The Sinner

51

Longest chapter yet, enjoy :)

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All of the trucks were finally loaded.

Everything was seeming to fall right into its perfect place. Maybe my anxiety was all for nothing. I tend to do that a lot - overthink to the point where I drive myself insane.

Back to my main point though, every time I tried to help load the truck, Rafe told me to sit down. Which honestly was fine by me, those deposit boxes looked extremely heavy. My noodle arms probably couldn't lift them even if I wanted too.

Rafe did look good while lifting those boxes up though.

I think the image of his muscles flexing as he lifts the boxes is going to replay in my brain forever. I didn't bother to try to hide my staring, it was a bit embarrassing, but I simply could not look away.

I walk inside a while later, grabbing a glass of water to cool myself down. I think I needed this more then Rafe, despite all the heavy lifting he just did. Watching that was like my own version of Magic Mike.

"Did you enjoy the show?" his familiar voice interrupts my thoughts. I knew I was obvious about it, but now that I'm thinking about it maybe I should've hid it a bit better. He's never gonna let that one go. I set the glass in the sink and flash my eyes up at him in annoyance to which he smirks.

"No," I lie terribly. I could never lie to him.

"I think you did, your cheeks, have this...red tint to them." I roll my eyes playfully.

"Shut up."

"Make me, angel." I run my tongue across my teeth as I try not to smile. I watch him put both of his arms on either side of me as I lean against the counter. He was so much taller than me, I bet it looked so odd to see the two of us standing next to one another.

"You're being flirty today." He smiles, "Or maybe you're just in a good mood."

"We just so happened to run into a very large amount of money, so of course I'm in a good mood," He tells me. I hum in response. I watch his eyes dance down my face, this used to bother me. I thought he was picking out every flaw that was visible, but he's not. "Your bruises are fading already."

I nod, "They look better don't they?" He runs his fingers softly over my chin, almost like he was still envisioning them there.

"It makes me feel a lot better knowing I don't have to be reminded of that ass wipe every day." He licks his lips as he tilts my chin up and lets his eyes run all over my face. "You're not going back to that school."

"Says who?" I push. He raises his eyebrows.

"You really want to go back?" He questions. I shrug.

"Not this semester I don't think, but, maybe next semester," I say.

"No," He says almost immediately. "Find another school to go to."

"I like UNC Rafe," I tell him. "Despite Tanner being there, I know which frat to avoid."

"But that doesn't mean he won't try to find you on campus," Rafe sighs. "Please consider another school, I won't be there to protect you."

"Didn't you just teach me how to protect myself?" I say.

"With a gun, you can't just carry that around at school though." Obviously.

"I shouldn't have to run from him just because I'm uncomfortable," I explain. "If I want to go to this school I should be able too."

"Maybe I'll just hire someone to watch you," He seems to be thinking out loud now. That seems crazy.

"What, are we in the Mafia or something?" I joke. "I don't need another person following me around all the time."