Wicked Game - Rafe Cameron X OC

Chapter 7.

The Château was quiet as Katherine stumbled through the door, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. JJ was already collapsed on the couch, half-asleep, while Pope and John B headed to their shared room. Kiara gave Katherine a quick hug before retreating to her own space.

Katherine slipped into her room, her limbs heavy with fatigue. She peeled off her clothes, leaving them in a messy pile, and changed into a soft T-shirt and shorts. The moment her head hit the pillow, sleep claimed her. But as the night stretched on, her mind stirred, pulling her into a vivid dream.

In the dream, Katherine found herself back at the party, standing near the pool. Laughter and music filled the air, but she felt disconnected, watching from a distance as the night unfolded. And then she saw him. He was leaning against the wooden post, just as he had been before, but something was different. His gaze was locked on her, drawing her in without a word.

Katherine's pulse quickened as he moved toward her. This time, she didn't try to escape. She stood still, feeling the intensity of his approach. When he finally stopped in front of her, the heat of his presence washed over her. His hand brushed against her cheek, sending an electric shiver down her spine. She couldn't move, couldn't think—just embrace the moment.

Without a word, he leaned in, his lips hovering close. The kiss, when it came, was soft at first, but soon deepened, filled with urgency. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer, and Katherine's heart raced. It was a moment she couldn't deny, even if it was all wrong. The world blurred around them, but the kiss—heated and intense—consumed her.

But then, just as quickly as it began, it was over.

Katherine jolted awake, her heart pounding, her skin tingling. The vividness of the dream left her breathless. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to shake the memory of it. But it clung to her, refusing to fade, the heat of Rafe's touch still lingering on her skin.

Frustration bubbled up inside her. It was just a dream, nothing more, but why had it felt so real? She couldn't afford to let her thoughts of him linger—he wasn't someone she wanted to be tangled up with, dream or not.

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Katherine dragged herself out of bed, still groggy from the restless night. She quickly dressed, trying to push the remnants of the dream aside.

When she made her way into the living room, JJ was still snoring softly on the couch, while John B and Pope were already up, talking in low voices as they made coffee. Katherine poured herself a cup, hoping the caffeine would help clear her head.

"You good?" John B asked, sliding into the seat across from her. "You seem... off."

"Just tired," Katherine mumbled, taking a sip. "Rough night."

John B nodded, not pressing further. "We're heading out on the boat today. You in?"

The thought of the boat ride was tempting, but her body still felt worn down from the night before. "I think I'll pass this time," she said. "I'm too tired." She was lying. She just wanted a moment of peace to herself.

"Alright," John B replied. "Let us know if you change your mind."

Katherine watched them move about the kitchen, her thoughts still swirling. She needed to clear her head, and there was only one thing that always worked: surfing. She grabbed her board, slipping out the door quietly, and made her way down to the beach.

When she arrived there, she saw the beach was empty. Perfect. She ran down to the ocean, the cold water splashing on her. Once she got to a hip depth, she got on her board and paddled out. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the ocean, the light reflecting off the smooth surface like shards of glass. She moved farther from the shore, feeling the familiar pull of the water beneath her board.