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Rafe walks in right behind him, and the moment his eyes find yours, the stress of yesterday just melts away. He’s wearing sweatpants and a plain tee, looking fresh and clean as he carries a plate specifically customized with everything he knows you like.

"Mornin’, beautiful," Rafe murmurs, stepping past the other islanders to reach you. He sets your plate down, leans over, and cupping the back of your neck with a warm hand, he presses a gentle kiss to your lips.

You can’t help the smile that tugs at your mouth against his as you move to wrap your arms around his waist, pulling him down a little closer. "Morning to you too.” You smile up at him softly. “You didn’t have to make all of this."

"Mhm. Wanted to," Rafe mutters into your ear, his thumb gently tracing the line of your jaw. He kisses your cheek, then the tip of your nose. "How’d you sleep?"

"Good, considering I was next to you," you whisper back, pressing a sweet kiss to his collarbone.

Rafe lets out a soft, low chuckle, arms tightening around you for a second as he buries his face in the crook of your neck, inhaling your perfume. You two are practically attached at the hip, lost in your own little world like you always are when you’re together. It’s your normal thing, unapologetic and over-the-top, but nobody even bothers to comment on it anymore because everyone knows you two are obsessed with each other.

Over on the daybed near the window, Cleo and Pope are doing the exact same thing. Pope gently sets down a plate of sliced mangoes and toast for her, giving her a kiss on the forehead while Cleo beams up at him, running her fingers over his forearm.

Sarah and Theo are sitting near one of the vanity mirrors, looking surprisingly okay. Theo hands Sarah her iced coffee, leaning down to give her a quick kiss on the lips as she smiles at him, her body language much more relaxed than it was last night after the challenge. 

Talia and JJ are standing near the door, sharing a joke over a plate of bacon, their banter natural as JJ nudges her shoulder playfully, arm lingering around her waist a second longer than necessary.

The only dark cloud in the room is sitting over by the corner. 

Justin walks in carrying a cup of coffee, nothing else, dropping it on the table near Rima without making eye contact.

"Thanks," Rima says, voice flat.

"Yeah," Justin replies dryly, barely glancing at her before turning around and walking right back out of the dressing room without another word.

The silence that follows his exit is suffocating, but as soon as the rest of the guys file out of the room—Rafe giving your ass a soft pat and a wink before he leaves—the dressing room door shuts, and the real conversation begins.

Cleo swivels her chair around, looking over at Sarah. "What happened with you and Theo last night?” She asks. “Because after the challenge, you literally dragged him away."

Sarah sighs, looking around at all of you. "I was just... I was really in my feelings about the way the public voted us. I’m not gonna lie, being voted 'Most Naive' hit me pretty hard."

“I don’t blame you," you say, leaning back in your chair. "I don’t think any of us would like hearing that..."

"Right?" Sarah nods, looking relieved that you validated her feelings. "It felt like the hardest slap in the face. The challenge was just so brutal because it forced everyone to be placed in a specific ranking even if it wasn't totally accurate to who we actually are. So I asked Theo to come talk because I wanted to know what he thought."

"And what did he say?" Talia asks, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed.

"Well, at first, I felt terrible," Sarah admits, chewing on her lower lip. "Because I realize now that I kind of came at him a little bit…crazy? I was asking him why the public would think those things about us, lowkey I was blaming him. But Theo was so calm about it. He told me straight up that he hasn't done anything since we coupled up for the public to have that opinion, but that there are couples in here—like you and Rafe, or Cleo and Pope—” She eyes you and Cleo. “who have been established longer and might have a stronger connection."

"That actually makes a lot of sense," Cleo points out, nodding thoughtfully.

"He reassured me so much.” Sarah sighs. “He told me that public opinion is just that—an opinion. Not everyone is going to see things the same way, and at the end of the day, the only two people who know what’s going on between us are him and me. I just have to trust him."

"And do you?" you ask gently, watching her face.

Sarah smiles, a warm look entering her eyes. "I do.” She nods once. “He hasn't done anything to misplace my trust. I realized last night that I was just letting my past insecurities project onto him. Between everything that happened with John B and Topper... I’m just scared. But I’m really trying not to push those old wounds onto Theo."

"Sarah, that is honestly so mature of you," Cleo says.

"Seriously," Talia adds, smiling at her. "You should be really proud of yourself. You’re not letting what John B and Topper put you through ruin something genuinely good. Theo really seems to adore you. We can all see how into you he is."

Sarah blushes, looking down at her lap. "That really means a lot."

Then, the attention in the room shifts as the topic turns to the huge elephant in the room.

Sarah turns her head toward the corner of the room. "Rima... what about you and Justin?” She inquires carefully. “What happened after the challenge last night? Did you guys even sleep in the same bed? Because you definitely didn't wake up together this morning..."

Rima takes a slow breath, setting her mascara tube down on the counter. She looks exhausted, but there's a hard edge in her eyes.

"Yeah, we slept in the same bed," she says, voice smooth and unbothered. "I just woke up early because I wanted to get out of that bed and away from him as fast as humanly possible."

"So…I’m guessing you guys aren’t okay?" Talia asks softly.

"No," Rima says bluntly, shaking her head. "I honestly don't even know where I stand with Justin right now, but more than that... I don't think he's serious about me at all.” She scoffs, rolling her eyes to the back of her head. “I was lying awake last night thinking about everything, and his excuses for not wanting to put a label on us make zero sense."

"Literally zero," you agree, frowning.

"Like," Rima starts, crossing her legs. "We dated in the real world before this! He knows who I am, I know who he is, we know each other's families for fuck’s sake. There is no reason for us to be holding back or acting like we need some 'experimental stage’. He’s just making excuses to keep his options open." She pauses, looking around at the four of you. "...I'm thinking about my self-respect and my self-worth.” She huffs, “And honestly? I think it's just time to end things with Justin."

The room goes quiet for a second before Cleo nods. "I agree with you.” She shrugs sympathetically. “It feels like he’s just draggin’ his feet, and you deserve someone who’s sure about you."

"It's just..." Sarah speaks up, her eyes narrow with concern. "It's so late in the game now. We're so close to the final. If you break things off with Justin... who else is there for you to explore in here?"

Rima’s face turns serious and she looks Sarah in the eye.

"No one."

Talia blinks. "...What d’you mean?"

"I mean there is literally no one else in this villa for me to explore," Rima explains calmly, counting on her fingers. "JJ is cute, but let's be real, he’s not my type and he’s really into you.” She tells Talia before continuing. “Pope has tunnel vision for Cleo, and even though he’s handsome, we were never a romantic match. Rafe..." Rima looks over at you with a small, respectful smile. "I see Rafe as a brother at this point. Trying to get between Rafe and you would be an otherworldly task that I wouldn't even attempt if my life depended on it. And Theo just isn't my type.” She shrugs, fixing you all with a tight-lipped smile. “I have no desire to throw a wrench into anything any of you girls have going on."

"So... what are you going to do?" you ask, feeling a pang of sympathy for her.

Rima just shrugs her shoulders. "I guess I’ll just accept my fate at this point.” She laughs humorlessly. “There’s no point in trying to force anything on a love show when there’s clearly no love around here for me."

All of you immediately start groaning and offering your condolences, saying how unfair it is and how much it sucks, but Rima holds up a hand, stopping the pity party before it can even start. She isn't mean about it, just blunt.

