this is my longest chapter so far.
it's almost 8k words. enjoy 🙂

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Imani sat across from Sarah Cameron in the quiet corner of the library, trying her best to focus on the textbook in front of them. As a senior, she'd volunteered as a tutor for underclassmen and, of all people, she had been assigned Rafe Cameron's little sister.

Normally, Imani enjoyed gossiping with Sarah. But today, with last night's disappointment weighing heavy on her, her thoughts were far from the equations in front of her. Flipping through a textbook, she occasionally glanced up to make sure Sarah was paying attention. But the younger girl wasn't even pretending to focus.

Instead, Sarah was staring straight at Imani with a curious glint in her eye.

Imani raised an eyebrow and laughed, setting her pen down. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Sarah smirked, resting her chin in her hand. "Is there something going on between you and my brother?"

Imani's smile faltered, and she felt her body tense. "What? No. Of course not," she said quickly, brushing off the question with a dismissive wave. "Anyway, we're supposed to be focusing on your algebra, not Rafe."

But Sarah didn't seem interested in letting the subject go. She leaned forward, tilting her head as she eyed Imani's outfit. "You know, I think I've seen that dress before."

Imani blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Yeah..." Sarah dragged out the word, her gaze a little too knowing. "I could've sworn I saw Rafe screenshot a post of you in this dress this morning."

Imani felt her face grow warm, a blush creeping up her cheeks. He's been saving pictures of me?

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought—until she remembered she was mad at him. He hadn't shown up last night like she'd hoped, leaving her feeling foolish and a little heartbroken. She folded her arms, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Sarah, I think you've got the wrong person."

Sarah grinned, clearly enjoying Imani's reaction. "You can deny it all you want, but I'm not blind. Plus, I know Rafe and he's too far up in his ass to give anyone attention and wouldn't just screenshot some random post."

Imani forced a smile and glanced away, feigning disinterest. "Trust me, Sarah. There's nothing to tell."

Sarah shook her head, her expression unwavering. "I can see it."

"What?" Imani asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

"You and Rafe together," Sarah declared, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Imani burst out laughing, a nervous sound that echoed in the quiet library. "Come on! Let's drop this. We should really get back to your work."

But Sarah was relentless. "Seriously, though. If there's anyone who can keep Rafe on his toes and humble him, it would be you."

"Why... Why me?" Imani asked, genuinely curious.

"Well," Sarah began, her finger tapping the table as she listed off points, "you're confident and smart. You know how to handle yourself, and you're not afraid to call anyone out. Plus, you look hot in basically anything, we should go shopping some time. You can be my personal shopper."

Imani couldn't help but smile, even as she felt the weight of her complicated feelings for Rafe. "You really think that about me and him?"

"Definitely," Sarah replied. "You're like the perfect balance for him. He needs someone who can challenge him. And besides," she added with a wink, "it's kind of adorable."

Imani felt her heart race at the thought, but the memory of last night loomed large in her mind. "I don't know about adorable," she said, shaking her head.

Sarah finally picked up her pencil to scribble some notes. "Whatever floats your boat."

Imani cleared her throat, hoping to steer the conversation away about Rafe. "Anyway, speaking of things going on, what happened between you and Kiara? You two haven't exactly been... friendly lately."

Sarah's smile vanished in an instant. She looked down at her notebook, picking at the corner of the page. "I don't really want to talk about it."

Imani raised an eyebrow, not letting it go that easily. "Come on, Sarah. You and Kiara were practically close. She was always at your place, or you were at ours. Now it's like you two can't stand to be in the same room."

Sarah sighed, still avoiding Imani's gaze. "Maybe you should ask Kiara about that."

Imani furrowed her brows, feeling a familiar protectiveness for her younger sister flare up. Kiara and Sarah's friendship had been solid for years—at least, that's how it had always seemed. "Why would I need to ask Kiara?"

Before Sarah could reply back, she glanced at her phone, rolling her eyes dramatically as she scrolled through her notifications.

"What's wrong?" Imani asked.

"Urgh, it's Rafe texting me," Sarah said. "He's picking me up because my dad and stepmom are away for the night."

"Oh," Imani replied, a sudden rush of curiosity washing over her. Rafe was coming over? She tried to keep her expression neutral, but the thought stirred a mix of emotions within her—excitement, anxiety, and the lingering frustration from last night.

Sarah continued, her tone shifting to a more serious note. "You know, he's been in a mood since yesterday. I mean, he always is, but last night he came home really pissed off and just stayed locked in his room all day so now he's being a moody bitch toward me."

Imani's heart sank a little at the revelation. Was that why he never came to see me last night? She couldn't shake the feeling that his anger was somehow tied to her. Had she done something to him?

