Multifandom X Reader Stories

Back Off (Rafe Cameron)

The party was in full swing, the heat of too many bodies and too much alcohol saturating the air. Music pulsed from every corner of the house, bass vibrating through the walls, and you could feel it deep in your chest. You had come with Sarah, but she was nowhere to be found now, lost somewhere in the sea of people, and you were left navigating the chaos on your own.

It wasn't the first time you'd been to one of these parties. They all felt the same after a while—same people, same scene. Normally, you could handle it. But tonight, something felt different. The attention you were getting was different.

You'd started noticing it about an hour ago—guys lingering too close, eyes raking over you a little too openly, hands brushing your arm or back as they passed. It made you feel uneasy, like the room had shrunk around you. You took a deep breath, trying to shake the feeling, but it only grew worse when one of them finally stepped into your space, too close for comfort.

"Hey, haven't seen you around here before," the guy slurred, his smile lopsided as he looked you up and down. His breath reeked of beer, and his hand reached out to touch your arm, fingers brushing your bare skin. You stepped back, trying to laugh it off.

"I've been here," you replied, voice firm. "I'm just with Sarah."

"Sarah Cameron, huh?" He grinned wider, eyes darkening as he leaned in closer. "You know, you should stay with me instead. I could show you a good time."

Your stomach turned, but before you could respond, another hand suddenly appeared on your shoulder. Strong. Firm. And cold in the way it brought everything around you to a halt.

"Back off."

You didn't need to turn around to know who it was. That low, dangerous voice belonged to Rafe Cameron.

The guy immediately tensed, his eyes flicking up from you to meet Rafe's. He swallowed hard, his drunken confidence faltering as he realized who was standing behind you. "Oh, uh, didn't know she was yours, man—"

Rafe didn't even let him finish. "She's not," he growled, stepping forward, positioning himself between you and the guy. "But that doesn't mean you get to touch her."

You could feel the tension radiating off Rafe, his entire body coiled, like he was ready to throw a punch if the guy said one more word. The shift in his demeanor was undeniable—he wasn't here to play around, and everyone in the room could see it.

"Hey, no problem," the guy stammered, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm outta here."

Rafe's eyes stayed locked on him until he disappeared into the crowd, and then, finally, he turned to you. His gaze softened, but his jaw was still clenched tight, like he was holding back something fierce.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost rough.

You nodded, but your heart was still racing. "Yeah. Thanks."

He studied you for a second, his blue eyes unreadable, before stepping back slightly, though he didn't move far. "You shouldn't be out here alone. Where's Sarah?"

"I don't know," you admitted, glancing around. "She disappeared somewhere, and I just..."

"You know how these parties get," he interrupted, his voice hard again. "Too many guys looking for trouble. You can't just wander off like that."

It wasn't an accusation, but it stung a little, like he was blaming you for being in that situation. You crossed your arms defensively. "I can handle myself, Rafe."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "Clearly."

You opened your mouth to argue, but something in the way he was looking at you stopped you short. His expression wasn't mocking or arrogant like it usually was. It was... worried. Protective, even.

"I'm serious," he said, his voice lowering again. "You need to be careful. Not everyone here knows when to stop."

You blinked at him, surprised by the concern in his tone. Rafe Cameron wasn't exactly known for being soft or caring. Especially not with someone like you—Sarah's friend, not his. But there was something in his eyes now, something you hadn't seen before.

"Why do you care?" you asked quietly, genuinely curious.

For a moment, he didn't answer, just stared at you like he wasn't sure if he should say what he was thinking. Then, finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just do, okay? I've known you long enough to not want to see you get hurt."

Your breath caught in your throat. It wasn't an admission of anything, not really, but it felt like more than just him looking out for Sarah's friend. It felt like something deeper, something neither of you had acknowledged before.

Before you could respond, Rafe glanced around, the tension still evident in his posture. "Come on," he said, his hand brushing against your arm again, this time gentler. "Let's get out of here. I'll take you home."

You hesitated for a second, but then nodded, grateful for the escape. As you walked out of the house, his hand lingered protectively at your lower back, guiding you through the crowd and into the cool night air.

You didn't know what this meant—why Rafe cared so much, why he always seemed to be there when things went wrong. But for now, it didn't matter. Because tonight, at least, you knew one thing for sure.

You were safe with him.