"Guys, please, I really don't want the pity," Rima says with a slight laugh. "It’s not the end of the world. Just because things didn't work out with Justin in here doesn't mean they never will with someone else.” She says optimistically. “There are millions of men in the world. My person just isn't in Fiji right now, and that’s fine. But what I’m not going to do is throw my self-respect in the trash for a guy who can't even put his ego or his desire for other women aside for me.” She snarls. “...There's no point living like that, and I won't."

"Fair fucking play," Talia praises, nodding with her lips pursed.

"I hate that it has to be this way for you," Cleo says, walking over to wrap an arm around Rima’s shoulders. "But no matter what happens, we were all so lucky to meet each other. And at least when we leave this place, we’ll still be the girls."

"Always," you say, reaching out to squeeze Rima’s hand.

LATER that afternoon, you’re lounging on the daybeds with Rafe. The heat is a humid kind of hot, but you couldn't care less because you’re draped over his side. Rafe has one arm wrapped around your waist, his hand resting on your hip, pulling you against him while his other hand plays lazily with your hair, twirling a strand around his finger, fascinated.

"So when we get out of here," Rafe is saying, voice low as he stares up at the sky, "where are we going? Like, if you could go anywhere in the world that you haven't been yet, where's your dream spot?"

You blink up at him, thinking for a second. "...I've always wanted to do a cute little trip to Savannah, Georgia.” You shrug. “Or maybe Hawaii. Hawaii would be nice."

Rafe lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head against your hair. "Angel, I mean, I'll take you there if that's what you want, but I was thinkin’ bigger. I wanna take you somewhere really special once this whole thing is over."

"What do you mean 'bigger'?" you ask laughing, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Like out of the country," Rafe smirks, fingers lightly tracing patterns over your hip.

"Oh," you smile, mind racing. "Well... Bora Bora has always been on my bucket list, if we're talking tropical. But if I'm being super honest, my dream dream spots are definitely Japan and South Korea. I've wanted to go there forever."

Rafe's smirk widens, a glint in his eyes as he looks down at you. "Japan and Korea, huh?” He says, and you nod. “Noted."

You laugh softly, wiggling slightly against him. "Okay, Mr. Man, I’m gonna go get some water."

Rafe tightens his grip on your hip, stopping you from moving. "I’ll get it for you. Stay here."

"It’s fine," you say, laughing as you push his chest lightly. "I have legs, I can walk twenty feet to the kitchen."

"I can get it," he insists, staring at you. "You don't need to get up."

"Rafe, seriously, it’s fine," you smile, pressing a kiss to his cheek before wiggling out of his grip. "I’ll be right back, I promise."

He grumbles playfully, watching you with hawkish eyes as you stand up and start walking toward the kitchen area.

Your feet hit the tile and you shiver, unscrewing the lid of your water bottle and filling it up at the fridge. As you turn around, you almost bump right into Theo, who was walking up to the counter with an empty bottle as well.

"Oh! Sorry," you say, stepping back.

"No, that’s my bad," he says quickly, taking a step back to allow you space.

An awkwardness falls over the space between you two and you both just kind of stand there for a second, shifting your weight and avoiding eye contact. You realize then that you haven't really talked to Theo one-on-one since all the drama of Casa Amor and Movie Night. It was kind of hard to ignore the fact that, at some point in time, you two were close, exploring a connection before you chose Rafe. And, even though you cleared the air, the tension of what used to be apparently still hung in the air.

"Hot day out," you offer, trying to make small talk.

"Yeah. Very hot," Theo replies, filling his bottle at the tap.

Silence stretches again, cloudy and uncomfortable. But just as you’re about to give him a polite nod and walk back outside, Theo clears his throat.

"Hey..."

You stop, turning back to look at him. "Yeah?"

Theo sets his bottle down on the counter and rubs the back of his neck, looking down at his feet before meeting your eyes. "I just... I want to say I'm really sorry."

You blink, confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I want to apologize. Again, I guess. For everything that went down. All the drama."

You wave a hand dismissively, trying to keep it light. "Oh, it's fine. Seriously, we already—you don't need to—"

"No, hear me out," Theo cuts in gently, taking a step closer, his expression earnest. "I know we cleared the air, but honestly I felt like my apologies at the time weren't very…genuine?” He winces, shrugging one shoulder. “I was defensive, and I didn't really get it. But I do now."

You quiet down, listening to him.

"Being with Sarah..." Theo continues softly, a reflective look in his eyes. "Knowing what a real, deep connection feels like between both people... it made me realize how hard things must have been for you. I didn't understand it before. I couldn't grasp why it was so difficult for you to make a choice between me and him.” He admits, chewing the inside of his cheek. “But now that I have these feelings for Sarah, I realize that if I were put in a position where I had to choose between her and another girl I cared about... it would probably break me."

He pauses, looking at you with a newfound respect. "I just wanted to tell you that you made the right decision.” He comes back to reality, nodding. “Seeing you with Rafe now, seeing how happy he makes you and how good you two are together... I know in my heart I could have never made you that happy.” He sighs. “I understand it now, and I’m sorry for making it harder on you than it needed to be."

A warmth spreads through your chest at his words. You look at Theo, seeing the sincerity in his face.

"...Thank you," you say softly, a genuine smile forming on your lips. "I appreciate that. And I am so happy that you and Sarah found your way to each other. She's been through hell with guys in here, and she deserves someone who genuinely sees her. Just..." You pause, raising an eyebrow at him teasingly, though your tone carries a real warning. "Just promise me one thing."

"Anything," Theo says.

"...Don't do to Sarah what we did to each other," you say firmly. "Don't hide who you are or lead her on. I know that even though I didn't mean to lead you on back then, I still kind of did because deep down…I always knew I was going to choose Rafe.” You say pitifully, tilting your head. “So just... be honest with her."

Theo nods slowly, taking your words to heart. "I promise."

"Good," you smile. You step forward, wrapping your arms around his neck for a brief, genuine hug. Theo hugs you back, closing that door of awkwardness between you for the last time before you walk back out to the daybeds, clutching your cold water bottle, and sit back down next to Rafe.

And the second you sit down, Rafe’s eyes are on you. He leans in, pulling you back into his side, but his jaw is slightly tight.

"What was that about?" he asks casually, though you know him far too well—he was watching you and Theo the entire time.

"Just clearing the air," you say, taking a sip of water before looking up at him. "He gave me an apology for everything that happened. He said now that he's with Sarah, he understands why it was so hard for me after Casa, and he told me I made the right choice by picking you."

Rafe’s tense posture visibly melts. A small, proud smirk touches his lips. "Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Well... good.” He smiles, sort of shocked as he leans back. “That's great, honestly. Good on him."

"Right?" You smile, resting your head on Rafe’s shoulder. "I’m really proud of how much all of us have grown in here."

"Me too," Rafe mutters, kissing the top of your head. "...Do you think they’ll actually make it on the outside? Sarah and Theo?"

"I think so," you ponder softly. "As long as Sarah doesn't let her past trauma from John B and Topper get in the way and as long as Theo stays honest. She’s really trying, though. They both are."

"Yeah, Theo talked to us guys the other day," Rafe adds, voice thoughtful. "Told us the reason he used to ghost girls so much was because he couldn't handle other people's emotions, said he was brought up believing that showing emotion made you weak, so he just shut down and ran whenever things got real. And I felt bad, because I know the feeling.” Rafe sighed, hands rubbing up and down your frame. “But he’s changing. I think he and Sarah have a real shot."

Before you can respond, loud footsteps thump against the grass.