"Is he... is he okay?" Imani asked, her concern slipping through.

Sarah shrugged, tapping her phone absentmindedly. "Who knows? He's very private with what he does. But whatever it is, he'll probably take it out on whoever gets in his way."

Imani frowned, feeling the weight of her emotions. She wanted to reach out to him, to understand what was going on in his head. But after last night, she felt unsure of how to approach him.

She forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe he just needs a little push to get out of his man period."

"And maybe he needs a kick in the ass," Sarah retorted, her smile returning. "Either way, I'm sure he'll be fine once he sees you," she winked at Imani.

"Oh my God! There's nothing going on."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

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Rafe drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his gaze locked on the front doors of Kildare library. He spotted Sarah making her way. As she got closer, he rolled down the window and called out, "any time today slug, or do I need to set up camp here?"

Sarah shot him a scowl and flashed him the middle finger, which only made him smirk arrogantly. But just as he opened his mouth to throw out another sarcastic jab, his eyes landed on Imani walking just behind Sarah, looking everywhere but at him.

Rafe's smirk faltered. She's avoiding me. It didn't take a genius to figure out why—he hadn't shown up last night. He'd left her waiting, stewing over the tension that was brewing between them, and now he could see it in the way she wouldn't even look his way.

Sarah sauntered up to the car, tossing her bag in the backseat. "By the way, you're taking Imani home too," she announced, not giving him a chance to protest. "You remember her?"

He barely managed a nod, swallowing whatever comment he had as his eyes were still set straight on to Imani who turned to speak to Sarah.

"Sarah, honestly it's fine," Imani spoke up. "I'll just walk it home," she whispered to the girl next to her.

"Get in," Rafe cut off their conversation with a demand.

Imani sat down.

She slipped into the backseat behind him quietly. Rafe could feel the weight of her presence like an anchor pulling at him. Through the rearview mirror, he dared a glance her way. She was already looking, her eyes narrowed, a slight scrunch of her nose as she glared back. It was adorable, her signature mix of fire and softness, and he had to bite back a laugh.

"Are we driving sometime this year?" Sarah's sarcastic voice cut through his thoughts, raising an eyebrow at him from the passenger seat.

Rafe snapped out of his thoughts, a smirk reappearing as he put the car into gear. "Just waiting to make sure the queen and her court are ready."

Sarah rolled her eyes, turning her gaze out the window. Rafe stole one last glance at Imani through the mirror, only to find her looking away again, arms crossed, eyes focused on the passing scenery.

After a while of awkward silence, Sarah spoke up. "Can you drop me off at my friends house first? I just remembered she wanted to hang out."

Imani tensed in the backseat, her body stiffening at the sudden change in plans. Rafe couldn't help but shoot a sarcastic glance at Sarah. "Nice to know you're not above last minute plans. What am I, your fucking personal Uber?"

"Piss off Rafe," Sarah shot back. "It's not like i'm asking you to travel half way across the world? It's literally on the way to Imani's house."

"Fine, fine," he muttered. He dropped Sarah off, making sure she was far enough away from their view.

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The silence in the car felt heavier now that it was just the two of them. Rafe glanced in the rearview mirror and caught Imani fidgeting in her seat, her fingers tapping nervously against her thigh.

"Come over here," he said, his voice low but commanding. He wanted her closer, wanted to close the gap that felt so large between them.

She shook her head, her tone steady. "It's a pass from me, I'm comfortable back here."

"I don't give a fuck," he pressed, his tone taking on a sharper edge. "I said come over here."

She shot back with a sarcastic remark. "Wow, such good manners. Did you learn that at the country club?"

He couldn't help but smirk at her defiance, but it was a fleeting smile. He softened his voice, just for her only. "Please."

"Not so hard, is it?" Imani remarked with a huff. She slid over to the front seat, sitting beside him.

They were both quiet, the silence wrapping around them like a thick blanket. Rafe focused on the road ahead, occasionally sneaking glances at Imani. She was close enough that he could feel her warmth, but the tension still lingered between them. He could sense she was holding something back, just like he was.

As they continued down the winding road, Rafe purposefully drove past Imani's house. He could feel her eyes on him, filled with confusion and frustration. "Rafe," she said sharply, "you just drove past my house."

He didn't look at her, keeping his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "I know," he replied casually, "but we need to talk."

She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "I don't want to. Just drop me off home now."

"Well, I want to. Tough luck," he said.

"I don't care."

"I do."

"You're infuriating."

"You're gorgeous."

"Stop it."

"Make me."

Ignoring her protest, Rafe let the silence stretch between them, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. He turned slightly, resting his hand on her thigh, seeking some kind of connection.

"The audacity," Imani scoffed, immediately smacking his hand away, her expression a mix of annoyance and defiance.

