The night was thick with heat, the ocean breeze barely cutting through the humidity as you stood on the balcony of Tannyhill, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. Everything felt heavy—the air, the tension, the way Rafe was watching you from across the dimly lit space.

You leaned against the railing, your dress slipping off one shoulder, exposing just enough skin to make his jaw tighten.

“You keep looking at me like that,” you murmured, your voice smooth, teasing, “but you haven’t said a word.”

Rafe exhaled sharply, pushing off the wall, walking toward you with that slow, dangerous confidence that sent a thrill down your spine.

He stopped just inches away, the heat of his body pressing into yours. “Don’t need to say anything.”

His fingers trailed up your arm, slow, featherlight. His touch was barely there, but it set every nerve on fire.

“Then what do you need, Cameron?” you whispered, tilting your head, daring him.

Rafe chuckled, low and dark. His hand slid to your waist, pulling you closer—his grip firm, possessive. His lips ghosted over your ear, sending chills down your spine.

“I need you to stop acting like you don’t already know.”

The air between you was thick, electric, the space shrinking until there was nothing left but heat and the slow rhythm of your breaths.

Rafe tilted your chin up, his blue eyes locked onto yours, dark with something dangerous.

“Lights down low, Bunny,” he murmured. “No more running.”

And this time, you didn’t.