As the sunset bathed the balcony in a warm, golden hue, Allison was surrounded by her friends, Jessica, Kelce, and Brandon. The table was strewn with the remnants of their escapism—bottles of alcohol, half-smoked joints, and a small bag of cocaine that Brandon had nonchalantly tossed onto the table. Their laughter and idle chatter served as a temporary shield, a flimsy barrier against the chaos that always seemed to loom just out of sight.
Allison leaned back in her chair, letting the evening breeze tousle her hair. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch forever. Despite the carefree atmosphere, a gnawing unease settled in her chest—a feeling that something was about to tip the balance.
Her worries found substance when Rafe and Topper finally returned. The moment Rafe stepped onto the balcony, Allison could see the tension radiating off him. His jaw was clenched, and the usually confident swagger in his step was gone, replaced by a heaviness that hadn't been there before.
Without a word, Allison stood up and reached for the small bag of cocaine. She caught Rafe's unburned wrist just as he was about to collapse onto a chair, pulling him back into the house before he could sit down.
"What happened?" Allison's voice was gentle but laced with concern, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Rafe's gaze was hard, a storm brewing in those piercing blue eyes. "Sarah and those fucking Pogues are idiots," he snapped, his frustration evident. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the anger was bubbling too close to the surface. "You shouldn't have defended me earlier," he added, his tone softer but still edged with something sharp.
Allison met his gaze head-on, her voice unwavering. "I'm not afraid of Barry, Rafe."
Rafe's eyes darkened, and he shook his head, his expression a mix of anger and fear. "Maybe you should be," he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You know what he did to me, and I can't bear the thought of him doing something to you."
Allison's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. She reached up, her thumb gently brushing the back of his hand in a soothing gesture. "I know you won't let anything like that happen to me."
Rafe's grip tightened around her hand as if he needed to hold onto her to stay grounded. "Damn right, I won't," he replied, his voice filled with determination. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "One day I'll be running the show, and Sarah and everyone else will wish they were nicer to me."
Allison wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I'm sure they will."
"But you'll be by my side, yeah?" Rafe needed reassurance, his eyes softened as he looked at her, the weight of his earlier anger starting to lift.
"Always," Allison said without hesitation, her lips brushing against his ear.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Rafe's mouth. "Then they'll wish they were nicer to us."
Allison returned his smile, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Yes, they will."
Rafe's response was wordless, a deep, hungry kiss that silenced any further conversation. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her flush against him. Their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly as if they were two halves of the same whole. The kiss deepened, their breath mingling, the tension between them shifting from anger to something far more primal.
As their kiss grew more heated, Rafe hooked one of her legs around his waist, his hand moving up her thigh, igniting a trail of fire in its wake. Allison moaned softly into his mouth, the sound sending a jolt of electricity through him. Seizing the moment, Rafe wrapped her other leg around him, his hands gripping her butt firmly. The sensation of his rough hands on her skin sent a shiver down her spine.
His hand slid into her back pocket, pulling out the small bag of cocaine. He held it up, his breath hot against her ear. "Is this for me?" he asked, his voice low and rough.
Allison's breath hitched, and she nodded. "It's for us."
Rafe's lips curled into a smile before he carried her over to the kitchen counter, setting her down with surprising gentleness. He quickly poured the contents of the bag onto her thigh, dividing it into two lines before snorting them. The sharpness of the drug cut through the lingering tension in his mind, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Allison followed suit, bending down to snort her lines off the counter. The rush was immediate, a wave of euphoria that made her blood sing and her senses sharpen. The world outside that kitchen faded into a dull hum, leaving only Rafe, his touch, his presence, and the heady mix of lust and need that simmered between them.
"Good girl," Rafe murmured, his voice thick with desire as he slapped her butt lightly. "Stay like that."
His fingers found their way to her folds, still covered by her clothes, but the barrier didn't stop the heat that pooled between her legs. She moaned softly, her head falling forward as she gripped the edge of the counter.
A flicker of worry crossed her mind, and she looked over her shoulder at him. "What if someone comes in?"
Rafe considered her words, his hand stilling for a moment before he made a decision. "Okay, come here." He gently grabbed the nape of her neck, guiding her into the nearest bathroom. Once inside, he bent her over the counter sink, his movements urgent, filled with an intensity that made her heart race.
Allison caught sight of their reflection in the bathroom mirror, her breath hitching as Rafe tugged down her shorts with rough hands, letting them pool at her ankles. The sight of him behind her, the hunger in his eyes as he ground his hips against her, sent a thrill through her.
Rafe didn't waste time. He pushed her panties aside and slowly, agonizingly, slid his index finger into her slick heat. Allison gasped, her hands gripping the counter for support. His touch was electric, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her with every movement.
He bent forward, his chest pressing against her back, his breath hot against her ear. "Look at me, princess," he commanded, his voice dark and seductive.
Allison forced her eyes open, meeting his gaze in the mirror. His blue eyes were dark with desire, his jaw clenched as he fought for control. When their eyes locked, he thrusted two fingers deep inside her, a reward that had her crying out in pleasure.
Rafe smirked, clearly enjoying the sight of her coming undone beneath his touch. "Fuck, you're so hot," he whispered, his voice full of raw need. "And so, so wet."
