The cool night air brushed against your skin as you stood at the edge of the Cameron estate, heart heavy and mind racing. JJ had done it again—chased after Kiara, leaving you feeling like an afterthought. Every time you told yourself you wouldn’t let it happen again, but here you were, drowning in the ache of being second best.

The house loomed ahead, its lights casting a warm glow across the manicured lawn. You hadn’t planned to come here, but something inside you—anger, desperation, maybe just the need to feel wanted—drove your steps forward. Before you knew it, you were at the front door, fist raised to knock.

It swung open before you could, and there stood Rafe Cameron, shirtless, his blue eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Lost, princess?” His tone was amused but edged with curiosity. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, the faint scent of cologne lingering in the air.

You opened your mouth to say something—anything—but instead, you grabbed his face and pulled him down into a kiss. His lips were warm, slightly chapped, and tasted faintly of whiskey. For a moment, he froze, clearly caught off guard.

Then, a low hum rumbled from his chest, and he kissed you back. His hand found your waist, pulling you closer as if he’d been waiting for this moment all along. His grip was firm, fingers curling into your hip as he deepened the kiss, his breath hot and intoxicating against you.

You didn’t pull away, and neither did he. In that moment, the world faded—JJ, Kiara, everything else vanished. All that remained was Rafe and the fire coursing between you.