Summary: after he was begging you for months to hit it raw you finally let him. But he gets too excited to last long
Warnings:( Smut (MDNI), Unprotected sex, Praise & degradation, Rafe being obsessed with you, Slight power struggle, Bitchy attitude (from you), Begging (from him), Possessiveness, Probably some light choking/gripping, A lot of dirty talk
----
"Come on, baby. Just once. Just let me feel you."
It had been Rafe's favorite thing to beg for since the start of your relationship. His obsession. His mission.
Every time he had you underneath him, his body pressing yours into the mattress, his hands gripping at your waist or your wrists or your throat—he'd ask. He'd plead. He'd run his lips over your ear, whispering filthy promises about how good it would feel, how much better it would be, how you’d never want to go back.
And every time, you told him no.
You liked making him work for it. You liked the way his jaw clenched, the way his grip got tighter, the way his frustration seeped into every rough thrust. Because Rafe Cameron didn’t lose, and telling him no? That made him desperate to win.
But tonight?
Tonight, you felt mean.
Maybe it was the way he’d been looking at you all night, the way his hands had barely left your body, like he was starving. Maybe it was the way he pulled you onto his lap the second you got to his house, hands palming your ass, lips dragging along your jaw. Maybe it was the way you wanted to ruin him.
So, when he kissed you breathless and muttered against your lips, "Please, baby, just once," you smirked.
"Fine."
Rafe froze. His pupils dilated so fast you thought he might pass out. His lips parted, brows pulling together like he was trying to process what he just heard.
You leaned in, lips brushing his ear. "You heard me."
And then?
He lost his fucking mind.
The second his cock pressed inside, with nothing in between, he let out a sound you’d never heard before. Like an actual, feral groan, deep in his chest, his body shuddering against yours as he bottomed out.
"Fuck," he gasped, dropping his head to your shoulder. His hands gripped your thighs like he wanted to bruise them, like he needed to ground himself. "Fuck. You feel—Jesus."
His breath was hot against your neck, his whole body shaking with restraint. Like he wanted to ruin you, but he was trying—failing—to keep himself together.
"You good?" you teased, a smirk playing on your lips.
Rafe let out a low, humorless laugh before he pulled back to look at you. His blue eyes were dark, wild, possessive.
"Oh, baby," he rasped, voice dripping with something dangerous. His hand slid up your body, fingers wrapping around your throat, tilting your chin up. "You just fucked up."
Rafe didn’t move for a second. He just stayed there, buried inside you to the hilt, like he was trying to memorize the way you felt around him. Like he was already dreading the moment he had to pull out.
“Holy shit,” he rasped, voice all shaky and breathless.
You smirked, just a little, running your hands up his arms. “What? You’re not gonna punk out on me, are you?”
That snapped something in him.
Rafe let out a choked laugh, but there was nothing funny about the way he gripped your waist. “You think I’m gonna tap out? Oh, baby.” His fingers dug into your skin, holding you down. “I’m just trying not to bust the second I move.”
You laughed, but the sound cut off when he rolled his hips—just once, slow, deep.
His whole body shuddered. His head dropped forward, forehead pressing into yours, his jaw clenching like he was physically fighting his own body.
“Oh, fuck,” he groaned, voice wrecked. His breath came out in short, sharp bursts, and his grip on you only got tighter. “Oh my God, this is—this is so much better—”
You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, dragging your nails up his back. “C’mon, baby,” you whispered, lips brushing his. “I thought you were dying for this. Don’t tell me you can’t handle it.”
That did it.
Rafe’s hands jerked your hips up, making you gasp, making you feel just how hard he was struggling to keep it together.
“You love running that mouth, don’t you?” he gritted out, glaring down at you. “Think you’re so fucking funny.”
You smirked up at him, dragging your fingers through his hair. “You begged for this, Cameron. If you can’t handle it, just say so.”
That was the final straw.
Rafe let out a sharp breath, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe you were still talking, still teasing him when he was this close to fucking losing it.
“Okay,” he muttered, half to himself, like he was officially done playing nice. His hand wrapped around your throat, pressing you into the mattress, tilting your chin up so he could look you in the eyes when he said—
“Don’t fucking move.”
