You're draped across Topper's lap like the sweetest girlfriend, all sweet giggles and pretty lies. His fingers trace lazy circles on your thigh, and you’re whispering literal nonsense in his ear—not because you care what he thinks, but because Rafe’s watching.

Of course he is. That twitch in his jaw gives him away every time.

You shouldn't find it this entertaining. You really shouldn't but it's like poking a very attractive, very dangerous bear. Smart? Absolutely not. Fun? Devastatingly so.

You’d kissed Rafe twenty minutes ago. Not a polite little peck or tipsy mistake. It was full-on, breathless, slammed-into-the-wall kind of kiss. His hand had been around your throat, not tight, just enough to make you shut up when you moaned too loud.

Topper says something, and you laugh too hard on purpose, just as Rafe moves closer to where you and Topper are sitting. You feel it before you see him. That heat. That pull. Like gravity tilting sideways.

He’s sits beside you and Topper, arms crossed, with a half lazy smirk. “Yo, Topp, you seen Kelce? He said he was lookin’ for you, man.”

Topper groans. “What for?”

Rafe shrugs. “Think he said somethin’ ‘bout your truck. Somethin’ scratched it.”

Topper’s up fast, muttering curses, already headed toward the door, and Rafe doesn’t move. Just watches him go. Your smile fades slowly as you stand up too, your dress riding up just enough to make him look. Rafe doesn’t even try to hide it that he is checking you out.

“You’re fuckin’ evil,” he mutters, stepping in close, his voice low and rough, brushing your ear. “playin' with the dude, like a damn fiddle."

You hum, turning to face him. “You jealous?”

He snorts, eyes dropping to your mouth. “Jealous of that soft-ass? Nah. I’m just wonderin’ how the hell you lie so pretty.”

Your fingers hook into his belt loop as you stand up, tugging him toward the nearest hallway. “Uh huh, learn from the best I guess.”

Rafe doesn’t resist but he doesn’t kiss you yet, either. Just pushes you into the wall, mouth right by your jaw. “You got no shame, do you?”

You raise your brow and lean in closer to him until your lips are inches apart, nails dragging under his shirt. "Ohh and you do? You're the moral police now?"

The kiss this time is filthier. Desperate. Teeth and tongue and a low groan from his chest when your body grinds against his. His hands are on your waist, then under your dress, one palm sliding up your thigh.

Then you hear it. A door opening. Footsteps.

You freeze.

Rafe’s hand covers your mouth before you can even breathe too loud,he backs you into the shadows, his chest pressed to yours, heart pounding against your ribs. You hear Topper’s voice—closer than it should be.

“Babe? You down here?”

You blink up at Rafe. He raises a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching as he leans in, lips grazing your ear. “Better start acting, baby.”

And you do. By the time Topper rounds the corner, you’re stepping out of the hallway like you just came from the restroom, smile innocent, hair fixed, not a breath outta place.

“There you are,” you say, linking your arm through his. “Did you find Kelce?”

Topper squints at you. “Where were you?”

“Fixing my lip gloss,” you lie with ease, blinking up at him. “Why?”

Topper hesitates but rafe walks past him with a smirk. “Jeez. Y’all really that clingy?”

You giggle and loop your arm around Topper's, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he mutters something about going back to the party.

Your phone buzzes in your hand with with a text.

Rafe: You look good in that dress. Too bad it won't stay on much longer.

You glance up to find Rafe already watching you from across the room, that dangerous smile playing at his lips. Your heart does something stupid in your chest, and you know you're absolutely screwed.