Bound By Lies - Rafe Cameron

Chapter 3

Rafe's Pov

Teresa stormed off, her head held high despite the tension that still crackled in the air. I watched her go, that tight feeling in my chest loosening into something like satisfaction. The girl had fire, I'd give her that. But it wasn't just the attitude that caught my attention.

It was who she was.

Sheriff Peterkin's niece.

The realization hit me like a punch the moment she'd snapped at me with those defiant green eyes, but I'd kept my cool. Teresa Peterkin. What were the odds that she'd show up here, of all places? I couldn't afford to let her dig around. The last thing I needed was another Peterkin sniffing around my business, trying to piece together what really happened to Susan.

No, I needed to play this smart. Keep her close, make sure she didn't start asking the wrong questions.

She might not have been involved in her aunt's business before, but that didn't mean she'd stay out of it. And if she started digging too deep... well, I'd have to deal with it. One way or another.

For now, though, it was better to keep things calm. Keep her comfortable. Make sure she didn't suspect a damn thing.

A slow smile spread across my face as I walked away. Teresa Peterkin didn't know what she'd gotten herself into. And if I played this right, she'd never see it coming.

Because if there's one thing I'm good at, it's making sure people stay exactly where I want them.

---

The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the club grounds as I made my way to the parking lot. The adrenaline from earlier still buzzed under my skin, but it wasn't enough. Not anymore. I needed something stronger. Something that could drown out the chaos in my head.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found the one I was looking for. Barry. The guy had always been reliable when it came to the good stuff.

"Hey, man," I muttered when he finally picked up. "You got anything?"

There was a pause, then a low chuckle. "Depends on what you're looking for, Cameron. You need the usual?"

"Yeah," I said tightly, running a hand through my hair. "And make it quick. I'm on my way."

Barry's place was a rundown shack on the edge of the marsh, tucked away from prying eyes. As I pulled up, I could see the flicker of a cigarette through the open doorway. Barry stepped out, his lean frame silhouetted against the glow of the setting sun.

"Rafe," he greeted, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Been a while."

"Cut the small talk, Barry," I snapped, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Just give me what I need."

Barry's grin widened, and he reached into his jacket, pulling out a small bag filled with white powder. "You seem tense, man. Rough day?"

I clenched my jaw, my fingers twitching with the urge to grab the bag and get this over with. "Something like that. How much?"

He raised an eyebrow, glancing me up and down. "Since it's you, I'll make it a hundred even."

"Fine." I shoved the bills into his hand, snatching the bag out of his grip. The sight of the powder sent a rush of anticipation through me, the promise of temporary relief just a few snorts away.

"You know, you should try to relax more, Rafe," Barry said casually, pocketing the cash. "All that anger isn't good for your health."

I ignored him, turning away and heading back to my car. His laugh followed me, but I blocked it out, focusing on the burning need building inside me.