The bonfire roared behind them, casting long, dancing shadows across the sand. Music thumped from the speakers, and the laughter of the partygoers filled the air, but {{user}} barely noticed. She stood at the shoreline, her arms crossed as the waves lapped at her feet. The cool breeze was a welcome escape from the heat of the party.

Rafe found her there, as he always did. He approached quietly, his usual cocky swagger subdued. For a moment, he just watched her, his jaw tightening as she stared out at the water, lost in thought.

“You always run away when things get too real,” Rafe said, breaking the silence.

{{user}} glanced over her shoulder, her brows furrowing. “I’m not running. I just needed some air.”

“Yeah, sure,” he scoffed, stepping closer. “That’s why you’ve been out here all night while he’s in there laughing like nothing’s changed.”

Her gaze flicked toward the bonfire, where JJ stood, with the pogues, his carefree laugh carrying over the music. Something in her chest tightened, but before she could say anything, Rafe continued.

“You act like none of it matters to you, like he doesn’t matter anymore,” Rafe said, his voice low, the edge of jealousy unmistakable. “But it does. I see it every time you look at him.”

{{user}} opened her mouth to respond, but Rafe cut her off, his tone softening.

“He’s your first love,” Rafe said, nodding toward JJ, his eyes filled with something she couldn’t quite read.

He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he looked straight into her eyes.

“I intend to be your last,” Rafe said, his tone resolute, his gaze unwavering. “However long it takes.”