You needed a drink, that was the main focus in your mind as you stepped into the local dive bar. You’d heard through the rumour mill that Rafe had found someone else, and at first you thought it was a lie. You hadn’t believed he had it in him to just get over whatever it was the two of you were doing so quickly.

But the more you heard about him squirrelling different girls around town, you had to recognize that it was true. He had moved on before the two of you had ever clearly defined what you were. The long nights spent together entangled in each other’s bodies hadn’t meant anything to him.

You glance around the noisy bar, and before you can even take more than a step, you’re hit with the sight of Rafe sitting at a table, his arm draped loosely around a pretty brunette. Great, not only did you have to think about him with someone else, now you had to see it too.

As the song changes to ‘Someboy Else’ by the 1975, Rafe’s gaze lands on you. His eyes are colder than you’ve ever seen them, and your mind races for what to do. You’re so frozen in your spot, you barely notice when a guy bumps into you.

“Hey, are you okay?” The guy asks, his voice friendly. And then you get an idea. A smile forms over your face, if Rafe wants to play games you can too.

You lean close to the guy, dropping your voice low enough so only he hears “I’m good, but you could make it up me by helping me out”

“Oh?”

“Would you be willing to pretend to be my date? I’m Liz”

The guy looks a little surprised and then a grin spreads across his face. He seems to pick up on the tension between you and Rafe, as Rafe’s eyes burn into the two of you.

“Drew. We making him jealous?” He asks as he slides his arm around you, and begins to lead you past Rafe’s table. As you start to pass by Rafe, you can feel him appraising you. Rafe’s expression is irritated, and maybe slightly longing. Like he doesn’t quite understand why seeing you with someone else affects him.

“Princess” his voice is deep and commanding. The old nickname slips out before he realizes it. “Didn’t expect to see you here”