"You! I need you," JJ comes sprinting up to the daybed, out of breath, looking wildly around like he’s being hunted as he grabs your arm. "Sorry, Rafe, but I need to steal your girl right now."

Rafe immediately scowls. “No.” He mutters, wrapping his arm tighter around your waist like a jealous toddler. "Why? Go away, JJ—"

"Bro, I swear, it's an emergency," JJ panics, tugging on your wrist. "Trust me."

Rafe lets out a dramatic, childish grumble, rolling his eyes as he reluctantly lets you go. "Fine. Two minutes, Maybank, or I'm comin’ to find you."

You laugh as JJ practically drags you around the side of the villa, out of view of everyone else. And once you're out of earshot of the others, JJ stops, pacing back and forth, running both hands through his blonde hair.

"JJ, what’s going on?" you ask, leaning against the wall. "Why are you panicking?"

JJ drops his voice to a harsh whisper as he huffs, nostrils flaring before looking at you. “Look, I was talking to Talia, right?”

“Right…”

“And everything was going okay but then I got super nervous—”

“Okay. Why—”

“Just— listen, please.”

“I am.” You rolled your eyes.

JJ huffs again, closing his eyes this time before opening them again. "She tried to…do stuff with me. Last night."

You raise your eyebrows. "Oh?” You say, shocked. “Well... did you—"

"No!" JJ yells softly, throwing his hands in the air. 

“Why’re you yelling at me?”

“I’m sorry, alright?” He drops his shoulders, sighing deeply. "But, no, I didn't. And that’s why I'm freakin’ out!"

You blink, confused. "... You’re panicking because you didn't sleep with Talia last night—"

"Yes!" JJ stresses, looking at you like you have two heads. "That is not… normal for me!"

"What do you mean that's not ‘normal’ for you?" JJ groans, pacing again as he throws his head back. “Look you pulled me away from Rafe to pace in front of me and I’m pretty sure that he was serious about those two minutes so you better tell me something—”

“If a gorgeous girl opens herself up to you, you don't say no!” He throws his hands out. “You just don't! But last night, she was kissin’ on me and shit , and I literally pulled back and said no!” He berated himself, shaking his head with his face in his palms. “I don't know what the fuck is wrong with me…"

But despite his own shame, a proud grin spreads across your face as you stare at him.

JJ stops pacing at your silence, glaring at you through the gaps in his fingers before dropping his hands completely. "...What the hell are you smilin’ like that for?"

"Because,” you shrug. “You're growing!" you beam, shaking his shoulders.

JJ looks down at his feet, bewildered. "What do you mean growin’? I've been five-eleven my whole life—"

"No, dumbass,” you laugh out loud, slapping his shoulder.  “Like, emotionally. You're maturing!"

JJ freezes, straightening before your eyes, eyebrows pinched in confusion. "Wait... really?"

"Yes." you say, shaking your head in amazement. "JJ, you just turned down a girl for sex. That’s growth!” You smiled, clasping your hands together, bouncing on your feet. “You literally told me in the car when we first got here that you would never do that, and you just did!"

JJ scratches his head, staring at the ground as the realization sinks in. "I... I didn't even think about it like that."

"Well, think about it now," you nudge him softly. "Tell me. Why did you say no to her?"

"Uh, I don't know..." he mutters defensively.

"You do know," you press gently. "Spit it out, Maybank."

JJ sighs heavily, looking unusually vulnerable. "I don't know, man—”

“Don’t call me ‘man’.”

“Sorry.” He sighs, slumping where he stood. “I just... I didn't want to do it and make the same stupid mistake I made in Casa. I slept with Haja and then found out she was playing games with me, and it felt like shit. With Talia... I like her.” He says honestly. “And I didn't want to give her the wrong impression and make her think I only want her for her body or somethin’."

"...Awwww—"

"Don't 'aww' me!" JJ snaps, cheeks flushing bright red as he glares at you. "I have a reputation to uphold here!"

"Yeah, a shitty one,” you scoff. “This is such an 'aww' moment!" you squeal. "JJ, I’m proud of you! That is so sweet, and I can almost guarantee Talia is going to respect you so much more for it."

"...Y’think so?" JJ asks nervously, chewing on his lip. "What if she thinks I’m not, like, attracted to her or somethin’?"

"I highly doubt that," you laugh. "But even if she has doubts, I know the truth now, so I’ll speak on your behalf if I need to."

But before JJ can reply, the loud and familiar chime of a text echoes through the villa.

It’s yours. You pull it out, reading the screen, and your eyes widen as everyone finds you and JJ, making their way over as you read the text aloud.

"Islanders, it's time to find out who turns up the heat and who cools things down. Today, you will all take part in the iconic challenge... HEARTS ON FIRE! #PulseRacer #TurnUpTheHeat"

"Oh my fucking—" you scream, jumping up and down on your tiptoes as screams erupt from the rest of the villa, the girls shrieking with excitement, also jumping up and down, practically bouncing off the walls. 

"I was getting scared that we weren’t going to get to do it!" Sarah yells, clutching Cleo's hands.

Rafe walks up to you, seeing you jumping up and down before trying to place his hands on you somewhere. "Whoa, whoa," he says, grabbing your waist to turn and steady you, looking thoroughly confused. "What is this?"

You look up at him, a dangerous smirk plastered on your face as you look him up and down. "Oh... you just fucking wait."

Rafe narrows his eyes, grip on your waist tightening. What does that mean?” He raises an eyebrow. “You sound way too excited."

You lean up on your tiptoes, bringing your lips right against the shell of his ear, whispering, "It means I’m about to show you what you’re dealing with."

You pull back, giving his jaw a slow kiss before whipping around and sprinting off toward the dressing room with the rest of the screaming girls, leaving Rafe and the guys standing in the middle of the yard, stunned and visibly shifting where he stood.

INSIDE the dressing room, a clothing rack has been brought in, draped with at least a dozen costumes to choose from. You and the girls are practically tearing the garments from the rack, hyping each other up as you choose your outfits.

Sarah picks this Golden Angel costume—a metallic gold lingerie set with sheer mesh cutouts, gold body chains draping over her hips, a feather halo, and ethereal golden wings. It fits her perfectly, and she looks like a literal ball of sunshine—pure, bright, and adorable, yet undeniably sexy.

Cleo went down the line before deciding on the Pirate costume. It was a deep maroon leather bustier that pushed her chest up accompanied by a high-slitted lace skirt showing off her toned legs, thigh-high black boots, and a playful mini prop whip. She looked fierce and dangerous.

Talia settles on the Lifeguard outfit, though you doubted anyone could’ve pulled off such a simple costume as much as she did. A high-cut, halfway-unzipped red latex bodysuit that left very little to the imagination, complete with a whistle around her neck, and she completed the look herself by styling her hair into wet-look beach waves, and a tiny red rescue buoy on her hip.

Rima tried on a few before going with a Crimson Devil costume. It was a set that was put together by a crimson lace corset, red devil horns, a flowing velvet cape, and a leather pitchfork. And the deep red against her skin was drop-dead gorgeous as she twirled, showing it off to all the girls.

And then you finally get settled into yours — a Showgirl. You look at yourself in the mirror as you step out of the bathroom, admiring the rhinestone-encrusted corset that catches every angle of light, a trailing feather bustle that flows behind you, silk opera gloves reaching up your forearms, and thigh-high glitter boots. 

It gives you a cutesy yet highly theatrical vibe — sexy, glamorous, flirty.

"Hoooly shit," Cleo fawns, looking at you as you adjust the corset. "You look good.”

