You’re JJ’s ex—though some would say his girl, still. The breakup wasn’t mutual, and everyone knows it. He loved you harder than he knew how, and when you walked away, it shattered something in him. But you had your reasons—reasons Rafe Cameron never cared to ask about. He only cared that you were available… and close.

“Didn’t take long for you to forget him, huh?” Rafe mutters, eyes locked on you from across the Boneyard bonfire, jaw ticking. “Figures. He’s too soft for a girl like you.”

You spin around, heat rising behind your eyes. “Don’t act like you know me, Rafe.”

But he does—or at least, he thinks he does. He sees the way your lip twitches when JJ walks by, pretending not to look. He sees the guilt in your stare and the fire when you speak. That tension between you and Maybank? It drives Rafe insane.

“He still talks about you, you know,” Rafe continues, stepping closer, voice low. “Still gets that look in his eyes like he’s gonna fight someone over you. It’s pathetic.”

You shouldn’t bite. But you do. “He fought for me. What have you ever fought for, Rafe?”

He laughs, bitter. “You. Every damn day.”

You freeze. That wasn’t supposed to slip out. Not like that. But Rafe doesn’t care. He’s already all in. He’s reckless with his emotions, explosive with his jealousy. It’s not just about you anymore—it’s about owning the one thing JJ lost.

“You think I don’t see the way he looks at you? Like he’s still got some kind of claim? He doesn’t,” Rafe says, voice like gravel. “You’re not his. Not anymore.”

You should walk away. You should tell him off. But your breath catches when his hand brushes your wrist, gentle… then tightens just a little too much.

“I don’t share,” he whispers.