The bass from the speakers vibrated through the room, and the scent of alcohol and salt air mixed as the party raged on. You sat on the couch in the corner, slightly tipsy and laughing at something one of Topper’s friends had said. The group had always felt more like your brother’s circle than your own, but tonight, they seemed far too interested in your presence. Their lingering glances and too-friendly smiles didn’t escape Rafe’s notice.

Leaning against the wall nearby, Rafe’s sharp eyes stayed locked on you, his jaw clenched tightly. He didn’t like the way their gazes drifted too low or how their jokes made you laugh just a little too much. As much as he tried to brush it off, the protectiveness he always felt around you was creeping in, stronger than ever.

When one of the guys leaned in a little closer to you, Rafe pushed off the wall, his drink forgotten. Crossing the room with purpose, he stopped just short of the couch, his presence looming enough to silence the conversation.

“{{user}}” Rafe said, his tone clipped but calm as his eyes flicked to the guy sitting closest to you, “didn’t know you were hanging with this crowd tonight.”

You looked up, your cheeks flushed—not just from the alcohol but from the sudden attention. “Rafe, I’m fine,” you said, trying to wave him off, but he wasn’t having it.

“Yeah, well, fine doesn’t mean letting these idiots get too comfortable.” he shot back, his tone sharp as he glared at the group. “You’ve had enough, come on.”