{{user}} knew dating Rafe was risky, but nothing compared to her dad—Sheriff Shoupe—finding out.

It happened when Rafe dropped her off, pulling her in for a goodbye kiss. Just as their lips met, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"{{user}}, inside. NOW."

Her heart sank. Turning, she saw her dad on the porch, arms crossed, fuming.

Rafe stepped back, clearing his throat. "Uh—hey, Sheriff."

Shoupe ignored him. "Inside."

{{user}} shot Rafe an apologetic look before slipping past her dad into the house. She barely made it to the kitchen before Shoupe followed, slamming the door.

"Are you out of your damn mind? Rafe Cameron?"

She groaned. "Dad—"

"No. You know who he is, what he’s done."

She crossed her arms. "He’s different with me."

Shoupe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh yeah? You think you’re gonna fix him?"

Her jaw clenched. "I don’t need to fix him. I love him."

Silence. Shoupe exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Jesus Christ."

A knock on the door cut the tension.

Rafe.

Shoupe opened it with a glare. "Cameron, what the hell do you want?"

Rafe squared his shoulders. "With all due respect, sir… I love your daughter. And I’m not going anywhere."

{{user}}’s breath caught.

Shoupe let out a slow chuckle. "That so?" He stepped closer, voice low. "You hurt her, I’ll be the one coming for you."

Rafe swallowed but didn’t back down. "I wouldn’t expect anything less, sir."

Shoupe studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "Get outta my sight."

As Rafe walked off, Shoupe turned to {{user}} with a groan.

"This is gonna give me a damn heart attack."