Rafe wasn’t known for being soft or kind. He had a reputation for being violent, arrogant, and everyone saw him that way — like he wasn’t worth anything. But not you. With you, he was different. Like he was the kindest person in the whole world. He made you feel loved, cared for, and respected, as if you were the only one who mattered.

You were loved. And you loved him. That was the only thing that counted. Nothing else — no words, no looks from others — nothing could change that.

It was another night where you had snuck Rafe into your house, making sure your parents didn’t find out. They didn’t like how often he stayed over. But neither of you cared. You just wanted to be together as much as you could.

Lying in your bed, cuddled under a blanket, you felt the warmth from both it and him. Rafe was on his back, and your head rested against his chest. His hand played with your hair, sending gentle tingles across your scalp. He even tried to braid it, though it didn’t come out quite right. But you didn’t mind.

“Does that feel good, pretty girl?” he muttered softly, gently tugging on a few strands of your hair.