"Just because we're angry at each other doesn't mean I can't touch you," he said, his voice low and possessive.

"Actually, yeah, it does," she shot back, her tone sharp. "I don't even know why you're angry at me. If anything, I should be angry at you for ditching me last night! What's your problem? You've ignored me all day."

Rafe felt the familiar frustration boiling within him. "Oh, so now you remember me? You completely forgot about me while you were busy getting all touchy with that fucking Maybank kid."

Imani's brow furrowed in confusion. "What? Are you serious?" Then, it clicked—yesterday at the outdoor cinema, she had been sitting with the boys, laughing and joking. But JJ was like her little brother! "You're being jealous over that?"

"Maybe I should teach him a lesson on how to not touch what's not his. I'll start with my fist," he shrugged, like it was nothing.

"Don't you dare. Rafe! JJ is like my little brother!"

"Little brother," Rafe scoffed, rolling his eyes. "That's rich. You looked pretty cozy over there to even reply back to me."

"I literally messaged you later that Alice took my phone away before I could reply to you!" she exclaimed, her frustration bubbling over. "It's not my fault I couldn't get back to you!"

"Right, because Alice always just happens to take your phone away when I'm trying to reach you," Rafe retorted bitterly, the words spilling out before he could stop himself. "Maybe if you cared enough, you'd find a way to let me know you're not too busy flirting with your 'little brother' to talk to me!"

Imani stared at him, her eyes blazing. "It wasn't flirting! We were just hanging out! I can't believe you're making this a thing. You're being ridiculous, Rafe."

"Ridiculous?" he repeated, his voice rising. "I'm being ridiculous? Baby, I don't like sharing."

"I'm not yours!" she shot back, the anger in her voice clear. "You can't just bail on me and then act like I'm the problem!"

Rafe clenched his jaw, the heat of the argument making his head spin.

Imani took a deep breath, trying to rein in her emotions. "I'm not the one who went silent on you. If you'd just been honest about what's really bothering you, maybe we wouldn't be having this stupid fight!"

Rafe clenched his jaw, refusing to let the dark thoughts creeping into his mind take over. He felt the weight of his insecurities pressing down on him too, making it hard to speak about his feelings. He opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, the words caught in his throat.

"I don't want to talk about it," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Imani's expression shifted from anger to calm. "Rafe, i've noticed you've been acting... different for the past couple days. Just tell me what's really going on, please. What's really bothering you?"

But he shook his head, feeling trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. "It's nothing," he insisted, his tone firmer this time.

"Rafe..."

"Just fucking drop it, Imani!"

Imani eyes widened at his outburst. "Fine," she said, her voice cold.

"Just..." he began. "I..."

"I don't want to hear anything," she murmured, looking away.

"It's nothing," Rafe began.

Imani cut him off, "You know what? This is pointless. It's pointless being here next to you when you won't even share what's going on in that head of yours. And guess what? You're not even my boyfriend. I can do whatever I want. You have no right to be jealous! If you don't want to talk, then that's it. Whatever we have that's going on. It's over."

Before she could get out, Rafe reached out, his fingers gripping her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, unwavering. "No," he said firmly, his voice low and possessive. "It's not fucking over."

"It is."

"It's not."

"It is."

"Shut up."

"No, you shut up."

"I said it first. Get your own words."

"Freedom of speech, i'll say whatever the fuck I want to."

"I hate you," she seethed with frustration.

"Now, listen to me carefully," he leaned closer, his hold on her chin gentle yet commanding. "I don't care if you're mad at me, if you hate me right now, but I'm not letting you go. So go ahead and be mad at me. Walk away if you want. But you're not leaving my life."

Imani's breath hitched, caught between frustration and the undeniable pull he always seemed to have over her. She wanted to push him away, to stand by her words, but the intensity in his gaze made it hard to move.

"Fuck you," she whispered, leaning closer to him.

"Yeah," he chuckled, thumb brushed her jaw, his gaze daring her to deny him. "We'll be doing plenty of that soon."

Without another word, Imani opened the door and stormed out of the car, slamming it shut behind her. Rafe sat there for a moment, watching her walk away.

As she reached the sidewalk, she suddenly turned back, a defiant look on her face. "By the way, this car is ugly!" she shouted, her voice laced with mock disdain.

Rafe fought back a smile, despite the gravity of the situation. The absurdity of her words cut through his turmoil for a moment. He watched her storm away, the fierceness in her demeanour.

"Yeah, well, you're still the prettiest girl I know!" he called after her.

Imani didn't turn around, but did stick a middle finger at him.

