Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 121

The boat hums quietly under our feet, slicing through the open water, and we're all lost in thought as we let the chaos settle. I glance over at JJ, catching his eye briefly before he looks away, still simmering from the confrontation on the beach.

Kiara finally breaks the silence, her tone laced with sarcasm. "So, what, we're just on our way to Africa now?" She shrugs. "Quick little weekend trip?"

Pope folds his arms, brow furrowed as he voices what we're all thinking. "What about Rafe? We all know what he did with the cross. And now we're going after the crown with him? That makes zero sense."

Cleo leans against the railing and mutters, "Doesn't take Pope to figure that one out."

I sigh, realizing we're going to have to deal with Rafe eventually. "Look, it seems like we're stuck on this boat with him, so someone has to talk to him."

JJ scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Talk to Rafe?"

I turn to him, holding back my frustration. "Well, you're definitely not talking to him."

JJ raises his hands in mock offense. "Okay, what did I do now?"

Kiara chimes in, trying to mediate. "Look, it just might be easier if we handle it, okay?" She casts a sidelong glance at JJ. "You might, uh, trigger him. And that's, like, the last thing we need."

JJ snorts, indignantly. "Trigger him? Yeah, I trigger him because I actually get things done!"

"Yeah, like felonies and forcing us out of the country for potentially the rest of our lives," John B snaps, his patience wearing thin. He steps in front of JJ, eyes narrowed. "So why don't you just park it and sit this one out?"

There's a tense silence as we head inside to face Rafe, but before I follow, I glance back to see JJ alone, brooding as he downs more vodka. I don't know whether to be more worried or angry, so I just turn away and walk into the cabin.

Inside, Rafe greets us, holding up a gun with an unnerving calmness. "See this?" he says, waving it lightly. "It's a peacemaker. You guys be cool, I'll be cool."

Pope's eyes flash with irritation. "So now you want peace?" he asks, his voice thick with sarcasm.

Rafe shrugs. "I just saved all your asses. How about a thank you?"

"Right," Pope scoffs, crossing his arms. "No good deed goes unpunished, huh?"

Rafe's face hardens. "I don't want any part of your little fairytale treasure hunt. I'm just looking for Groff. I get you to North Africa, you get me to Groff. That's the deal."

I step forward, trying to keep the peace. "We want the same thing, Rafe." But before Rafe can respond, JJ barrels in, eyes blazing, and punches Rafe hard across the face. Rafe stumbles, knocked out cold, and the shock on everyone's faces is immediate.

"Jesus, JJ!" John B yells, rushing forward.

JJ stands over Rafe, cracking his knuckles with a satisfied grin. "Oh, that felt good."

I shake my head, a mix of exasperation and relief surging through me as I let out a sigh. "I'm out," Sarah mutters, and I follow her out of the cabin, grateful for the fresh air.

Outside, I lean against the side of the boat, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath to steady myself. Kiara comes over and hands me a bottle of water, her gaze softening as she asks, "You okay?"

I nod, taking a sip. "Yeah... I'm actually fine. A lot better than I thought I'd be."

Kiara gives me a small, knowing smile. "Not feeling nauseous or anything?"