Cassie's POV

I sit on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest as I listen to the footsteps approach my door. The door slowly opens and my breathing quickens as fear runs through me. A dark figure stands at my door silently and I whimper, hugging myself tighter. The figure suddenly lunges for me and I squeeze my eyes shut.

I wake up with a scream, jolting upwards as the bloodcurdling sound leaves my lips. Kiara races into the room with Anna and my dad on her tail. Her hand touches my arm and I freak out, backing away from her in complete fear. I curl into a ball on instinct and cover my head with my arms.

"Cassie, pumpkin. It's dad" I hear my dad's soothing voice whisper and I uncurl, looking up at him through teary eyes.

"Dad?" I breathe out shakily.

"It's me" He nods.

I let out a relieved sigh and throw my arms around him.

"I'm sorry. It happens some times" I choke out, embarrassed at my outburst.

"Shh, it's okay" He assures me.

I look up at Anna and Kiara with an apologetic look and they smile warmly.

"You don't need to be embarrassed, Cassie. We're always here for you" Anna tells me, reaching out to rub my back.

I shoot her a grateful smile and she smiles down at me like a mother would to her daughter.

"I've got to get to work. Will you be okay?" My dad asks me.

"Yeah, i'll be okay. I'm going to head over to the Cameron's" I tell him.

"Say hello to Rose for me" Anna smiles and I nod.

Anna and my dad exit the room hesitantly and I'm left with Kiara.

"You never did tell me what happened to you back in New York" She states and I frown.

"You don't need to worry about that, Kie" I sigh.

"But-" I cut her off.

"You're better off not knowing" I assure her and she frowns, but nods in understanding.

"I'm going out with the guys. I'll see you later?" She asks hopefully.

"Later" I confirm.

She smiles softly and heads out my room, closing the door behind her. I drag myself out of bed and trudge over to my mirror. Once I reach it I let out a noise of disgust, grimacing at my reflection. My clothes are stuck to me with sweat, my eyes are puffy and rimmed red, my cheeks are tear stained and my hair looks like a bird's nest. I let out a huff and head into my bathroom to take a shower.

Once I'm out, I dry and curl my hair before applying a little makeup. I then head into my closet to look for an outfit. I decide on a lilac bikini, a light pink ruffle skirt and a matching crop top.

 I pair my outfit with white nike airforce 1s and a few bracelets.

I swipe an apple from the fruit bowl and start my short walk over to the Cameron's. As I reach the property, I through my apple core into a bush and head up to the front door, pressing the bell. The door is opened and I see it's Rose Cameron, Rafe and Sarah's step mother.

"Oh, Cassie. It's lovely to see you, sweetie" She gushes.

"It's good to see you too, Rose. Anna says hello" I tell her and she grins, opening the door wider.

"Sarah is out right now, but Rafe is in his room" She tells me.

"Thanks" I smile gratefully before jogging up the stairs.

I walk down the hallway and stand outside Rafe's room with a nervous feeling in my chest. I sigh and knock on the door.

"Come in!" I hear his voice and I gulp.

deeper than I remember

I push the handle down and slowly open the door. Rafe looks up from his laptop and his eyes widen. Our eyes meet and the wind is knocked out my lungs.

"Cas" He says in disbelief, pushing himself off his bed.

I look at him fully and unconsciously lick my lips as my eyes trail down his body which is a lot more defined than it was when he was 16.

hotter than I remember

"You just gonna stare at me all day or are you gonna give me a hug?" Rafe smirks and I laugh.

still a cocky little bitch

I run at him, jumping into his open arms. He catches me, burying his face in my neck as I wrap my legs around him and hug him close to me.

"God, I missed you" He mumbles.

"I missed you too" I reply.

"Cassie?" I hear a small voice ask and I turn my head to see a young girl at the door.

"Wheezie?!" I gasp and she curtsies sassily.

"Rafe, put me down!" I squeal, slapping his shoulder.

"Ow!" He whines, dropping me onto my feet.

I rush over to Wheezie and attack her with a tight hug. She giggles, hugging my waist tightly.

"You've gotten so big! How old are you now?" I ask her.

"13" She grins cheekily.

