You had everything packed—just one duffel bag slung over your shoulder, stuffed with enough clothes and cash to get you far from outer banks.

Every corner reminded you of mistakes, of people you wanted to forget. But nothing haunted you more than Rafe Cameron—the guy who made it his mission to make your life hell.

You thought leaving without a word would be easy, but as you stepped onto the dock, ready to catch the last boat out, his voice cut through the quiet night like a blade.

“You really thought you’d leave without telling me?” Rafe’s smirk was there, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “ and why would i tell you?” you add.

He leaned against his dirt bike like he wasn’t the one who’d spent the past year making your life miserable. The moonlight caught the edge of his jaw, sharp and tense, like he wasn’t as calm as he pretended to be.

You tightened your grip on the strap of your bag, heart pounding in your chest. “It’s none of your business, Rafe,” you shot back. But he didn’t move, didn’t let you pass. Instead, he dropped the bomb you never saw coming. “If you’re leaving… I’m coming with you.”

You blinked, stunned. “What? No. You’re the reason I want to get the hell out of here in the first place.” His expression hardened, but there was something else flickering beneath it—desperation, maybe.

“Yeah? Well, maybe I’m tired of this place too. Ever think of that?” His voice was low, almost pleading, but there was still that edge of arrogance, like he couldn’t fully drop the act.

You didn’t know what pissed you off more—that he wanted to follow you, or that a small part of you wasn’t sure you could stop him. The boat’s engine roared to life in the distance, and time was running out.

You could feel his eyes on you as you weighed your options. Leave him behind and risk him hunting you down later, or let him come and deal with whatever chaos that would bring.

The idea of being stuck with Rafe Cameron made your skin crawl, but the thought of facing the world alone was even worse.