Then, he pulled out—all the way—before slamming back in, forcing a gasp from your lips as he stretched you again.
Rafe let out a broken groan, his body shuddering as he tried—tried—not to let it get the best of him. But you were so tight, so fucking warm, and there was nothing, nothing, in between.
“Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck,” he gasped, his forehead dropping to your shoulder. “Baby, I swear to God, I can’t—”
You laughed, breathless. “Already?”
His grip tightened around your throat in warning. “Shut up,” he muttered, voice shaking.
You did, but only because you were too distracted by the way he was trembling above you, holding himself back, gritting his teeth so hard his jaw popped.
You could feel how desperate he was. You could see the way his abs tensed, his muscles flexing as he fought for every ounce of self-control he had.
He wanted to ruin you. He needed to.
But he was so close, and it was killing him.
Rafe let out a shaky breath, glaring down at you. “I hate you,” he muttered, his voice all breathless and wrecked.
You smirked. “No, you don’t.”
And then, you moved. Just a little. Just enough to make him jerk inside you, to make his whole body seize up.
“Oh, you bitch,” he groaned, his grip tightening as he thrust forward, his restraint finally snapping.
– bluecollar!rafe who… is always up at 4 a.m. sharp, even on weekends. you drag yourself out of bed just to see him off, make sure he has everything he needs. your hair messy and eyes half-shut, and he groans every time. “baby, go back to bed,” he mumbles, pulling a hoodie over his head, “lookin’ too damn pretty to be up this early,” giving you a small kiss on your forehead.
– blue collar!rafe who… is always using your nail glue to seal up the bad cuts he gets at work. won’t go to urgent care, won’t let it “air out,” just grabs the pink bottle that he keeps in his truck. you surprise him one day—show up with his lunch, catch him mid-squeeze, glue sealing a split across his palm. he barely looks up, flexes his bleeding hand, and says, “ain’t that what it’s for?”
– bluecollar!rafe who… has hands that are always rough, calloused, and covered in fresh cuts—dirt under his nails, knuckles scabbed from who knows what. you wince every time you take them in, but he just shrugs, flexing his fingers like it’s no big deal. “just means i’m gettin’ work done,” he always tells you.
– bluecollar!rafe who… is quietly saving cash in the safe to buy land and build your dream home.
– bluecollar!rafe who… constantly brags about his “old lady” even though you are much younger than him and it makes you frown. “don't matter,” he says, mouth full of your homemade dinner. “you keep the house runnin’. I ain't got shit without you.”
– bluecollar!rafe who… never lets you take your car to the shop. check engine light? car making funny noises? he pulls codes with a handheld scanner he swears paid for itself. oil change? brake pads squealing? he’s already outside in the garage, sleeves rolled up, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, “why the hell would you pay some guy when you've got me, huh?” slamming the hood shut like it's personal.
– bluecollar!rafe who… always leaves nails, screws, folded receipts, and random bills in every pocket. when you fish out a crumpled $50, it goes straight into your pocket.
– bluecollar!rafe who… keeps a jar in the laundry room labeled “Rafe’s Hardware Fund”. and one day you're just so overstimulated you throw it out. he doesn’t say anything at first, just walks in, opens the empty shelf, and stares at it. “you seen my jar?” you don’t respond. his argument? “those were perfectly good roofing nails in there. You tryna sabotage me, sweetheart?”
– bluecollar!rafe who… doesn't give a damn about OSHA’s safety guidelines. you’ve given up lecturing him about safety gear—he just smirks, “baby, I’ve been doin’ this shit forever. OSHA ain’t gonna tell me how to work.”
thank you to @cherrywriterrr and @moondustbaby who inspired me to obsess over bluecollar!rafe. and thank you to the blue-collar loser i was engaged to for 2 years for inspiring most of these (i hope you have the day you deserve. which hopefully is terrible!)
You weren’t expecting to fall in love with a toddler that quickly.
But Rafe’s niece, Mila, was adorable—two years old, pigtails tied with pink ribbons, and full of energy that left you breathless in the best way. She clung to your legs with sticky hands, asked you to read the same story five times, and giggled when you let her put bows in your hair.