"Stop growing" I groan, holding her face in my hands.

"The last time you seen me I was 10" She states and I frown.

"I know. I'm sorry" I apologise.

She shrugs, waving me off with a small smile.

"I'll see you round, Cassie" The young girl tells me, heading to the stairs.

"See you, Wheezie!" I call after her.

"Where have you been for the past 3 years?" I hear Rafe's voice and I turn to him.

"I, uh, I was just really busy with school. I graduated early and went to FIT to do fashion design. Got kicked out after a year, so it was all for nothing" I explain, shrugging.

"Wow, that sucks" He frowns and I nod.

"Anyways, you up for a swim?" I ask cheekily and his lips tug up at one end.

"Sure, why not?" He shrugs.

I'm suddenly swept off my feet and I squeal in surprise. Rafe throws me over his shoulder and places his hand on my thigh as he carries me through the Cameron household.

"Rafe, put me down!" I giggle as we reach the pool.

"I don't know, Cas. I'm enjoying the view from down here" He says smugly.

"Ugh" I groan in disgust and I hear him chuckle.

He grabs my waist and lifts me up, placing me on my feet.

"It's that better, your majesty?" He asks me sarcastically and I giggle, nodding.

I kick my shoes off before pulling my top over my head and I see Rafe visibly gulp as his eyes wander down my body.

"You good, Cameron?" I ask with a smirk as I unzip the back of my skirt.

"Uh, yeah" He mumbles, shaking his head a little before averting his gaze to the pool while my skirt hits the floor.

He pulls his shirt off with one swift movement and it's my turn to drool. I dive into the pool and Rafe follows close behind me. My head breaks the surface of the water and I see Rafe right in front of me, already looking at me. Our eyes meet for the second time today and I suck in a sharp breath. Rafe's eyes flicker down to my lips and my tongue unconsciously darts out to lick them. I see him lean in and I panic, splashing water in his face. He jumps backwards and looks at me in disbelief.

"Did you just splash me?" He asks as if he doesn't know the answer to the question.

"Maybe" I smile sheepishly.

"You bitch" He says, splashing me.

I scream as the water hits my face and Rafe laughs. His laughter distracts him and I catch him off guard, dunking his head under the water. I feel his hands grab my legs and I gasp as I'm yanked under the water. Once I manage to reach the surface, I slap Rafe's shoulder with a pout.

"Don't give what you can't take, Carrera" He tells me with an amused grin on his face.

"Fuck you" I laugh, rolling my eyes.

I turn to get out and I feel Rafe's hands clamp down on my hips. He pulls me flush against him until my back hits his chest and I gasp. His hot breath fans against my ear and my heartbeat speeds up.

"I dare you to say that again" He whispers huskily.

"Fuck. You" I breathe out, a smirk forming on my face.

"You wish you could fuck me" He replies, letting me go.

He brushes past me and walks right up the stairs, out of the pool and into the house. I'm left speechless as I make my way out the pool to grab a towel from one of the pool chairs. I dry myself off and pull on my clothes. As I enter the house, the front door is thrown open and I walk into the foyer to see Topper and Kelce.

"Cassie?" They say in unison.

"Top! Kel!" I grin, throwing my arms around them.

They laugh, hugging me back and I see Sarah standing behind them with a grin on her face.

"When did you get here?" Topper asks me as I take a step back from the boys.

"Yesterday" I answer, my grin never wavering.

"Why didn't you say anything?" The blonde ask in disbelief.

"She spends the first day with Kiara, you guys know that" Rafe speaks up and I turn my head to see him coming down the stairs.

"And the Pogues?" Kelce asks in distaste.

"Yes, Kel" I sigh.

"I don't know why you hang out with them" Topper states, disgust clear on his face.

"She wouldn't be the drifter princess if she didn't" Sarah says, sticking up for me and I shoot her a grin.

"What the Kook princess said" I agree, nodding at Sarah who rolls her eyes.

"We were just headed to the club for lunch, you guys coming?" Topper asks Rafe and I, changing the subject.

"Sure" I reply, running my fingers through my damp hair.

"Sounds good" Rafe adds.

