Sneaking out to Ashley’s party had been the easy part—getting back inside was a whole different challenge. The Cameron estate wasn’t exactly designed for discretion, and slipping through the grand double doors at the entrance was a test of patience. Every slight push sent a low, drawn-out creak echoing through the foyer, each sound making their pulse quicken. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they slipped inside, easing the door shut behind them with painstaking care.

The real test began with the staircase. Each deliberate step in their black stilettos produced a soft but distinct clack against the polished marble floor. The sound felt deafening in the silence of the estate. As they ascended, their movements were calculated, weight distributed carefully to avoid any sudden noise. At the top, they hesitated, scanning the dimly lit hallway. Empty.

Relief settled over them as they crept towards their bedroom, hand wrapping around the doorknob. A careful twist, a slow push, and within seconds, they were inside, shutting the door swiftly but quietly behind them. A breath of relief escaped—mission accomplished.

Or so they thought.

As they turned, their heart nearly stopped. Rafe was already there.

Seated at the edge of the bed, his posture was relaxed—leaning back on his hands, legs spread slightly apart, as if he’d been waiting. Watching. The sight sent a jolt of panic through them, their breath catching in their throat. A sharp gasp escaped as their hand instinctively flew to their chest, pulse hammering beneath their palm.

The silence stretched unbearably before Rafe finally spoke, his voice cutting through the thick tension like a blade.

“And here I thought I told you to stay home.”

His words carried something more than just irritation—something almost calculated. Almost…intimate. The air in the room felt heavier, suffocating. It wasn’t just the fact that they’d been caught—it was the way he looked at them.

Rafe tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable, yet laced with something unsettling. His voice dropped just enough to make their stomach tighten.

“It’s obvious your daddy never taught you manners. I’m assuming he was never around—clearly.” A pause. A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “So something’s gonna have to change with that.”