「 ✦ LOVER BOY, AND ZACH ✦ 」

────

SUTTON AND KIARA lounged on the beach chairs in Sutton's new backyard, the ocean breeze rolling over them as the waves lapped gently at the shore. The new house was gorgeous—sleek, modern, and entirely too big for what little family Sutton had left. But Carl had insisted. His way of proving he could provide, even if the effort came years too late.

Rachel was inside somewhere, likely pretending to be interested in some renovation plan Carl was throwing money at. The awkwardness of it all still clung to Sutton's skin, but at least Kiara was here. Her best friend's presence made the sprawling mansion feel a little less empty.

"I'm trying to decide if this is the coolest place I've ever been or the most depressing," Kiara said, cracking open a La Croix and taking a sip. "Like, it's stunning. But also... you hate it."

"I don't hate it." Sutton stretched her legs out, the sun warming her skin. "I just don't think moving into a fancy new house makes up for, you know, everything."

"Yeah. Guess a beach view and a shit ton of square footage doesn't really fix abandonment issues." Kiara shot her a knowing look.

"Something like that." Sutton forced a smile, but her chest felt tight. "Anyway, I needed a distraction. And you're here, so... distract me."

"Gladly." Kiara took a long drink and eyed her suspiciously. "Actually, I feel like you've been holding out on me. You've had this weird energy since I got here, and it's not just your dad's whole 'I'm trying now' charade."

Sutton hesitated, fingers tracing the edge of her lounge chair. "You promise not to freak out?"

"Oh, God." Kiara's eyes widened. "This is going to be bad, isn't it?"

"That depends," Sutton said, her lips twitching into a nervous smile. "On how much you hate Rafe Cameron."

Kiara nearly choked on her drink, coughing violently before sitting up, eyes sharp with disbelief. "I'm sorry, did you just say Rafe Cameron? As in, your brother's psychotic best friend? As in, the guy who's literally screwed over every person he's ever met?"

"Yeah, that's the one." Sutton's cheeks burned, but she didn't look away.

Kiara stared at her, slack-jawed. "Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke."

"I'm serious, Kie. And I know it sounds insane. Trust me, I didn't see it coming either. But... I don't know. It's complicated."

"Complicated is when you forget someone's birthday or accidentally kiss their ex," Kiara snapped. "Rafe Cameron is like... the definition of a red flag."

"I know." Sutton sighed, her shoulders slumping. "But I think he's trying. And I don't know if it's real or if I'm just being stupid, but I feel like there's something there. Something that's not... terrible."

Kiara looked at her like she'd grown a second head. "Are we talking about the same Rafe? Blond, tall, hot in that 'I'd probably stab you if you crossed me' way?"

Sutton let out a startled laugh. "Yeah. That Rafe."

"Okay, look." Kiara scrubbed a hand down her face, groaning. "I hate him. Like, with every fiber of my being. But... I love you. And if this is some kind of crazy, twisted thing you're doing, I'll support you. I'll pretend he's some other guy named Rafe who isn't the literal worst."

"Thank you." Sutton's chest loosened, the tightness finally starting to ease. "I knew you'd hate it. But I needed to tell you."

"I hate him," Kiara clarified, her voice firm. "Not you. You could date a serial killer and I'd still be here, bitching about it but supporting you anyway."

"Well, I'm pretty sure Rafe's not that bad." Sutton laughed, her grin softening.

"Pretty sure?" Kiara raised a brow. "Reassuring."

"Okay, he's not. Not with me, at least. And I'm not saying I'm gonna marry the guy or anything. I just... I like him. And he likes me."

Kiara let out a heavy sigh. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but... fine. I'll tolerate it. For you. But if he hurts you, Sutton, I will break every bone in his body."

"Duly noted."

"Now, go ahead." Kiara sighed dramatically, waving her hand in the air. "Gush about him or whatever. I'll just pretend he's like, I don't know, some golden retriever of a boyfriend instead of Rafe freaking Cameron."

"Thank you, Kie." Sutton beamed, feeling lighter than she had all day. "And I swear, I'll keep the gushing to a minimum."

"Good," Kiara snorted. "Because if you start calling him cute, I'm out."

Kiara took another sip of her La Croix, her gaze narrowed like she was trying to crack some impossible code.

"So, how long has this been going on?" she asked, drawing out the question like she was savoring Sutton's discomfort.

"A while, I guess," Sutton admitted, twisting her fingers together. "We kept running into each other. And he kept being... I don't know, less of a dick than usual."

"Less of a dick," Kiara repeated, her brows lifting. "Wow. High praise."

"Shut up," Sutton laughed, nudging her with her foot. "I mean, he was still Rafe, obviously. But it was like... he actually gave a shit. And I kept telling myself I was just imagining it, but then he'd show up or do something unexpectedly nice, and I'd start questioning everything."

"Like what?"

"Like... testifying for Gabriella's abuse towards me."

Kiara stared at her, eyes widening. "Okay, I know I just said I hate him and everything, but... I can't believe I'm saying this... that's actually kind of decent of him."

"Right?" Sutton let out a breath, relief flooding her chest. "It's like he's two different people sometimes. But when he's with me, he's... real. Like he's trying to be better."

Kiara squinted at her, her lips curving into a sly grin. "You know, now that you mention it... I always kinda suspected he had a thing for you."

Sutton blinked. "What?"

"Oh, come on." Kiara waved a hand dismissively. "Rafe's been lurking around you since forever. It was like, the worst-kept secret of all time. He'd act like you were just some annoying little tagalong, but then he'd lose his mind if anyone else gave you attention."

"That's not true."

"Uh, yes, it is." Kiara gave her a pointed look. "You don't see it because you were too busy drooling over John B. But Rafe was always there. Watching. Hovering. Like some kind of psychotic bodyguard."

"Wow." Sutton huffed out a laugh. "You really know how to make it sound appealing."

Kiara shrugged. "I'm just saying, maybe this thing with him isn't as out of nowhere as you think. Maybe he's been waiting for you to notice him."

Sutton's cheeks heated, the idea settling into her brain and refusing to budge. Rafe Cameron waiting for her to notice him? It seemed ridiculous. Impossible. And yet... maybe not.

"Well, he got my attention now," Sutton admitted. "And he's not letting up."

"No shit." Kiara's lips twitched. "I can't believe you got the Devil of Figure Eight pining over you. I mean, it's kind of impressive."

"It's not that deep," Sutton said, but her voice wavered.

"Maybe not for you. But for him?" Kiara raised an eyebrow. "I think you're the only thing he gives a damn about that's not, like, money or power or whatever the hell his family's obsessed with."

Sutton swallowed, the weight of those words sinking in. She'd been so caught up in her own confusion, her own frustration, that she hadn't considered how much Rafe had been trying.

"Maybe you're right."

Kiara grinned. "Of course I am. Now, let's hear all the dirty details. And, yes, I'll pretend he's some normal, sweet guy instead of the psycho I can't stand."

"Normal and sweet might be a stretch." Sutton laughed, her shoulders finally easing. "But... okay. I'll fill you in."

"Damn right you will," Kiara said, settling in like she was ready for the juiciest gossip session of her life.

-

Sutton and Kiara were sprawled out on the lounge chairs, their laughter still lingering in the air as the sun dipped lower, painting the water with streaks of gold. Sutton had finally relaxed, letting herself sink into the easy comfort of Kiara's company.

Until Zach came tearing up the back deck like a hurricane.

"Sutton!" His voice was sharp, practically vibrating with fury. "You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Sutton bolted upright, her brows knitting together. "What the hell, Zach?"

"Our dumb, shitty friends—your dumb, shitty friends—just trashed Topper's boat."

"What?" Sutton blinked, her gaze darting to Kiara who looked equally baffled.

"What are you even talking about?" Kiara asked, her tone laced with irritation.

