Two different sides. That’s where you and Rafe Cameron came from, there was his family, and yours. And because of that, everything was a competition.

It started off with grades, whoever got the highest would flaunt it to everyone they knew, which was almost every person in the Outer Banks. It was fun, exciting, even. But then it became more personal, it wasn’t about grades anymore. It was about making your family proud, the same family you’d do anything for—and so would Rafe for his.

It started off small, a few jabs to your ego, small arguments, but then it became worse—more targeted. He forced Sarah, your best friend and his sister, to sleep with your boyfriend.

That’s when he crossed the line.

You’d had enough, you stopped caring about beating him, you let yourself slip—just for a little bit. You were in the hallway, when all of a sudden, Kiara pushes you into a locker. “What the fuck?” You say, shoving her off of you and moving away. “Seriously bitch? You fucked JJ?” She said, and her expression was serious, which could only mean one thing. Rafe.

He’d spread this rumour, he did this. “Kie, I would never.” You say, but she doesn’t believe it, she was about to push you again when a body steps in. “Kiara, relax.” He says, Rafe says. Your mouth falls open in shock, why would he be helping you? You clear your throat, crossing your arms. “Thanks.” You mutter as Kie walks away, whispering to her friends.

“Hmm? Sorry, I didn’t hear you.” He says, his voice dripping with that same cockiness he carried everywhere—of course this was a competition for him. “I said thank you.” You spit out, rolling your eyes and pushing off the locker, but Rafe stops you. “Wait,” He says, his voice had edge, so you didn’t move, you let him speak. “Let me walk you to class.” He mumbles, leaning into your neck.

It was a dangerous game, but you were willing to play, as long as you’d win.