He watched her in the mirror, taking in her flushed cheeks, the way she bit her lip to keep from screaming. The sight fueled the fire burning inside him, and he couldn't hold back any longer. He shoved three fingers inside her, relishing the way she screamed his name.
The wet sound of his fingers moving in and out of her filled the small bathroom, mixing with her breathless moans and his own heavy breathing. He was on the edge, teetering between control and the urge to fuck her senseless almost overwhelming him.
When her legs started to tremble, and her moans grew desperate, Rafe knew she was close. "Do you want to come?" he asked, his voice rough as he rubbed her clit in tight circles. "Tell me, do you want to come?"
Allison's breath hitched, her body shaking with need. "Yes. Please. Make me come," she begged.
Rafe's hand moved faster, the pressure just right, pushing her to the edge. Allison's world exploded into a million stars as the orgasm ripped through her, leaving her gasping for air. "Oh fuck, Rafe!" she screamed, her hips bucking against his hand.
"You're so beautiful," Rafe whispered, his eyes glued to her reflection as she rode out the waves of her orgasm.
When she finally opened her eyes, she found his waiting for her in the mirror. There was a look of triumph in his gaze, mingled with something deeper, something possessive. He brought his fingers to her mouth, and she obediently sucked them clean, the taste of herself sending another wave of arousal through her.
Rafe didn't waste time. He undid his pants with practiced ease, his hands shaking with the need to be inside her. "My turn now. Are you ready?"
All Allison could do was nod, her body still trembling from the aftershocks of her climax. But the way she looked at him, her eyes filled with hunger, told him everything he needed to know. She wanted him just as badly as he wanted her.
Rafe hooked one of her legs up, giving him the perfect angle to slide deep inside her. The sensation was almost too much, and Allison's head fell forward as she moaned, loud and unrestrained. Rafe didn't give her a chance to adjust, his pace relentless as he drove into her over and over, each thrust more intense than the last.
He gripped her hips tightly, keeping her steady as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips brushing against her skin. Allison smiled before feeling him hit her G-spot. She gasped and moaned louder than intended, gripping the counter, needing something to hold on to.
"F-fuck yes, right there..." she gasped, her voice high and breathy.
Rafe's teeth grazed her shoulder, a low growl escaping his lips as he wrapped his hand around her neck, tightening his grip just enough to make her gasp for air. He pulled her back against his chest, her body arching into him, the new angle pushing her deeper into the pleasure. Allison could barely keep her eyes open, her vision blurring as her body quaked with the intensity of their connection.
Rafe's thrusts became more erratic, driven by the primal need to lose himself in her. He could feel her tightening around him, her breath hitching as she neared the edge once more. Her moans grew louder, each one spurring him on, his control slipping with every second.
"Fuck, Rafe..." Her voice was a breathless plea, a desperate cry as her orgasm built, wave after wave crashing over her. Her body trembled, her hands clutching at the sink for support, but nothing could anchor her as she was swept away by the tidal force of her climax.
Rafe watched her in the mirror, the sight of her falling apart beneath him pushing him to the brink. He moved erratically inside her, and she bent forward over the sink again, gasping as she started unraveling. He released her neck, gripping her wrists and pulling her arms back behind her, holding her in place as he drove into her with reckless abandon. Allison's head fell forward, her voice breaking into a sob of pleasure as she came undone, the intensity of her orgasm tearing through her.
"Fuck," Rafe groaned, his own release barreling through him like a freight train. He felt himself spasm, his body locking up as he spilled inside her, the sensation overwhelming in its rawness. He kept moving, riding out their shared high, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he tried to catch up with his racing heart.
For a moment, the world was still, the only sounds in the room were their mingled breathing and the pounding of their hearts. Rafe leaned over her, his chest heaving as he fought to regain control, his body still humming with the afterglow of their connection. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of her neck, a tender gesture that stood in stark contrast to the roughness of their earlier passion.
Allison's legs felt like they might give out at any moment, her body trembling with the aftermath of her orgasm. She let out a shaky breath, her eyes fluttering open to meet Rafe's in the mirror. There was something vulnerable in his gaze, a rawness that mirrored the way she felt.
"You good?" Rafe asked, his voice low and rough, a hint of concern coloring his tone. He placed a hand on her back, gently rubbing it as he tried to steady her.
Allison managed a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "No." Her legs buckled beneath her, and she slid to the floor, her body spent and drained from the intensity of their encounter.
Rafe crouched down beside her, his expression softening as he saw the exhaustion etched across her face. "Need anything? Another line?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood with a teasing grin, but there was genuine concern in his eyes.
Allison shook her head, leaning back against the cool tiles. "No. Just a glass of cold water, please," she murmured, her voice tinged with weariness.
Rafe nodded, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before he stood and went to the kitchen. He returned moments later, kneeling beside her with a glass of water. Allison took it gratefully, drinking deeply as the cool liquid soothed her parched throat.
"Feeling better?" Rafe asked, his voice gentle as he brushed a strand of hair out of her face, his touch lingering.
Allison offered him a tired smile, her eyes filled with affection. "A little bit. Thanks," she replied, leaning into his touch, craving the comfort of his presence.
Rafe's smile was soft, the tension that had gripped him earlier finally easing. "No problem, princess," he said, helping her to her feet with a tenderness that belied the intensity of what they had just shared. "Let's get back out there."
He wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her as they walked back to the balcony. The warmth of his touch and the strength in his hold grounded her, and the chaotic emotions that had been swirling inside her started to settle.