Zach folded his arms over his chest, his face a mask of barely-contained rage. "Topper just called me, freaking out. Someone took his boat out, wrecked the engine, trashed the cabin, and then just left it beached like a piece of garbage. And you know who he thinks did it? Your beloved Pogues."

Sutton's stomach twisted uncomfortably. "But... we haven't even been with them today. We've been here."

"Yeah, well, Topper's convinced it was them. John B, JJ, Pope—whoever. Probably pissed about something and decided to retaliate."

Kiara shook her head, her expression turning defensive. "No way. JJ's reckless, sure, but even he wouldn't just go and destroy Topper's boat for no reason."

"Are you sure about that?" Zach snapped, eyes narrowing. "Because I'm not."

"Jesus, Zach. Calm down," Sutton said, her voice strained. "You're acting like I had something to do with it."

"No, but your shitty friends might've." His gaze flicked accusingly to Kiara. "And maybe you should think about who you hang out with before it comes back to bite you."

"Wow. Okay, Kook Prince." Kiara shot back, eyes blazing. "I forgot you and your rich, uptight crew were so perfect."

Zach's jaw ticked, his fists clenching at his sides. "Just... stay out of it, Sutton. I've got to go deal with this mess now. And if you hear anything from your Pogue friends, tell them to keep their distance before Topper decides to take matters into his own hands."

With that, he stormed off, his footsteps heavy as he disappeared back toward the front of the house.

"What the hell was that?" Sutton muttered, rubbing a hand over her face.

"Typical Kook bullshit," Kiara said, rolling her eyes. "Blame the Pogues for everything. It's like their default setting."

"But... what if it was them?" Sutton asked, her voice low. The doubt crept in, unwelcome but persistent. "I mean, I don't think they would, but... John B's been really on edge lately."

Kiara hesitated, her shoulders stiffening. "Even if he's pissed, I don't see him doing something like that. Especially if he knows it'll just make everything worse."

"But JJ..." Sutton trailed off, worry clouding her expression.

"Yeah." Kiara blew out a frustrated breath. "He can be a dumbass sometimes. But still... this feels off."

Sutton nodded, her mind spinning. Her phone buzzed in her lap, making her jump. She glanced down and saw a text from Rafe.

Rafe: 

You busy?

She hesitated before typing back.

Sutton: 

Not really. Just dealing with Zach being a raging asshole. You okay?

His response was almost immediate.

Rafe: 

Better if I could see you. Want me to swing by?

Her heart gave a little stutter, her earlier frustration briefly forgotten.

Sutton: 

Yeah. Sure.

"You texting lover boy?" Kiara teased, her smirk doing nothing to hide the concern still etched in her expression.

"Yeah. Maybe he'll have more answers than we do."

"Doubtful," Kiara snorted. "But go ahead. I've got time to kill."

Sutton glanced toward the house, nerves buzzing in her chest. Whatever was happening, it felt bigger than just some prank gone wrong. And as much as she didn't want to admit it, she had a sinking feeling things were about to get a whole lot worse.

They didn't have to wait long. Barely fifteen minutes had passed before Rafe's truck rumbled up the driveway, tires crunching over gravel. Sutton watched him climb out of the driver's seat, his gaze already locked on her like a beacon.

She rose from the lounge chair, nerves still rattling her from Zach's outburst. Rafe's presence was a calming contrast—steady, familiar, a safety net she wasn't sure she should rely on but couldn't help reaching for.

"Hey," Rafe greeted, hands slipping into his pockets as he approached. He glanced briefly at Kiara, eyes narrowing in suspicion before softening when they landed back on Sutton. "Your brother giving you hell again?"

"Pretty much." Sutton sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Apparently someone trashed Topper's boat, and Zach's convinced it was the Pogues."

Rafe's expression went still, unreadable. "Did they?"

Sutton exchanged a glance with Kiara before shaking her head. "We don't know. But it doesn't sound like something they'd just... do. Not like this."

"JJ might," Rafe countered, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.

"Maybe. But he wouldn't just leave it there. And they're not that stupid." Kiara crossed her arms, her tone clipped. "Besides, I'm guessing Topper and the rest of you Kooks have made enough enemies that it could be anyone."

Rafe gave her a look that bordered on amusement, a smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth. "Glad to see you're still your usual charming self, Kie."

"Glad to see you're still a condescending asshole, Rafe."

Sutton groaned. "Can we not?"

Rafe's attention shifted back to her, his expression softening. "Sure. Didn't come here to fight anyway." His eyes roamed over her face, like he was trying to assess her mood. "You good?"

She wanted to tell him she was fine, but the truth hovered too close to the surface. "Just tired of all the drama. And Zach storming around like he's Topper's personal security guard."

Rafe chuckled. "Yeah, well. Topper's a little bitch when things don't go his way."

Kiara snorted, clearly agreeing but not daring to voice it.

"Want to get out of here for a bit?" Rafe asked, his gaze dipping to hers, the offer laced with something she couldn't quite place.

Sutton glanced at Kiara, who was giving her the most blatant 'you better go, bitch' look she'd ever seen.

"Go," Kiara insisted, waving her off. "Maybe lover boy can help you forget about all this bullshit for a while."

Rafe shot her a glare, but Sutton just laughed. "Alright, fine. But you can't just keep insulting him while I'm gone."

"No promises."

Sutton rolled her eyes and followed Rafe back to his truck. Once they were inside, she let out a long breath, sinking into the seat as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted.

"So, where are we going?" she asked, glancing over at him.

"Just wanted to drive. Clear your head." He shot her a quick look, one that seemed a little too careful. "And... there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

Sutton's stomach flipped. "Okay. What is it?"

Rafe kept his eyes on the road, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel. "This thing with Topper's boat... it's bad, Sutton. Topper's already planning on going after whoever did it. And you know he's not exactly known for thinking things through."

"Great," she muttered. "So, what? He's gonna hunt down JJ and start another war?"

"More like he's already decided it was JJ and wants to make him pay for it. And Topper's a petty son of a bitch when he wants to be."

Sutton's pulse quickened. "Rafe, if he does something stupid—"

"I know." Rafe cut her off, his voice tighter than before. "That's why I wanted to talk to you. I might be able to keep him in check. But only if I know the truth."

"What do you mean?"

Rafe glanced at her, eyes sharp. "I mean, you need to talk to your friends. Find out if they had anything to do with it. Because if they didn't, I can make Topper back off. But if they did... things are gonna get messy, fast."

Sutton's mouth went dry. She hadn't even considered how quickly this situation could escalate. "And if they did do it?"

"Then you'd better be ready to choose a side."

The words hung heavy in the air, thickening the silence between them.

Sutton looked away, her fingers tracing patterns along her knee. "And what side are you on?"

Rafe didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, careful. "Depends. But I know where I want you."

The intensity of his stare made her heart stutter. There was no teasing grin, no cocky smirk—just honesty. And maybe something close to vulnerability.

"Rafe..."

"I'm serious, Sutton. I'm trying here. And it feels like every time I do, something's just waiting to pull us apart."

"Maybe that's because we keep letting it," Sutton whispered.

Rafe's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Maybe."

Sutton looked out the window, her mind swirling. She knew she needed to talk to John B and the others, but she wasn't ready to face whatever truths that conversation might reveal.

"Let's just... drive for a bit," she murmured. "Figure out the rest later."

Rafe's shoulders relaxed slightly, his hand drifting to her thigh, fingers curling gently. "Yeah. We can do that."

The truck rumbled down the road, leaving the mess behind them—at least for now.

Rafe's hand stayed on her thigh, his thumb tracing slow, lazy circles through the denim of her shorts. They drove in comfortable silence, the sea breeze slipping through the open windows and the low hum of the engine a soothing backdrop.

It was a simple thing, the two of them in his truck with nowhere particular to go. But it felt like a lifeline. Like maybe they could steal a few moments of calm before the rest of the world caught up to them.

"Hey," Rafe's voice broke the quiet. "You hungry?"

