You shouldn’t have been here. Every step into Tannyhill felt like a trap, and yet you didn’t leave.

You were a Pogue, but the gold cross belonged to your friend, to Pope’s family, and there was no way in hell you were letting the Cameron’s keep it.

The house was quiet, almost too quiet, as you slipped into the backroom where you knew he kept it.

You were so focused, you didn’t hear him coming.

“Careful,” a voice drawled behind you. “That’s worth more than you’ll see in a lifetime.”

You froze. Slowly, you turned around to find Rafe leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

“Figured one of you little Pogues would try something” he said, stepping into the room. “Didn’t think they’d send you, though.”

“I’m not leaving without it.” you said, trying to sound brave.

Rafe raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “You think you’re just gonna walk out of here with my cross? That’s cute.”

Your heart pounded as he stepped closer, closing the space between you. He towered over you. “You’ve got some nerve, breaking into my house.”

You took a shaky step back, bumping into the edge of the cross. “It doesn’t belong to you.”

“Doesn’t it?” He tilted his head, his voice low. “Because last time I checked, I’m the one holding all the cards.”

You glared at him, refusing to back down. “You don’t scare me, Rafe.”

He stepped even closer now, and your breath hitched as his gaze raked over you. He looked frustrated.

“You’ve got three seconds to make a choice,” he said, his voice dropping. You held your ground, meeting his gaze.

“Fight, flight, or fvck.”

he continued, his lips curling into that dangerous smirk.

Your chest rose and fell quickly, the air between you charged with something you couldn’t place.

“And believe me when I say..” He leaned in closer, his breath warm against your ear. “I’ve considered all three.”

His words sent a shiver down your spine, and for a moment, you froze.

You hated him. God, you hated him. But there was something about the way he looked at you that made your knees weak.