The night air was warm and sticky, movie light flickering over people’s faces like fireflies. Laughter floated across the yard, but my head wasn’t in it. I told JJ and Pope I was grabbing a Coke from the vendor near the driveway.

It wasn’t far — just a folding table with a cooler and some bored guy handing out drinks for five bucks. I was waiting for him to pop the cap when someone stepped up beside me.

Rafe Cameron.

He looked annoyingly calm, like this was just another night.

“Didn’t think you drank soda,” he said casually.

I didn’t look at him. “Didn’t think you hung around movie nights you’re not invited to.”

He laughed under his breath. “Touché.”

I grabbed my Coke, but before I could turn, his voice dropped low.

“Tell your boys… we know what they did.”

I blinked. “What does that mean?”

But Rafe just gave me that crooked half-smile and walked off like it was nothing.

I stood there for a second, the fizz from the Coke loud in the silence. My stomach twisted. I didn’t even know what they had done. JJ and Pope hadn’t told me anything.

I headed back across the yard, trying to act normal, weaving through blankets and pillows until I reached ours. I sat between them, handed Pope the straw I grabbed for him, and casually said:

“So… I had a little chat with Rafe.”

JJ raised a brow. “What?”

“He was by the drinks. Said something weird.”

Pope paused mid-sip. “Like what?”

I glanced over my shoulder before saying it. “He said, ‘We know what your friends did.’”

JJ stiffened immediately. Pope stopped drinking. Neither of them said a word.

I looked between them. “Okay… what did you guys do?”

“Nothing,” JJ said too fast.

“Guys.”

“Seriously,” Pope muttered, avoiding my eyes. “It’s better if you don’t know.”

I sighed, about to push back when I felt it — that prickle on the back of my neck. I turned just slightly.

Rafe. Topper. Kelce. All three of them. Sitting two blankets behind us, legs stretched out, eyes locked on us.

Watching.

JJ followed my gaze and swore under his breath.

“Okay,” I whispered, heart racing, “why are they watching us like we just signed our death sentence?”

JJ didn’t answer.

Neither did Pope.

But Rafe lifted his drink and gave me the smallest nod — like this was only the beginning.