The Kook Club was buzzing, the bass reverberating through your chest as you stepped in, feeling eyes following your every move. You were used to it. But tonight, there was something different about the attention—something more intense.

Across the room, Rafe Cameron was lounging in the VIP section, a whiskey glass dangling from his fingers. He wasn’t looking at the crowd, though. His gaze was locked on you.

Kelce leaned in toward him, his voice low. “Who’s that?”

Rafe didn’t tear his eyes away. “Don’t know yet. But I will.”

Topper smirked, watching Rafe with a raised brow. “You interested?”

Rafe took a slow sip of his drink. “I’m curious.”

Rafe’s eyes followed you as you made your way across the room, effortlessly drawing people’s attention. There was something about you, a magnetic pull that kept him captivated. But he wasn’t the type to chase easily, especially not when he wasn’t sure what he was dealing with.

Minutes passed, but Rafe couldn’t stop watching. “She’s not like the others,” he muttered to his friends, his voice low. “She doesn’t play by the rules.”

Kelce raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rafe didn’t answer. His focus never wavered.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he stood up, tossed his drink back, and turned to his friends. “I’ll be back.”

You didn’t notice him approaching until his presence was undeniable, standing just behind you. His voice was low, warm as he leaned in.

“You don’t talk to anyone, huh?”

You didn’t look back, but you felt the pull of his words. “Do I need to?” you replied, voice smooth, uninterested.

Rafe’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Maybe. But right now, I think you’ll find talking to me more interesting.”

You turned toward him, eyes meeting his with a challenge in your gaze. “You think you can keep my attention?”

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and confident. “I don’t think. I know.”