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The next evening, Imani stood in front of the mirror at Alice's place, her heart racing as she adjusted her outfit. She had chosen a sleek red corset top that hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her waist and enhancing her curves. The fabric shimmered slightly under the soft light, giving her a confident edge. Paired with it was a high-waisted red mini skirt that flared out just enough to give her movement while still showing off her legs. The outfit felt bold and daring, a stark contrast to her usual laid-back style, but tonight she wanted to feel different.

As she finished getting ready, Alice and Violet lounged on the bed, tossing casual glances her way. She could feel Alice's eyes on her, a concerned look crossing her face.

"Are you okay?" Alice finally asked, breaking the silence as Imani applied a striking red lipstick, carefully layering it onto her lips with precision.

Violet leaned forward, crossing her arms. "Yeah, you seem off tonight. Is everything alright?"

Imani caught her reflection in the mirror, her voluminous curls cascading down her shoulders. She loved the way they framed her face, softening her features. But tonight, despite the bold choices in her appearance, her usual spark was dimmed. She forced a smile, trying to shake off the heaviness that clung to her. "I'm fine, just... trying something new," she replied, her voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.

Alice exchanged a knowing glance with Violet, both of them unconvinced. She wasn't engaging much or sharing her excitement about the night ahead. Instead, she focused on her reflection, adjusting the straps of her corset top one more time, almost as if seeking reassurance from the girl staring back at her.

As Imani swiped a final coat of lipstick, she caught a glimpse of the girls concerned expressions in the mirror. Deep down, she felt the weight of her worries and anger at Rafe.

"I just want to have a good time tonight," she added softly, hoping to reassure them, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

And she so fucking hoped Rafe was there tonight. Someone needed to be taught a lesson.

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Imani tried to immerse herself in the party as Moth to a Flame by the Swedish House Mafia and the Weeknd pulsed through the room and the laughter of her friends filling the air.

She made an effort to engage with the atmosphere, but her thoughts kept drifting. She glanced around the room, taking in the colourful lights and the clusters of people dancing and chatting, but then her gaze fell on a familiar figure in the corner.

Rafe was there, surrounded by his friends, leaning against the wall with a relaxed confidence that made her heart race. But just as quickly as the warmth spread through her, a chill shot through her when she noticed the one person she had hoped would stay away:

Cynthia—fucking—Davis.

Cynthia hovered near Rafe like a mosquito buzzing relentlessly around a light, her laughter shrill and overly bright, trying to grab his attention. Imani rolled her eyes, refusing to give in to the wave of anger that threatened to spill over, but she stubbornly pushed the feelings aside, determined not to show any weakness.

Just then, Violet leaned in closer, her voice low. "Cynthia's next to Rafe," she whispered, glancing over at the pair.

Imani shrugged, trying to keep her expression neutral. "I don't fucking care," she replied, the words coming out sharper than she intended.

Alice and Violet exchanged confused looks, a silent question passing between them. Imani rarely cursed, and when she did, it would be toward something that really pissed her off.

Imani could feel their concern, but she was too caught up in her own turmoil to address it. She refused to let Cynthia's presence ruin her night, even if it felt like a punch to the gut.

As she looked back at Rafe, she found him staring at her. Their eyes locked for a moment, and a rush of heat surged through her, mingling with annoyance. But instead of holding his gaze, Imani quickly looked away, deciding to give him a taste of his own medicine. You want to play games? Fine.

She took a big gulp of her beer, feeling the cold liquid slide down her throat. She turned back to her friends, forcing a smile despite the swirl of emotions in her chest. "Let's make this a memorable night," she declared.

Violet raised an eyebrow, sensing the underlying tension but choosing to follow Imani's lead. "Yeah! Let's do it!" she cheered, and Alice joined in, clinking her drink against theirs.

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Rafe leaned against the wall, his jaw clenched as he watched Imani from a distance. The anger simmering was a potent mix of jealousy and frustration. But no matter how much he tried to suppress his feelings, he couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her. She looked stunning tonight—her red corset top hugged her curves perfectly, and the high-waisted mini skirt accentuated her legs. The red lipstick she wore added a bold flair, making her appear both confident and irresistible.

As she moved through the crowd, Rafe felt an involuntary tug in his chest. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her; every laugh, every glance in her direction was like a magnetic pull.

Fuck me. She looks so good. He gulped, as he adjusted his pants, subtly. He could already feel it tighten.

His heart raced as he noticed her walking toward him, and for a fleeting moment, hope ignited within him, anticipation coursing through him. But as she approached, his heart sank when she walked right past him, ignoring his presence entirely. A rush of disappointment washed over him, an ache that settled deep in his gut.

Imani made her way toward his friends, greeting them with a bright smile that surprised everyone, including Rafe. It was infuriating how effortlessly she connected with them, while he felt like a ghost in the room.