When they returned to the balcony, Brandon looked up from his drink, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not really nice to leave your guests and go fuck," he said mockingly, his tone light, though there was an edge of jealousy in his eyes.
Rafe shot him a warning glance, slapping Brandon's shoulder hard enough to make him spill his beer. "Shut up, bro," Rafe replied, his voice firm but good-natured, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Allison sank down onto the sofa beside Rafe, her body still buzzing with the remnants of their encounter. He draped his arm over her shoulders, pulling her close as if to shield her from the world. The warmth of his touch, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the simple act of being near him helped to soothe her lingering anxieties.
"I can't believe Sarah—" Topper began, but Rafe cut him off with a deep, weary sigh.
"Can you shut the fuck up about her?" Rafe snapped, his patience wearing thin. "The whole damn day has been about Sarah. I don't want to hear another word."
Allison, sensing the tension still lingering in Rafe's voice, reached for a joint that had been left on the table. She lit it and took a deep drag, feeling the smoke curl into her lungs, calming her nerves. She leaned back against the sofa, exhaling slowly, letting the smoke billow around her like a protective shield.
She took another drag, holding the smoke in her lungs for a moment before turning toward Rafe. He leaned in, their lips barely brushing as she exhaled the smoke into his mouth. The gesture was intimate, the kind of wordless communication that spoke volumes about the depth of their connection.
Rafe inhaled deeply, savoring the taste of her on his lips before capturing her mouth in a hard, searing kiss. The taste of smoke lingered between them, adding a layer of intensity to the kiss that made her heart race. When they finally pulled away, Allison smiled, her eyes heavy-lidded with contentment.
She handed the joint to Rafe, and they passed it back and forth until there was nothing left but a burnt-out stub. Allison reached for a glass of red wine, taking a sip before leaning back into Rafe's embrace. The combination of weed and alcohol was making her feel pleasantly drowsy, the edges of the world blurring into a soft haze.
As she relaxed further into the sofa, her head naturally found its way to Rafe's lap. The comfort of his presence, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, lulled her into a state of peaceful contentment.
"Not feeling good again?" Rafe whispered, his fingers threading through her hair in a slow, soothing motion.
"Just tired," Allison replied, her voice soft and languid. The gentle massage of his fingers against her scalp made it difficult to keep her eyes open, sleep tugging at the edges of her consciousness.
Jessica glanced over at her, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you hungry? I kinda am."
Allison managed a small smile, her voice drowsy. "A little bit, yeah."
"I'll order some pizza," Jessica said, already pulling out her phone to place the order. Allison could barely muster the energy to nod, the weight of the day and everything that had happened finally catching up with her.
When the pizza arrived, Allison forced herself to sit up, her body protesting the movement. She took a slice from the box, the smell of melted cheese making her stomach growl. The warmth of the food, the familiarity of it, grounded her in a way she hadn't realized she needed.
They ate in companionable silence, the earlier tension dissipating as they shared the meal. The small group began to disperse as the evening wore on, with Topper and Kelce being the first to head home. Jessica and Brandon lingered a bit longer, finishing their drinks and talking about plans for the rest of the summer.
"What are you gonna do when the Glissons come back to OBX?" Jessica asked, her tone casual but curious.
Rafe shrugged, not giving it much thought. "They won't be back for a month at least."
Jessica's expression brightened as she shared an idea. "We were actually thinking you two could live with us. Our house is half empty anyway."
Allison's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a spark of excitement cutting through her drowsiness. "Really?" she asked, turning to Rafe, her voice hopeful.
Jessica nodded a warm smile on her lips. "Whenever you two decide, you're welcome to come."
Brandon grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, mi casa es su casa."
"What do you say we head back home, baby girl?" he asked Jessica, playfully slapping her thigh as she sat in his lap.
"Right now?" Jessica asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
"Yeah, right now," Brandon smirked, a suggestive glint in his eyes. "While I still have some energy left."
Jessica and Brandon chuckled before Brandon stood, lifting Jessica into his arms in a playful bridal carry. She laughed, swatting at him lightly, but it was clear she enjoyed the attention.
As he headed toward the door with Jessica in his arms. "Byeee," Jessica called over her shoulder, her voice filled with laughter as she waved to Rafe and Allison.
Allison waved back, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she watched them leave. The house suddenly felt quieter, the energy of the evening beginning to wind down. She stood up from the sofa, stretching her arms above her head, feeling the fatigue of the day settling into her bones.
She began to gather the empty pizza boxes and scattered bottles, but Rafe quickly intervened, grabbing the pizza box from her hand and tossing it onto one of the armchairs. "Not now. We can do it tomorrow," he said firmly, his arms slipping around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin. "You said you were tired. Let's just go to sleep."
Allison turned around to face him, her hands resting on his chest. "Shower first," she insisted, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Rafe returned her smile, his eyes filled with a mix of affection and desire. Without another word, he lifted her, effortlessly cradling her in his arms. Allison instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms looping around his neck as he carried her toward the bathroom.
The dim light in the bathroom cast soft shadows on the walls, with its warm lighting and the faint scent of lavender from the soap, felt like a sanctuary—an escape from the chaos of the day.
Rafe set her down gently, his hands lingering on her waist as he let her legs slide down until her feet touched the cool tile floor. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, cocooned in their own little world.
