The yacht was glowing with golden lights and loud music, but none of it mattered the second you stepped onboard with Zack’s arm casually draped around your waist.

You knew Rafe Cameron would see. You wanted him to.

And when he did, it was electric — his whole body went tense, eyes locked on you like you were the only thing in the room. The laughter around him died instantly; rage took its place.

Zack leaned down, lips near your ear. “He’s gonna choke on jealousy.”

You forced a smile, but your heart was already beating too fast. Because Rafe wasn’t just jealous — he was coming straight for you.

He didn’t stop walking until he was right in front of you, close enough to feel his heat, close enough for everyone to feel the storm about to hit.

“Let go of her,” he growled to Zack.

Zack lifted his hands. “We’re just having fun.”

Rafe’s jaw flexed. “She’s done having fun with you.”

The way he said it… like a threat and a confession in one.

You pushed at Rafe’s chest. “You don’t get to tell me what I do.”

He didn’t flinch. “Watch me.”

Before you could react, he wrapped his fingers around your wrist and pulled you below deck — his touch desperate, not controlling, like he’d been holding back for too long.

The door slammed behind you.

“What is wrong with you?” you demanded.

“What’s wrong with me?” he repeated, chest heaving. “You show up wrapped around another guy just to hurt me. Congratulations. It worked.”

His voice cracked on the last word, and the sound hit you harder than the anger.

“I didn’t come here for you,” you lied.

His eyes softened in a way that made escape impossible. “You always come for me.”

He stepped forward, slowly, like giving you chances to run — but you didn’t.

“Every time we fight, every time we look at each other like we want to tear each other apart…” His voice dropped, deep and rough. “You feel it too.”

You swallowed hard. “I don’t.”

Rafe let out a breathless laugh, almost disbelieving. “Then why does it kill you when I get close to someone else? Why do you look for me at every party?” He paused, eyes searching yours. “Why are you shaking right now?”

You were. You hated that he noticed.

Rafe lifted his hand, hesitating — like he was terrified you’d pull away — then he brushed your cheek with his thumb, slow and reverent.

The gentleness hit harder than the rage.