Bound By Lies - Rafe Cameron

Chapter 30

The night air is crisp and cool as I step outside onto the porch, the soft breeze brushing against my skin. Rafe's still inside, probably pacing around the living room like he does when he's lost in his own thoughts. I glance back through the window, seeing his silhouette pass by as he moves restlessly from one corner of the room to another.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, needing a moment of distraction. The screen lights up, and I'm greeted by an unread text from Pope.

Pope:
Hey, Teresa. It's my birthday tomorrow. Kiara, JJ, and I are going to a bar to celebrate tonight. Maybe it'll be your chance to break the ice, especially with alcohol around.

My heart skips a beat as I read the message, the words stirring up a mix of emotions inside me. It's been so long since I've hung out with them, since I've felt like a part of that group—the group that used to be like a second family. A time when things were simple. When I wasn't constantly torn between loyalty and love.

I hesitate, glancing back at the house. If Rafe knew... No, I can't think about that right now. He's been on edge all day, the tension between us still simmering just beneath the surface. I don't want to make things worse.

But maybe, I think to myself, maybe a night out is exactly what I need. Some time to clear my head, to reconnect with old friends. To remember what it feels like to just be me, without all the complications and lies.

I look at Pope's message again, reading it over and over as if the words will somehow tell me what to do. A small smile tugs at my lips as I picture the three of them at the bar, JJ probably goofing off, Kiara rolling her eyes in that way she does when she's pretending not to find him amusing. Pope, always the level-headed one, quietly celebrating his birthday in his own understated way.

The thought of seeing them, of maybe bridging the gap that's grown between us, sends a tiny thrill through me. I can almost taste the laughter, the sense of belonging I've missed so much. But then there's Rafe. And I know he wouldn't understand.

Slowly, I type out a response, my fingers trembling slightly as I hit 'send.'

Teresa:
Hey, Pope. I'd love to. I think it's time we talked. See you tomorrow.

I let out a shaky breath, staring at the message as if it's a ticking time bomb. I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't be hiding things from Rafe, especially after everything we talked about earlier. But I also know that telling him would just spark another argument, another storm that I'm too tired to weather right now.

So I slide my phone back into my pocket, the weight of it suddenly feeling like a leaden reminder of my own deception. I step back inside, forcing a smile as Rafe looks up at me, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Everything okay?" he asks, his voice tinged with concern.

I nod, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just checking some messages."

He watches me for a moment longer, his eyes searching mine as if he can sense the lie lurking beneath the surface. But then he nods, his shoulders relaxing a fraction as he reaches out to pull me closer.

"Come here," he murmurs, his arms wrapping around me. "Let's just... forget about everything else tonight, okay? Just you and me."

My heart twists at the softness in his voice, at the way he's trying so hard to keep us together despite all the cracks in our relationship. I hug him back, resting my head against his chest, closing my eyes as I try to push away the guilt gnawing at me.

"I'd like that," I whisper, letting myself sink into his warmth, into the safety of his embrace.

But as we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, a tiny part of me is already planning for tomorrow night. Already anticipating the feel of a cold drink in my hand, the sound of JJ's laughter, the comfort of being with people who know me—who really know me.