Sutton glanced at him, her lips curving up. "Always."

He laughed, the sound boyish and warm. "I figured. There's this diner a few miles up the road. Greasy as hell but they've got the best chocolate chip pancakes you've ever had."

Sutton's eyes lit up. "You had me at chocolate chip pancakes."

"Yeah?" He grinned, that familiar smirk softening into something genuine. "Then buckle up, princess. We're feasting."

They pulled into the little diner, its paint peeling but the neon sign still flickering brightly. Rafe slid out of the truck and rounded the hood before she even had her seatbelt unbuckled, opening her door with a flourish.

"What a gentleman," she teased, letting him help her down even though she didn't need it.

"Always," he shot back, his fingers lingering against hers for a beat longer than necessary.

Inside, they slid into a booth near the window. The vinyl seats squeaked under them, and the air smelled like fried food and sugar. Rafe didn't even need to look at a menu before ordering for them both.

"Two stacks of chocolate chip pancakes, extra whipped cream, and bacon on the side."

The waitress scribbled the order down and left, giving them a curious glance before heading back to the kitchen. Sutton raised an eyebrow.

"So... you've clearly been here before."

Rafe shrugged, a playful grin tugging at his mouth. "I like pancakes. Sue me."

"Not complaining." Sutton leaned back in the booth, eyes gleaming. "Just... kind of enjoying this whole new side of you."

Rafe's cheeks flushed, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I'm full of surprises."

The pancakes arrived not long after—golden brown, chocolate chips practically melting into the fluffy batter, smothered with whipped cream.

Sutton took one bite and groaned. "Oh my God. These are amazing."

"Told you," Rafe said smugly, already halfway through his own plate. "I'm a man of refined taste."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that." Sutton giggled, swiping some whipped cream onto her fork and pointing it at him. "You've got a little..."

She gestured vaguely to his chin, laughing when Rafe tried to swipe at the wrong side.

"Here." Without thinking, she reached over, using her thumb to brush away the smear of whipped cream from his skin. His eyes flicked to hers, something soft and almost shy in his expression.

"Thanks," he said, voice low.

"Anytime." She felt her cheeks flush but didn't look away.

They lingered over the pancakes, talking about nothing and everything. Rafe told her about all the times he'd come to the diner when he needed to get away from his dad's house, about how he'd once eaten so many pancakes in one sitting the waitress had taken a picture of him for their "Wall of Fame."

"Wait, so you're famous here?" Sutton laughed, her shoulders shaking. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Legendary, actually." Rafe puffed out his chest dramatically. "I hold the current record. Sixteen pancakes. Never been beaten."

"Sixteen?" Sutton stared at him, horrified and impressed all at once. "How were you not sick for days?"

"Who says I wasn't?" Rafe chuckled. "But it was worth it. Free breakfast for a month."

"Sounds like a nightmare."

"Or a dream. Depends on your outlook." He shrugged, smiling like he hadn't smiled in years.

Sutton found herself grinning back. "Guess it's all about perspective."

They left the diner with full stomachs and sticky fingers, Rafe's truck smelling like maple syrup and sugar. Sutton couldn't stop smiling, a lightness she hadn't felt in so long lingering in her chest.

Back in the truck, Rafe shot her a look. "You wanna go somewhere?"

"Depends." She raised an eyebrow. "Somewhere, like...?"

He hesitated, then nodded toward the distant curve of the coastline. "There's this spot. It's kinda... mine, I guess. I don't show it to people. But I want to show it to you."

Sutton's heart skipped a beat. "Lead the way."

They drove further along the coast, winding down narrow, tree-lined roads until the truck lurched to a stop beside a secluded stretch of beach. The sand was almost white, the water glittering under the midday sun.

Rafe pulled a blanket from the back of the truck and spread it out on the sand. They settled down, the quiet of the waves and the salty breeze wrapping around them like a comfort.

"So, this is your spot?" Sutton asked, looking around at the peaceful isolation.

"Yeah." Rafe stared out at the water, his gaze distant. "I come here when I need to get away from... everything. Just breathe, you know?"

"I like it." Sutton glanced at him, something in his expression tugging at her heart. "Thanks for bringing me here."

Rafe turned to her, his gaze softened. "Figured if I was gonna have a place like this... might as well share it with someone who matters."

Sutton's breath hitched. "Rafe..."

He chuckled, a little nervously. "Sorry. That was... kinda lame."

"No." Sutton shook her head quickly, her fingers reaching for his. "It wasn't lame. It was... really sweet."

He looked down at their entwined hands, a crooked smile curving his lips. "Well, guess I'm getting the hang of this whole boyfriend thing."

Sutton laughed, her chest swelling with warmth. "Guess you are."

They sat there until the sun began to dip lower in the sky, their hands still tangled together. For once, it felt like the rest of the world could wait.

Rafe's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the quiet they'd settled into. He groaned, digging the phone out of his pocket and glancing at the screen.

"It's Topper," he muttered, his jaw clenching.

Sutton watched as his thumb hovered over the screen, his expression shifting from calm to something sharper. She could practically see the wall going up, his eyes hardening like ice.

He answered on the third ring. "What?" Rafe snapped, his tone clipped and brimming with irritation.

Whatever Topper was saying on the other end clearly wasn't good. Rafe's fingers tightened around the phone, his knuckles paling.

"Yeah, well maybe if you weren't a useless piece of shit, you would've handled it already." Rafe's voice was low, deadly. "Just sit tight. I'm coming."

He hung up with a rough tap, the sound sharp and final. Sutton could feel the tension radiating off him, a cold fury that felt worlds away from the warmth he'd shown her all afternoon.

"Everything okay?" she asked cautiously.

Rafe's gaze flicked to her, and for a moment, she saw something like regret flicker there. Then he shoved it down, his expression smoothing into a practiced indifference.

"Just some shit I've gotta deal with." He exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "I'll drop you off at your place, and I'll pick you up later for the movie, okay?"

Sutton frowned, her stomach tightening at the sudden shift. But she nodded. "Okay."

Rafe glanced at her, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. "Hey, don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like I just kicked a puppy or something." His lips twitched, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's nothing, Sutton. Just... Topper being an idiot."

She wanted to ask more, to press him on why he had to leave so suddenly, why his whole demeanor had flipped like a switch. But she also didn't want to push him away.

"Just... don't forget about tonight, okay?" she said softly.

Rafe's eyes softened, his fingers curling around hers. "I won't. Promise."

They gathered their things, Rafe folding up the blanket with quick, precise movements. By the time they climbed back into his truck, the silence between them felt thick and uneasy.

He drove her back to her place, the usual ease of their conversation gone. Sutton chewed her lip, her mind racing. Whoever he was when he answered that call—it wasn't the Rafe she'd spent the afternoon with.

When they pulled up in front of her house, Rafe finally looked at her. Really looked at her.

"I'll be here at seven," he said, the steel in his voice softened by something else. Something close to apology.

"Seven," she echoed, trying for a smile. "I'll be ready."

Rafe hesitated for a second, his hand lingering on the gearshift. Then he leaned over and pressed a quick, almost desperate kiss to her cheek.

"Later, princess."

He was gone before she could respond, the truck roaring down the road like he was trying to outrun something. Sutton watched until his taillights disappeared, her heart twisting uncomfortably in her chest.

Whatever he was rushing off to deal with... it wasn't good. And Sutton couldn't help but feel like the fragile peace they'd found that afternoon was already slipping through her fingers.

────

Inside the house, Sutton found Rachel perched on a barstool in the kitchen, scrolling through her phone with a glass of iced tea beside her. Her stepmom looked surprisingly relaxed, her usually immaculate hair pulled back in a messy bun.

"Back already?" Rachel asked, not looking up from her phone.

"Yeah, Rafe had something to take care of," Sutton replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Rachel finally looked up, eyebrows raised. "You mean that Cameron boy?"

Sutton rolled her eyes, dropping her bag on the counter. "Yes, Rachel. That Cameron boy."