Rafe had to run errands with his sister and left you with Mila for the afternoon. When he returned, he stood in the doorway silently for a full minute, arms crossed, watching you on the living room floor with a dollhouse between you and Mila in your lap.
You were wearing leggings and a soft hoodie, your hair pulled into a high clip, no makeup—but he swore you were the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
“You’re messing me up right now,” he said low under his breath, eyes soft.
You looked up and smiled. “What?”
“Nothing,” he muttered. “Keep playing.”
That night, after Mila had gone home and the apartment was quiet again, you were curled up with Rafe on the couch. You smelled like baby lotion and fruit snacks. He couldn’t stop touching you—one arm around your waist, the other trailing over your leg like he couldn’t settle down.
You sipped your tea and smiled sleepily. “That wore me out. I don’t know how her mom does it every day.”
He looked at you, quiet.
“What?” you asked.
Rafe tilted his head slightly. “You looked so good with her.”
You blushed. “She’s easy to love.”
He leaned in closer. “You were so gentle. Patient. She wouldn’t even let go of you when I got back.”
You laughed. “Okay, I did bribe her with M&M’s.”
Rafe didn’t laugh. He just kept staring.
“What?” you whispered again, softer this time.
His fingers brushed your cheek. “I want that.”
You blinked. “You want what?”
“I want that with you,” he said. “The toys all over the floor. The bows in your hair. A baby asleep on your chest. Our baby.”
You stared at him, stunned; but your heart was already pounding.
“I know we’re young,” he added quickly. “I know we’ve got time. But tonight? Watching you with her? Baby, it hit me. I want a family with you. I want a tiny version of you waddling around in socks, calling me Daddy.”
Your breath hitched.
Rafe leaned down, pressing his forehead to yours. “Say the word, and I’ll give you the world. Starting with that.”
You smiled, biting your lip. “Can I start with a puppy?”
He chuckled, pulling you into his lap. “Puppy first. Baby soon.”
“Soon?” you teased.
“Soonish,” he smirked, kissing your neck. “Gotta practice first.”
steam filled the bathroom, fogging up the mirror as you stood under the warm spray of the shower. you felt rafe’s arms snake around your waist from behind, pulling you close against his chest. his lips found the curve of your shoulder, pressing gentle kisses along your skin as you shivered under the warmth of his touch.
“i thought you said you wouldn’t take forever in here,” he teased, his voice a playful murmur against your neck.
“could say the same about you,” you shot back, smiling as his arms tightened, pulling you impossibly closer.
he chuckled, reaching for the body wash and squeezing some into his hands, lathering it between his fingers before smoothing it over your shoulders and collarbone. his hands moved slowly, almost teasingly, as he worked the soap into your skin, the bubbles foaming under his touch. you leaned into him, eyes closing as he drifted lower, his hand moving over the curve of your chest.
his touch lingered, and a smile tugged at his lips as he let his fingers brush gently over your nipple, his thumb circling with a playful, gentle pressure. your breath hitched, and he tilted his head to press a soft kiss to your shoulder, whispering, “just making sure you’re really clean.”
you bit your lip, feeling warmth bloom across your skin, but couldn’t help the smile spreading across your face. rafe’s hands continued their careful path, sliding the soapy lather over your skin, each movement deliberate yet affectionate.
“you don’t have to spoil me, you know,” you murmured, voice barely a whisper.
“i like taking care of you,” he whispered back, his voice soft but intense. he turned you to face him, hands resting on your shoulders as he rinsed the soap away, water spilling down your back. his eyes met yours, a mixture of playful and adoring, his hands lingering as he tilted your face up.
you reached for the body wash, feeling a little mischievous as you lathered your hands and pressed your palms to his chest, spreading the soap over his skin with a light, teasing touch. his breath hitched, his hands finding your waist again, grounding you as you trailed your fingers over his skin, tracing the lines of his muscles.
“are you trying to distract me?” he smirked, catching your hands and pulling you against him, water cascading down around you both as you met his gaze.
