Living on the Cut was never easy. Money didn’t exactly fall from the sky out here, so you grabbed whatever jobs you could, part-time shifts at the Wreck, the occasional lifeguarding gig, just enough to keep you and John B afloat after your dad disappeared at sea nine months ago.
It wasn’t glamorous, but you made it work. John B pitched in when he could, working on boats for Ward Cameron—yes, that Ward Cameron, Kook royalty, richest man on the island. Also… your secret boyfriend’s father.
Rafe Cameron and you had been together for over a year, and almost no one knew. Pogues and Kooks don’t mix, ever. If your friends or your brother found out, they’d lose their minds. And Rafe’s friends? They wouldn’t exactly throw a welcome party for you either.
Which is why, when your phone buzzed that afternoon, you couldn’t hide your smile.
Rafe: Meet me at the marina. 20 minutes.
You told John B you were going out for a bit, hopped on your bike, and pedaled down to the water.
Rafe was leaning against his bike near the docks. “Hey, troublemaker,” you teased, stepping close.
“Been waiting for you, baby,” he smirked, pulling you in for a quick kiss. “Missed you.”
“You saw me yesterday,” you laughed, but you didn’t let go.
He held you for a moment, then pulled back with that calculating look that meant something was on his mind. “You don’t happen to know what your Pogue friends did this morning, do you?”
And just like that, the warm bubble between you popped.
“What did they do?” you asked.
“They sunk Topper’s boat.”
Shock tightened your chest. “I had no idea.”
He studied your face, saw you were telling the truth, and his jaw unclenched. “Alright. I believe you. Sorry… I’m just pissed.”
You crossed your arms. “There had to be a reason.”
“They’re Pogues. That is the reason.”
Your eyebrow shot up. “If that’s what you think, why are you with me?”
“This isn’t about us. It’s about them coming after us.”
“Only because you and Topper jumped Pope yesterday.”
His gaze hardened, but you could tell he regretted you finding out. “They pulled a gun on Topper first.”
“Because Topper was drowning my brother at the Boneyard party!”
You both stood there, breathing hard, until he finally sighed. “I don’t want to fight. Just needed to know where you stood.”
You softened, but not entirely. “Then promise me you’ll stop going after my brother and his friends.”
“I promise,” he said, pressing his forehead to yours.
To make up for it, he took you to a small bluff above the marina. A blanket was laid out, drinks and country club sandwiches neatly arranged.
“Secret date,” he grinned.
Moments like this reminded you exactly why you’d fallen for Rafe Cameron.
That night, you met up with the Pogues for the annual Kildare Movie Night on the lawn. The grass was crowded with blankets and the smell of popcorn hung in the warm summer air.
You sat next to Kie, pretending to watch the screen, but your eyes kept drifting toward the bathrooms where Rafe stood with Topper and Kelce. He caught you looking and smirked, throwing in a wink.
Halfway through, JJ and Pope slipped away. You checked, Rafe was still there. Maybe he’d actually keep his promise.
When you came back from the concession stand, the Pogues were gone. So was Rafe.
“Fuck,” you muttered, following the sound of shouting behind the big screen.
Kelce pinned JJ while Rafe’s fists connected over and over. JJ’s mouth was covered in blood. Topper had Pope in a chokehold while Kie clung to his back, trying to pull him off.
“Rafe! Stop!” you shouted.
He barely glanced at you, so you stepped between him and JJ, forcing him to freeze mid-swing. His eyes were blazing. “Move, {{user}}!”
“No.”
You locked eyes until he finally dropped his arm, pointing at JJ. “This isn’t over.”
“Kie, no!” you yelled, but it was too late—Kie lit the big screen on fire, giving Rafe and his friends the finger.
“Oh, shit!” Rafe yelled. “Let’s go!”
He gave you one last look, regret flickering across his face, before he turned and bolted with his Kook crew.