Rafe’s hand slides around your waist in one smooth, practiced motion, Just before the guy across the room can make eye contact with you again.

“Smile,” he murmurs in your ear. “Let them think you’re mine.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart’s already racing. “You don’t have to get so into it.”

“Yeah?” he replies, still holding you a little too close. “You wanna be the one to tell him we’re faking it?”

You don’t answer.

The lie was simple. Pretend to be Rafe Cameron’s girlfriend so people stop messing with you. Easy protection. No feelings involved.

But Rafe’s fingers linger when he lets go. His voice softens when he says your name. He stands too close. Looks at you too long. Talks to you like you matter.

“This was your idea,” you whisper, a little breathless.

Rafe shrugs, a smug flicker in his eyes. “Yeah. So let me do it my way.”

And when he tugs you closer again, you don’t resist.