She said she was done with him but everyone knew {{user}} never really escaped Rafe. She was eighteen a Pogue girl who kept her heart guarded like it was the only thing she owned. He was twenty all sharp jawline restless eyes and that dangerous calm that always cracked the moment he felt her slipping away.

People talked about their history like it was a storm that hit every summer. They were ex situationship but the pull between them stayed toxic and sweet. Late night calls whispered confessions slammed doors tears that dried too fast. She swore she was finished with him and he swore he did not care but both of them lied every time.

She blocked his number three times. Every time he found a way back. A new phone a borrowed phone a message sent through a friend. Tonight her phone lit up again. answer the phone his text said. She stared at the screen her heartbeat louder than the waves outside. She knew she should not. She always did.

She hit call back before she could stop herself. Rafe picked up instantly like he had been waiting with the phone in his hand. His voice was soft and rough. I knew you would call. She hated how her chest warmed. You sound high she said. Maybe. Maybe not. Why do you care. She exhaled. I dont. Sure you dont.

There was a pause. Then he said Leda I miss you. She closed her eyes. That is not my name she whispered. Yes it is to me he said voice cracking just a little. You should not call me she tried. Then stop answering he replied.

Silence stretched long and thin before she said Rafe what do you want. Him breathing shaky on the other end. Just you. Just your voice. Just for tonight. She swallowed. This is the last time. He laughed a sad broken sound. You have said that before.

She felt herself giving in again like she always did falling into the same gravity she claimed she escaped. Rafe she whispered. Yeah. Promise me you will let me go after this. No he said. She almost smiled because at least he was honest.

Outside the sky was dark the whole island asleep except for them two ghosts haunting each other because they did not know how to stop. She leaned against her window whispering I hate you sometimes. He answered softly I know. But you still called.

She stayed on the line listening to him breathe. It was stupid how familiar it felt. Like every night they ruined each other a little more then stitched themselves back together with the same thread. She remembered the first time he kissed her behind the marina when the sun was melting and he smelled like trouble and summer. He whispered you make me feel real and she believed him. That was her first mistake. Her second was not walking away sooner.

Rafe spoke again voice lower like he was scared of breaking the moment. Do you ever think about us. She bit her lip. Sometimes. When. When the nights feel heavy she admitted. When everything is quiet and I remember how you looked at me like I was the only thing you wanted in the world. He inhaled sharply. You were. You still are. She shook her head even though he could not see. You only want me when you are lonely. That is not true he said but it sounded like a prayer not a promise.

She walked to her bed sat down slowly. You hurt me Rafe. I know. Then why do you keep coming back. Because you are the only person who makes me feel like I matter he said voice trembling. It was the most honest thing he had ever told her.

She felt something inside her soften against her will. She whispered then say it. Say what. Say you want me. The line went quiet then Rafe spoke barely above a breath. I want you. I want you every second even when I try not to. She closed her eyes again fighting the pull. Rafe this cannot keep happening. Then help me stop he said. Help me or stay. She shook her head tears stinging hot. It is not that easy. It is for me he said. It is just you. It has always been you.

She breathed in the dark knowing she would break “””

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