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It was late afternoon, and Imani had just stepped out the back of her parent's restaurant, a bag of trash in one hand as she threw it away. She didn't expect to see him—but there Rafe was, leaning casually against his motorcycle, a cigarette hanging off his lips, looking every bit like trouble.

He grinned when he saw her, the glint in his eyes unmistakable. "Hey, baby," he drawled, taking in the slight blush that crept up her cheeks.

Imani quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching before making her way over to him. She reached out without a word, plucking the cigarette from his lips and tossing it to the ground, crushing it under her foot. "Do I need to keep telling you those are bad for you?" She gave him a pointed look, though her smile gave her away.

Rafe raised an eyebrow, giving her that half-amused, half-challenging look he always had. He slid his arm around her waist, tugging her closer until she was standing between his legs, his hand resting possessively on her hip. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, sweetheart," he murmured, not sounding sorry at all.

She rolled her eyes, leaning in close. "You? Sorry?" she scoffed. "You're already planning to light up another."

He chuckled, tapping her chin lightly with his thumb. "Well, maybe I was, but then I saw you, and now I'm thinking about something else entirely."

She shook her head, feigning annoyance, though her fingers had already drifted to his chest, tracing idle patterns over the fabric of his t-shirt. "You're so predictable, you know that?"

"Predictable?" he scoffed, lifting an eyebrow. "I think you mean charming. You can't resist me."

"Oh, sure," she teased back, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "you're so resisting, Rafael Cameron with your 'amazing' life choices."

He laughed, clearly enjoying the way she was ribbing him. "If I'm trouble, why'd you come over here, huh?" He gave her a grin, cocky yet charming.

Imani leaned in, close enough that he could feel her breath against his cheek. "Because someone's got to keep you in line," she whispered, a playful spark in her eyes.

"Is that so?" he replied, tightening his grip on her waist just a little, bringing her closer. "Lucky me, then."

She shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. "Lucky you, indeed," she said. "I could be inside, doing something useful, but here I am—saving you from yet another terrible decision that could potentially be the reason for your death."

Rafe chuckled, his hand sliding from her waist to rest on the small of her back, his pinky just close enough on her ass as he caressed the exposed part of her skin. "Guess I'd better do something to earn that second chance, huh?"

"Right," she laughed, shaking her head. "You need to handle this nicotine craving before I give you something, you sure you can do that first?"

He leaned in closer, his voice low. "I can handle a lot of things, baby. Just not a lack of you in my life."

Imani's heart raced at his words, her teasing demeanor faltering for a moment. "Oh, smooth," she said, trying to regain her composure. "What's next? You going to sing to me in the middle of the restaurant?"

"Only if you promise to stop rolling your eyes at me," he replied, chuckling.

Imani rolled her eyes again, laughing at him.

But in an instant, his expression shifted, playful but intense. His hand slid around her throat—not hard, just enough to make her breath hitch as he gently tugged her toward him. Her heart raced, her pulse thrumming beneath his fingers, and she saw the glint of desire in his eyes, matching her own.

"If you roll those pretty eyes at me one more time," he murmured, his voice a low tease, "there will be consequences."

Imani's lips curved into a slow, defiant smile, her eyes locked on his as she leaned in just a bit closer. "Oh yeah?" she whispered, her voice laced with challenge. "And what kind of consequences are we talking about?"

Rafe's grip loosened, his thumb gently tracing her jaw as he smirked. "Guess you'll just have to find out," he said, his tone teasing but laced with something deeper.

"Give me a hint at least," she murmured. "Need to know if it will be worth my time."

"Oh, it will be," he chuckled. "You'll start begging me to give you more than just paint your ass red."

"Is that so?" Imani challenged.

"Or perhaps I can fuck you into submission and that'll give you a reason to make you roll your eyes," he caressed her lips with his thumb, tilting her head back to meet her eyes, seeing the lust matching his own.

Imani swallowed, her sassy demeanour wavering under the intensity of his gaze. For a split second, the whole world narrowed down to just the two of them, his hand resting on her throat, her lips inches from his. The air between them felt electric, charged with everything unspoken. She held his gaze, a spark of challenge still in her eyes.

"Bring it on, Cameron," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath.

Rafe chuckled, low and rough, his thumb grazing her skin before he finally released her, his smirk softening as he stepped back just enough to leave her wanting more. "It's on, Carrera."

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The soft glow of fairy lights draped over the bedroom cast a warm glow, filling the room with a cozy, laid back vibe. Imani sprawled on a pile of pillows, legs tucked beneath her as her fingers darted across her phone screen, her lips curling into a quiet smile. Alice and Violet, lay nearby, laughing, but Imani was half-present, caught up in a conversation that wasn't happening in the room.

