I looked at Rafe as he brought two bottles of Coca-Cola outside. Once again, I had to admit to myself that he looked stunning.
"Here," he said, handing me one of the bottles. "The alcohol-free drink since we have to be mature and all."
Before Rafe went back inside, I managed to convince him that we could enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage for once.
He took his phone and settled next to me on the lounge. As he sank into the cushion, he placed one hand on my thigh while tapping something into his phone.
The feeling of Rafe's hand resting on my leg made me feel secure and desired. It was a mixture of vulnerability and comfort, an intoxicating blend of emotions.
"So, there's a party at Toppers tonight. Why don't we go there together?" Rafe suggested, looking at me.
"Why not," I agreed, smiling. Despite regularly attending parties and indulging in drinks since I arrived, I wanted to seize the moment and live my life. Moreover, being with this handsome blonde guy helped me forget about the troubles back home."When should we leave?" I asked Rafe. "Around 9," he replied, still absorbed in his phone. Glancing at the screen, I noticed it was already 5 o'clock. Time had flown by as we swam, explored his house, and now lounged outside together.
"Maybe I should go to my place and get something suitable to wear for the party," I suggested, though the thought of leaving the comfort of the lounge seemed less appealing.
"No," Rafe chuckled.
"We still have four hours. Let's go shopping for something to wear for you. Afterwards, we'll grab something to eat and then head to the party. No way you're leaving me now."I smiled at him, pleasantly surprised by his idea but also appreciative.
"We can just pick up clothes from my house. I don't really have the money right now to buy new ones.""You live in this big-ass house and you're telling me you don't have money?" Rafe asked, sounding amused.
"My parents have money, but I only have what I earn at the café," I explained. Rafe looked at me and a grin spread across his face.
"And you really think I'm not going to spoil you if you're with me?" he said, his words filled with a mix of playfulness and sincerity."So let's go buy you some fine ass clothes," Rafe declared, reaching out his hand.
"I can't accept that," I replied, crossing my arms in front of me. "And I will not accept you not accepting it," Rafe retorted."I'll pay, end of discussion."I stood up and looked at him. "It's a really cute idea. Let's just spend time together until the party."
"You won't talk me out of it," Rafe insisted, taking my hand. "Money is here to fucking blow it."
I followed him outside where we hopped into Rafe's car, the engine roaring to life as he navigated through the streets with his signature confidence. The anticipation of our shopping excursion filled the air as we cruised towards the nearest shopping district.Arriving at the bustling shopping area, Rafe parked the car with a sense of nonchalant ease.We stepped out onto the busy sidewalk, the vibrant energy of the city enveloping us. Rafe took the lead, his stride exuding a self-assured swagger.
As we strolled through the stores, Rafe's piercing gaze scanned the racks of clothing with a discerning eye. He had an air of authority, effortlessly selecting pieces that caught his attention. Meanwhile, I followed along, admiring him.
He held up various outfits, considering each one thoughtfully before either discarding it or adding it to the pile.As we continued our shopping spree, Rafe playfully teased me, making cheeky remarks about my choices and pushing me to try on clothes that were out of my comfort zone.
There were moments when I rolled my eyes at his audacity, but deep down, I appreciated his confidence and the way he challenged me.
Eventually, after scouring various stores, we found the perfect ensemble for the evening. Rafe's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he handed me the outfit. "Try this one on, Ivy. Trust me, it's going to make heads turn.""So, we want everyone to look at me?" I asked, unsure if I wanted that and hoping that he didn't want that either.
Rafe's demeanor turned cold as he looked at another piece, avoiding eye contact while he spoke, "Yeah, because then I can break everyone's nose afterwards."Ich I chuckled, well aware that he was probably serious about that. Rafe handed me the dress he had chosen.
"Try it on," he said, and we headed to the fitting rooms. I pushed one curtain aside and entered the cabin, only to realize that Rafe had followed me. I looked at him, a little confused. "Who will help you close the zipper in the back if I am not here?" Rafe asked, leaning against the wall and looking at me.
Accepting that i started to change."Perfect," he said, and I had to admit that I also liked the dress he had chosen. It was an elegant yet summery dress that gracefully hugged my body. It wasn't too short or too tight, and I had the feeling that was Rafe's intention.
We left the fitting room after I had changed, and Rafe went straight back to the clothes. "We have to take that one as well," Rafe said, holding a light blue hoodie towards me. "Why that one?" I asked, inspecting it closely. "Because I love that color on you," Rafe responded.
After Rafe paid for the items, we exited the shop. "Thanks, Rafe. Really, I still don't think you need to do this," I wanted to assure him. "But I want to do it," Rafe stated firmly. "And, oh, I will keep doing it. We're not finished."
Rafe hurried into another store filled with an assortment of jewelry. One look at the prices, and I didn't even want to calculate how many coffees I would have to sell to make up for them. "No way, Rafe. It's way too expensive," I said, trying to reason.
"Shush. I said I'll pay. The prices are not your concern," Rafe replied, his tone serious and unwavering. I didn't dare to argue against it. Rafe had a commanding presence, and sometimes it was better to simply go along with his decisions.
As I started to look around, a necklace caught my eye. I hesitated to touch it, unsure if I was allowed to and afraid that Rafe would instantly buy it if I did. I gazed at the delicate golden plate adorned with a rose and dark blue rhinestones.
"You like that one?" Rafe asked, reaching out to pick it up. "Well, I mean, yes, but-" I began, surprised that my mere glance had been enough for Rafe to notice. "That's all I need to know," Rafe interrupted, swiftly making his way to the cashier.
As we left the store, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of gratitude and awe towards Rafe. Despite his brash and arrogant demeanor, there was a part of him that was willing to go to great lengths to make me feel special. I cant explain why he made me feel that way but he did. It felt like i am protected from everything, his power did not intimidate me, it made me feel safe.
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Love is war - Rafe Cameron
Romansa"Rafe, I am scared of you" "But you love me!" "And that's why I am scared of me to" -- Love is war, especially when it is coming from someone who's already having a lot of battle scars. -- ⚠️ Warning: This story contains mature language, domestic vi...