"You look insane!" Sarah yells, slapping your ass as you do a quick turn as she passes behind you.

"I love the corset!" Talia hypes.

“We all look good,” You turn around, looking all of the women up and down. “The boys might actually die tonight.” You giggle.

"Okay, but wait," Sarah says, adjusting her halo. "What if we raise the wrong guys' heart rates?” She says carefully, biting her lips. “We have to promise that nobody gets offended!"

Talia laughs, throwing her hands up. "I promise!"

"Yeah, ‘course, it's just a game," Cleo agrees, shrugging as she fixes her curls.

You look in the mirror, adjusting your opera gloves, and scoff playfully. "Hell no. If Rafe’s heart gets raised the most by any of you, I’m gonna beat his ass."

The girls burst into hysterical laughter as you fight the smile on your own face, letting a small laugh escape. You were joking. Somewhat. 

"At least you said you'd beat his ass and not ours!" Rima jokes, tossing her cape over her shoulder.

MEANWHILE, in the bedroom, the guys were putting on their own outfits.

Theo’s dressed as an Italian Mob Don, adorned in tailored black trousers, an unbuttoned pinstripe vest with no shirt underneath showing off his chest with thick gold chains, his dirty blonde curls slicked back.

Pope found a Sexy Surgeon costume that threw him dangerously fitted navy scrubs unbuttoned all the way down, a stethoscope draped around his neck, and a loose white lab coat hanging off his shoulders. And he looked damn good.

JJ managed to put together a Cowboy costume—leather chaps over dark denim, an open leather vest with no shirt, a classic Stetson cowboy hat, and a lasso hanging from his hip with a bandana around his neck.

Justin had shoved himself into a Top Gun Aviator costume with a fitted olive green flight suit unzipped past his sternum, silver dog tags, and dark aviator sunglasses.

And Rafe... Rafe is dressed as some kind of CEO or spy? Or both? Either way, he’s managed to make it look sexy as ever. 

He has on pitch-black tailored suit pants, a white dress shirt that is unbuttoned to his sternum with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a black leather body harness fitted tightly across his chest with a shoulder holster. 

And he somehow looks ridiculously and dangerously attractive.

While the other guys are hype, knowing how the challenge works and what it is, Rafe is visibly stressed.

"...What the fuck is this?" Rafe grumbles, tugging at the leather harness across his chest. "And why are we dressed like strippers?"

JJ laughs, adjusting his cowboy hat and clapping Rafe on the back. "Because we are strippers. For like the next hour, anyway. We gotta dance for the ladies!"

Rafe’s head snaps toward JJ, eyebrows pulling together in horror. "What do you mean, dance?” He hisses. 

“Don’t listen to JJ. We are not strippers,” Pope sighs, glaring at the blonde. “And we don’t have to dance. We just have to go out and dance for the girls to raise their heartbeats…okay, maybe we are strippers—”

“Wait, wait,” Rafe waves his hands. “What happens if we raise the wrong person's heartbeat? Do the girls dance too? What if they raise the wrong heartbeats?"

"Awww, are you worried your heart is gonna get raised by someone other than—" Theo starts, teasing with a smirk.

"No," Rafe narrows his blue eyes. "I'm worried about what happens if one of you motherfuckers raises her heartbeat higher than me." The guys laugh, but Rafe is dead serious. He glares at all of them. "I swear to God, I will kill every single one of you."

Over in the corner, Pope is adjusting his stethoscope. "Well, you don’t gotta worry ‘bout me.” He shrugs. “I don't know how to be sexy. I've been workin’ out, I got the abs, but I don't have the coordination to be grinding on women." He laughs, though it’s soft and uncertain.

JJ steps up, placing both hands on Pope's shoulders from behind. "Pope, bro. Listen to me. It's all about confidence. Grab the energy of the sexiest man you know and wield it, like a sword, y’know."

Pope blinks. "Who? You—"

“Rafe.” JJ cuts in, voice overlapping Pope’s as the entire room then goes silent. 

Justin, Theo, and Rafe all raise their eyebrows, staring at JJ in disbelief and bewilderment. And Rafe is trying to play all disturbed and unamused but he can’t help the light laugh that escapes him as he shakes his head, still messing with the harness across his body.

But before anyone can even attempt to continue the conversation, a text comes through.

"Boys, please make your way down to the fire pit and await the girls."

WHEN the guys file down to the fire pit, they’re each equipped with a heart rate monitor strapped to their wrists before settling around the fire pit. They wait anxiously, feet bouncing before the speakers around them begin to thud with the bass-heavy pop beat of NOBLE by F3miii. It startles them enough to where some of them flinch before the sound of heels clacking in the distance catches their attention.

The first girl to step out is Sarah, walking out in her angel costume, the metallic gold adornments glimmering as she struts down the makeshift runway, flipping her hair, giving cute, flirty winks to all the guys. Sarah struts down the runway, swaying her hips while twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger. She stops right in front of the line, winking at the guys with a smirk. She starts giving everyone a quick tease—bending over in front of JJ, shaking her ass slightly on Pope, modeling in front of Justin—but when she reaches Theo, she goes all out. She climbs right into his lap, straddling his waist before pressing a passionate kiss to his lips. Theo eats it up, hands gripping her waist as he slides his tongue between her lips.

His hands dig bruises into Sarah's waist, pulling her body against his as she straddles his lap. The friction of her hips grinding hard against his draws a muffled groan from his throat. Her chest is flushed pink with sweat, teeth lightly grazing his bottom lip before diving into a sloppy, deep kiss, the sound of their tongues tangling echoing over the music. Theo growls, fingers clawing at her hip bones as they break apart panting, both of their lips swollen, slick with saliva, and gasping for air. 

As Sarah moves down to the end of the line, she reaches Rafe. She looks at his stone-cold face, laughs, and playfully waves her hand at him. "There's no point in even trying with you," she jokes.

Rafe actually breaks character and laughs, nodding.

After her is Cleo, stepping in her Pirate outfit as she works her body down the line. Cleo walks out, dropping into a low twerk right at the start of the runway, her skirt fluttering as she shakes her ass to the beat. She pops back up with a smirk, snapping her mini whip against her thigh. 

"Arrr you ready to be hijacked, boys? Because I'm here to steal all your hearts," she purrs, winking as the guys cheer and laugh at the corny line.  Surprisingly, she gives all of the boys quite a show. She shakes her ass on JJ who catches on, palming at her skin before she moves to give Pope a show—using her mini whip to gently pull him in, straddling his lap and grinding against him while running her hands through his coils. She grabs Pope by his navy scrubs, yanking him up out of his seat. 

The guys hoot and holler as Cleo turns around and drops low, twerking against Pope's thighs, her hands planted on her knees as Pope's jaw drops, throat bobbing as he grips her hips. She suddenly spins, jumps up and wraps her legs around his waist, locking her mouth onto his in a heated, hungry make-out that leaves Pope stumbling back when she’s done with him.

Once she’s done with Pope, she slides off of him, leaving the boy’s lip swollen and eyes blown before moving to give Theo a sultry tease, pulling him in and licking a strip from his collarbone all the way up to his ear. But when she gets to Justin, she dismisses him, just winking snarkily and walking right past him without touching him. When she gets to Rafe, she gives him a little attention as well—grinding on him slightly, running her hand through his buzzcut before running a finger under his chin and walking off.

And the music continues as Cleo rounds the corner and another pair of heels sounds out, all the boys turning as you step out.