Sarah links her arm with mine and drags me out the front door towards Topper's car. Topper jumps in the driver seat and Sarah claims the passenger seat so I sit in the middle of Rafe and Kelce in the back.  The car roars to life and the radio blasts a song i've never heard before, Sarah humming to the tune. The boys talk loudly about nothing important while Sarah sings to herself and I stare out the windshield in a daydream.

A warm hand grabbing my thigh disrupts me from my thoughts and I look down to see Rafe's hand dangerously high on my thigh. I look up at him with a playful glare and he smirks, squeezing my skin. A small squeak leaves my lips and Rafe removes his hand from me as everyone looks at me in confusion.

"You okay, Cassie?" Sarah asks.

"Uhuh" I mumble, nodding.

They all give me weird looks but go back to what they were doing none the less.

We reach the country club with no more funny business and are placed at a table near the window. We order our food and Sarah starts a conversation about Midsummers.

"You got a dress yet?" She asks me.

"Not yet, but i've still got plenty of time" I shrug.

"Are you taking a date this year?" She then asks and I chuckle, remember how I dragged John B with me when I was 15.

"Not this year, Sar. I don't think I'll get JJ in a suit" I joke and she giggles while the boys roll their eyes.

I feel Rafe's hand wander onto my thigh for the second time today and I gulp, looking anywhere but him. As my eyes wander the room, I spot a familiar mop of blonde hair at the bar and I grin happily.

"Excuse me, I'll be right back" I tell the Kooks, slipping out my seat.

I make my way to the bar and lean on the counter with a smug grin as JJ fiddles with the cash register, his back to me. I clear my throat loudly and the blonde turns to me, a smile gracing his face when he sees me.

"You coming to stalk me at work now?" He asks cockily.

"Oh, no. You've caught me" I gasp jokingly.

"Babe, I thought I told you it's never gonna happen. I just don't date" He tells me dramatically and I laugh.

"I'm just obsessed with you, JJ Maybank" I sigh dreamily, leaning my chin on my hand.

"Okay, I can make an exception for you" He replies, twirling a strand of my hair around his finger.

"Ew, that's so cheesy" I whine, pushing his hand away as we both laugh.

"What can I help you with, Cassie?" He asks curiously.

"I just wanted to come talk to you" I shrug.

"Kooks boring you?" He asks and I roll my eyes.

"No. Am I not allowed to talk to my friend?" I ask challengingly.

"Friend? I thought we were something special, babe" He pouts teasingly.

"Shut up, JJ" I laugh.

I notice his collar is up on one side and I sigh, leaning over the bar to fix it.

"There you go, J. Looking handsome as always" I say, patting his chest.

"Thanks. You're looking gorgeous yourself, princess" JJ replies.

"Thank you" I smile softly.

"You should probably get back to your friends before Huey, Dewey and Louie kill me with their death glares" JJ jokes and I turn my head to see the boys are in fact glaring at my blonde friend.

"See ya later, handsome" I chirp and he winks at me.

I head back over to the table to see Sarah smirking at me like the cheshire cat.

"What's with you, smiley?" I ask the girl curiously.

"What the hell is going on between you two?" She asks.

"Who? Me and Maybank?" I ask in confusion and she nods.

"Nothing" I laugh at the idea of me and JJ.

"Are you sure about that?" Topper scoffs.

"You were totally flirting with each other. He was playing with your hair!" Sarah exclaims and I throw my napkin at her.

"You bent over the bar to fix his shirt and that wink he gave you was very suggestive" Kelce says accusingly.

"He calls you babe" Rafe joins in.

"You too?!" I groan.

"Listen, guys. There is no feelings between JJ and I" I scoff.

"Prove it" Sarah grins smugly.

"You know what? I will" I snap, standing up "JJ is a simple boy. If he grabs my face, he likes me. If he grabs my ass, he just wants to fuck me"

Before any of the Kooks could object I see JJ come out of the back room wearing his usual cargo shorts and tank top. I jog up to him and grab his arm before he could leave the room.

"Can I help you?" He asks me.

"Finished your shift?" I ask curiously.

"Yeah, why d-" Before he can finish, I grab the back of his neck and slam my lips onto his.