Allison smiled up at him, a soft, genuine smile that made Rafe's heart skip a beat. Despite everything—despite the drugs, the chaos, and the uncertainty—there was something undeniably pure in the way they looked at each other, a connection that neither of them could deny.
"Let's get you out of these clothes," Rafe murmured, his voice low and filled with affection.
Allison nodded, her hands moving to the hem of her shirt, but Rafe stopped her, his fingers gently brushing hers aside. "Let me," he said, his tone gentle yet commanding.
She let her hands fall to her sides, watching as Rafe slowly lifted her shirt over her head, his eyes never leaving hers. There was something so intimate about the way he undressed her, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he wanted to savor every moment.
When her shirt was gone, Rafe's hands moved to her shorts, unbuttoning them with the same careful attention. He slid them down her legs, his fingers grazing her skin as he went, sending shivers down her spine. Allison stepped out of the shorts, now standing before him in nothing but her panties.
Rafe's gaze roamed over her body, his eyes darkening with desire, but there was something more in his expression—something deeper. He wasn't just looking at her; he was seeing her, truly seeing her, in a way that made her feel vulnerable yet cherished.
He looked at her for a moment, a hint of mischief in his eyes, before he began to undress. There was something about the way he moved, so sure of himself, that made Allison's heart race. She watched as he peeled off his clothes, revealing the strong lines of his body, his muscles tense from the day's events.
Rafe gently reached past her, turning on the shower. The water cascaded down, filling the room with steam as the air grew warmer.
He took her hand, leading her into the shower, the water immediately enveloping them in its warm embrace.
For a moment, they simply stood there, letting the water wash over them. It felt like a cleansing, a way to wash away the tension of the day, the stress, the fear. Rafe's hands moved to her shoulders, massaging gently as the water ran down her back. Allison closed her eyes, leaning into his touch, feeling the comfort and safety in his presence.
"You know," Rafe began, his voice a soft murmur over the sound of the water, "I didn't think I'd ever find someone who could make me feel...like this."
Allison opened her eyes, tilting her head to look up at him. "Like what?"
"Like I'm not alone," he admitted, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that took her breath away. "Like maybe there's hope for me after all."
Allison felt a lump form in her throat. She knew Rafe struggled with his demons—his past, his family, and the expectations placed on him. But at this moment, with her, he was letting her see a side of him that few others ever did. "You're not alone, Rafe. I'm here. I'm always going to be here."
He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, the water dripping from his hair onto her face. "You don't know how much that means to me," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
They stayed like that for a while, the water cascading around them as they held each other, the world outside forgotten. It was just the two of them, wrapped up in their own little world, a bubble of peace amidst the chaos.
Eventually, Rafe pulled back slightly, his hands moving to cup her face as he looked down at her with a tenderness that made her heartache. "Let's get you cleaned up," he said softly, reaching for the soap.
Allison smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she watched him lather the soap in his hands. He began washing her gently, his touch light and careful as he worked the soap into her skin. There was something so intimate about it, so different from the intensity of their earlier moments. This was slow, deliberate, a way to connect without words.
She took the soap from him after a while, mirroring his actions as she began to wash him too. Rafe closed his eyes, a contented sigh escaping his lips as she ran her hands over his chest, his shoulders, down his arms. It was a simple act, but it felt like so much more—a way to show him that she cared, that she was here for him in every way that mattered.
When they were finally clean, Rafe turned off the water, the steam still hanging in the air as he reached for a towel. He wrapped it around her first, drying her off with the same care he had shown in the shower. Then he took a second towel, drying himself off quickly before wrapping it around his waist.
Rafe's hand slipped into hers. "Let's get some sleep," he said, his voice warm and gentle.
Allison nodded, following him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. They climbed into bed together, the sheets cool against their warm skin. Rafe pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her as she nestled against his chest, her head resting over his heart, the steady rhythm a soothing lullaby that began to ease her into sleep.
And in that moment, as they held each other in the quiet of the night, the world outside faded away. All that mattered was the warmth of his embrace, the steady beat of his heart, and the knowledge that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, side by side.
・ • ・ • ・
The sun hung high in the sky as Allison and Rafe lounged on the balcony, remnants of the previous night's indulgence scattered around them. Empty bottles and crumpled bags bore witness to their excess, creating a disarrayed backdrop against the golden light. They hadn't bothered to clean up, knowing that the chaos mirrored the tumult within them.
Allison sat perched on Rafe's lap, the intimacy between them palpable. It was a rare moment of calm in their otherwise turbulent lives. Rafe held a bong in his hands, inhaling deeply before passing it to Allison. She took the hit, letting the smoke fill her lungs, savoring the brief escape it provided as she exhaled slowly.
Rafe placed the bong back on the table and his hands instinctively found her waist. He leaned forward, his lips brushing against her neck in a series of soft kisses that sent shivers down her spine. Allison smiled, closing her eyes to fully absorb the sensation of his lips on her skin. The world outside faded, leaving only the warmth of his touch and the steady beat of his heart beneath her.
She pushed him back against the armchair, straddling his lap with a deliberate slowness. Their eyes locked, a shared understanding passing between them before she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was deep, a slow burn that matched the rhythm of her hips as she began to move. Rafe hummed in approval, his hands sliding under the oversized t-shirt she wore, gripping her ass possessively. Just as the heat between them began to build, a high-pitched voice cut through the air.