The moment you walk into the light of the fire pit in your rhinestone corset, feather bustle, and glitter boots, Rafe immediately shifts in his seat.

JJ mutters next to him, glancing over, eyes flickering from Rafe’s lap to his face. "Bro... try to hide the boner, please."

"Shut the fuck up," Rafe growls under his breath, burning and blown out eyes completely locked on you.

You give the boys a show as you walk down the line, playing up your cutesy showgirl persona. Your rhinestone corset catches the light of the fire pit, sparkling with every sexy sway of your hips, the trailing feather bustle flowing behind you as you strut out like a dream. You stop in front of the men, fanning yourself playfully. "Welcome to the main event, boys... hope you're ready for the show of a lifetime," you tease, holding back a laugh before giving a slow wink.  You drop low in front of JJ, giving him a heavy-lidded look while running your gloved hands up your own thighs. You tease Pope, bending over so your bust is practically in his face before moving to trace a single feather up Theo's chest and give Justin the feeling of a tease before leaving him hanging—all while throwing filthy glances over your shoulder at Rafe to drive him insane. 

But when you reach Rafe... all bets are off.

You straddle his lap backwards, craning your neck back to look at him and Rafe doesn't even wait, one hand flying straight to your hips as the other loosely holds the base of your neck, just enough to feel something as he grips you, pulling you down against him. 

Your hands reach around and manage to cradle his jaw and neck, clawing at him really as you lean in, kissing him messily and passionately, right there in front of everyone. Rafe groans into the kiss, hands roaming over your waist and back, gripping the corset and your skin like he’s trying to merge your bodies together.

The rest of the guys whistle and cheer Rafe on as the kiss turns feral, the man groaning into your mouth, teeth catching and biting down hard on your lower lip, sending a jolt down your spine. His rough hands slide down from your waist, clawing desperately at the bare skin of your upper thighs before his fingers drag dangerously high, brushing against the fabric of your showgirl bottoms where you're already soaking wet for him. It almost makes you lose your mind. 

Confessional : You "I had to pull away," you admit with a breathless laugh, shaking your head. "If I stayed on his lap, I would’ve fucked that man right on the fire pit floor." 

When you finally pull back, breathless, you move to tease the rest of the guys as you go back the way you came. And as you pass them, all of the guys remain relatively respectful—Pope keeping his hands to himself, throat bobbing. Justin turns his head, huffing in frustration. Theo bites his lower lip, shifting awkwardly in his seat, looking you up and down. And as you dance in front of JJ, he playfully starts to put his hands out before—

"Don’t you fuckin’ dare," Rafe points at the blonde from where he’s sat, eyes narrowed.

JJ throws his hands up in mock surrender, laughing, and you giggle, a sound that echoes beautifully in Rafe’s ears like an angel calling out to him before you stand back up and, blowing Rafe a kiss, make your way back into the house.

Then it’s Talia, strutting out in her Lifeguard costume. She struts out, putting the red whistle to her lips and letting out a loud blow that makes the guys jump, turning towards her. 

"Looks like someone needs CPR, boys—lucky for you, I'm on duty tonight," she smirks, rolling her shoulders.

JJ lets out a slow, long whistle and she doesn't hold back whatsoever, moving to kiss all the guys everywhere but the lips—leaving wet kiss marks on their necks, chests, cheeks, grinding on their laps to the beat of the music. She gives all of them a fair taste—wrapping her whistle around JJ’s neck to pull him in for a heated kiss as they grab at each other, playing some kind of sexual tug-o-war. Then, she moves onto Pope, licking a stripe up the side of his neck before squatting in front of him, pulling him all the way down, whispering something in his ear before releasing him. 

As she struts over to Theo, his throat bobs and she pulls him to stand before twirling herself around and slowly grinding down the length of his body. And surprisingly, unlike the previous girls, she gives Justin the same attention—hooking a leg over his shoulder before leaning into him, tugging on the little coils of his hair to yank his head back, kissing her way up his neck.  And when she makes it to the end of the line of men, she lingers on Rafe for a solid few seconds, giving him a sultry dance that makes Rafe look away awkwardly.

And when Talia was finished, she sauntered off just as Rima came out as the Crimson Devil, catwalking out while twirling the pitchfork in her hand. She looked incredible, giving all the men a narrow look, eyes lidded with a smirk on her lips. She twirls her pitchfork with a smirk, eyeing the men. 

"Ready to sell your soul tonight, boys? Because paradise is overrated, and I felt like bringing a little heat tonight," she purrs. 

She grinds herself firmly on JJ, the first in the line up and she has nothing to hold back as she takes the challenge as an opportunity to have fun, especially with her and Justin’s recent issues. When she’s done with JJ, leaving the boy visibly flustered and red-faced, she moves over to Pope and gives him an insane show—straddling the man, running her hands over his chest, all while keeping eye contact with Justin the entire time, even as she leans down to plant hot, wet kisses all over Pope’s chest. Pope’s breathing is clearly shallow but he remains still, hands at his sides as he allows Rima to carry out whatever plot she had.

Dismounting Pope, she walks over to Theo. She walks up to him, placing the blunt end of her pitchfork lightly against his chest to push him back into his seat, then leans down to trace a hot, slow trail of tongue along his jawline before whispering something that makes Theo flush. But when she reaches Justin, she crouches down in his face, whispers something seemingly harsh and snarky if the way her lips curls is anything to judge by, and walks off without letting him touch her at all, running a sultry hand over Rafe’s lap to acknowledge him before walking away and disappearing out of sight.

And after Rima’s exit, the music dies down and the guys sit in silence for a second, catching their breath.

"Holy shit," Theo breathes out, wiping his forehead with a small grin. "How the fuck are we supposed to top that?"

YOU and the girls were now the ones sitting around the fire pit, fan-girling over how hot they all looked during your own turns when the music started up again, interrupting the conversation as all of your heads snapped to where you all had walked out.

Theo is out first, clearly relying heavily on eye contact as he struts out, running a hand over his slicked back hair, a move that makes all of your girls laugh.

He gives all of you a tease—dancing in front of you, using his Italian tongue to charm you all—but focuses heavily on Sarah, pulling her up to dance. Seeing Theo in his unbuttoned mob-don vest and slicked curls dancing with Sarah in her golden angel lingerie, there was something distinctly Harley Quinn and Joker about their dark-meets-light vibe that had everyone cheering. 

You all cheer Theo off, clapping as he disappears around the corner before Pope appears,  catching everyone off guard. He has the lab coat slung over his shoulder like a sack before he twirls it in the air while you all cheer, tossing it to the side then tearing open his navy scrub top, tossing it to the ground and exposing his ribbed chest.

"Oh my God!" Cleo screams, shocked but also pleased, jumping up and down in her seat, jaw on the floor.

Pope then runs up to you girls, flashing a charming grin as he calls out, "Someone call for a doctor?" 

He puts on a surprisingly confident show, grinding his hips low in front of Sarah, letting Talia feel up his bare chest and abs, and giving you and Rima a slow, lap-dance swirl that has you all screaming. 

When he reaches Cleo, he puts on a masterclass. He takes his stethoscope, drapes it around Cleo’s neck, and presses the cold metal directly over the exposed skin of her chest. He leans in close, whispering into her ear, then pulls her in, kissing her passionately, trailing his lips down her neck and kissing right near the swell of her breast as you all cheer, sounding like a pack of hyenas surrounding them.

And by the time Pope finishes his turn and struts off, Cleo is fake-fanning herself, leaning back on the sofa. "I think I might need a doctor," she fawns breathlessly, making the rest of you laugh out loud.