"Well, I hope he doesn't drag you into any trouble," Rachel said, her tone more curious than concerned. "Your father would have a stroke."

Sutton snorted. "Like Dad's paying attention."

Rachel's mouth twitched, and for a second, Sutton thought she might actually laugh. But then her expression smoothed into something more guarded. "He is trying, Sutton."

Sutton just shrugged, heading to the fridge. She pulled out a carton of orange juice and poured herself a glass. Rachel watched her, eyes narrowed like she was trying to figure out whether to push or let it go.

"What's Dad up to, anyway?" Sutton asked, mostly just to fill the silence.

"Buried in work as usual," Rachel said with a sigh. "Though, I did convince him to take a break tonight for dinner. We're all eating together. Family meal and all that."

Sutton raised an eyebrow. "He agreed to that?"

"With some bribery. I made lemon chicken," Rachel replied with a little grin.

"That's his favorite," Sutton murmured, taking a sip of her juice.

"That's the idea," Rachel said, glancing back at her phone like she couldn't quite stop herself. "Anyway, I thought it would be nice. Trying to do the whole 'blended family' thing."

Sutton wanted to tell her it was a lost cause. That Carl would never really care enough to make this work. But something about Rachel's effort—however forced it might be—softened her.

"Yeah. Sure. Sounds good." Sutton managed a small smile before heading toward the stairs. "I'm just gonna go shower and change."

Rachel nodded, her phone already in her hand again. "Dinner at six."

Sutton headed upstairs, the creak of the old wood under her feet a familiar sound now. She pushed open her bedroom door, still feeling the lingering warmth of her afternoon with Rafe.

But also the weird, cold emptiness that followed when he left.

Dropping her phone on her bed, she flopped down next to it and stared at the ceiling. The air conditioner hummed softly, and outside her window, she could hear the distant crash of waves.

She should be happy to have a night off from all the drama. Just a quiet dinner with Carl and Rachel. Normal. Simple.

But her thoughts kept drifting back to Rafe and the way his voice had sharpened when he'd answered Topper's call. The way his eyes had turned cold and distant, like he'd snapped right back into whatever dark place he tried to hide from her.

With a groan, she rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. Maybe a stupid, normal family dinner was exactly what she needed.

-

By six, the dining room was more crowded and chaotic than usual. Carl and Rachel had gone all out—lemon chicken, roasted vegetables, salad, crusty bread, and even a homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert. Sutton had to admit, Rachel was really trying.

Max, the german sheppard, trotted around the table with his fluffy tail wagging like he'd been waiting all day for something exciting to happen. Eli kept tossing him scraps of bread when he thought Rachel wasn't looking.

Zach had already piled his plate with food, stretching out in his chair like he was trying to take up as much space as possible. Eli sat beside him, the kid looking better than he had in weeks. His color was back, and his smile didn't seem quite so forced.

"So, big news," Zach announced, stabbing his fork into a roasted carrot. "I leave for my internship next Friday."

Sutton's fork paused halfway to her mouth. "Wait, already? I thought you weren't leaving until August."

"Yeah, well, they called me in early. Something about a project needing extra hands," Zach said, his tone annoyingly smug. "Guess they couldn't wait to have the Zach Hayes experience."

"Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?" Rachel chimed in, her smile looking hopeful. "You should be excited."

"I am," Zach said, though his expression had that calculating edge Sutton was used to. Like he was always waiting for someone to give him a reason to doubt them. "Just gonna suck leaving all the chaos behind."

"Chaos being us, you mean?" Sutton shot back.

"Mostly you," Zach replied, flashing her a grin.

Eli rolled his eyes, slouching in his chair. "I think I'm the chaos. Obviously."

Max barked as if to agree, his ears perking up as he sniffed the air around the table.

"Max, no." Rachel nudged the dog gently with her foot, but her smile didn't waver.

"Are you ready for your internship, Zach?" Carl asked, his attention drifting from his plate to his oldest son.

"Yeah. I mean, it's just a stepping stone, but I'm ready to get the hell out of here," Zach replied, then glanced at Eli. "Sorry, dude."

Eli shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I'm going to the movies tonight."

Rachel's eyebrows rose. "Oh? With who?"

Eli grinned, looking like he'd been waiting for someone to ask. "Wheezie."

Sutton nearly choked on her water. "Wheezie Cameron?"

Eli nodded, his cheeks pink. "Yeah. I mean, we've been texting a lot. And she's pretty cool. Plus, I figure, why not ask her to see the new Marvel movie? It's a safe bet."

Zach snorted. "Safe bet? Dude, that girl's been crushing on you since you were both, like, five. You've got nothing to worry about."

"Zach," Rachel scolded lightly.

"What?" Zach shrugged, his expression smug as always. "I'm just saying, the kid's got game."

"Well, good for you, Eli." Rachel's smile was warm, encouraging. "I hope you two have a great time."

Eli beamed, practically glowing from the attention.

Carl cleared his throat. "Speaking of having a good time..."

Sutton stiffened, already sensing whatever came next was about to ruin the only enjoyable dinner they'd had in ages.

"Rachel and I were thinking," Carl continued, his voice careful, "we'd like to invite Gabrielle and Olivia over for dinner next week. Just... to try and be civil. You know, put the past behind us."

Sutton's fork clinked against her plate. "Why?"

"Because, Sutton," Rachel said gently, "it's better than keeping this cold war going. We can at least try to be decent to each other."

"Good luck with that," Sutton muttered.

"Hey, Liv's not that bad," Zach interjected. "And Mom can be...okay."

"That's because she loves you and pretends the rest of us don't exist," Sutton shot back.

"Sutton..." Carl's tone was warning, like he was trying to keep the peace.

"It's just dinner," Rachel said. "We're not asking you to be best friends. Just... show up. Be polite. That's all."

Sutton didn't respond, busying herself with cutting her chicken into unnecessarily tiny pieces.

Max nudged his head against her leg, like he could feel her irritation. She gave him a quick scratch behind the ears, his fur soft and warm under her fingers.

"Fine," Sutton said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whatever."

Rachel's shoulders relaxed, a small, relieved smile appearing on her face.

"Good. I'll reach out to Gabrielle tomorrow," Rachel said. "Now, let's just enjoy the rest of dinner, okay?"

"Okay," Sutton murmured, her eyes drifting back to her plate.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics—Eli's nervous excitement about his movie date, Zach's obnoxious bragging about his internship, and Max's not-so-subtle attempts to score another scrap of food.

It was almost... nice. Like a real family dinner.

But Sutton couldn't help but think about Rafe, how his face had darkened when Topper called. How quickly he'd turned from playful and affectionate to something hard and cold.

Still, when her phone buzzed with a text from him—I'll be there at eight to pick you up. See you then.—she couldn't stop the smile that crept across her face.

────

By the time Sutton slipped out the front door, the sun had just dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of pink and lavender. Rafe's truck idled in the driveway, headlights beaming through the twilight. She couldn't help the way her stomach fluttered when she spotted him behind the wheel, his arm draped lazily over the steering wheel like he had all the time in the world.

He flashed her a grin when she stepped onto the porch, her hair loose and wavy, wearing a sundress she'd thrown on last minute. Something cute but casual, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit meant to impress.

"Hey—" Sutton started, her hand reaching for the door handle.

But before she could even pull it open, Zach came barreling past her, his shoulder knocking into her so hard she stumbled back a step.

"Move, runt," Zach barked, yanking the passenger door open and swinging himself inside with all the entitlement of an older brother who thought he ruled the world.

"Excuse you," Sutton snapped, her glare slicing into him like a knife. "You almost knocked me off the damn porch."

"Chill, it's not my fault you're always in the way," Zach shot back, already adjusting the AC vents like he owned the truck. "Come on, get in the backseat before I change my mind about letting you tag along."

"Tag along?" Sutton echoed, her eyebrows shooting up. "Rafe's picking me up."

