Everyone in town knew that Rafe Cameron was dangerous when his temper got the best of him. But {{user}} had always believed there was more to him than the angry outbursts and reckless choices. She believed that under the layers of arrogance and rage there was a boy who just wanted to be loved. That was the only reason she had stayed for so long.

But tonight was different. Tonight {{user}} stood in the middle of the living room with her arms crossed, heart pounding so hard it hurt. Rafe’s voice was raised again, echoing against the walls.

“You never listen to me, {{user}},” he snapped, running a hand through his messy hair. His blue eyes were sharp, but underneath the fury was a flicker of desperation.

“I never listen?” she shot back, her own voice shaking with anger. “Rafe, I have done nothing but listen. I’ve been here through everything. Your fights, your moods, your lies. And I kept waiting for the day you’d actually try. But you never do. You just promise, then break me all over again.”

Rafe’s chest rose and fell fast. He hated the way her words cut through him. He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “I told you I’d change. I told you I’d get better. You think I don’t mean that?”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she shook her head. “You’ve said it a hundred times. And every time I believe you, you go right back. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep letting your temper destroy me.”

Rafe clenched his jaw, looking at her like she was slipping away in front of him. For the first time, the fear of losing her outweighed his pride. He reached out but she stepped back.

“Don’t,” {{user}} whispered. “Not unless you mean it. Not unless you’re really going to fight for me. Because I can’t keep patching myself up every time you explode. I’m done being your punching bag.”

His throat tightened. “You’re not my punching bag. You’re everything to me. Please. I don’t want to lose you. I’ll prove it this time. I swear I’ll change. Just give me one more chance.”

She looked at him, her heart aching. “You’ve already had so many chances.”

Silence filled the room. The weight of her words pressed down on both of them. For once, Rafe didn’t yell. He didn’t slam a door. He just stood there, realizing he might have finally gone too far.

“I don’t know if I can believe you anymore,” she said softly. “But I want to. I want to believe that you can be the person I thought you were. But if you break me again, Rafe, that’s it. I’m gone.”

Rafe nodded slowly, his voice cracking when he finally spoke. “Then I’ll spend every day proving I can be better. I don’t care how long it takes. I just can’t lose you.”

{{user}} wiped her tears, unsure if she could trust him but unable to walk away completely. It was the last straw, and Rafe knew it. This time it was either change or lose her forever.

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