Then... it’s Rafe's turn.

You have to stop your jaw from dropping as he walks out in his black suit pants, unbuttoned white shirt, and leather harness, the other girls gasping out loud. His muscles are on full display, his blue eyes sharp, walking towards you with a dangerous kind of cockiness.

"Okay, I get it now," Talia whispers to you, her jaw wide. "I totally get it."

But Rafe doesn't care about raising any other girl's heartbeat. He barely gives any of them a second glance, just a small circle of his hips as he moves down the line with them cheering him on and a quick nod before he struts straight toward you, stopping in front of your seat, staring down at you. 

Without warning, he reaches down and just scoops you out of your chair, and lifts you into his arms, the girls watching screaming at the top of their lungs.

Rafe hikes you up, chest pressed against you before he dives in, hands pulsing on your ass as he kisses you right in front of everyone, pushing his tongue into your mouth. The kiss turns filthy, sloppy as Rafe bounces you up and down against his hips. He leans you back onto the cushions of the fire pit sofa, leaning over you and slotting between your thighs as he grinds his weight in between your legs. He trails sloppy, biting kisses down your chin, neck, and over the exposed skin of your chest above your corset, making you laugh out loud, cheeks burning. 

When he tires himself out and sets you down on your feet, he’s clearly not tired enough because this man turns you around and the girls go fucking wild as Rafe buries his face right into your chest, motorboating your boobs, before spinning you around, sliding down and playfully shoving his face between your ass cheeks over your showgirl bustle.

You scream with laughter and arousal, face growing hot with your heart pounding like a jackhammer against your ribs.

And when Rafe finally stands up, looking entirely too satisfied with himself, he presses one more hard kiss to your lips before walking off.

"Holy shit?!" Sarah screams, grabbing her face. "We basically just watched you two have sex!"

Your ears were burning hot, chest heaving as you sat back down, starstruck as you lowered your head, laughing into your hands, missing when JJ came out.

JJ tips his hat with a wide, mischievous grin. "Save a horse, ride a cowboy, ladies—who's ready to get wrangled tonight?” 

He uses his lasso on the group of you and gives it his all. He drags Cleo up to her feet, dancing circles around her. He finds Rima, doing a routine with the lasso as if he was reeling her in. When he gets to Sarah, he lifts her up and tosses her over his back, saying something about ‘making the angel fly’ before setting her down as he makes his way to you, gyrating in your face in a way that makes you laugh. 

He holds his hand out and you raise an eyebrow as he laughs. “I promise to keep it PG, alright? Don’t want that guy tryna kill me.” He jokes, winking at you.

You laugh, shaking your head before taking JJ’s hand while he pulls you up, throwing his lasso in circles above his head as he dances with you for the fun of it before you take your seat and he saves his best for last—dancing over to Talia and giving her the show of a lifetime.

He strutted over to her, grabbing her hands to pull her out of her seat before he spun her into his chest, wrapping his lasso around both of their waists to pin her body flush against his. Talia laughed, throwing her head back before JJ dipped her low, eyes locking onto hers as he ground his hips against hers before pulling her back up and pressing a hard kiss to her cheek that had them both grinning like idiots. 

Finally, Justin comes out last in his Aviator costume. But instead of having fun…he decides to be petty. 

Throughout his routine, he deliberately ignores Rima, entertaining every girl but her, acting as if she isn’t there at all. And to twist the knife, he pulls Cleo to her feet towards the end of his dance, trying to use her as a pawn to make Rima jealous by getting provocative with her—slow grinding on her, hands mapping out her body.

And Cleo tolerates it for about three seconds before she pushes Justin away. "Alright, enough," she says, shoving him back. Justin just scoffs and walks off, ending the challenge on a bizarre and awkwardly tense note.

A few minutes later, both the guys and girls have now gathered at the fire pit, still dressed in your costumes, sitting together as couples when a  text arrives. Sarah fishes her phone from her costume, reading the text out loud.

"Islanders, the results of the Hearts on Fire challenge are in.” Everyone sighs, settling in their seats. “Starting with the girls, the results are as follows…” She reads, taking a deep breath, reading each text following. “Sarah, your heart was raised the most by Theo.”

The blonde girl smiles, snuggling deeper into Theo’s side as he pecks her cheek, patting his own chest proudly.

Then Cleo’s phone pings as she fishes for it, flipping it open and reading the text— “Cleo, your heart was raised the most by Pope.” Pope is pleased with himself, smiling and high fiving the boys next to him before pulling Cleo closer into his side affectionately as she giggles. Then, your phone pings.

“...Your heart rate was raised the most by Rafe.” You throw your hands out as if to say ‘duh’ and the other Islanders giggle as Rafe dips down, planting a proud kiss onto the very top of your forehead, arm flexing around your shoulders when Rima’s phone makes a sound.

“Rima,” she starts reading the text to herself. “...your heart rate was raised the most…by Pope.” And the way her voice rises near the tail end tells the rest of you that she also can’t believe it. “...Well, that’s awkward.” She winces, but she doesn’t say much more than that as all eyes are now on her, Justin, Cleo, and Pope.

Justin scoffs out loud, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. “Who’s surprised?” He says snarkily, lip curling.

Rima snaps, looking over at him, hair whipping around her face. "Oh, please,” She growls. “You acted like I wasn’t even there."

"Whatever," Justin mutters back, just shrugging.

"Guys," Pope says gently, trying to keep the peace. “Let’s just chill…” He throws in casually, just as Talia’s phone goes off and she reads her result last.

“Talia, your heart rate was raised the most by JJ…and Rafe.”

Talia just laughs and shrugs, speaking up casually about the tie. "Honestly, it doesn't mean anything.” She says, looking mostly at you and Rafe. “Rafe did an insane job, and watching him with you was something else.” She jokes. “Honestly, if you danced for me, my heart probably would've raised for you too!" She tells you with an impressed, jokingly flirtatious look and everyone laughs, and JJ shakes it off as well, saying he ‘had fun regardless’.

Then, the second text arrives with the guys' results, Theo receiving the initial text.

“Guys, your results of the heart rate challenge are as follows…” he reads aloud, then Pope’s phone pings.

“Pope, your heart rate was raised the most by Cleo.” Pope is unsurprised, as well as the girl tucked under his arm as they look at each other and smile brightly.

Then Rafe’s phone goes off between the two of you, the man shifting to pull it from his pocket and flip the device open.

“Rafe, your heart rate was raised the most by Y/N.” You sit up straighter as he reads the text, dramatically flipping your hair over your shoulders cockily as Rafe chuckles behind you, chest vibrating against your back as he pulls you back down, pecking your cheek.

Seconds later, JJ’s phone pings— “JJ, your heart was raised…equally amongst all the girls.”

The entire fire pit bursts into laughter at JJ's result, the guys shaking their heads. But as everyone's laughter slowly tapers off, their eyes turn to Talia. She's sitting straight-faced, holding a totally blank expression that makes the room go silent…before she breaks out into loud, hysterical laughter herself.

"...Wait, you're not pissed?" Sarah asks, wide-eyed. "I'd be so pissed!"

"Not at all," Talia giggles, waving her hand. "My heart rate was raised watching all of you through the window, too! Plus, how mad can I really be considering my heart rate was raised by Rafe? It's just a challenge, I’m not mad."

JJ grins, nodding along.

After everyone calms down, Justin’s phone chimes and he pulls it from one of his many pockets, reading the text.

