𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐆, outerbanks

chapter seven

SERIES ONE ━━ ˖°🌊𓇼⋆🦪₊
A POGUE SUMMER, CHAPTER SEVEN

      If anyone knew how to party, it was the youth of Figure Eight.

The Kooks were awarded with a small amount of leeway, their days occupied with upholding societal standards and their nights, well. There was no such things as a curfew, not when the teenagers were networking amongst themselves. How could their parents dismiss them? Each and every Kook parent wanted to climb the ranks, and their children were simply pawns in their game.

Kingsley never turned down a party━━ Even when Figure Eight elitists newest member Topper Thorton was hosting. Who was she kidding? She'd show up if Rafe was the one hosting.

The Pogues may have sourced the best alcohol, but there was nothing quite like a Kook party. Every hallway of the Thorton's estate was crowded with sweaty bodies, music echoed through every room. Kingsley entered with her fingers laced in Layla's, as they weaved through the crowds.

     "Drinks for the Princess." As usual, Kelce stood with his hand stretched toward Kingsley. A red solo cup in his grip, one in the other for Layla.

     Cheers, the three of them tapped the top of the others cup and chugged. The Kooks alcohol was far from Kingsley's preferred taste, it burned.

     Layla nudged her elbow into Kingsley's side, pointing behind her.

     "Toppers on the roof!"

     "Can you believe this girl? The coolest chick in the OBX! That's what I'm talking about!"

Kingsley was feeling the buzz, despite her constant alcohol intake, it didn't take much to take effect. And someone claiming Sarah Cameron was the coolest girl in the Outerbanks, it boiled her blood. Sure, Topper Thorton hadn't meant it in spite of Kingsley, why would he? If it had been anyone else, anyone's name in place of Sarah's, Kingsley would've turned a blind eye.

     With a quick kick, Kingsley fired a red solo cup past the couple's head. The smiles dropped and their faces paled upon seeing her. "There's a bathroom upstairs, go dry off."

     And, what added to her annoyance, Rafe Cameron. She ran her finger through her hair and adjusted her bra, walking over to meet his prying eyes.

     "Kings."

     "Rafe."

Kingsley and Rafe's relationship was complicated, both past and present. Since their breakup, Kingsley wanted nothing more to strangle him with her own bare hands whenever he opened his mouth. It was unfortunate, Kingsley had loved Rafe, but overtime he began to change. He was jealous, of her, of his sister.

Rafe Cameron reminded her of Kingston, and that was like living a nightmare. It no longer mattered how much she loved him, she had to get out.

     However, every addict relapses.

     Kingsley smirked and placed her hand in his, letting him lead her through the crowds. She stomped, unable to match his pace, as he led her to the basement. It was futile, trying to sway herself away from Rafe. Truthfully, he was the only person she'd ever dated. Sure, they'd been other men, but Rafe Cameron was the only person Kingsley Delaware had ever loved.

"Sit."

She rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside him on the leather couch. "Ask nicely next time."

In front of them was an all too familiar sight, some fancy coffee table covered in little white lines. His hand traced up her spine, guiding her forwards towards them. Kingsley wasn't an idiot, but she was far from healthy decisions. This was the truth, this was what united the youth of Kook society. Pogues might have sourced the best alcohol but it was nothing compared to the Kook's cocaine habit.

Can you blame her? She needed this.

And in that moment, she needed him.

His hand still rested on her skin as she shot her head back, leaning into the couch cushions. His body followed hers. "Where's Layla?"

"I lost her."

     Kingsley squinted, staring up into his eyes. It was like the world span around her, that would be the aftermath of the drugs. She wasn't in the right mind to consider that factor. Similar to with John B, she leant against her hand, her arm inches from his. His gaze burned into hers. Rafe reached over, his thumb stroked her cheek. Unable to resist, she melted into his touch.

      Two truths could exist at once━━ Kingsley Delaware despised Rafe Cameron but, deep down, she still cared for him. She always would.

     Sure, she could care for him without relapsing, without falling back into his arms━━ Where was the fun in that?

     Kingsley gulped and Rafe leaned in. His head dipped and his lips were on hers. His hand trailed her lower back, guiding her leg over him. It was muscle memory, kissing Rafe Cameron. The feeling wasnt overwhelming, there was no sparks━━ She felt nothing, neither did he. So why did they carry on? Kingsley questioned.

     How did she always end up back in his embrace?