He recovers quickly from his shock and kisses me back hungrily, gripping my hips and pulling me closer. I tangle my fingers in his hair and his hands slide down to my ass, squeezing it roughly. I pull away from him and smile breathlessly, patting his chest.

"Well that was unexpected" JJ grins cockily.

"We will never speak about this. Don't tell my sister" I state sternly.

"I'm okay with that" He nods, his smug attitude never wavering.

"Get out of here" I laugh, pushing his shoulder.

He laughs, shaking his head and heads towards the exit. I turn to my friends who all look at me with different expressions. Sarah is laughing loudly, Topper looks utterly disgusted, Kelce looks slightly turned on and Rafe looks like he's about to explode. I curtsy sarcastically and make my way back to my seat.

"Who's hungry?" I ask with a smug grin.

☁️☁️☁️

We reach the Cameron household after dropping Kelce home and the siblings get out the car.

"Stay tonight?" Sarah asks me hopefully.

"Sounds fun" I chirp, hopping out the car.

"See you later, Top!" I yell as we race toward the house to get out of the rain.

Rafe doesn't even spare us a second glance before heading into the living room. Sarah rolls her eyes and grabs my hand, dragging me up the stairs and into her room.

"Netflix?" Sarah asks sleepily, yawning as she looks through her drawer.

"The Vampire Diaries?" I ask curiously and she nods.

"Hell yeah" I grin.

Sarah throws me a pair of pyjamas that consist of lime green silk shorts with a matching button up short sleeved shirt. I head into the bathroom and get changed into the pyjamas before throwing my clothes into the laundry basket. I hear my phone ringing and I jog into the room, answering the call.

"Hello" I say sweetly, not knowing who is on the other end.

"Cassandra! Where are you?!" I hear my dad yell down the line and I cringe.

"Sorry, dad. I'm still at Sarah's. Do you need me to come home?" I ask curiously.

"No, I think it's best if you just stay the night there. I don't want you going out in that storm" He tells me and I look out the window to see that the rain has turned into a full on storm.

"Okay, I'll stay here" I sigh, shooting Sarah a thumbs up which makes her grin.

"Stay safe, pumpkin. I love you" My dad tells me, making me smile.

"I will. You three stay safe, I love you all" I reply.

"We will! Love you!" I hear Kiara shout and I giggle.

"Love you back, Kie" I tell her.

The line goes dead and I place my phone on the bedside table. I jump onto the bed next to Sarah who is changed into matching pyjamas in the colour baby pink. We climb under a blanket and Sarah presses play on the remote. She lays her head on my shoulder and we watch our favourite show together for the hundredth time.

The lights suddenly cut off and I jump in fright. I turn to my side and see that Sarah is light snoring, drool running down her chin.

"Psst. Sarah" I whisper, poking her.

She groans loudly and turns her back to me, snoring a little louder. I slip out of bed and wrap my arms around myself, exiting the room. I make my way towards Wheezie's room and knock on the door. Her mumbled groan is heard through the door and I open it slowly.

"If your gonna ask me to keep you company the answer is no. Go ask Rafe" Wheezie mutters sleepily.

"Bitch" I grumble, shutting the door and doing as she said.

I open Rafe's door and see that his eyes are closed. I close his door behind me and tiptoe over to his bed.

"Rafe?" I whisper, poking his cheek.

His eyes open sleepily and he looks at me in confusion. Thunder booms through the sky and I jump, cringing at the noise.

"Get in" He huffs, rolling over.

"Thanks" I mumble sheepishly, lifting the covers and climbing into bed.

I lay on my back and stare at the ceiling, listening to the wind blowing wildly outside. Something hits the window and I squeak, covering my face with my hands. Rafe let's out another huff and grabs my waist, dragging me closer to him. My back hits his chest and he slings his arm over me.

"Rafe?" I murmur.

"What now?"  He groans.

"Thank you" I breathe out.

We're enveloped in a peaceful silence, the only sound being heard is the storm outside and our quiet breathing. Rafe's heart hammers against my back and the soft beat slows my breathing as I start to drift off.

"I'm always here, Cas" He whispers quietly, his voice barely audible.