Bad Influence (Rafe Cameron)

Chapter 13

I wake up, instantly confused as to where I am. I look around and it takes me a couple seconds to remember what happened last night. I'm in Rafe's bedroom.

I look at the empty spot next to me. I want to go and find him but I don't want to be spotted in the house. I decide on texting his phone, asking him if the coast is clear and if I can leave.

A minute later Rafe comes into the room holding a plate with a bagel on it and a cup of orange juice.

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave? What's wrong?" Rafe asks me, setting the breakfast on the bedside table next to where I'm sitting up against the headboard. He suddenly looks very confused and self conscious. He probably thinks I don't want to be here with him and I regret staying the night.

"No no. Nothing's wrong." I instantly reassure him. "You just weren't in here and I thought you expected me to walk myself out."

His eyebrows furrow and a look of genuine hurt flickers through his eyes before it's gone again, just a second later.

"Why would I do that to you? I told you I would take you to wherever you needed to be this morning and I keep my word." He says, trying to explain himself. I feel bad that he even needs to explain this to me. I should know this.

"I know. I'm sorry. I have trust issues. I should know you wouldn't do that by now, but this is going to be something that's hard for me to get past so soon." I admit to him, refusing to meet his eyes.

He sits beside me on the bed and tilts my chin up using his index finger. I meet his eyes and I expected to see judgement in them but instead I see an overwhelming softness that makes me feel as if I'm melting.

"It's okay. We haven't even been dating for that long. I'm sorry I expected you to know this." He says, now being the one reassuring me.

He's changed so much in the time we've known each other. He's become so much kinder and softer. I want to believe I'm the one having this effect on him. I know there's still so much to know about him, but I don't mind. I'll wait until he's ready to let me in.

"Thank you Rafe. You're the best." I wrapped my arms around him and he wrapped his around me. We held each other tightly and in that moment I felt nothing but pure content.
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Rafe's POV:

I watch Claire chew her bagel silently, lost in thought. I've been nothing but on my best behavior for her and yet she still doesn't trust me. I need to get her to trust me. If I don't, I won't get the $500. I really need that money. I owe a lot to my drug dealer and my dad won't give me money anymore. I have no choice.

"Where do I need to take you today?" I ask her, suddenly remembering she has somewhere to be at eight.

"Oh- um-" she stutters, guiltily looking up to meet my eyes, "John B's chateau."

I feel like I was just punched in the gut. If she's going there, than that must mean that these knew friends of hers must be the entire loser squad, including that blonde pogue from Midsummers who seems pretty fond of her.

"No." I say, not having a need to say anything else. What makes her think she has the right to hang out with them knowing I hate them?

She raises an eyebrow at me and then just sighs when I don't say anything else.

"I expected that." She says, standing up and grabbing all of her stuff.