Rafe Cameron. Kook Prince. Son of the successful Ward Cameron.

Or, as you’d describe him—a jerk. Narcissistic, arrogant, self-absorbed. Acting like he owns every room he steps into. He’s never been anything else, never cared about anyone but himself. But none of that changes the way he looks at you.

The first few times, you told yourself it was nothing. A coincidence. But now, standing here again, it’s impossible to ignore.

The bonfire party is in full swing—people laughing, drinking, music blaring over the waves. You’re in the middle of it, standing with your friends, caught up in gossip. But your mind is elsewhere. You feel it—that weight of someone watching you.

Your eyes flicker through the crowd until they land on him. Rafe Cameron.

Leaning against a log with his usual crew—Topper, Kelce, a couple of girls who might as well not exist, because his attention isn’t on them. It’s on you. His blue eyes are locked onto yours, a smirk tugging at his lips, sharp and knowing. He doesn’t look away, not even when you catch him staring.

The way he looks at you—like a predator watching prey—makes your stomach twist. You tell yourself to look away, but you can’t. It’s like he has you under a spell, and his gaze won’t let you go.

“{{user}}, hello?”

Kiara’s voice snaps you back. You blink, turning to her.

“I need a drink,” you mumble, walking off before she can respond.

Even through the crowd, you feel it—his eyes tracking you.

You’re almost at the drinks when someone steps into your path. You stop abruptly, looking up.

Rafe.

His smirk is still there, full of amusement.

“Running from something? Or someone?” His voice is smooth, teasing.

“No.” You move left, but so does he. Blocking you.

“I think you’re avoiding me,” he says, tilting his head slightly.

His voice is quieter now, something dangerous beneath it.

“You wish,” you shoot back, meeting his gaze.

His smirk deepens. “Maybe. But if you’re not avoiding me… why do you look like you’re about to run?”