“Justin, your heart rate was raised the most…by Cleo.”

The lighthearted mood fades in a second and the laughter dies out, an uncomfortable, suffocating silence falling over the group as Justin's result hangs over your heads.

 Everyone nervously glances back and forth between Rima and Justin, giving them a moment to address it, but when neither says a word and Justin sits there, jaw clenched, fuming, while Rima lets out a bitter exhale and visibly scoots as far away from him as physically possible on the edge of the couch, you all just decide to move on.

A few awkward moments pass before Theo’s phone chimes and he opens it. “Theo, your heart rate was raised the most by Sarah…and Y/N—”

Almost as if her thoughts finally hit her, Rima snaps, cutting off Theo as she turns on Justin, voice as sharp as a razor. "You’re such a hypocritical piece of shit!” She scoffs, brows pinched. “You seriously got mad at me, but you clearly still have feelings for Cleo!"

"I don't have feelings for Cleo!" Justin shouts back, the two of them devolving into a full-blown screaming match right there.

Meanwhile, as the two continue arguing and the others try to calm them down, next to you, you notice Rafe’s entire frame has gone still and he’s basically staring death threats at Theo.

Noticing his lack of movement, you gently reach over, taking his hand. "Hey..."

Rafe speaks through gritted teeth, voice dangerously low. "So what he said earlier in the kitchen was a whole bunch of bullshit."

"What do you mean?" You ask, eyebrows pinched.

"What do you mean ‘what do I mean’?” Rafe huffs, clearly frustrated but not trying to take it out on you. “You raised his heart rate the most," Rafe sighs, staring at the floor. "And he was just sittin’ there telling you how ‘happy’ he was for us."

"Rafe," you say gently, turning his face toward you with a gentle yet firm pressure as he tries not to pout like a kid, failing miserably. "It’s just a challenge. And at the end of the day... I will always choose you.” You smile, so softly he can’t help but relax into you. You look so adorable and in love, he can’t stay mad. “I chose you then, and I choose you now."

"...Yeah, I know.” He sighs, throwing his head back, using his arm to push you closer into him. “Sorry."

You just laugh lightly under your breath, not saying anything, just lifting yourself to plant a light kiss on the underside of his jaw before you turn, nudging Sarah softly, who was sitting next to you, whispering, "Are you alright?"

Sarah smiles small, whispering back, "Yeah…I think I'm okay.” She says, almost like she’s just coming to the realization herself. “Honestly, it's just a challenge. It's no secret Theo was attracted to both of us at one point. I trust him, and I trust you.” She says honestly. “Though..." she winks playfully. "I'm keeping my eye on you, girl."

You laugh softly, relieved.

Across the fire pit though, Rima and Justin were still arguing before things reached a boiling point and Rima stood up, glaring down at Justin. "You know what? Fuck you! I can’t wait to get off of this fucking island and away from you." she snaps, voice deeper and more convicted than any of you had ever heard it as she turns and storms inside the villa.

And Justin just scoffs as the rest of you sit, shocked at the outburst. "Fuck this," he mutters, standing up and walking off in the opposite direction, around some corner and out of sight.

Silence hangs over the rest of you for a long moment, no one really knowing what to say, or where or how to go from here.

Then JJ looks around, clapping his hands together. "Well... the rest of us had fun, at least."

AFTER everyone changes out of their costumes, you wander upstairs looking for Rafe. You're freshly showered, skin dewy and warm when you find him in the empty bedroom, lying flat on his back on one of the beds, staring up at the ceiling.

"Hi," you say softly, walking in.

Rafe turns his head, a small smile growing on his face at the sight of you. "Hey." He rasps. “You look pretty.”

You smile shyly, ducking your head as you sit down on the edge of the mattress next to him, a hand on his leg. "...Are you still upset? About the challenge?"

Rafe bites the inside of his cheek, seeming to ponder before, "No," he says slowly. "I don't think I am."

"You don't think?"

"I talked to Theo," he admits through a sigh, sitting up and rubbing his hands down his face. "He said he doesn't have romantic feelings for you anymore, and that it was a physical attraction thing, said physical attraction doesn't just vanish overnight, but his heart is with Sarah."

You nodded. "And…how do you feel about that?" you ask softly.

"I…don't know," Rafe sighs. “I know it’s not really that big of a deal, but it’s still weird to me.”

You sigh and look him in the eyes, scooting closer. "Rafe... do you trust me?"

"’Course I do," he says immediately, looking at you.

"Then trust me," you smile softly.

Rafe stares at you for a second before a soft, irresistible smile breaks across his face. He leans in, hands under your arms, pulling you into his lap and sitting you there before pressing his lips to yours in a short and sweet kiss. "Using my own words against me, huh?"

"I think I have to," you whisper with a smile against his mouth.

And as you sit there in his lap, staring into his eyes, you feel that same overwhelming surge of that emotion rising in your throat, the three words branding themselves on the tip of your tongue. You open your mouth to say it—

"Do not," Rafe interrupts, pressing his finger gently against your lips.

You groan, rolling your eyes but also laughing. "Rafe, come on!"

"I promise you'll be able to say it soon," he assures you, his eyes filled with sincerity. "But I want everything to be perfect for you when you do."

"I don't care about it being perfect," you whine, wrapping your arms around his neck. "I just want you.” You reassure, trailing your fingers down his arms. “I want to be able to say it out loud."

"I know," Rafe mutters softly, kissing your cheek. "So do I. But you deserve perfect.” He tells you. “Nothing short of it."

And before you can argue, both of your phones in your pockets go off, and you exchange confused looks.

You pull your phones out and find that it’s a group text sent to every Islander:

Islanders, tonight, you are all invited to a Dinner Party in the garden. Please get dressed in your finest evening wear and head downstairs.

You and Rafe look at each other, confused.

"A dinner party?" Rafe asks, raising an eyebrow. "What for?"

"...I have no idea," you say, standing up.

IN the makeup room, you and the girls are getting glammed up, but Rima is sitting at her vanity, face set in stone.

"...Rima, are you okay?" Sarah asks gently, being the one to finally ask.

Rima just scoffs, sweeping blush over her brown cheeks. “Oh, I am fine,” she says, shrugging lazily. "But Justin is dead to me." She says, voice cold. "After tonight? We are done. That shit was ridiculous."

"Is it just because of the challenge?" Talia asks.

"God, no," Rima says honestly. "It’s everything over the last few days. He’s shown his true colors." She says and turns to Cleo. "And Cleo, please know I hold zero bad blood toward you. I know my heart rate raised for Pope and I’ll admit, I still find Pope attractive, but I know that ship sailed long ago. I think it was really just because of everything going on with Justin, as well."

Cleo smiles and waves a hand dismissively. "It’s all good. Me and Pope are solid, and you and I are solid. I know how things get in here. I'm not worried."

"Good," Rima sighs. "And I don't ever want to see Justin's face again."

"Well," you giggle nervously, "this is going to be one awkward dinner."

SOON after, you and all the girls walk down the staircase in stunning evening gowns, finding the guys waiting at the bottom in collared shirts and button-ups.

Rafe’s eyes light up the second he sees you walk down the stairs, at the tail end of the group. He steps forward as you reach the bottom of the stairs, taking your hand and kissing the back of it before kissing your forehead. "You look gorgeous," he whispers.

You smile, cheeks warm as you squeeze his hand. “You look cute too, Cameron,” you smile up at him.