His friends greeted her back enthusiastically, their surprise evident. They were clearly taken aback by her sudden friendliness, as she rarely acknowledged them in the past.

"Hey, do you guys want to play beer pong with us?" She asked, her excitement palpable as she pointed to her friends too.

Rafe's heart sank further. The idea of her laughing and having fun with his friends while he stood on the sidelines made him want to lash out. He felt like he was losing control, like the simmering anger inside him was ready to boil over.

He wanted to step forward, to pull her back into his orbit and make her understand how he felt. Instead, he remained rooted to the spot, watching helplessly as she chatted and laughed, feeling the distance between them widen with each passing moment.

Rafe clenched his fists, grappling with his emotions, torn between wanting to confront her and the desire to pull her close, to remind her of the connection they shared. But for now, he stood in the shadows, a silent observer.

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Imani could feel the warm buzz of alcohol coursing through her veins as she stood at the beer pong table, laughter spilling from her lips. She was having fun, the game bringing a lightness to her that she desperately needed. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she lined up her shot, her heart racing with anticipation. When she tossed a ping pong ball into the cup, she let out a triumphant cheer, high-fiving the guy next to her with a laugh.

"She's a natural, boys!" One of them cheered.

"Can't help it," Imani shrugged with a smile.

Feeling a little more daring than usual, she turned to face the crowd, her confidence boosted by the drinks. With a playful shake of her hips, she subtly adjusted her skirt, letting it ride up just enough to catch Rafe's attention, like she intended to. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes locking onto him, and caught sight of his expression.

Rafe stood across the room, his jaw clenched tight, a mixture of irritation and something darker flickering in his gaze. Imani's heart raced with a thrill that had nothing to do with the alcohol. She could feel the tension radiating from him, and it only fueled her playful spirit.

With a smirk dancing on her lips, she turned back to the game, knowing she was getting under his skin. The exhilaration of teasing him, of making him watch her, was intoxicating in its own right, and she relished in the attention, knowing it stirred something primal in Rafe.

As she focused back on the game, she tossed the ball with a casual flick of her wrist, sending it flying toward the cups again. She missed, but it didn't matter. The fun was in the game, and the way Rafe was watching her made her feel alive. She could sense him, a storm brewing just beneath the surface, and it thrilled her to think she was the cause of it.

She caught another glimpse of him as she turned again, and the way his eyes narrowed at her made her pulse quicken. She raised an eyebrow at him, a silent challenge in her gaze. What are you going to do about it? She mouthed.

Come here. Rafe motioned with his fingers, beckoning her toward him.

She scrunched her nose, that adorable way she always did, and shook her head. She turned around and laughed with the people around her, when she suddenly felt a presence behind her that sent a shiver down her spine. The air around her shifted, charged with an intensity that made her heart race. Despite the noise of the crowd and the chatter surrounding her, she could hear Rafe's low voice, his breath warm against her ear.

"Meet me upstairs," he murmured, the command tinged with something possessive that sent her pulse racing.

Especially the one between her legs.

She sensed his hand on her back, sliding down just a little too close to her ass. The warmth of his touch sent conflicting signals through her, igniting both desire and defiance.

She turned her head slightly, catching his gaze, and looked up at him through her lashes. "Rafe," she said, her voice low but firm as she deftly moved his hand away, creating space between them. "I'm busy. You'll have to wait in line for your turn at the game."

Rafe's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing with both surprise and irritation. There was a flicker of disbelief, as if he hadn't expected her to reject him so boldly in front of everyone.

Imani turned back to the game, feigning nonchalance as she grabbed another cup to refill with beer.

The teasing game they had been playing suddenly felt more serious, and she couldn't help but steal another glance at him.

He stood there, looking frustrated yet intrigued, the mix of emotions warring within him. The challenge in her eyes dared him to push further, to reclaim some control over the situation, but Imani had no intention of letting him take the reins tonight.

For now, she was in control, and she intended to enjoy every moment of it.

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Imani stumbled slightly as she leaned against the rough bark of the tree, the cool night air brushing against her flushed cheeks. She was just tipsy enough for the world to feel softer around the edges, but a sharp jolt of awareness snapped through her when she saw Rafe making his way toward her. His strides were purposeful, filled irritation and something deeper simmering in his eyes.

As he came to a stop in front of her, his gaze lingered for a moment, taking in her disheveled curls and the lingering mischief in her smile. "You need to stop following me. It's like you're obsessed with me," she laughed.

Rafe wasn't having any of it. His hand tangled in Imani's hair, wrapping around the strands and pulling her close, their faces mere inches apart. The intensity in his gaze was unmistakable, a mix of anger and possessiveness, but her reaction only fueled the fire. Despite the scolding look in his eyes, there was a smile tugging at her lips, her eyes hazy with drunken defiance and a spark of cheekiness.

