. You wouldn't want her getting hurt, would you?"
Rafe's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides as he fought the urge to knock that smug grin off Barry's face. But he knew that would only make things worse. "She's got nothing to do with this," Rafe bit out, his voice tense. "Just leave her alone."
"Sort this shit out with your sister," Barry ordered, and Rafe agreed to do it. "I'mma get my money. If it's not from you, it's from her. Remember that. I'll see you boys around."
With that, he walked away, leaving a tense silence in his wake.
As soon as Barry was out of sight, Rafe let out a shaky breath, turning to face Allison. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening as he cupped her face in his hands, searching her eyes for any sign of distress.
Allison nodded, though her heart was still racing from the encounter. "I'm fine," she assured him, leaning into his touch. "But Rafe, this is getting out of hand. What if Barry tries to come after you—or Sarah?"
"He won't touch her," Rafe said firmly, though a shadow of doubt crossed his features. "I'll make sure of it." His expression had hardened with resolve. "I need to go find Sarah and figure out what's going on," he said, his voice calm but determined. "You go back with Jessica and Kelce, okay? I'll be back soon."
Allison wanted to argue, to insist on going with him, but she knew this was something Rafe needed to handle on his own. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly, her hand lingering on his arm as if she could keep him close a little longer. "
He turned and headed towards his bike, Topper already waiting for him.
As she watched him go, Allison couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her gut.
Taking a deep breath, Allison turned back to Jessica and Kelce, forcing a smile as she tried to push her worries aside. But even as they joked and chatted, the tension in her chest remained, a constant reminder that things were far from settled.