You would never date a Pogue unless it was to make her ex-boyfriend, Rafe Cameron, really jealous. That’s the first rule of the game. You didn’t care about what JJ Maybank thought, but the challenge of getting under Rafe’s skin—it was too good to resist.

The plan was simple: pretend to like JJ, make it look real. You knew it would drive Rafe crazy, and that was the point. JJ Maybank, the scruffy, cocky, unpredictable Pogue, would never date a Kook unless he needed thirty thousand dollars to avoid jail time. Nothing was ever that easy, though.

The night of the plan’s execution was the perfect storm. JJ needed money, and you wanted revenge. The chemistry between you and him was undeniable, but it was never meant to last. You had a front to keep, a reputation to uphold, and Rafe? He was too busy spiraling to even notice what was happening right in front of him.

You stood at the party, JJ’s hand casually placed on your waist. Rafe’s eyes, however, never left you. His glare could’ve burned through glass.

“Do you think he’s buying it?” JJ whispered, barely audible over the music.

“I hope so,” you said, glancing at Rafe. His jaw clenched.

But the game had changed. It wasn’t about getting revenge anymore. Rafe, with his usual recklessness, pulled you aside, his voice shaking with anger.

“You think this will hurt me?” he spat, but there was something else in his eyes—desperation.

“You’re the one who doesn’t care,” you said, your voice steady, hiding the soft edge of regret. “You made your choice.”

And maybe you had too.