"You think you can just play games with me, huh?" he murmured, his voice low and gravelly as he held her firmly in place.

"Uh—" she pretended to think. "Yeah, it's fun."

"You done pissing me off?" he asked, his voice low, edged with barely restrained irritation. He tightened his grip on her hair, enough to not hurt her.

She narrowed her eyes at him with a daring smile. "Not yet," she replied.

Rafe's jaw clenched, but his expression softened as he let go of his grip, his hand gliding to her jaw to brush his thumb against her skin. "You're too drunk," he murmured, his voice warm. "I'm taking you home."

Imani shook her head, stumbling slightly as she tried to step away. "Nope," she said stubbornly, attempting to move past him, but her balance faltered. Before she could make it more than a step, Rafe grabbed her hand, spinning her back toward him.

She blinked up at him, pushing against his chest, though her efforts were useless. "You're such a... a meanie," she grumbled, her voice slurring slightly as she glared at him.

"A meanie, huh?" Rafe chuckled, but his patience was wearing thin. He caught her by the wrist as she tried to pull away again, his grip firm. "You're done here, Imani. If you don't get your ass to my car right now," he warned, his tone both amused and serious, "I'll throw you over my shoulder and carry you myself."

She raised an eyebrow, a hint of challenge sparking in her eyes. "Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try," she taunted, taking a step back.

He didn't hesitate. In one swift motion, he scooped her up, lifting her over his shoulder as she let out a surprised scream, her hands smacking against his back in protest. "Rafe! Put me down! This is manhandling!" she protested, wriggling in his hold as he carried her toward his car. "I will sue you for this!"

"You dared me to," he replied with amusement.

She let out an exasperated sigh, kicking her legs against him. "This is ridiculous. Let me go, you hairy baboon—"

Her words cut off suddenly as she gasped, feeling a quick, firm smack on her back. Shocked, she stilled, her eyes wide. "Did... did you just spank my ass?"

Rafe smirked, unbothered, as he continued walking, his hand splayed across her ass as he rubbed it gently. "Naughty girls deserve it," he said with a hint of teasing. "And you've definitely been one tonight."

"I have not!" she protested, an indignant pout crossing her face.

He chuckled again, his voice rich with humour. "You can deny it all you want, but I think you're enjoying this just a little too much."

"No... no i'm not," she stammered over her words.

Rafe slapped her ass again. "Lying is not good either."

Imani squealed, shaking her legs in protest. "This is harassment!"

Rafe gently set Imani down and she smacked him on the chest. "Asshole, dickhead, idiot!" she exclaimed. "I have rights!"

He tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her in closer as he turned her in the direction of his car. "Keep it up, and I'll just pick you up again," he warned as he led her forward, his hands firmly resting on her hips to prevent her from darting away.

Imani huffed, her cheeks flushed from both the alcohol and their playfulness. "You're such a jerk, Rafe! A mean, overbearing jerk!"

"Yeah, yeah," he replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile. The bickering felt almost comfortable, a strange dynamic that hung between them like a tightrope.

As they reached the car, Imani squinted, noticing the sleek vehicle looked different. "Did you change your car?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah," Rafe said, glancing at her with a smirk. "You said the last one was ugly. Anything to make my girl happy."

She felt her cheeks heat up at his words, a blush creeping across her face, but she quickly pouted, crossing her arms. "I'm still angry, you know," she said, trying to maintain her defiance.

"I know, baby," he replied softly, his tone shifting slightly, revealing a hint of genuine affection that tugged at her heart.

He opened the passenger door for her, helping her into the seat. As he leaned in to buckle her in, Imani held up a hand. "Wait, Rafe," she said, her voice suddenly serious.

"What's wrong?" Concern washed over his face as he cupped her cheeks with his hands, scanning her features for any signs of distress.

She pouted, the momentary seriousness fading as she whined. "My heels. They hurt."

Without missing a beat, Rafe dropped down to his knees, his hands deftly working to remove her heels and massaging her feet to give her comfort.

Imani couldn't help but giggle at the sight of him, down on the ground for her. "Look at you, being such a good boy and listening to me," she teased, her tone light and playful as she caressed his head.

Rafe looked up at her, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Anything for my girl," he shot back, the corners of his mouth twitching upward as he tossed her heels in the car. "But don't get used to it."

"Too late!" she grinned, her drunken bravado shining through. "You might have to keep this up, you know."

"Let's not push our luck here," he chuckled, finally securing her seatbelt before straightening up and moving to the driver's side. "I might just end up with a spoiled brat on my hands."