Zach gave her a look like she'd just declared she was the Queen of England. "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

She glanced at Rafe, who had turned in his seat, giving her an apologetic, sheepish smile. He mouthed Sorry with a little wince, like he knew this was not at all how he'd planned the night to go.

Sutton's shoulders deflated, her fingers curling around the door handle before she climbed into the backseat, her expression falling somewhere between annoyance and resignation.

"I told you she could come," Rafe said, his voice low and slightly defensive.

Zach laughed, tossing an arm over the back of his seat to glance at Sutton. "Yeah, but she better not bug us the whole time. I swear, Sutton, if you start running your mouth during the movie..."

"Maybe I'll just talk through all the trailers just to spite you," Sutton shot back, folding her arms across her chest.

"Figures." Zach rolled his eyes before his gaze narrowed. "Why are you all dressed up anyway? You look like you're trying to impress someone."

Sutton's cheeks went warm, but she tried to keep her expression indifferent. "Maybe I just wanted to look nice for once. Not that it's any of your business."

"Uh-huh." Zach leaned back, crossing his arms as if he'd cracked some sort of code. "Well, hate to break it to you, but Kelce isn't into you like that."

Her mouth fell open, a sharp retort building on her tongue. "Why the hell would you even—"

"Dude," Rafe cut in, his voice tight, eyes flicking between Sutton and Zach. "Can we just go?"

Zach scoffed but gave a shrug. "Whatever. Let's roll."

Rafe's eyes met Sutton's through the rearview mirror, and he gave her another quick, apologetic glance. The guilt was obvious on his face.

Sutton leaned back against the cool leather seat, her arms still folded tight across her chest. So, he hadn't told Zach about them. He'd probably been avoiding it, knowing full well that her brother was the most obnoxious, overprotective, hard-headed person on the planet.

But it still stung.

Rafe's phone buzzed in the cup holder, but he ignored it, pulling out of the driveway and onto the road.

"You know, Sutton," Zach continued, still riding whatever high his smugness had him on. "You keep dressing up like that, and people are gonna start thinking you've actually got someone to impress."

"Good thing I don't care what people think," Sutton fired back, her gaze now locked on the passing scenery.

Rafe cleared his throat. "Zach, maybe lay off her, yeah?"

"Jeez, someone's touchy," Zach muttered, but he didn't press it.

Sutton's phone buzzed with a text, and she glanced down to see a message from Kie.

Kie: 

Did Rafe pick you up yet?

Sutton: 

Yeah. Zach's here. Kinda a nightmare.

Kie: 

Ugh. I'd offer to murder him but that would ruin movie night.

Sutton couldn't help but smile at that. Leave it to Kie to make her laugh even when everything felt messy.

When she looked up, Rafe was glancing at her through the mirror again, his eyes soft and worried. She tried to send him a reassuring look, but the fact that he was still hiding them from her brother—especially after everything—left her feeling hollow.

Maybe he had his reasons. Maybe it was just easier to keep things simple.

But she was starting to want more than just simple.

────

The theater was buzzing with Friday night energy—teenagers milling around the lobby, families corralling excited kids, the sticky-sweet scent of popcorn filling the air. Sutton clutched her ticket in one hand, her other arm folded defensively across her chest as she trailed behind Rafe and Zach.

She tried to focus on Rafe's shoulder blades moving under his t-shirt, the casual way his hand kept darting to his hair, messing it up further. As if he was just as uneasy as she was.

They made their way into the darkened theater, the previews already flickering on the screen.

Sutton moved to slide into the seat beside Rafe, her fingers just brushing the armrest when Zach cut her off.

"Uh, no. You're not sitting here." Zach pointed at the seat beside him, his brows creasing like he was personally offended by her very existence. "Go sit over there." He jerked his chin toward the row in front of them, where a couple of empty seats stretched out like some kind of punishment.

"Are you serious?" Sutton said, her voice sharper than she intended.

Zach only shrugged, his gaze already drifting back to the screen. "Yeah, what's the big deal? I'm here to hang out with Rafe, not babysit you."

Rafe turned his head, his eyes widening a bit, but he kept his mouth shut.

The betrayal stung more than it should have. And the worst part? Rafe's sheepish, almost apologetic expression as he glanced at her, then quickly away like he couldn't risk pissing Zach off.

"Whatever." Sutton's voice trembled with frustration. She turned on her heel and hurried out of the theater, her heart pounding.

The fluorescent lights of the hallway stung her eyes as she pushed her way into the women's bathroom. Cold water splashed over her wrists as she tried to cool off, her pulse a stubborn thud in her ears.

She shouldn't care so much. It wasn't like Rafe had to announce they were together. But it was the way he just—let it happen. Like her feelings didn't matter as much as keeping things cool with Zach.

Sutton gripped the edge of the sink, staring at her own watery-eyed reflection. "Get it together," she whispered to herself. "It's not a big deal."

But it was.

When she finally left the bathroom, her eyes felt a little puffy, her jaw tense from clenching it so hard. She took a deep breath, her gaze scanning the hallway.

And that's when she spotted him.

Rafe, leaning against the wall just outside the restroom, his arms crossed and his face drawn in something that looked like guilt and frustration all tangled up. Relief flashed through her chest. Maybe he'd come looking for her—

Except his attention wasn't on her.

Rafe's gaze was locked on Kie, who was waiting at the concession stand, fiddling with a pack of M&M's while waiting for her popcorn.

He hesitated, his eyes darting between Sutton's direction and Kie. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly torn.

Sutton's stomach twisted, her heart sinking lower than it already had.

Apparently, even when Rafe came looking for her, it only took a glimpse of Kie to make him forget all about her.

She watched, frozen, as Rafe pushed off the wall and made his way toward Kie.

Kie's shoulders were tense as she marched away from the concession stand, her popcorn practically crushed between her arms as she cut through the lobby like she was on a mission. Sutton trailed after her, her brows knitting together in confusion.

Kie stormed over to Sutton, eyes blazing with frustration as she plopped down beside her.

"Just saw Rafe," Kie announced, her voice sharp and irritated. "And he said— and I quote— 'Tell your boy that we know what he did.'"

Sutton blinked, her brow creasing. "What boy? What is he even talking about?"

Kie threw her hands up, exasperated. "I don't know, but he acted like you guys would. And he looked pissed."

Pope shifted uncomfortably from his seat, his fingers twitching at the edge of his phone. "What... what exactly did he say?"

"Those exact words, Pope." Kie folded her arms, glaring. "And now I want to know what the hell you two did to piss him off."

"Where is he?" JJ asked, already sounding amped up.

Kie nodded toward the other side of the crowded outdoor theater. "Right there. And he's not alone."

Pope and JJ craned their necks to look over. Kelce, Zach, Topper, and Rafe were standing by the food stand, eyes locked onto them like they were circling prey.

"Great. The whole damn death squad," JJ groaned. "Don't stare, bro."

Pope shifted uncomfortably. "If they corner me, I'm coming out swinging. Like, full-on slice and dice."

"Yeah, yeah." JJ nodded, his eyes darting between the Kooks. "If that doesn't work, I got this right here." He motioned vaguely at his waistband, but Kie's eyes widened.

"Please tell me you did not bring a gun here," Kie hissed, her voice sharp. "JJ, there are kids. This is a family night!"

"Relax, Kie. I didn't bring a gun," JJ snapped. "Everything's fine, okay?"

"Wow, so reassuring. Thank you," Kie scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Sutton only half-listened, her gaze locked onto Rafe like he was some magnetic force she couldn't resist. Everything else just blurred into background noise. If Rafe said something was a problem, then it was. But she was pissed. Not because he'd threatened her friends. But because their date was ruined.

"So... what did y'all do?" Kie pressed, her eyes narrowing. "Because Rafe looked ready to start a war."

"Might go down tonight," JJ mumbled under his breath.