“maybe,” you admitted, grinning as he leaned in, brushing his nose against yours. his lips found yours, soft and warm, moving slowly and gently at first, savoring the moment before deepening the kiss.
one of his hands slid up to cup your face, the other wrapping around your waist, holding you steady as the world seemed to dissolve into just the two of you. your fingers threaded through his damp hair, tugging him closer, and he responded with a low hum, kissing you like he had all the time in the world.
you pulled back, breathless, leaning your forehead against his, both of you smiling, caught up in the quiet, intimate moment. he brushed a thumb over your cheek, looking at you with a soft expression you rarely got to see, and it made your heart skip.
“guess this wasn’t such a bad idea,” he murmured, chuckling as you playfully splashed him.
“yeah,” you whispered, resting your head on his chest, “not a bad idea at all.”
brothers best friend! Rafe who stroked his cock to the thought of the way you looked in your little bikini when he was at your house for your brother, spurting heavy ropes of cum when he remembered the way your boobs almost kept slipping out of your flimsy top, and the blush that coated your cheeks when you adjusted it—wondering if anyone saw, but of course, rafe did.
brothers best friend! Rafe who was supposed to be staying the night for your older brother, but somehow ended up finding himself in front of your cracked door, watching the way you rode your stuffed animal. He couldn’t seem to control himself as his hand slid into his boxers, whining, wishing it was him. His hand was pressed to his mouth as you played with your sensitive buds, afraid he’d moan too at the sight in front of him.
brothers best friend! Rafe who made sure to sit next to you at the dinner table. Laughing at your brothers sports jokes as he trailed a hand up your thigh. Your breath hitched as you felt him rub you through your panties, and suddenly you were happy you wore a skirt. Rafes cock was unbelievably hard, and he wanted nothing more than to fuck you silly as he watched you lick some sauce off that had accidentally gotten on your finger.
brothers best friend! Rafe who tightly held his hand over your mouth after you’d gotten a little too loud from the way he pounded into your pussy mercilessly. His cock stretched you open, and the sound of skin slapping against skin echoed throughout your girly room. Tears brimmed your eyes, but all you could do was clutch the sheets beneath you as his tip hit your cervix repeatedly.
brothers best friend! Rafe who had made you cum at least 3 times on his cock, the wetness on your bedsheets below you proof of his work. You were so fucked out, unable to form a coherent sentence—only able to moan Rafes name repeatedly. “Good girl, princess. Know it’s a lot, but you can give me another one, yeah?” He whispered softly in your ear as he lazily fucked into you still. Your pussy was beyond sensitive, and your nearly screamed as his hand came down to play with your clit—but you didn’t want to disappoint him. “Y-Yes, oh my god, Rafe!” You whimpered out. Rafe hummed in approval as your legs shook from overstimulation, but he didn’t let up. “Fuckin’ perfect.” He muttered.
One Big Misunderstanding || Rafe Cameron x fem!reader
Summary: Tensions rise when an innocent comment about a missing bracelet sows doubt between you and Rafe, sparking suspicions of infidelity.
Warnings: ANGST GALORE
Word count: 2,711
A/n: inspired by the perfect couple on Netflix 😛
MASTERLIST (forced marriage au masterlist)
The sunlight streamed through the grand floor-to-ceiling windows of the drawing room, casting a warm glow on the pristine marble floors. You sat perched on one of the luxurious cream sofas, a curated array of diamond necklaces sprawled elegantly across the glass coffee table before you.
Across from you, Eloise, your private jewellery consultant, adjusted her notepad, a professional yet friendly smile playing on her lips. “Madeline, sweetie, no touching, please,” you gently reminded, catching your daughter’s small hands as they reached out eagerly for the sparkling treasures.
Her curious blue eyes, so much like Rafe’s, widened in innocent protest before she giggled, retreating to your lap with a playful pout. Eloise chuckled softly, waving at Madeline. “Someone has quite the eye for jewels already,” she teased, her gaze fond as Madeline shyly buried her face into the folds of your dress.
You let out a soft laugh, brushing Madeline’s hair back as your fingers glided over the dazzling collection. “I don’t think it’ll be too long before she’ll be in my position,” You softly say. The newest designs shimmered under the light, each more stunning than the last. “They’re all exquisite,” you sighed, lifting a delicate piece encrusted with diamonds.
