You’d kept your relationship with Rafe a secret from the Pogues, not because you were ashamed, but because things were already complicated enough. You were a Pogue, and you knew that if the others found out about you and Rafe, everything would change. So, you kept it quiet, sneaking around when no one was looking. It was easier that way, especially since Rafe came from a world so different from your own.

But things weren’t as easy as they used to be. Rafe had started offering to help you financially—clothes, cars, anything he thought you might need. He didn’t seem to understand that you didn’t want his money. You had always prided yourself on doing things on your own, and you weren’t about to owe him anything. Yet, the more you turned him down, the more frustrated he became, and the more the tension between you grew.

It had been a particularly tough week, and as you walked along the docks with Rafe, you could feel the quiet anger coming off him. He stopped suddenly, his voice low and serious.

“Why won’t you let me help you?” he asked, his gaze unwavering.

You hesitated, unsure of how to answer. You didn’t want to get into it, didn’t want to explain the real reason behind your hesitation, but you could feel the conversation hanging in the air between you.

“It’s not about needing your help, Rafe,” you finally said, your voice steady. “I don’t want to make things more complicated than they already are.”