Me and the Devil

16.

As we get back to the Chateau, where the glow of the light from within spills out of the windows, casting long shadows on the ground, Pope and Kiara go inside to assess Pope's injuries. The air is tense between me and JJ, as I turn towards him to help with his injuries as well.

"What the fuck happened back there?" JJ breaks the silence.

"I don't know. It was crazy. I'm just glad we all got out of there alive." I say trying to avoid the implication of JJ's question. I reach up and brush a thumb over the cut on JJ's lip.

JJ takes a step back from my touch, "y/n, you stopped Rafe. Why the fuck would you have any impact on Rafe Cameron's actions?"

His words hit harder than expected, slicing through the thin wall I'd built around my secret. I swallow, my chest tightening. Of course, JJ noticed. He always notices.

"Tensions were high, JJ. I just did what I thought was best to keep Rafe from, I don't know, killing you." Even I can hear the weakness in my excuse.

JJ stares at me, as I see his frustration bubbling up inside of him. "You're not telling me something."

I take a deep breath, my mind racing for an excuse. How can I justify the fact that I was able to stop Rafe? That I was able to break through Rafe's harsh exterior and play into his emotions? How can I explain to JJ that while I should've been terrified of Rafe, his dangerous energy seemed to pull me in?

I move closer to JJ again and place my hand on his arm forcing a smile.

"JJ, come on. You're overthinking this."

But for once in our entire friendship, he doesn't soften at my touch. I can see the hurt in his eyes. He steps back, pulling away from my touch, his eyes narrowing.

"You've been weird. Ever since we kissed. One minute we're good, and the next, it's like you're a million miles away." He pauses, running a hand over his face, frustration lining every word. "Is this because I said I didn't want anything serious? Because we can talk about it. But, god, at least give me something to go on."

I bite my lip, feeling the pressure building in my chest. I'm not ready to have this conversation yet. I still don't know what's going on myself.

"JJ, nothing's going on," I try to explain. "I don't know. A lot's been happening. But if there is one thing to trust me on, it's that it's not about you. I promise."

JJ's face hardens. He's quiet for a moment then shakes his head, stepping towards the door. "Let me know when you actually want to talk."

"I'm sorry, okay." I say, stepping forward. "I just.. I don't want thins to be weird between us."

He stops, but doesn't turn around. For a moment, I think he may come back to me. But then he speaks, voice low and resigned.

"Things are already weird."

The door clicks shut behind him, leaving me alone with the silence, chest heavy with guilt. I stare at the spot where JJ had stood, heart pounding. I know he's right. Things are weird. They've been weird ever since Rafe came into this picture. And no matter how much I try to ignore it, I can't escape the pull I feel toward Rafe Cameron.

As I walk home, my feet feel heavy. It's a long walk across the Cut back to Figure Eight, but the wind of the ocean dries the tears on my cheeks as my mind races from the fight at the park, to JJ and Pope's bruised faces, the way Rafe had looked at me with that unsettling mix of fury and frustration. I tried to shake off the tension with JJ, but his words lingered, accusing me of something I couldn't fully deny. Rafe's darkness scares me, but it draws me in even more.

When I finally open the front door to my house, the quiet inside feels thick. I kick off my shoes and toss my bag onto the table in the hallway.

"Is that you honey?" my mom calls from the living room.

I run my hand through my hair, hoping to avoid any more confrontations tonight, but my mom appears in the doorway, leaning against the door frame holding a glass of wine. "How was the movie?" she asks, her tone casual but her eyes sharp

"It was fine" I say shrugging, avoiding my mom's gaze.

Her lips curl into a smile, and she takes a sip before saying, "I've got some news for you, actually." She pauses, waiting for me to look at her, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "I ran into Ward Cameron at the club today. He said that you're helping him out for the summer at Cameron Development."

I nod, keeping my expression neutral.

"Well, we got to talking about the Midsummer's party coming up, and we arranged for you to go with Rafe Cameron!" her smile widens, clearly pleased with herself.

I finally look up to meet my mom's eyes, as the world seems to tilt for a moment. Rafe. Of all people it had to be Rafe. The guy I can't stop thinking about, the guy whose dark, dangerous side both terrifies and thrills me. And now, I'm going to be on a date with him at the biggest event of the summer?

I keep my voice steady "I.. I don't know if that's a good idea."

'Don't be silly! It's just one night, and it'll be good for you to get out, mingle with people outside of that little group of yours." My mom waves her hand dismissing all your concerns.

If only she knew I'd already been "mingling " with Rafe Cameron. But maybe this is my perfect out. An excuse to spend more time with him and a way to smooth things over with JJ. If he thinks this date is all because of my mom, it might expalin everything away. I could give in just a little more, without tipping off the Pogues or even myself.

"Yeah..okay, I guess." I say, forcing a nod.

My mom claps her hands together, satisfied with her success. "Perfect! Ward will be thrilled and you and Rafe? You'll look absolutely stunning together." Her voice drips with excitement. "I left some dresses out on your bed."

As she turns back to the living room, I head up the stairs, my heart racing. I look at the dresses on my bed, their delicate fabrics draped across the covers.

Rafe Cameron. Of all people, I'm going to Midsummer's with him. And as much as I tell myself I'm just going along with my mom's plan, I know deep down that this isn't just another party. It's a step further down the path I know I shouldn't take.