“But I think I’ll take this one, and…” Your eyes roamed over the display again, settling on another necklace with an intricate design. “This.” “Excellent choices, Mrs. Cameron,” Eloise praised, jotting down notes in her leather-bound book. Her tone brimmed with approval, and her smile didn’t waver as she looked up.
Madeline squirmed in your lap, reaching up to tug at the simple necklace you were already wearing. You adjusted her gently, holding her small hands to keep them still. Eloise glanced up from her notes. “Did you like the bracelet Mr. Cameron gave you?” Her tone was casual, but her words made you pause. “Bracelet?” you echoed, your brow furrowing.
Your voice held a slight edge of confusion as you looked at her. “The gold bangle with the pavé diamonds,” she elaborated, glancing up with a look of delight. “Rafe spent so much time picking it out for you.” Her enthusiasm was almost contagious as she beamed. Your lips parted slightly in surprise, your mind racing.
You had no idea what she was talking about. A heavy silence lingered for a moment, and you felt the weight of Eloise’s expectant gaze. “Oh! The bracelet!” you quickly feigned recognition, a forced smile stretching across your face. “Yes, of course. It’s lovely—he knows me so well.” Your voice sounded light, but your heart sank as the lie left your lips.
Eloise didn’t seem to notice. She rose gracefully, tucking her notebook under her arm. “Well, I’ll be on my way. I’ll see you next month, Mrs. Cameron,” she said cheerfully, giving you a polite nod before heading toward the door. You stayed seated, your posture still and tense as Madeline babbled happily on your lap.
The silence of the room closed in around you once Eloise left, leaving you to wrestle with your thoughts. Rafe had bought you a bracelet? Why hadn’t he given it to you himself? Had he left it somewhere, expecting you to find it? Or had it been an afterthought, something he had no time—or desire—to present personally?
The questions swirled in your mind as you absentmindedly stroked Madeline’s hair, your gaze fixed on the glittering necklaces on the table. As much as you tried to push it aside, the confusion, and a small pang of hurt, lingered.
~
Later that night, you sat before your vanity, the familiar routine of your skincare ritual grounding you in a semblance of normalcy. The soft hum of the bathroom light and the gentle swish of creams and serums felt like a small act of defiance against the questions that kept circling in your mind. The bracelet. Rafe’s strange omission of it.
The way Eloise had mentioned it so casually, as though it was something you should’ve known. You brushed the thoughts aside, telling yourself you were overreacting, but they lingered, gnawing at the edges of your thoughts. The bedroom door creaked open behind you, and without turning, you saw Rafe in the reflection of your mirror.
Still in his suit, looking as polished and untouchable as ever. You didn’t acknowledge him, continuing with your skincare, your movements slow and deliberate. “Busy day?” you asked, your voice flat, more out of routine than affection. His response was distant, lost on you as you remained absorbed in your own thoughts, the quiet hum of your routine enveloping you.
The bracelet. “How was the jewelry showing?” he asked, his voice still detached, but something in his tone caught your attention. You glanced up at him briefly through the mirror. His eyes were on you, studying you with a faint trace of curiosity. “It was good,” you mumbled, your focus wavering again.
Rafe’s brow furrowed as he watched you, sensing the lack of the usual excitement you carried after these showings. His fingers paused at the buttons of his shirt as he tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. “Did you… pick anything you liked?” he asked, his tone slower now, as if he was gauging your mood, sensing something was off.
“Yeah, I did,” you replied, your voice empty, devoid of any real emotion. Before he could continue, you stood up abruptly, tightening the robe around your body more than necessary. The familiar movement felt like a barrier, an armour you could slip into. “I’ll just make myself some tea,” you said, the words sounding rehearsed, like you were already running from the questions.
You didn’t spare him another glance as you walked past him, leaving the room without another word. You descended the stairs mechanically, but instead of following the usual route to the kitchen, your feet took you in the opposite direction, towards Rafe’s office. Your heart pounded as you approached the oak door, glancing over your shoulder to ensure no one was watching.
Slowly, you pushed the door open, the room still and quiet in its untouched state. The room was a sharp contrast to the chaos in your mind. Your eyes darted to his desk, and instinctively, you moved toward it. You knew Rafe kept everything meticulously in order, and his drawers were always locked. But tonight, your curiosity outweighed your caution.
