𝔅𝔬𝔯𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔦𝔢 - Rafe Cameron

②⓪

...

Rafe stepped into Jazmine's room just as she was tying up her hair, getting ready to leave.

He watched her, his voice soft but questioning. "Everything okay?"

She turned slightly, her tone calm. "More than okay." She glanced at her bag. "Don't worry, I won't be here long. I'll be out soon."

With a hint of sarcasm, she added, "Oh, and let me know if Sofia's staying the night so I can cover my ears."

Rafe raised an eyebrow, amused. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."

Jazmine gave him an exasperated look. "Jealousy? Please."

He smirked, leaning back a little. "Oh, so you're not jealous at all?"

"No, you're free to do what you want. Just like me."

"What do you mean, 'just like you'?"

She shrugged, her tone sharpening. "Remind me why Eden wasn't invited."

He shot back, "Because I don't know him."

Jazmine crossed her arms, her gaze challenging. "And I don't know 98% of the people here tonight."

Rafe sighed, trying to keep his patience. "It's a party to celebrate our business. Eden doesn't belong here."

She raised an eyebrow, sarcasm in her voice. "But Sofia does?"

He shook his head, clearly irritated. "I knew you had a problem with her."

Jazmine's gaze intensified. "The problem is you. You're so hypocritical."

Rafe laughed, almost in disbelief. "Me? Hypocritical?"

Jazmine headed toward the door, her steps firm and unyielding. She held Rafe's gaze, her voice steady and determined. "If Eden's not welcome here, then I'll go see him somewhere else."

Without thinking, Rafe reached out, grabbing her arm. "No, no, no. You're staying here."

She looked down at his hand until he released her, then back up at him, her voice steady. "You want to bring your girlfriend? Fine. I'll bring Eden."

Rafe's eyes narrowed, irritation flashing across his face. "For the hundredth time, Sofia's not my girlfriend. And Eden's definitely not your boyfriend."

Jazmine gave him a sly smile. "How would you know?"

He replied confidently, "Because he's not your type."

She raised an eyebrow, amused. "And since when do you know my type?"

Rafe chuckled, relaxing a bit. "Come on, anyone can tell that guy bores you to death."

Her smile grew, teasing him. "Not at all."

Rafe's voice turned a bit sharper, trying to get a reaction. "Yes, he does. Those endless calls, the long texts—you hate that."

She looked up at him, feigning innocence. "I like it, when it's from him."

Rafe rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "You're being so stubborn."

She sighed, glancing toward the door. "Your guests are waiting for you, Rafe. Go entertain them."

"I'd rather be here with you."

Her expression softened, something new and unspoken in her eyes. "I wanted that too. To spend the day with you, celebrating our latest deal. But now, with everyone in the house... it's a shame."