Sutton's head snapped toward him. "What does that even mean, JJ? What did you do?"

"Deny, deny, deny," JJ muttered, leaning back with that infuriatingly smug grin.

Sutton's chest felt tight, like the air was too thick to breathe. Rafe was over there, staring daggers at her friends, and she couldn't even enjoy their stupid date. The movie she'd been excited about. The one Rafe had promised he'd take her to. All of it just... trashed.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. A text from Rafe: "Where the hell are you? Come here."

She ignored it. She knew she shouldn't be so mad, but her emotions were tangled, twisted up like fishing line in a storm. It wasn't about the threat. It wasn't even about her friends. It was about Rafe ditching her for whatever he was up to.

But she wasn't about to admit that.

Instead, she slumped back in her seat and crossed her arms. "Whatever. Let him be pissed. We're here to watch a movie, not play some stupid Kook-Pogue turf war game."

The others exchanged glances, JJ's smirk faltering for a moment.

Kie glanced at Sutton, something like sympathy flashing in her eyes. "You really think he's just gonna let it go?"

"Why wouldn't he?" Sutton snapped. "He's being dramatic. Just... ignore him."

Kie shot her a look, half-concerned, half-frustrated. "Sutton, this isn't like... a game to him."

"Whatever," Sutton muttered, but her stomach twisted uncomfortably. Rafe was her favorite person. The one person who made her feel like she was actually worth something. She should be mad at him for ditching their plans, but... she couldn't bring herself to hate him.

Because, deep down, she always forgave him.

Always.

Sutton tried to focus on the screen, but the movie's opening credits blurred into a mess of light and sound. Her phone buzzed again. Another text from Rafe: "Come. Here. Now."

She shoved her phone into her pocket, her fingers trembling with irritation and something else she couldn't place. Kie was still throwing suspicious glances her way, like she was expecting Sutton to side with Rafe and the other Kooks.

But the worst part was... she wanted to.

It made no sense. Rafe had basically threatened her friends, and here she was, mad at them for ruining her date.

The back of her throat tightened, her mood swinging from pissed off to guilty to pissed off again. JJ was cracking jokes, nudging Pope in the ribs, but Sutton could barely register it.

"You okay?" Kie asked, her voice laced with cautious concern.

"I'm fine." Sutton snapped, but she immediately regretted the harshness. "Just... not in the mood."

"Yeah, I noticed," Kie muttered, sinking back in her seat.

From across the theater, Rafe's stare felt like it was burning into her skin. The urge to get up and walk over to him nearly swallowed her whole. Instead, she stayed glued to her seat, arms crossed, stubbornness digging its claws into her.

Minutes passed, the movie finally starting, but Sutton wasn't paying attention. Her phone buzzed again. This time, a call. She ignored it.

"Shit," JJ whispered, tensing up.

"What?" Pope hissed.

"Rafe's coming over here."

Sutton's head snapped up, her heart skipping a beat. Sure enough, Rafe was striding down the aisle, his expression dark and stormy. Zach trailed behind him, looking just as annoyed.

"Perfect," Kie grumbled. "Can't even watch a movie without drama."

"Sutton." Rafe's voice cut through the murmuring crowd like a knife. He stopped right in front of their row, gaze locked on her. "We need to talk."

"Maybe I don't feel like talking," Sutton shot back, the heat of her own anger masking the underlying hurt.

Rafe's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "You can be mad at me later. Right now, we need to go."

"Why?" Sutton challenged, her tone sharp. "Because you're busy starting a fight for no reason?"

"You know it's not like that." His voice softened, the frustration bleeding away for a moment. "Sutton, come on. Just... let's go."

She hesitated, her gaze flicking to Kie, JJ, and Pope. They all looked like they were holding their breath, waiting for her to make a choice. And it pissed her off.

"Fine." Sutton pushed herself up, her movements jerky and full of attitude. "Let's go."

Rafe nodded, glancing over his shoulder at Zach. "We'll meet you guys outside."

"You better not drag her into whatever psycho shit you're planning," JJ called, his voice echoing in the dimly lit theater.

Rafe ignored him, his hand reaching out to take Sutton's. She let him lead her out of the theater, her skin prickling under the curious stares of other moviegoers.

The cool night air hit her face as they stepped outside, Rafe's truck parked haphazardly near the curb.

"What the hell, Rafe?" Sutton snapped, yanking her hand away. "You ruined our date."

He looked at her like she'd slapped him. "I ruined it? Sutton, those idiots trashed Topper's boat. What was I supposed to do, just let it go?"

"They're my friends."

"And you're mine." The intensity in his voice made her stomach flip. "I'm not letting them get away with screwing with us."

"They weren't screwing with us," Sutton said, exasperated. "They were just... being stupid."

Rafe's hands clenched into fists, his gaze dropping for a moment before locking back on her. "I know you're mad. And I get why. But you don't get to be mad at me for protecting what's mine."

Sutton froze, the possessiveness in his words sending a shiver down her spine. Part of her wanted to be mad, to tell him he was being ridiculous. But the other part... the part that couldn't stand to see him hurt or upset...

She softened.

"Rafe, I just... wanted tonight to be normal. You promised me a date. Just you and me."

He let out a long breath, his shoulders loosening. "I know. And I screwed that up."

There was an apology there, buried beneath the stubbornness. And Sutton found herself forgiving him before she even meant to.

"Can we just... I don't know, go somewhere else?" Sutton asked, her voice small.

Rafe's expression shifted, a hint of relief breaking through his hardened exterior. "Yeah. We can do that."

"Good." She reached for his hand this time, her fingers threading through his. "Because I didn't get dressed up just to fight with you all night."

Rafe chuckled, shaking his head. "Wouldn't dream of it."

But as he led her to the truck, she couldn't help but glance back at the theater, Kie's warning echoing in her mind.

Something was going to go down. She just hoped she'd made the right choice.

The movie played on the screen, but Sutton couldn't focus on it. Rafe's arm was around her, his hand lightly resting on her shoulder as she snuggled into his side. The warmth of his touch and the familiar scent of his cologne made her feel safe, but there was still an undeniable tension simmering beneath the surface.

She felt him shift slightly beside her, his fingers gently brushing against her skin, sending a shiver through her. She looked up at him, catching the glint in his eyes, the way his lips curled into a smirk that made her heart race.

Without a word, Rafe leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a heated kiss. His hand slid into her hair, pulling her closer as she melted into the intensity of it. Time seemed to stop as their kiss deepened, each of them lost in the moment, the world outside the theater completely forgotten.

Sutton's breath hitched as his lips trailed down to her neck, his grip tightening around her. She let out a soft sigh, her hand pressing against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. Everything about this felt so real, so intense—like they were the only two people in the world.

But just as things were getting deeper, Rafe suddenly pulled back, his chest rising and falling as he took in a deep breath. His eyes softened, though there was a hint of something else in them, something she couldn't quite place.

"I'll be right back," he murmured, voice low, almost hushed.

Sutton blinked, the sudden distance between them making her heart skip a beat. "What? Where are you going?" she asked, trying to read his expression.

But Rafe was already standing up, his movements quick and purposeful. "I'll be back, just—stay here," he said, not meeting her eyes as he gave her a quick, apologetic smile.

Sutton sat there for a moment, watching him leave, confusion creeping in. She turned her head toward the aisle just in time to see him slip through the row, his footsteps light but quick.

She frowned, instinctively standing up to follow him, but froze when she saw Topper, Zach, and Kelc getting up at the same time. They moved with a purposeful air, exchanging glances with Rafe as they made their way toward the back of the theater.

Her eyes narrowed. Something didn't feel right. She watched them carefully, trying to piece together what was going on. There was an intensity in the way Rafe had acted when he left, something that told her he was involved in whatever was happening.

Sutton hesitated for a moment before she decided to follow, but at a safe distance. She didn't want to make it obvious that she was keeping an eye on them, but her gut told her she needed to know what was going on. Her mind raced with questions: Why had Rafe gotten so cagey? Why had he acted so distant just now, after everything had felt so right between them?