You pulled open the first drawer, then the second. It was the third one that caught your attention. As your fingers sifted through papers, your eyes landed on a familiar logo—the jewelry shop. Your pulse quickened as you pulled it free, finding a receipt tucked between papers. The words on the page seemed to mock you as you read, Rafe Cameron, the date, and the item listed: Nature Bangle, Pavé, priced at $18,000.
A photo of the bracelet accompanied the receipt. The image burned itself into your mind—elegant, delicate, and undeniably expensive. Your breath caught in your throat, and your mind spun. You quickly shoved the receipt back into the drawer, snapping it closed. The weight of what you’d seen was suffocating, the overwhelming question taking shape in your mind.
Was Rafe cheating on you? The thought gnawed at you, its edge cutting deep. You had been with him long enough to believe that something like this wouldn’t happen. But the pieces didn’t fit. Rafe had always been… Rafe. He wasn’t the type to hide things, or at least, you never thought he was.
The doubts began to creep in, unsettling your thoughts, but before they could settle into a clear conclusion, you stood up from the desk and made your way out of the office.
~
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. You sat on the plush sofa, coffee in hand, its warmth grounding you as you watched Leo and Madeline play on the rug before you. Their laughter filled the room, a soothing balm to the unease still simmering from the night before.
The sound of Rafe’s footsteps descending the staircase pulled your focus, and soon enough, he rounded the corner into the living room, his presence unmistakable in the tailored suit that hugged his frame. Despite the domestic setting, he still exuded the same composed, businesslike energy he carried everywhere.
“Jordan told me your schedule was clear for today,” you remarked, your voice calm but inquisitive as you tracked his movements. “Hm?” Rafe hummed in response, crouching slightly to press a kiss to the top of both Leo’s and Madeline’s heads. The gesture was effortless, automatic, and yet it made your chest tighten—a cruel contradiction to the doubts swirling in your mind.
“I said, Jordan told me your schedule is clear today,” you repeated, watching him carefully as he straightened, his gaze finally meeting yours. A small, almost nonchalant smile tugged at his lips. “Last-minute meeting, that’s all,” he replied smoothly, brushing off the question as if it were of little consequence. His tone was casual, but it didn’t sit right with you.
You cocked an eyebrow, your expression neutral but sharp enough to suggest you weren’t entirely convinced. “I’ll be back before three,” he added quickly, as though the reassurance might settle you. Without waiting for a response, he stepped closer, leaning down to press a kiss against your cheek. The gesture was familiar, practiced, and yet it felt hollow.
You remained still, your eyes fixed straight ahead, your coffee cooling in your hand as his cologne lingered in the air. “Drive safe,” you murmured, your voice even but distant. You didn’t look at him as he pulled away and adjusted his cufflinks. The sound of his footsteps retreated, leaving a subtle void in the room once he was gone.
~
The door to your bedroom creaked open, and Rafe stepped in, his movements deliberate but calm. Your eyes lifted from your phone, following him briefly before drifting back to the glowing screen in your hand. “They’re asleep,” he murmured, his voice soft but tinged with exhaustion. You hummed in acknowledgment, barely lifting your gaze as he moved toward his side of the bed, shrugging off his jacket and placing it neatly on the chair by the window.
Rafe climbed into bed beside you, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. He leaned back against the headboard, undoing the top few buttons of his shirt and letting out a quiet sigh. The silence between you felt heavy, the kind of quiet that wasn’t comfortable but wasn’t quite confrontational either. You placed your phone down on the nightstand, your fingers brushing its edge before folding neatly in your lap.
The glow of the bedside lamp softened the room, but it did little to ease the tension you felt knotting in your chest. “Are you cheating on me?” The words left your lips before you could stop them, your voice sharp yet trembling, slicing through the quiet. “What?” Rafe’s hand froze, his body stiffening as he turned to look at you, his tone laced with shock and disbelief. His brows furrowed deeply, searching your face for an explanation.