Imani scrunched her nose, "I'm not a brat."

"My brat."

━━━━━━━━━━

As Rafe navigated through the roads, he could feel Imani's gaze on him, a steady heat that prickled along his skin. He glanced over to see her leaning sideways in her seat, her head resting against the seat, but her eyes were locked onto him with an intensity that made his heart race. She was biting her lower lip, a teasing gesture that sent a thrill down his spine.

"What?" Rafe asked.

Imani smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You look so hot right now," she said, her voice low and sultry, "with one hand on the wheel and the other on my thigh."

Rafe let out a chuckle, but it was laced with a mix of pride and caution. "You're too drunk," he replied, trying to steer the conversation away from the obvious heat that was building between them.

But Imani wasn't having it. She leaned forward, the movement drawing her closer to him, and before he could react, she pressed a soft kiss against his neck. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through him, and he felt his grip on the steering wheel tighten.

"Imani," he warned, trying to maintain some semblance of control as he felt the heat rising within him. "Sit your pretty ass back down."

She merely smirked, ignoring his command entirely. Instead, she shifted even closer, her playful demeanour only intensifying the longing that was swirling between them. "But I'm comfortable here," she teased, stirring something primal within him.

Rafe's heart raced as he fought the urge to give in completely. He was painfully aware of the fine line they were walking—the intoxicating mix of desire and danger. "You need to sit down," he said more firmly, though his voice lacked the conviction he wanted it to have.

"Why?" Imani challenged, her tone playful yet defiant, as she rested her chin on his shoulder, her warm body pressing against him. "What's the worst that could happen?"

His pulse quickened, thoughts racing as he grappled with the reality of the moment. "A lot," he said, his voice low, a warning laced in the undertone. But even as he said it, a part of him was dangerously tempted to forget the world around them and lean into the reckless abandon she was inviting.

She chuckled softly, the sound a mix of challenge and thrill, her eyes glimmering with excitement. "Come on, live a little," she urged, her fingers trailing lightly along his thigh, teasingly close to the heat of desire that simmered just beneath the surface.

Rafe's mind was racing as he abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road, ready to scold Imani for her reckless behaviour.

But before he could fully process his intentions, Imani moved with surprising speed, straddling his lap and sending shockwaves of desire through him. She began pressing playful kisses all over his face, skipping over his lips and instead planting soft pecks on his cheeks and forehead.

"Fuck," Rafe let out a low moan when Imani began to grind on his lap, feeling his dick harden at the proximity of her body against his.

"You're hard," she whispered, her lips trailing against his ear, lightly nipping at it as she continued to grind on him.

He let out a chuckle, suppressing in his moan. "Tends to happen when you're always around me or when I think of you."

"Just me?" She let out a low moan as she caressed his face, lips ghosting over his.

"Only you, sweetheart. It's always been you," his lips brushed against her, bodies rocking back and forth.

"I want more," she murmured, leaning forward to finally kiss him. "Give me more."

Before he could give in to his desire, Rafe gripped her waist, pushing her back. "I can't," he said, his voice strained as he tried to maintain some semblance of authority. "Baby, not like this." He gently moved her head back so their eyes met, searching her gaze for clarity. "Not when you're drunk."

She pouted, crossing her arms defiantly as she leaned in closer, their bodies almost entirely aligned. "Why won't you kiss me? Do you even want me?" she pressed.

Rafe swallowed hard, the tension between them thickening. "So much," he admitted, his voice low and raw. "I want you more than you think." The truth hung heavy between them, his heart racing with the weight of his confession.

"Then why haven't you kissed me yet?"

He hesitated, the truth swirling in his mind. "I want you to remember when we kiss. I want it to mean something, you know? And once we do... there's no going back." The gravity of his words settled over them, a reminder of the stakes involved in their chemistry.

"I'll remember now," she declared confidently.

Rafe couldn't help but chuckle, his heart softening at her adorable determination. He caressed her cheek gently, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his fingers as he studied her face. "You're more cute like this when you're drunk," he said, unable to hide the fondness in his voice.

Imani let out an exaggerated huff, turning around so her back rested against his chest, her head comfortably nestled against his shoulder. "You're boring," she teased, a playful frown gracing her lips as she shifted to get more comfortable.

Rafe chuckled softly at her antics, the sound vibrating against her back. He pressed a light kiss to her neck, just below her ear, eliciting a giggle from Imani that made his heart flutter. She tilted her head back, her hair brushing against his cheek, and he caught a glimpse of her bright smile.

"Boring? I'm just trying to be responsible here," he replied, his voice light but with an undercurrent of seriousness.

Imani rolled her eyes playfully, but he could see the fondness in her gaze. "Responsibility is overrated," she quipped, trying to maintain her teasing demeanour, but the warmth of his presence was making her drowsy.

