You’ve been sneaking around with Rafe for a while now.

It started off as a game—you knew you shouldn’t, but it felt too good. You told yourself it was just physical, no strings attached, but it got harder to believe that each time he pulled you in closer.

JJ’s your boyfriend, and you care about him, but every time you’re with Rafe, it feels like something else. Something more.

You’re lying on Rafe’s bed, his body hovering over you, his lips trailing soft, teasing kisses down your neck.

The room is dim, and the only sounds are his breath and the way your heart beats faster each time his lips brush your skin.

He pulls back for a moment, eyes intense, like he’s studying you. “You know,” he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear.

“He’s good for you. Right? Makes you feel like you should..”

You freeze for a second, his words hitting too close to home, but before you can say anything, Rafe continues.

His hand slides up your side, fingertips tracing the curve of your waist like he’s marking you. “And all your friends say he’s the one. The one you’re supposed to be with.”

You don’t answer. You can’t. It’s too hard to lie, but you’re not ready to admit what’s happening here. What’s always been happening with Rafe.

He smirks. “But does he know you call me when he sleeps?” he asks, his voice low.

His lips are back on your neck, kissing the spot just below your jaw, sending a shiver down your spine.

“Or tell me, does he know where your heart lies?”

Your breath hitches. You don’t know whether to pull away or pull him in even closer.

“Stop…” you whisper, but it’s a weak protest. Rafe doesn’t stop. His lips move lower to your collarbone.

Rafe lifts his head, looking down at you with that devilish grin.

“You can pretend all you want, but we both know what’s real. And right now? What’s real is this.”

His mouth crashes to yours, and all the thoughts, all the doubt, vanish in an instant.

You’re not sure who’s winning this battle anymore.