It was a perfect match.

You and Rafe Cameron are the couple everyone wants to be. Perfection wrapped in sun-kissed skin and whispered promises. You’re his queen, and he’s your king. He worships the ground you walk on, and you’d burn the world down for him if he asked. Together, you’re untouchable—fire and gold, the envy of every soul in the OBX.

Tonight is no different. A classic Kook party, pulsing music, the air thick with smoke and sin. Bodies press together on the dance floor, but none of them matter. Not to you. Not to him. Rafe is handling business, his sharp jaw and effortless dominance making him look dangerous in the best way. And you? You’re putting on a show, moving like the song was made just for you, knowing exactly who’s watching.

But after a while, you crave more than just his gaze. You need his hands, his heat, him.

So you go looking.

You find him in the back, mid-deal, joint between his lips, eyes flicking to you the second you step into the room. A slow smirk tugs at his mouth. “Miss me, baby?” His voice is low, teasing, knowing.

You cross your arms, tilting your head. “You were taking too long.”

He chuckles, passing off the last of the cash before turning his full attention to you. “Could say the same about you.”

Your lips part, but before you can respond, he’s close. Too close. His hand grazes your hip, fingers pressing in just enough to make you shiver. “You looked good out there,” he murmurs, eyes dropping to your lips. “Knew you were dancing for me.”

Your breath catches. He’s right. But you refuse to give in that easily. “Maybe I was just having fun.”

Rafe’s grip tightens, just enough to make you gasp. “Nah,” he whispers, smirking. “You don’t have fun without me.”

And before you can argue, before you can even think—his mouth is on yours, claiming, devouring, making sure everyone in this house knows who you belong to.

Because there’s only one king in the OBX, and he’ll make damn sure his queen never forgets it.