“Are you cheating on me?” you repeated, softer this time, the vulnerability in your voice stark against the tension building in the room. His lips parted, words stuttering for a moment before he finally asked, “What are you talking about?” You sat up straighter, folding your arms as you exhaled shakily. “The bracelet, Rafe.” The words were laced with hurt as your eyes locked onto his, watching the colour drain from his face.
His expression shifted—confusion, then understanding, and finally a look that you couldn’t quite place. Your heart pounded in your chest as your eyes began to water, the emotional floodgates breaking against your will. “Eloise mentioned it. She said you spent so much time picking it out, but I never got it, Rafe,” your voice cracked slightly. “So, where is it? Who is it for?”
Rafe ran a hand down his face, the exhaustion in his eyes now replaced with something akin to guilt—but not the kind you feared. He pushed himself up against the headboard, facing you fully. “It’s not what you think,” he said firmly, his voice low, almost pleading, but it did little to ease the storm brewing inside you. “Then explain,” you demanded, your voice trembling with a potent mix of anger and sorrow.
Tears slipped down your cheeks, hot and relentless, and you swiped at them quickly, unwilling to appear completely undone. But your composure was already fractured, and Rafe could see it in your glistening eyes and the slight quiver of your lip. His silence was unbearable. The hesitation hanging between you wasn’t just a pause—it was an admission, a crack that threatened to shatter everything you’d built together.
It cut deeper than words ever could, leaving a hollow ache in your chest. “Explain,” you repeated, your voice firmer now, laced with urgency. “For the sake of our children, for our marriage, Rafe. Tell me what I’m supposed to believe right now.” He ran a hand over his face, his usual confidence, his composed exterior, seemed to falter under your gaze. For once, Rafe Cameron looked unsteady.
“It wasn’t meant to be like this,” he muttered, his voice low. You blinked, your breath catching. “What wasn’t meant to be like this? Stop talking in circles and just tell me.” Your voice cracked on the last word, and you felt your chest tighten with the weight of your fears. Rafe exhaled sharply, finally looking up at you. His eyes locked onto yours, their usual sharpness softened by something unfamiliar—regret, perhaps.
“The bracelet,” he began, his words slow and deliberate, “was supposed to be a surprise. For you.” Your brows furrowed as you tried to process his words, your heart racing. “What?” He leaned back on the headboard, his hands clasped together. "It’s… for our anniversary. I wanted to give it to you then. I even had it engraved.” His voice wavered, and he shook his head.
“I thought I was doing something thoughtful, but I should’ve just given it to you right away. I didn’t think it would—” He stopped, the weight of your reaction sinking in. You stared at him, your mind reeling. His explanation had knocked the wind out of you, leaving you unsure whether to feel relief or frustration. “You… were planning to give it to me?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes.” He looked at you earnestly, his expression softening. “I didn’t realise it would make you question everything. That’s on me. I’m sorry.” Your tears slowed, but the tension in your chest lingered. “Why didn’t you just tell me that when I asked? Why make me feel like I was losing my mind?” Rafe sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because I thought you’d laugh at me, or brush it off as something meaningless.
You don’t exactly make it easy to do… sentimental gestures.” His voice wasn’t accusatory, but it held a hint of frustration. You exhaled slowly, processing his words. The weight of your accusation settled heavily on your shoulders, mixing shame with residual doubt. “You should’ve told me,” you murmured, your voice soft but firm. “And you should’ve trusted me,” he countered gently, his tone not harsh but pointed.
“We can’t keep doing this—assuming the worst about each other.” You looked away, your throat tight as his words sank in. Perhaps he was right, but the wounds of mistrust weren’t so easily healed. “I just… I don’t want to be a fool,” you admitted, your voice breaking slightly. “Not for you, not for anyone.” Rafe turned his head, his hand reaching over before settling on your knee. “You’re not a fool,” he said quietly, his voice steady.
“You’re my wife. And I know I don’t always get it right, but I need you to believe that I’m trying.” You met his gaze, searching for any flicker of insincerity but finding none. His blue eyes held yours, unwavering, and for the first time that night, you felt the tension in your chest begin to ease. “I’ll believe it,” you whispered, the words tentative but genuine.
"But you have to meet me halfway, Rafe. No more secrets. No more hesitation.” He nodded, his grip on your knees tightening briefly in silent agreement. “Deal.”