"Rafe!" The unexpected interruption shattered their moment, and they turned their heads quickly. Rafe's hands retreated from under Allison's shirt as if they had been caught doing something illicit.
Allison didn't recognize the girl, but Rafe's reaction told her everything she needed to know. The young girl standing before them was undoubtedly his younger sister. "I'm sorry," Rafe mumbled, shifting uncomfortably as Allison adjusted to sit properly on his lap.
Wheezie, Rafe's sister, stepped further onto the balcony, tossing her bag onto the table with casual ease. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna tell anybody," she said with a playful chuckle, clearly amused by the situation.
Rafe exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Uh... Allison, this is Wheezie, my little sister. Wheezie, this is Allison, my..." He trailed off, struggling to find the right word.
"The girlfriend you tried to sneak out of the house one morning?" Wheezie asked, raising an eyebrow in a knowing manner.
Rafe looked genuinely surprised, caught off guard by her statement. "How do you know that?" he asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern.
Wheezie shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I was close, so I heard." She turned her gaze to Allison, her expression softening. "It's nice to meet you."
Allison returned the smile, sensing a bit of the awkwardness fading. "You too, Wheezie."
Rafe glanced at the bong on the table, clearly flustered by his sister's presence. "Uh... do you want some, or...?"
Wheezie rolled her eyes, a look of exasperation crossing her young face. "You legitimately just offered me drugs? I'm 13."
"She has a point, Rafe," Allison interjected, trying to stifle a laugh. The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on her.
Rafe scratched the back of his neck, looking more awkward by the second. "Uh..."
Wheezie, always quick to move on, looked around the balcony with a discerning eye. "This is a sweet crib. How'd you con the Glissons into letting you crash here?"
Rafe leaned back in his seat, trying to sound casual despite the nerves coursing through him. "I, uh... I didn't tell them, is how. They're in Sun Valley all summer, so keep a lid on it, please."
Wheezie's expression shifted to one of mild amusement as she moved an empty pizza box to sit on the armchair next to them. "Yeah, sure. As long as you let me stay here whenever I want."
Rafe eyed her warily. "Yeah... Dad trying to kick you out too?"
Wheezie sighed dramatically, playing up her role. "Worse. I'm officially the least favorite daughter."
Rafe chuckled, shaking his head at the shared sibling plight.
"Sarah and Dad are going to the Bahamas and did they invite me? Nope."
Allison felt Rafe's body tense beneath her, a clear sign that his emotions were spiraling. "Wait. They're... they're going to the Bahama house? In summer?" he asked, disbelief thick in his voice.
"Yeah. According to Rose, it's business," Wheezie explained, her tone casual. "They're all wrapped up in some new development, and for some super-secret reason, they're going to the Bahamas."
Rafe's frustration bubbled to the surface. "You know, I know about like, a billion times more about the business than she does," he muttered, his agitation growing as he stood up, displacing Allison from his lap. He began pacing, running his hands through his hair in a familiar gesture of anxiety. "What... what is this?"
"Ugh, we're the black sheep. Get used to it, Rafe," Wheezie said with a resigned sigh, mocking him with bleating sheep noises as she got up.
Rafe's temper flared, his movements quick as he grabbed her forearm more tightly than necessary. "Hey! Shut up!" he snapped, his voice sharp. "Wheezie, I told you to shut up, okay?"
Allison's eyes widened in alarm at how rough Rafe was with his sister. She instinctively wanted to step in, but before she could, Wheezie yanked her arm free, glaring at him.
"Don't tell me to shut up!" Wheezie retorted, her voice strong. She pulled some cash from her backpack and slapped it against Rafe's chest, letting it fall to the ground. "Here, my life savings... Life savings."
Rafe's anger faltered, guilt flashing across his face as he bent down to pick up the money. His movements were shaky, the effects of last night's drugs and alcohol still coursing through his system. "Oh... oh, shit," he muttered, struggling to keep his balance as he gathered the cash.
After collecting the money, he sat back down, trying to regain his composure. "I'll pay it back."
"Whenever," Wheezie replied with a shrug, her tone indifferent.
Rafe ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself as he spoke. "I know this looks really bad right now, but... I'm gonna... I'm gonna get my shit together, okay?" His voice cracked with a mix of determination and desperation, he poked his chest with his fingertips and sniffed, "Like, I will. I'm gonna get it tight, like... you know..." He knocked on the table for emphasis, though the gesture felt hollow. "Like, real tight." He forced a laugh, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You'll see."
Once Wheezie left, the tension in the air seemed to dissipate, but Allison could still feel the undercurrent of Rafe's unresolved anger and insecurity. He pulled her back onto his lap, trying to recapture the earlier intimacy. "Now, where did we leave off?" he asked, his voice low and rough.
Allison sank into his lap, his fingertips tracing patterns along her bare skin. The moment between them was charged but now tinged with the lingering residue of his earlier outburst. Their lips met in a heated kiss, but there was an edge to it—a desperation that hadn't been there before.
Rafe's hands moved to grab her ass again, his touch rougher than usual as he tried to lose himself in the physical connection. He bit her lip harder, causing her to gasp, but before the kiss could deepen, a notification on her phone pulled her out of the moment.
"What the hell, Allison?" Rafe grumbled, annoyance flaring in his eyes as she shifted off his lap to reach for her phone.
