You lean your head against the window of Rafe’s Mercedes, your heartbeat getting more even the further you get away from the party. You can feel his body heat next to yours, can tell by the way his hands grip the steering wheel that he’s trying to control his anger. His jaw clenches, and his eyes darken as he stares straight ahead at the road in front of you.

You cry softly as you replay the nights events in your mind. Seeing your boyfriend talking to Sofia. The way they’d seemed a little too close. The guilt on their faces when you’d approached. The way the confession of their affair had come out. The way your boyfriend had told you he was more attracted to her, found her prettier than you. A knife straight to the heart. You’d seen Rafe walk by and asked him for a ride home. He’d taken one look at your face and readily agreed, steering you out of the party and into his car.

Rafe watches you from the corner of his eye. His heart aches for you, seeing you in pain makes him want to hit something. If he could solve your problems with his fists, he gladly would. He reaches out silently, placing his hand on your thigh, a silent reassurance. He doesn’t say anything, just squeezes your leg lightly as he keeps his eyes on the road.

“Rafe, am I fat?” You ask softly, hating yourself for needing to ask.

Rafe glances at you for a moment, his brows furrowing in confusion. He’s heard your question and it makes his heart clench. He can see the pain and insecurity in your eyes and he swears softly under his breath. He gives your leg another squeeze before answering. “No, you are not fat.”

“Is Sofia prettier than me?”

Rafe almost winced at the question. He knows you’re comparing yourself to her, trying to find where you lack. He looks at you, taking in your tear stained face, the pain and hurt in your eyes. He shakes his head, and answers without hesitation, his tone certain. “No. You’re prettier than she is. She has nothing on you.”

“He said she’s prettier” you admit, your voice shaking.

He grips the steering wheel tighter when you mention your ex. Man, he wants to rearrange his face. Anger flares up as he considers your words. Hearing that your ex would dare to say that to you, to cause you that pain, it makes him practically vibrate with anger. He takes a deep breath, trying to keep his anger in check as he speaks. His voice is firm and protective. “He’s an ass. That never deserved you. You are gorgeous.”

You nod, brushing away a tear as he pulls up out front of your house. He turns off the engine and you both sit there in silence for a moment. You briefly glance over at him, wondering how you’d never noticed how damn gorgeous he was before now. You’d been too blinded by your asshole ex to notice anyone else.

“Do you want to come in?” You ask, playing with a strand of your hair.

Rafe looks over at you and nods. His heart beating a bit faster at your question. He hadn’t wanted to leave you alone. Not tonight. Not when you were this upset. He nods, clearing his throat.

“Yeah, princess. Let’s get you inside.” He undoes his seatbelt, pushing his door open and climbing out. His steps are steady and sure as he comes around to your side, opening your door and holding his hand out for you.