Violet, always quick to notice everything, raised an eyebrow. "Alright, Imani, spill. You've been grinning at that phone all night," she teased. "Who's got you smiling like that?"

Imani's eyes widened as she fumbled to lock her phone, cheeks heating up. "What? No one! I was just... scrolling on Instagram," she shrugged, trying to play it off.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Right. Because Instagram is so hilarious at one in the morning," she teased, clearly unconvinced.

Imani tried to laugh it off, feigning nonchalance, but the red creeping into her cheeks gave her away. Her friends exchanged knowing glances before Violet's voice cut through, relentless. "We're not buying it, Imani. Who are you talking to?"

Reluctantly, Imani felt herself give in, the excitement too much to keep bottled up. With a quiet sigh, she dropped her phone into her lap and looked up at them. "Promise me you both won't freak out."

Violet and Alice shared a glance, shrugging. "Not sure what could be worse about what you will tell us, but okay," Violet spoke.

"There's... well, something going on between me and Rafe," Imani admitted, a small, cautious smile sneaking onto her face.

Violet's eyes went wide with excitement as she let out a playful gasp, practically bouncing. "I knew it! I've been seeing the way you both look at each other!"

"Is it that obvious?" Imani asked with a giggle.

"Duh," Violet exasperated. "It's like you both want to fuck each other, right then and there," she rolled her eyes. "It's gross."

"Shut up," Imani could feel her cheeks heating up more.

But Imani noticed Alice had gone quiet, her smile faded, replaced with a furrowed brow as she stared down at her hands. Unease crept into Imani's chest. "Alice?" she ventured. "What's wrong?"

Alice looked up slowly, her face torn with worry. "I just..." She hesitated, casting a quick glance at Violet before meeting Imani's gaze. "Are you sure he's serious, Imani? I mean, are you sure he doesn't just... want to just have sex?"

The excitement Imani had felt twisted into frustration as she heard the skepticism in Alice's voice. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, voice a little sharper than intended. "You think he only wants me for that?"

"Have you slept with him already?" Alice instead, her tone accusing.

"Alice!" Violet whispered harshly, but the latter ignored her.

"We haven't even kissed yet," Imani remarked back. "Besides, if I want to have sex with Rafe, I will."

Violet glanced between them back and forth, finding this situation awkward. It was very rare when they fought, almost never.

Alice sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Look, I just... Rafe has a reputation. He's not exactly known for treating people well, and I just don't want you to get hurt."

Imani's defenses flared up, her jaw setting. "He won't hurt me."

Violet interjected, voice soothing. "Hey, hey, let's not make this a fight, guys. I get it—Alice is looking out for you, Imani. But Imani, if you really like him, maybe it's worth giving him a chance and that's your decision to make, not ours, right, Alice?"

Alice crossed her arms, her voice softer. "I just don't want to see you end up heartbroken."

Imani sighed. She knew her best friend meant well, but she also knew that the connection she felt with Rafe was real—complicated as it was. Taking a breath, she gave Alice a small nod. "I get that you're looking out for me. But I need you to trust me, too."

Violet squeezed both their hands. "Alright, now let's end this night on a good note. We're here to have fun, remember?"

Imani gave a small, tentative smile, feeling grateful for Violet's calming presence, and hoped that, in time, Alice would see Rafe differently. For now, she'd let herself believe in him—and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, they could be something real.

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The house was finally quiet, filled with the soft sounds of Alice and Violet's breathing as they slept beside her. But Imani couldn't settle. She kept turning over the conversation they'd had earlier, and part of her couldn't shake the nagging feeling of doubt it had stirred up.

Sliding out of the bed, she tiptoed toward Violet's balcony, quietly sliding open the door. The night air was cool and refreshing as she sat down on a deck chair, her gaze drifting out over the moonlit neighborhood. She leaned back, exhaling slowly as she tried to untangle her thoughts about Rafe, about Alice's reaction, about everything.

A few moments later, the sound of soft footsteps made her turn. Alice stepped out, rubbing her arms to ward off the chill as she took the seat next to Imani. They sat in silence, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts, until finally, Alice broke it with a quiet sigh.

"I'm sorry, Imani," she murmured, looking down at her hands. "I didn't mean to make you feel like I don't trust your judgment."

Imani glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I get it, Al. I know why you're worried. Rafe... he has a reputation, and it's not like I can just ignore that."

Alice nodded, biting her lip before continuing. "It's just... you mean so much to me. I've seen how he can be, and I didn't want you to get hurt, you know?"