As she moved quietly behind the group, she tried to make sense of the tension building between them. Her fingers tightened around her purse strap, her heart thumping in her chest. Whatever was going on, she wasn't going to let herself be left in the dark this time.

"Stay calm, Sutton," she muttered to herself, trying to ground herself in the moment. The mood swings were hitting her hard, the intensity of the emotions leaving her unsteady. Rafe was her favorite person, the one who made her feel seen—even when he wasn't perfect, even when he made her question everything. But at that moment, she needed to decide if she was going to let herself be swept up in his world or if she was going to stand her ground and figure things out for herself.

She stood up, quietly moving through the crowd, staying far enough behind to not draw attention to herself. The sounds of the fight still echoed from the theater, but she couldn't focus on it now. All that mattered was what was happening with Rafe.

As she made her way down the aisle, she caught a glimpse of them—Rafe, Topper, Zach, and Kelce heading into the back of the theater, away from the crowd. Her heart hammered in her chest, a mix of curiosity and dread filling her. She knew this wasn't just a casual hangout. There was something else going on, something dangerous.

Sutton's bipolar tendencies flared up as her emotions warred inside her—one moment she was filled with anger and hurt, the next she was consumed by a need to protect Rafe, to be close to him, to figure out what he was up to.

The tension was unbearable as Rafe and Topper closed in on Pope and JJ. The sound of the ocean was drowned out by the heavy silence, broken only by the harsh grunts of struggle and the occasional taunt. Sutton stood a few paces away with Kiara, her heart pounding as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't just stand there—she had to do something.

Rafe's voice cut through the air, venomous and mocking. "You think you can just keep running your mouth, huh? You really think we won't make you pay for what you did?"

JJ, struggling against Topper's grip, fought with everything he had. "Keep talking, Rafe. This is just getting pathetic."

Topper yanked Pope by the collar, his face cold and calculating. "You're so damn arrogant, Pope. You think you can walk away from this? You've messed with the wrong people."

Pope gasped for air, barely able to speak. "I'm not afraid of you, Topper. You'll never be as tough as you think you are."

Sutton's breath hitched. This was escalating too fast. She wanted to step in, but her feet felt like they were glued to the ground. Kiara, beside her, was already trying to break free from Rafe's hold. "Let him go!" she screamed, trying to shove Rafe, but he twisted her arm behind her, grinning.

"Stay out of this, Kiara!" Rafe hissed, his eyes gleaming with cruelty. "You don't get to talk. Just sit back and watch."

Sutton's heart raced as Kiara struggled. She felt a rush of anger and fear. This was her moment to step in, to stop this madness. But then, she saw it.

JJ's face twisted in pain as Topper slammed him to the ground. Sutton's eyes widened in horror, and before she could stop herself, she screamed. "JJ!" Her voice rang out, a raw, terrified cry.

Rafe's head snapped toward her, and Topper smirked. "You really care about this Pogue, huh?" he taunted.

Sutton's voice broke as she screamed again, louder this time, her fear flooding into her shout. "Stop! Stop it, Rafe! You're going too far!"

But Rafe wasn't listening. His eyes were dark with rage, and he raised a knife, the blade gleaming under the moonlight. "You're about to learn your place, Pope," Rafe sneered. "Finish him, Topper. Let's see how tough he is now."

Sutton couldn't take it anymore. Her body moved before her brain could catch up. She lunged forward, ignoring the danger, trying to rush toward JJ, to stop it. "No! Don't do this!" she screamed, her voice cracking.

But before she could get any closer, Kelce stepped in front of her, grabbing her arms to hold her back. "Sutton, no! Get back!" he shouted, his grip tightening as she struggled against him.

"Let me go!" Sutton cried, her eyes wild with panic as she tried to free herself from Kelce's hold. "I can't just watch him get hurt!"

Kelce's face was tense, but he kept his voice calm, trying to control the situation. "Sutton, please. You have to stay back. This won't help."

Sutton screamed one more time, the sound of her voice raw and desperate. She felt helpless, watching JJ struggle as Topper pummeled him, the desperation in her chest threatening to overwhelm her. "JJ!" she cried, her voice breaking as she tried to push past Kelce.

Kelce's grip on her tightened, and he pulled her further back, away from the chaos. "You're not helping him like this!" he shouted, his voice urgent. "You need to calm down!"

Sutton's eyes were wide, filled with fear and rage as she finally stopped struggling against him. "They're going to kill him," she whispered, her voice trembling. "We have to do something."

The chaos seemed to stretch on forever, each second more unbearable than the last. Sutton's chest tightened, her mind racing, her eyes locked on JJ as Topper pummeled him. Panic surged through her, and without thinking, she reached for the lighter in her back pocket—the one she'd grabbed from her house earlier. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Her hands shook as she flicked the lighter open, the flame dancing in front of her. She didn't care about the consequences. She just wanted to end this madness. Sutton turned the flame toward the dry brush along the edge of the clearing. The fire caught quicker than she'd expected, and suddenly, there was a crackle in the air.

The fight stopped. The flames behind them leaped higher, casting an eerie glow over the scene. For a moment, everyone froze, distracted by the sudden fire.

"Hey! What the hell?!" Topper shouted, turning to face the growing blaze.

Sutton seized the moment, her mind on fire with adrenaline. She looked toward Kie, who had started to pull Rafe off JJ. The flames were crackling behind her now, lighting up the night.

"No, Kie! Stop!" Sutton shouted, rushing forward to stop her.

But Kie didn't listen. With a determined shove, she pushed Sutton out of the way, her focus entirely on Rafe. "I'm not letting him hurt JJ anymore!" she snapped, her voice full of raw anger.

Sutton stumbled back, nearly losing her balance as the force of Kie's shove sent her reeling.

"Get out of my way, Sutton!" Kie spat, her face full of fire.

Before Sutton could answer, Rafe snapped at Kie, his voice cold and sharp, "What the hell, Kiara?!" His eyes softened when they landed on Sutton, noticing her stumble backward. His hand shot out, steadying her as she caught herself.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice lower now, though still holding that familiar edge.

Sutton froze for a moment, shocked by his reaction. "What do you care?" she shot back, pulling away from his grip.

But Rafe didn't answer. Instead, Zach's voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "RUN!" Zach yelled, urgent and sharp.

Sutton's stomach twisted, the weight of his command settling over her. Without thinking, she turned to look at Kie. Her expression was pained, frustration and a hint of betrayal clouding her face. Sutton hesitated—her instinct to stay with Kie battling against the urgency in Zach's voice.

Kie didn't look back. She turned sharply, pulling JJ and Pope with her as they started running toward the trees, the sound of their feet pounding against the sand filling the night.

Sutton felt her heart squeeze in her chest. Kie wasn't staying to fight. She wasn't looking back. Kie was gone. And so, with one last lingering glance toward the direction Kie had disappeared, Sutton turned and ran with the Kooks.

As she joined them, Rafe was by her side, his presence just behind her. Her thoughts were spinning—her heart conflicted—but the night was too chaotic, too urgent. They had to keep moving.

Sutton ran, the fire crackling in the distance behind her, and the weight of the moment settling heavily on her shoulders. She had made her choice, though it didn't feel like one. It felt like survival. The Kooks were all she had left now.

But as she ran with them, she couldn't help but wonder: had she really just left everything behind? The people who'd once been her friends? The people who needed her? It didn't feel like a choice at all.

As they hustled toward Rafe's truck, the sound of the ocean and the distant crackle of the fire behind them faded into the background. Sutton's mind was still spinning from the chaos of the night, but the tension between her and Rafe seemed to settle in her chest. She could feel his presence behind her, his hand lingering just a little too close on her shoulder as they walked.

