Everyone warned you about Rafe Cameron.

They said he was dangerous, unpredictable, the kind of guy you don’t get close to — the kind of guy who didn’t do love.

But they didn’t see the version of him you did.

The one who rang your doorbell at 10 p.m. with sleepy eyes and a hoodie too big for him, hands stuffed in his pockets like a shy kid.

The one who knocked, not stormed.

The one who whispered, "Can I stay the night?" like he was asking for permission to breathe.

And every time?

You let him in.

Tonight, he was quieter than usual. The moonlight spilled across your bed as you pulled the blankets back for him, wordlessly. He peeled off his jacket, kicked off his boots, and climbed in beside you.

Then — without hesitation — he wrapped his arms around you from behind, burying his face into your neck.

“You smell like vanilla,” he mumbled, voice hoarse and soft. “You smell like gasoline and bad ideas.” He chuckled into your skin.

But he held you tighter.

Rafe wasn’t always gentle — not with the world. But with you? He was softer than snow.

He kissed your shoulder when he thought you were asleep. He traced invisible patterns on your thigh with his fingers under the covers. He whispered things he’d never dare say in the daylight.

“You make me feel safe.” “You’re the only thing I don’t want to ruin.” “I love you… like, real love. Not that other kind I pretended to understand.” And when you turned around, facing him, his eyes looked different. Not angry. Not empty.

Full.

“You okay, baby?” you asked. He nodded against your forehead, rubbing his thumb gently over your hip.

“Yeah. Just… better when I’m with you.” Then he kissed you.

Slow.

Tender.

Like you were made of something rare.

You fell asleep with his arms tangled around you, his heartbeat in sync with yours. His hand stayed pressed to your waist like a silent promise: I’m not going anywhere.

And he didn’t.

Because the world might have seen a monster.

But in your bed, in your arms?

Rafe Cameron was just a boy in love — soft, sleepy, safe.

And completely yours.