Wicked Game - Rafe Cameron X OC

Chapter 3.

The drive back through the winding roads of the Outer Banks was filled with laughter and chatter inside the Twinkie. John B had the windows down, the warm summer breeze filtering through as the radio softly played a mix of classic rock. Katherine sat between Kiara and JJ, leaning her head back against the seat, enjoying the moment. It was times like these when she felt the closest to her chosen family—the Pogues. They were her rock, the people she could rely on, and tonight had been another reminder of that.

As they pulled up to John B's place, the twinkling lights of the stars and the faint hum of cicadas greeted them. Everyone piled out, stretching their legs after the ride. Katherine hesitated for a second, staring at the horizon where the beach disappeared into darkness. There was always a part of her that didn't want these days to end, no matter how tired she was.

JJ came up beside her, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "You good, Kat?"

She smiled at him. "Yeah. Just soaking it all in."

"Poguelife, baby," he grinned, and they shared a fist bump before heading up the rickety steps of the house.

Inside, John B tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter while Pope grabbed a couple of blankets from the couch. "Who's down for a movie?" Pope asked, already setting up the TV.

"I'm in," Kiara said, flopping onto the couch. "But no scary movies. I'm not in the mood for nightmares."

JJ smirked. "Oh, come on. You love the adrenaline rush."

Kiara shot him a look. "Nope. Not tonight."

John B laughed as he grabbed some snacks and threw a bag of popcorn into the microwave. "Alright, alright, something chill."

Katherine settled into the worn couch, her legs tucked under her, feeling a wave of contentment wash over her. They'd probably fall asleep halfway through the movie like they always did, but it didn't matter. Being together was what counted.

As the movie started playing, a sense of peace settled over the group. JJ threw a blanket over him and Katherine, their shoulders brushing as they shifted to get comfortable. Kiara sprawled out on the floor with a pillow under her head, while Pope and John B lounged on the other couch. The room was filled with the soft sounds of the movie and the occasional crunch of popcorn.

Katherine closed her eyes for a moment, just taking in the sounds around her. The flicker of the TV screen cast soft shadows across the room, blending with the moonlight that filtered through the windows. It felt like the world had slowed down, like they were in their own little bubble, away from the drama and tension of the Outer Banks.

Yet, as much as Katherine wanted to stay in this peaceful bubble, her thoughts kept drifting back to earlier that evening—back to the bonfire, back to Rafe. The way he had looked at her, like he was trying to figure her out, unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. It wasn't that she cared what Rafe Cameron thought of her, not in the slightest. But there was something in his gaze, something dark and unreadable, that made her feel... on edge.

She shifted slightly, pulling the blanket tighter around her. JJ, noticing the movement, glanced over at her. "You okay?" he whispered, his voice low enough that it wouldn't disturb the others.

Katherine nodded. "Yeah, just...thinking."

JJ raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous habit," he teased, but there was a softness in his voice. "You sure you're good?"

"Yeah," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."

But even as the words left her lips, she wasn't entirely sure she believed them. Something had shifted tonight, and it wasn't just the usual tension between the Pogues and the Kooks. It was deeper, more personal. And it had everything to do with the way Rafe had looked at her.