"Sorry. It's my dad," Allison replied, her tone distracted. "I have a ringtone set just for him."
Rafe's irritation deepened as he watched her check the message. Her father was the last person he wanted her to be in contact with, especially after everything that had happened with her mother. "What does he want?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion.
Allison's brows furrowed as she read the message. "He says he's in the Outer Banks and wants to meet at the Country Club."
Rafe's jaw clenched. "And you're gonna go?"
"I... I have to," Allison replied, already typing a response back to her father. There was a hint of reluctance in her voice, but also a flicker of hope that maybe this meeting would go differently.
"You know he's just going to tell you the same crap your mom did, right?" Rafe's voice was low, almost a growl. The thought of her parents trying to drag her away from him made his blood boil.
Allison looked at him, her expression a mix of defiance and resignation. "Maybe. But maybe I can get some money out of him. It's the one thing he's always been willing to give."
Rafe exhaled sharply, leaning back in his seat, a storm of emotions swirling behind his eyes. "Suit yourself, then," he muttered, his tone clipped. The tension between them was palpable, a stark contrast to the intimacy they had shared just moments before. Allison felt a pang of guilt as she watched Rafe retreat into himself, but she knew she had to do this.
She moved inside the house to get ready, her mind racing with thoughts of what this meeting with her father might bring. She hadn't seen him in so long, and the uncertainty of their encounter weighed heavily on her. As she dressed, her hands shook slightly, the reality of her situation crashing down on her. She wanted to believe that her father might be different, that he might understand her in a way her mother never did, but deep down, she feared the worst.
Meanwhile, Rafe remained on the balcony, brooding. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was slipping through his fingers, that the fragile balance he and Allison had maintained was in jeopardy. His anger at his father, at Sarah, at the world, simmered just below the surface. He wanted to protect Allison, to shield her from the pain he knew was coming, but he felt powerless. All he could do was wait, and the waiting gnawed at him.
When Allison finally emerged, dressed and ready to leave, she hesitated at the door. She turned to look at Rafe, her expression softening as she saw the storm in his eyes. "I'll be back soon," she said quietly, but the reassurance in her voice felt hollow even to her.
Rafe met her gaze, the tension between them still palpable. "Yeah," he replied, the word heavy with unspoken fears. He didn't move from his spot as she left, the door closing behind her with a finality that made his heart clench.
As soon as Allison was gone, Rafe couldn't sit still any longer. The walls of the house seemed to close in on him, suffocating in their silence. He needed to do something, anything to keep from drowning in his own thoughts. Without a second thought, he grabbed his keys and headed out, he had a need to confront his own father.
・ • ・ • ・
Allison's relationship with her parents had always been a labyrinth of mixed emotions. On one hand, she knew they loved her and wanted what was best for her, but on the other, their expectations often felt suffocating, like a weight she could never quite shake off. They had a vision for her life, a path neatly paved with their hopes and dreams, but it was a path that often left her feeling trapped and misunderstood. Rafe had been her escape from that—a breath of fresh air in a world that often felt stifling. With him, she could be free, wild, and unburdened by the expectations that had always loomed over her.
As Allison arrived at the Country Club, a knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. Her father had always been the quieter one, the parent who didn't raise his voice or impose his will as forcefully as her mother did. But his disappointment, when it came, was a crushing blow. The thought of facing that disappointment again made her hands tremble slightly. She rehearsed the conversation in her head, trying to find the right words to explain everything—to make him see that she was trying, that she wasn't as lost as they thought. But the closer she got, the more the words seemed to slip away, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.
When she finally arrived, the Country Club loomed before her, its pristine facade a stark reminder of the world she had tried so hard to leave behind. Inside, she quickly spotted her father sitting alone at a table near the window, his posture relaxed, but his expression gave nothing away. The sight of him alone was a small relief—at least her mother wasn't here to add to the tension.
"Hi, Dad," Allison greeted softly as she approached, her voice barely above a whisper. There was a hesitation in her step, a reluctance to close the distance between them.
Her father looked up, his eyes lighting up with a small, familiar warmth as he stood to kiss her temple. "Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice gentle, but she could hear the undercurrent of concern.
"Are you alone here?" Allison asked as she sat down across from him, trying to read his expression, to gauge how this conversation might go.
"Yes, your mother went back to New York. She asked me to come here and talk to you," he replied, sitting back down and folding his hands on the table. His eyes never left hers, and she could feel his scrutiny, his need to understand, to figure out what had gone wrong.
There was a long, uncomfortable silence between them as they both struggled to find the right words. The weight of everything left unsaid hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.
Allison took a deep breath, deciding to dive right in. "So I guess you know everything," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she met his gaze, a mixture of defiance and vulnerability in her eyes.
"I know her side of the story, so I came here to hear yours," her father replied, his tone calm but with a hint of sadness. He looked at her intently, his eyes searching her face for answers, for the daughter he felt he was losing.
Allison bit her lip, feeling a lump form in her throat. "What do you want to know?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost defeated.
"Is it true that you use drugs?" her father asked straight away, not mincing words. His tone was direct, but there was a pain in his eyes, a disappointment that cut deep.
Allison sighed, feeling the weight of his question like a heavy burden. "Dad, I'm sorry. I messed up again, and I know I've hurt you and Mom. But I need you to understand that I'm trying. I really am," she pleaded, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted so desperately for him to see how much she was struggling, to see that she wasn't beyond saving.