Sutton didn't know what to make of it. Rafe had stepped in to help her earlier, had been different with her, and now, walking with him, there was an odd, undeniable pull she couldn't ignore. But she wasn't sure if she was ready to confront that yet.

Then, without warning, Zach's voice cut through the air, sharp and angry.

"Hold up!" he shouted, stepping in front of them. His eyes went straight to Rafe, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Wait a damn minute."

Sutton froze, her heart thudding in her chest as she turned to face him. Zach was glaring at Rafe, his hands clenched at his sides.

"What the hell is going on?" Zach demanded, his voice louder now, anger simmering beneath every word. "I thought you were just some jackass that wanted to mess with my sister. But now you're walking her to the truck like everything's fine? What is this, Rafe?"

Sutton's stomach dropped. She hadn't realized until now that Zach had no idea what had been going on between her and Rafe. She hadn't expected him to pick up on anything—hell, she hadn't even processed it herself—but hearing Zach's frustration made everything feel ten times worse.

"Zach, calm down—" Sutton tried, but Zach wasn't hearing it.

"Calm down?" Zach interrupted, throwing his hands up in disbelief. "You've gotta be kidding me! I'm supposed to calm down? This is my best friend," he pointed at Rafe, "and my little sister," his gaze shifted to Sutton, "and now I find out you two are... what? You two are doing this? This thing? How the hell long has this been going on, huh?"

Rafe tried to step in, but Zach didn't back down, his face turning red with frustration. "You're a known player, Rafe! You've screwed over half the girls in this town, and now you're playing some game with my sister?"

Rafe's jaw clenched, but he didn't have a comeback. Sutton could see the tension in his posture, the uncertainty flickering across his face for the first time tonight. He didn't say anything. He just stared at Zach, eyes narrowing in defense.

Zach didn't give him the chance to explain. He stepped forward, chest heaving with anger. "You're a damn douchebag, Rafe," he spat. "I thought you were just being nice to her because she my little sister not trying to get with her. That's what you do, right? You use people, screw them over, and move on. But now? Now I'm seeing you walk with her like she's some... what, girlfriend? Are you serious?"

Sutton's chest tightened, and she felt the familiar weight of guilt settle over her. She hadn't wanted Zach to find out this way. Hell, she hadn't wanted to think about it herself. But seeing the disappointment in his eyes, the hurt behind his anger, made her heart ache.

"Zach—" Sutton started again, but Zach wasn't having it.

"No, Sutton," he snapped, cutting her off. "This is my best friend and my sister, and I'm pissed. I can't believe you'd even consider trusting this guy." His eyes were wide with disbelief as he looked between her and Rafe. "What is wrong with you?"

Sutton could feel the sting of his words, like a punch to the gut. She wasn't ready for this, wasn't prepared for Zach to turn on her this way, to call her judgment into question. But the anger in his voice wasn't just directed at her—it was directed at Rafe, too.

Rafe seemed to sense the pressure building in the air. He took a step forward, trying to explain himself, but Zach was having none of it.

"I'm done with this," Zach snapped, his hands shaking at his sides. "I thought you were better than this, man. I thought you weren't this guy. And now I see this, and it makes me sick."

Sutton wanted to scream, to yell at Zach that it wasn't like that—that Rafe wasn't the same guy he used to be. But she couldn't find the words. Not with Zach standing there, so angry, so hurt. And not with Rafe, who looked like he was trying to hold himself together while everything around him fell apart.

"Zach," Sutton whispered, taking a step toward him, but he took a step back, his eyes flashing.

"No. You don't get to do this to me, Sutton," Zach said, voice tight with frustration. "You don't get to bring this shit into my life. Not like this."

He turned away, the tension still hanging thick in the air, and started walking toward the truck. Sutton felt a pang of regret twist in her chest, but there was nothing she could do. She could see the hurt in Zach's eyes, the betrayal, and she knew it was too late to fix it.

Rafe was still standing there, tense, his hand twitching like he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Sutton swallowed hard, then turned to face him. "Let's just go," she said quietly, her voice barely a whisper.

Rafe nodded, and for a brief moment, their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. He didn't say anything, but she could feel the weight of his presence as they walked toward the truck, leaving Zach's anger in the dust.

But Sutton couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. That things between her, Zach, and Rafe would never be the same again. And as they piled into the truck, the air between them thick with unspoken words, she couldn't help but wonder if they'd ever find their way back.

────

As Rafe pulled up to Sutton's house, the familiar, quiet street seemed different somehow, quieter, almost like the world was holding its breath. The truck's headlights illuminated the driveway, casting long shadows on the trees that lined the path to the porch.

Sutton sat in the passenger seat, her hands folded in her lap, the weight of the night still heavy on her shoulders. The argument with Zach, the tension with Rafe, and everything that had happened after that fight felt like it had all collided in a way she couldn't process just yet.

Rafe didn't speak right away. Instead, he parked the truck, turned off the engine, and let the silence stretch between them. Sutton glanced at him, feeling his gaze on her, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.

"I... I'm sorry," Rafe finally said, breaking the quiet. His voice was lower than usual, almost unrecognizable. "For tonight. For everything. I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand."

Sutton blinked, surprised by his words. She had half-expected him to brush it all off, to make some snarky remark like usual. But this, this apology, was different. He sounded genuine, and for a moment, she could see a glimpse of the person beneath the smug exterior.

"Rafe, it's fine," Sutton said softly, though the words didn't quite feel true. She couldn't deny the frustration still simmering inside her, but she also didn't want to drag the conversation out longer than necessary. "It's not all on you."

But Rafe didn't seem convinced. His eyes locked onto hers, intense and full of something she couldn't quite place. "No, it is," he insisted, his jaw tight. "It's my fault. And I'll make it up to you. I promise. Tomorrow. Let me take you to the Midsummer Dance. I know it's short notice, but... I'll make sure it's a good time. No drama, no fighting."

Sutton blinked again, thrown off by the suddenness of his invitation. She wasn't sure if he was just trying to smooth things over or if he really meant it, but the idea of being asked out by Rafe of all people seemed... bizarre. And a little amusing.

"Tomorrow?" she laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Rafe, you're giving me a night's notice?"

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Hey, I'm a man of action. Who needs weeks of planning?"

Sutton couldn't help but chuckle at his cocky grin. It was classic Rafe, trying to make light of the situation, trying to charm his way out of it. But she had to admit, the way he was looking at her, genuinely asking, made her pause. It was more than the usual arrogance; it was something else.

"You're unbelievable," she said, her voice light, but she was still processing everything. "But sure, why not? I'll go. But don't expect me to make this easy on you."

Rafe's grin widened, and she could see the familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, his voice softer now, almost teasing. "Get some rest, Sutton. I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven. Don't be late."

She rolled her eyes, a smirk forming on her lips. "Don't worry. I'll be there. But you better make sure there's no more of this... mess tomorrow, or I'll be walking home."

Rafe's expression softened, just for a second, and there was a vulnerability in his eyes that she hadn't seen before. "I promise," he said quietly. "Tomorrow, no drama. Just... us."

Sutton looked at him for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of insincerity. But all she saw was determination, even if he was still the same Rafe she had always known—cocky, confident, and a little infuriating.

With a sigh, she opened the truck door. "Okay, well, I guess we'll see."

Rafe nodded, and she got out of the truck, closing the door behind her. She took a step back and looked at him one last time before heading up to the porch. He didn't move, just stayed in the truck, watching her with a quiet intensity that made her stomach flip.

She turned away, her heart still racing from the emotional rollercoaster of the night, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. Rafe had apologized, and she'd agreed to go to the dance. But what did that even mean? Was it just a way to make things right after everything went wrong? Or was there more to it?

For now, all she could do was wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow, when Rafe would pick her up, and she would see if he could actually make things right.

And with that, she stepped inside her house, the door clicking shut behind her as she tried to put the night behind her.

────

Author's note:

Hypothetically if you had to pick one of the characters not to die, other than the main, who would you pick?