Imani took a breath, considering her words carefully. "But I've seen a side of him that people don't really see. I don't know if it'll last, but I feel like I owe it to myself to see where it goes."

Alice was quiet, absorbing Imani's words. Then she turned to her friend, her expression softening. "If you really feel that way... then I'm with you, Imani. I'll support you, no matter what. I just want you to be happy."

Imani's eyes grew misty as she reached over, pulling Alice into a hug. They held each other tightly, the tension from earlier fading into the warmth of understanding. After a moment, Imani whispered, "Thank you, Alice. I needed to hear that."

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The sun was setting as Imani walked up to the outdoor cinema, spotting Kiara and the boys sprawled across a blanket near the middle of the crowd. She could already hear JJ's loud laugh and caught Pope give an exasperated eye roll as JJ tried to keep his popcorn from spilling everywhere.

As soon as she approached, JJ's eyes lit up, and he wasted no time giving her a playful grin.

"Well, well, if it isn't the stunning Miss Carrera soon to be Mrs Maybank," JJ teased, nudging her as he wiggled his eyebrows. "I saved you a seat... right next to yours truly."

Imani laughed and gave him a light shove. "Nice try, JJ." She moved past him and turned to John B with a warm smile, pulling him into a quick hug. "John B! I missed you. How was camping with Big John?"

John B grinned, shrugging. "Full of mosquito bites, as usual."

"Hey, Pope," Imani greeted with a pinch on the boy's cheek.

"Hi, Imani," Pope blushed.

Kiara noticed that every single one of the boys seemed to have their eyes on Imani. She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, "God, all of you are gross. That's my sister."

JJ grinned, not missing a beat as he leaned over and draped his arm around Imani's shoulders, giving John B and Pope a mock glare. "Back off, boys. Imani's mine," he declared, his tone playful as he pulled her closer.

Pope raised an eyebrow at JJ. "Last time I checked, she's not some possession."

JJ's eyes widened in faux offense, clutching his chest dramatically. "Possession? Please, I prefer to think of it as her lucky privilege to hang out with me."

"Oh, right," Pope fired back, a grin spreading across his face. "Because everyone dreams of being dragged into JJ's bad decisions."

"Hey, I make life more interesting," JJ shot back, winking at Imani. "She gets it."

Imani just laughed, shaking her head at their bickering. "You two are ridiculous. It's like I've got my own personal comedy show here."

Pope shrugged, flashing her a warm smile. "Only the best for you, Imani."

Imani snorted with a laugh just as Alice and Violet finally found them in the crowd. "Hey, girls!" She called, waving them over. "You remember JJ, Pope, and John B, right?"

The boys greeted them, and JJ immediately turned on his usual charm, shooting Violet an exaggerated wink. "So, Violet, what do you say? A night under the stars, you and me?"

Violet held up her hands, shaking her head as she laughed. "Not interested, JJ. You're not exactly my type."

JJ nodded, not missing a beat, and then shifted his attention to Alice. "Alright, alright... gorgeous, then. So, what do you say? Think you can handle a guy like me?"

Alice smirked, crossing her arms. "Pretty sure I'm older than you, JJ."

"Age is just a number, darling," JJ replied with a grin, gently taking her hand and giving the back of it a dramatic kiss. Alice rolled her eyes, but she was laughing along with the rest of them as the others groaned or stifled their own laughs.

John B gave JJ a light shove, chuckling. "You're too much, man."

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Rafe leaned back against the side of his car, his gaze drifting over the crowd at the outdoor cinema, only half-listening to his friends chatter. The flickering light from the big screen illuminated their faces, but Rafe's attention was elsewhere. He absentmindedly reached for a drink, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on the figure his mind had been completely occupied by: Imani.

She was standing there, laughing with her friends, her dark hair catching the golden glow of the setting sun. For a moment, Rafe felt a flutter in his chest, a spark of something he hadn't expected to ignite again.

But that flicker quickly turned to a dull, simmering anger as he noticed JJ—fucking—Maybank leaning into her, like he was her lover.

Rafe's jaw tightened, watching JJ drape his arm around her shoulders, a smirk plastered on his face as he pulled her in. Imani's playful shove only seemed to encourage JJ, and she was smiling—laughing—at whatever the guy had said.

The sight made Rafe's blood boil.

His gaze locked onto JJ's hand on her shoulder as mind swirled with thoughts, his temper simmering at the sight of someone else making his Imani laugh like that, touching her as if she was JJ's girl.

That's why she wasn't answering my texts, he thought bitterly. She'd been here, laughing with JJ, while he was left waiting for even a single reply. He clenched his fists, an irrational urge sparking within him to pull JJ away and make it clear just who she belonged to.