Her father looked at her, his eyes filled with a deep sadness and disappointment that made her heartache. "Allison, we love you, and we want to help you. But we can't keep bailing you out. You need to take responsibility for your actions," he said, his voice firm but tinged with sorrow.
"I know," Allison whispered, her tears threatening to spill over. "But it's so hard, Dad. And now, without money... I just don't know what to do." Her voice broke as she admitted her fear, her helplessness.
"Maybe it's a good thing you don't have money to buy drugs," her father stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"I don't have money for food," Allison replied softly, her voice barely audible as she looked down at her hands, her heart breaking under the weight of everything.
Suddenly, a waitress approached them, placing plates of food on the table. Allison didn't know her father had already ordered her favorite dish. The sight of the food, the smell of it, reminded her of just how hungry she was, and despite herself, she started eating. But the food tasted like ash in her mouth, the conversation stealing any joy she might have found in the meal.
"Now let's get back to what we were talking about," her father said, watching her eat with a mixture of relief and sadness. It pained him to see his daughter like this, so broken, so desperate.
"Dad, I really need some money. I know you probably won't unfreeze my bank account, but I need like five hundred dollars, maybe a thousand," Allison told him, her voice filled with desperation. She hated begging, hated how low she felt, but she saw no other option.
"That's a lot of money," her father said, his expression hardening. His eyes were searching hers for some sign that she was still the little girl he had once known, but all he saw was a young woman teetering on the edge of self-destruction. "Where do you live now if you are not with the Carreras?"
"Uh, I live with Rafe," Allison replied, her voice small, as if she knew this answer wouldn't sit well with him.
Her father's expression turned even more stern at the mention of Rafe. "I've never met him, but from what I've heard, he's not good for you. He's part of the problem, not the solution," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"But Daddy, I love him," Allison pleaded, her voice cracking. "He understands me in a way no one else does." Her voice was thick with emotion, with the need for her father to understand, to see that Rafe was the only thing keeping her together.
"Love isn't enough if it's dragging you down, Allison. You need to think about your future, about your health," her father said, his tone unwavering, though his heart ached to see her in so much pain. "I can't give you the money, especially if it's going to support this lifestyle."
The words stung, sharp and painful, like a knife twisting in her heart. She knew he was right, that this life she was living wasn't sustainable, but hearing it from him only made it hurt more. The conversation continued, each word like a weight pressing down on her, suffocating her. By the time they said their goodbyes, Allison felt emotionally drained, her heart heavy with the weight of their exchange. She had hoped for some kind of resolution, some sign that her father still believed in her, but all she felt was a deep sense of hopelessness.
As she sat at the restaurant, picking at her food, the reality of her situation crashed down on her. She had made a mistake coming here, thinking her father could see things differently from her mother. The disappointment was like a physical ache in her chest, and she could barely muster the strength to text Rafe, asking him to pick her up. But when no reply came, the emptiness only grew. She headed home alone, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders.
・ • ・ • ・
The house was eerily quiet when Allison returned, her footsteps echoing in the emptiness. She called out for Rafe, hoping he might be there to offer some comfort, but there was no response. The silence was deafening, amplifying the loneliness that gnawed at her insides. She dropped her bag on the floor and collapsed onto the couch, feeling a mix of anger and despair. She had poured her heart out to her dad, and while she knew he meant well, his words had only added to her turmoil, leaving her feeling more lost than ever.
As the minutes ticked by, the loneliness became unbearable. Allison reached for a bottle of vodka, hoping it would numb the pain that had taken root in her chest. The first few sips burned as they went down, but she welcomed the distraction, the temporary relief from the storm of emotions raging inside her. She drank steadily, trying to drown out the thoughts that kept racing through her mind, but no matter how much she drank, the ache in her chest persisted, gnawing at her insides.
But the alcohol wasn't enough. The voices of her parents, the disappointment in their eyes, echoed in her mind, growing louder with each passing moment. The words they had said, about how she was a disappointment to the family, played on a loop, each repetition a fresh wound in her heart. Desperate for relief, for something, anything that would quiet the noise in her head, she rummaged through the medicine cabinet and found a bottle of sleeping pills. She knew it was a bad idea, knew it was dangerous, but at that moment, she didn't care.
Allison stared at the bottle of sleeping pills in her hand, the label blurring as tears welled up in her eyes. She knew she was on the edge, teetering between desperation and self-destruction. But the pain, the constant ache in her heart, felt unbearable. The alcohol had numbed it slightly, but not enough. She needed more. She needed to forget, to sleep, to escape.
With shaking hands, she opened the bottle and poured a few pills into her palm. She hesitated for a moment, a small voice in the back of her mind telling her to stop, to reach out to someone, anyone, but the voice was drowned out by the overwhelming urge to silence the pain. She popped the pills into her mouth and washed them down with the last of the vodka, the bitter taste burning her throat.
Almost immediately, a wave of dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred, and her legs felt like they were made of lead as she stumbled back to the couch. She collapsed onto it, her body heavy and uncoordinated. The room spun around her, and she closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep, to slip into oblivion where the pain couldn't reach her.