With a gentle sigh, Rafe knew it was time to get her settled. He carefully moved to sit her back down in her seat, making sure she was comfortable. "Alright, my crazy girl," he said, fastening her seatbelt with care. "You need to stay safe."

As he finished buckling her in, Imani leaned over and lazily pressed a soft kiss to his nose. The unexpected gesture made Rafe's breath hitch. "You're sweet," she murmured, her eyes heavy with sleepiness.

How could someone be so sweet to one person and horrible to everyone else?

He grinned, unable to hide his affection. "And you're trouble," he teased back.

She yawned, snuggling deeper into her seat as she let her eyes flutter shut. "Just a little trouble," she replied, her voice trailing off as she began to drift into a light slumber, a small smile lingering on her lips.

━━━━━━━━━━

Rafe stepped out of the car and moved to Imani's side, opening the door. "Time to get you inside, Princess," he said. With a smooth motion, he lifted a tired Imani into his arms, effortlessly cradling her against him while his other hand grabbed her heels.

Imani let out a delighted giggle, burying her face against his shoulder. "I feel like a princess," she sighed contentedly.

Rafe chuckled softly, his heart swelling at her happiness. "That's because you are," he replied, his eyes twinkling as he carried her to the porch.

As he set her down gently, Imani turned to him, her expression suddenly serious. "By the way, you're not forgiven for being a meanie," she declared, crossing her arms in mock indignation.

Rafe raised an eyebrow, playing along. "What can I do to stop being a meanie, then?"

Imani smirked. "You need to apologise and get on your knees in front of me."

Without hesitation, Rafe dropped to one knee, taking her hand in his and kissing her knuckles gently. He looked up at her, his expression earnest. "Am I forgiven?"

She pretended to consider it, biting her lip to suppress a smile. "Give me three to five working days, and I'll let you know," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

He grinned, rising back up and lightly tickling her waist. "You're such a tease," he laughed, the sound warm and full of affection.

Imani wrapped her arm around his and lifted herself onto her toes, leaning up to plant a quick kiss on his chin. "I guess I'll keep you," she said, her voice playful yet sincere.

"I'd like that," Rafe replied softly, his heart racing as he leaned down to nuzzle his nose against hers.

Her gaze softened as she stared into his eyes, her expression conflicted but vulnerable. "Rafe..." she whispered.

His hold on her softened. "Yeah, baby?" he murmured, his tone gentle in a way he reserved only for her.

She hesitated, searching his face. "Do you think... one day, you'll tell me what's really going on with you?"

For a long moment, Rafe just looked at her, his hand resting against her cheek, the pad of his thumb tracing gentle circles along her skin. "One day," he answered.

But as he held her gaze, he felt a twist of doubt deep within him. One day sounded simple enough, yet he knew he'd keep her waiting, because how could he ever explain the parts of himself he struggled to face? The jagged edges, the anger, the insecurities—all things he kept hidden. He couldn't bear the thought of her seeing those shadows and deciding one day she wanted nothing to do with them, with him.

So he forced a small, reassuring smile and let his hand linger on her cheek, as if holding on to this moment could keep her from ever finding out the truth.

Suddenly, the front door swung open, and Kiara stepped out. "What the fuck?" She took in the sight in front of her.

"Hi, Kie," Imani happily whispered, leaning her back on to Rafe's chest.

Kiara's eyes moved down to where Rafe's hands were rested on Imani's waist, helping her keep steady. Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone protective.

But before Rafe could respond, Imani spoke up, her voice slightly slurred with sleepiness. "I'm tired now," she admitted, leaning more into Rafe for support.

Kiara instinctively took her sister's hand, helping her steady as she guided her inside. "Come on, let's get you to bed," she said, her tone shifting softly.

As Imani stepped inside, Rafe handed her heels to Kiara, who glanced back at him, raising an eyebrow. "Give her Advil in the morning and make sure she drinks plenty of water," he advised, a hint of seriousness returning to his voice.

Kiara gave him a weird look, skepticism written all over her face. "Whatever, dude," she replied, rolling her eyes as she turned back toward the house.

Rafe rolled his eyes at her before turning his attention back to Imani, who was still standing in the doorway.

In a moment of pure delight, Imani enthusiastically waved at him behind Kiara's back, blowing him a playful kiss before Kiara could close the door. Rafe subtly caught it, pressing his fist to his heart, a warm smile spreading across his face as he met her eyes, his heart fluttering at the exchange.

Maybe... just maybe he could be happy with her.

But maybe that was a lie told to him.

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author's note:

- what are you thinking of this story so far?

- please remember to vote and add comments on every chapter. engagement motivates me to update more!