His mind raced with dark thoughts, images of what he wanted to do to JJ for daring to touch her. A part of him felt possessive, a raw, visceral urge to assert his claim. He could feel his fists clenching at his sides, the urge to confront JJ bubbling up like a storm.

You could easily put him in his place. Just one word, and everyone would know who she's meant for. You have the power to make that happen. The thought was intoxicating, almost seductive, urging him to act. No one touches her like that. No one.

As Rafe continued to watch, he felt a deep sense of frustration mixed with something more intense, more obsessive. Imani had an inexplicable hold on him, and seeing her like this—happy and carefree, laughing with someone else—stirred feelings he had long tried to suppress. He hated the way his chest tightened, how his heart raced for her even while jealousy coursed through him. He wanted to be the one making her laugh, the one whose arm she leaned into.

But then there was a flicker of doubt, a small voice whispering in the back of his mind. What if she doesn't want you? That question gnawed at him, a persistent reminder of his insecurities. What if she's happier without you?

Just then, Imani's gaze flicked toward him, and for a brief moment, their eyes locked. A huge smile broke across her face, and she lifted her hand in a hidden wave, an unguarded moment that made Rafe's heart leap despite his anger... but he held himself back, feeling the sting of jealousy tighten his chest. Instead of waving back, he turned away, ignoring her, pretending he hadn't even noticed.

As he turned his back, he could feel her confused gaze lingering on him, her smile fading. A pang of regret hit him, but he kept himself rooted.

She's confused. You've made her confused. A wave of guilt washed over him. If only you could be normal... if only you could let her in.

As he tried to shake off the thoughts, Rafe felt the weight of his obsession pressing down on him. Imani was different from everyone else; she brought out a side of him he didn't want to acknowledge, a need that made him vulnerable in ways he hated.

But with JJ so close to her, the need to protect what he felt was his overwhelmed him, threatening to unleash something darker.

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Imani paced her room. Her heart raced as she kept glancing at the clock, the minutes ticking by painfully slow. She had been waiting for Rafe to come over, like he did for the past few nights, the anticipation building inside her like a tight coil ready to snap.

With each step, her fingers fiddled with the hem of her nightdress, a nervous habit she couldn't shake off. She fidgeted with her hair, twisting a strand around her fingers, then smoothing it down as if that would somehow calm her racing heart.

She moved to the balcony, stepping outside and peering into the dimly lit street, straining to hear the familiar roar of Rafe's motorcycle. The sound always sent a thrill through her, but now it felt distant and out of reach. She leaned against the railing, a knot forming in her stomach as she scanned the road for any sign of him.

Her excitement began to wane, replaced by a creeping sense of unease. The silence was suffocating, the only sound being the faint rustle of leaves outside her window.

"Maybe he got held up," she reasoned, trying to push down the growing anxiety.

She retreated back into her room, her heart sinking as she reached for her phone. Perhaps he had texted her, or at least there would be a notification. But when she opened the chat with Rafe, her stomach dropped.

The message she had sent earlier was still marked as delivered—for ten hours!

What does that mean? Panic surged through her as she reread their last conversation, searching for clues, signs that everything was okay between them.

Did I jinx myself by telling my friends? The thought struck her. Maybe I should have kept it to myself a little longer. Anxiety twisted in her stomach as she recalled the way Alice had questioned her, the concerns that had felt so heavy in the air. The fear of jinxing her budding relationship with Rafe suddenly felt all too real.

She returned to her room, the walls closing in around her, the fairy lights dimming in the face of her disappointment.

What if he's gotten bored of me? The thought made her heart ache, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block it out.

Trying to settle herself, she crawled into bed, pulling the covers tightly around her. She closed her eyes, willing sleep to come, but her mind raced with a thousand thoughts.

A small part of her still clung to hope, yearning for the sound of Rafe's motorcycle to break the silence. She longed for him to show up, to reassure her that everything was still okay between them. But the minutes turned into hours, and as she lay there, staring into the darkness of her room, that hope began to fade.

"Asshole," Imani muttered, anger seeping through her toward Rafe.

She knew deep down that he wasn't coming, and with that realisation came a wave of loneliness that threatened to swallow her whole.

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author's note:

- it was a long chapter so i've had to split. i'll update the next half tomorrow if i can.

- just putting this here now that this book will be messy, their relationship will be messy and have the miscommunication trope but only a bit 😭

- don't want to see anyone hating on Imani, remember she's a young adult that basically is going through what we think when guys leave girls on delivered for hours 🤣

- remember to vote and comment on every chapter.