But instead of the peaceful darkness she craved, there was only a growing sense of panic as her body started to shut down. Her heart raced in her chest, her breathing became shallow, and she felt a crushing weight pressing down on her chest. She tried to cry out, but her voice wouldn't come. The darkness was closing in, and for a moment, she was terrified that she had made a terrible mistake.
Just as she was about to lose consciousness, the front door swung open, and Rafe walked in. He froze when he saw her on the couch, his expression turning from surprise to horror as he took in the scene before him. Allison was barely conscious, her eyes half-open and unfocused, her skin pale and clammy. The empty bottle of vodka lay on the floor next to her, and the open pill bottle was still in her hand.
"Allison!" Rafe shouted, rushing to her side. His voice was a mix of anger, fear, and desperation as he grabbed her shoulders and shook her, trying to rouse her. "Allison, what did you do?"
Allison's head lolled to the side as she tried to focus on him, but her vision was hazy, and her thoughts were jumbled. "I... I just wanted to sleep," she slurred, her voice barely audible.
Rafe's heart pounded in his chest as he looked at her, panic gripping him like a vise. He had seen her in bad shape before, but this was different. This was serious. "What did you take?" he demanded, his voice trembling.
"Some sleeping pills... and a bottle of vodka," Allison muttered, her words slurring together. She looked up at him, her eyes glassy with tears. "But it still hurts."
Rafe's heart broke at the sight of her, so vulnerable, so lost. It hurt him to see her like that, and he was also barely keeping himself together, but he had to take care of her and act like nothing happened to him. He wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb, his own eyes stinging with unshed tears. "What hurts, Allison?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Everything, Rafe," she replied, her voice cracking as she broke down in tears. "It just... it hurts so much."
Rafe felt a lump rise in his throat as he watched her, his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He had never seen her like this, so broken, so desperate. It scared him, and made him realize just how much she was struggling. He had always seen her as strong, and resilient, but now he saw the cracks in her armor, the pain she had been hiding from the world.
"What happened with your dad?" he asked, his voice softening as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"You were right," Allison sniffled, her tears falling freely now. "I should've never gone to see him. And you weren't here, and I thought you left, and I can't go through this without you. I need you, Rafe. I really, really need you."
Rafe's chest tightened at her words, guilt gnawing at him. He had left her alone when she needed him most, and now she was falling apart. "I won't ever leave you," he promised, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I need you too. More than you know."
Allison shook her head weakly, her body trembling as she tried to hold back the sobs. "At least you sorted things with your dad, right?"
"Yeah..." Rafe muttered, though his mind was miles away from his own problems. He didn't want her to ask more questions, didn't want to talk about his own issues when she was in so much pain. "Can you walk?"
Allison shook her head, her body too weak, too drained to move. "I don't think so."
Rafe tried to help her stand, but her legs buckled under her, and he had to catch her before she fell. "It's okay, it's okay," he murmured, more to himself than to her, trying to keep his own panic at bay.
"I'm sorry," Allison muttered, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm such a mess."
"It's okay," Rafe whispered back, his voice filled with emotion. "I told you I'd take care of you, and I will."
With careful, gentle movements, Rafe scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Her head lolled against his shoulder, her breathing slow and uneven. He carried her to his car, his heart pounding with fear and worry. As soon as he placed her in the passenger seat, she fell into a deep sleep, her breathing heavy but steady.
・ • ・ • ・
Rafe drove with one hand on the steering wheel, the other holding onto Allison's hand, as if afraid to let go. The drive to the Cameron mansion felt longer than it usually did, every second filled with a gnawing worry that something might go wrong. He glanced over at Allison, who was slumped against the passenger seat, her face pale and her breathing shallow. He squeezed her hand gently, whispering reassurances that she couldn't hear.
When they finally arrived, Rafe didn't waste a moment. He carried Allison into the mansion, his footsteps quick and urgent as he made his way to his bedroom. He laid her down on the bed, but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she suddenly bolted upright, her face contorted in pain.
She barely made it to the bathroom before she started vomiting, the contents of her stomach violently expelling into the toilet.
"Allison!" Rafe's voice was filled with worry as he knelt beside her, holding her hair back and whispering soothing words. "Are you okay?"
It took her a few moments to reply, her body shaking as the nausea subsided. "I feel better now," she said weakly, her voice hoarse from the strain.
Rafe helped her get to her feet, his arm around her waist to steady her. "You need to get some sleep," he said softly, his eyes filled with concern.
They walked back to the bed, and Allison collapsed onto it, her body too exhausted to fight anymore. When she saw him moving away, she muttered, "Don't leave me."
"I won't," Rafe promised, his heart breaking at the vulnerability in her voice. "I'll be back in a minute."
Allison slipped into sleep almost immediately, her body giving in to the exhaustion. Rafe watched her for a moment, his heart aching with a mix of guilt and love. He had never seen her like this, so fragile, so close to breaking. He had always thought he was the one who needed saving, but now he realized just how much they needed each other.
Rafe left the room briefly to get a glass of water, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have happened, of how close he had come to losing her. When he returned, he saw that she was already asleep, her breathing deep and steady. He placed the glass of water on the nightstand, then undressed quietly before sliding into bed next to her.
He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, feeling the steady rise and fall of her chest against his. The weight of the day pressed down on him, but he found solace in knowing that she was safe and with him. As he lay there, listening to the sound of her breathing, he vowed to himself that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to be the person she needed him to be. They were in this together, and he wasn't going to let her go through it alone.