CARPE DIEM - rafe cameron

015.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑
[14]
Touch. | Cigarettes after Sex.

☼

𝓐rabella stood at the edge of the lavish party, her heart racing as she watched JJ being escorted away by a security guard. The laughter and chatter around her faded into the background as everyone focused on the chaos unfolding. JJ had just snatched a drink from a nearby guest, downing it with exaggerated flair, and then he had the nerve to mock Rose's carefully chosen outfit. Anger bubbled up inside her.

"Let him go! You can't just kick him out like that!" Kie's voice rang out, stepping in defense of JJ. The guard, looked taken aback. "Excuse me, ma'am?" He replies.

"I invited him here. I'm a member of this club," Kiara states, her voice strong and unyielding, ignoring the warning from her parents standing next to her. The blonde took advantage of the guard's distraction and pushed him away, "Sorry bout that." He laughs.

"Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon's, Kie. Pope you aswell, all right?— Rixon's Cove. Let's roll." He shouts, leaving the party after creating a mess.

Arabella watched as the group of teens dashed out, reveling in their freedom,— their laughter ringing hollow in her ears. She envied their carelessness, the thrill of adventure that seemed to guide them. But as she realized the chaos they had left behind— the spilled drinks, the uncomfortable glances from adults, Rose's embarrassment—her admiration faded into disillusionment.

Maybe Kooks and Pogues were meant to be at odds, she thought. Maybe she had been naïve to think she could bridge that divide. It was exhausting trying to defend their reckless antics in front of her friends, especially when their actions brought nothing but trouble and headache.

"Belly." A familiar voice calls, cutting through her thoughts. Rafe stepped forward, concern etched across his features. "I didn't mean—"

She cuts him off, her emotions spilling over. "I'm sorry, I ruined this beautiful dress, and—" Her voice cracks as some tears threatened to spill, fueled by a mix of embarrassment and the remnants of alcohol swirling in her system.

Without a word, Rafe stepped closer and wrapped her in his arms, the warmth of his embrace a stark contrast to the chill of the night. He stroked her hair softly, calming her in a moment that felt intimate. "Let's go," He whispers, his voice steady and calm as he held her tightly, ensuring no one else could witness her vulnerability.

Arabella leaned into him, feeling the weight of the evening's chaos begin to lift.

𖦹

Arabella followed Rafe out of the Club, the night air cool against her skin as they strolled along the beach. He was carrying her heels, her feet touching the sand, but she barely noticed; the warmth of Rafe's hand wrapped around hers was all that mattered.

As they walked, her phone buzzed incessantly with missed calls—twenty from her father and several from Sarah—but she brushed them aside. She wanted to enjoy every moment of what was left of the night with Rafe, no matter how chaotic the world felt.

The moonlight danced on the waves, casting a silver glow that made everything seem magical. Arabella's makeup had smudged, her dress clung to her from the water, and her hair tousled by the breeze, yet Rafe's gaze never wavered. To him, she was breathtaking.

They finally stopped,— sinking into the cool sand. Rafe turned to her, his expression earnest. "You didn't ruin the dress, you didn't do anything wrong," He says softly, answering to what she had said before. Arabella leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and warm.