Rafe chuckles, walking behind the rest of the group, hand in hand with you as he and the guys lead you and the girls out into the center of the yard, where a long wooden dining table has been set up, draped in floral arrangements, surrounded by glowing candles, and piled high with a food. “What’s up with you callin’ me ‘cute’? Y’know, I am a grown man, whether you believe it or not.” He teases.

You just giggle, running your other hand down his arm as you all walk. “I’ll take your word for it,” you say. “...You look very handsome, Rafe.” you tell him adoringly.

Rafe then smiles down at you, and you swear he’s blushing before he tries to hide it, looking back ahead, but his neck is basically painted crimson. “That’s much better. Thank you.” He rasps out, looking away, and all you can do is giggle.

As you all reach the table, everyone takes their seats, sitting across from their partners. Rima and Justin sit near the end, ignoring each other, but the rest of the table is filled with laughter and flirting throughout the dinner.

And, per usual, you and Rafe are insufferable. You’re sitting across from him, feet wrapped around his leg under the table as you hold hands across the candlelit table, feeding each other bites of food and dessert, enamored with one another as you talk.

"I can't believe we made it this far," you whisper to him, leaning over the table. "And there are only a few days left before this whole thing ends..."

"I know," Rafe sighs, thumb stroking the back of your hand as he leans back in his seat, spooning a piece of cheesecake. "But I can't fucking wait to get out into the real world with you.” He smiles, the anticipation creating a movie in his mind.

"Me too," you smile softly, leaning in to taste a spoonful of dessert he offers you. "This dessert is amazing, by the way. I think this is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had—"

Suddenly, every conversation pauses as three servers in black attire walk into the garden carrying five polished silver cloches—domed metal food covers. They walk around the table in dead silence as all of your eyes follow them, placing one silver cloche directly in front of each couple.

PING.

Everyone groans in unison, throwing themselves back into their seats. "I knew there was a catch," JJ groans, throwing his hands up.

Cleo pulls out her phone and reads the text aloud.

“Islanders, as we near the finale, it is time to reveal the final four couples. Underneath each cloche is an envelope containing your fate. When instructed by text, each couple will lift their cloche, break the seal, and read their card aloud to the table.”

An anxious silence settles over the garden as everyone exchanges looks. Everyone sat in silence, exchanging heavy looks across the table. 

It was the unsaid realization hitting all of you at once—this was the moment, the exact reason you’d all come in the first place. But now that it was actually happening, everyone's heart was racing. It wasn't even about the desire to win or reach the finale anymore, it was the fear of seeing who was about to be sent packing, because despite all the drama, you’d all genuinely become a family. 

You all nearly flinch out of your seats when the first text arrives, Pope pulling his phone from his pocket.

“Cleo and Pope, please lift your cloche.” 

Cleo’s hands shake slightly as she meets Pope’s eyes and lifts the silver dome, revealing a pink envelope sealed with gold wax. She hesitates before she breaks the seal, pulls out the metallic card, and reads aloud—..."Congratulations! You are in the finale!"

Everyone cheers as Pope jumps up out of his seat, rounding the end of the table to scoop Cleo into a hug, kissing her deeply before they sit back down, relieved.

And you assumed the texts were moving down the table because next, your phone chimes and you flip the device open, reading you and Rafe’s names before, “Please, lift your cloche.”

Your heart pounds in your chest, but you look across at Rafe to find him looking back at you, calm.

"Do you want me to open it?" Rafe asks softly.

"Please," you whisper through a nervous laugh.

Rafe smiles, leans across the table and lifts the silver cloche, breaks the wax seal on the envelope, and reads the metallic card…

"Congratulations! You are in the finale!"

You let out a deep breath you didn't know you were holding as Rafe leans all the way over the table, cups your face and kisses you as the entire table claps and cheers for you two.

Just as he releases you with a smile, the third text arrives, Sarah flipping her phone open— “Sarah and Theo, please lift your cloche.”

Theo takes Sarah’s shaking hand across the table, looking her in the eyes and together, they lift the cloche, open the seal, and read that they, too, are finalists. Sarah falls into tears of joy, laughing tearfully, reaching across the table to wrap her arms around Theo’s neck, burying her face in his shoulder.

And now that three finalist spots are filled, only two couples remain sitting at the table—Talia and JJ, and Rima and Justin.

And Rima doesn't even wait for a text, just glares at Justin, who is sitting silently, and lifts the silver cloche herself. She breaks the wax seal, pulls out the card, takes a deep breath, and reads aloud.

"Rima and Justin... your journey ends tonight."

Gasps echo around the table but deep down, no one is really shocked. Rima lets out a quiet, peaceful breath of relief, nodding her head as Justin sits stunned, a dark, angry scowl settling over his face.

Which means—

JJ and Talia both reach for the silver dome, knocking it over, but Talia grabs it first, basically tearing it to shreds as she finds the metallic card before squealing and rounding the table as her and JJ hug each other tightly, happy to be in the finale, but the mood at the table is still bittersweet. 

Then, there’s another chime and Rima opens her phone, sighing.

“Rima and Justin, you have not been voted as one of the final couples and as a result, you are now dumped from the island. Please, pack your bags, say your goodbyes, and get ready to leave the villa.”

You all sigh and slump in your chairs. 

The dinner is over.

Everyone stands up, giving them hugs. The guys give Justin brief, polite claps on the back, but you and the girls swarm Rima, walking her upstairs to help her pack.

"YOU didn't deserve this," Sarah sniffs, wiping a stray tear from under her eye. "You deserved an incredible guy! And now you’re going home because of a shitty one…"

"Guys, please don't cry," Rima smiles, packing her clothes into her suitcase. "I felt this coming a mile away. We all did. And one of us would’ve been going home anyway, I’m glad it’s me.” She tells you all, folding a dress. “I’d rather go home right now with my self-respect intact than fake it to the finale with a guy who couldn't even respect me. I'm happy. Relieved, even." She chuckles.

As she finishes packing, zipping up her huge suitcase, Rima pulls each of you aside for an individual goodbye.

She walks up to Sarah first, hands on her shoulders. "You keep your head up. No matter how many times people call you 'naive' or 'gullible,' remember that you are a strong, incredible girl. Having a big, open heart is a gift, not a weakness." Sarah nods tearfully, hugging her tightly as Rima turns to Cleo. 

"Watching your relationship blossom with Pope while you maintained your dignity and everything... I admire you so much.” She smiles. “I grew so close to you, and I’m gonna miss you." Cleo wipes a tear, pulling Rima into a hug.

Then, Rima turns to you.

She smiles warmly, taking both of your hands. "I am so proud of you. Even coming in after most of you, it’s not hard to see how much you’ve grown, with and without Rafe. And honestly? You made me want to be confident."

"Oh please, that was all you," you say, shaking your head, tears pricking your eyes.

"No, I promise you," Rima insists gently. "There were so many times I looked up to you. When your ex showed up and you told him to fuck off. When you thought Rafe messed up and you immediately stood your ground and chose yourself. You have such a huge heart, but you also have such a level head on your shoulders. And... I’m rooting for you and Rafe with everything I have.” She says, nodding.

Tears spill over your cheeks as you sniff and wrap your arms around Rima, hugging her like your life depends on it.

Finally, the woman turns to Talia. "Talia, I haven't known you long, but your energy is amazing. You’re the only girl who could match JJ’s wild side and make him see a side of himself nobody else could. Never lose that spark."

And you and the girls all groan and whine before gathering for one last group hug, crying and sniffling into each other’s shoulders and arms before heading down and into the photo booth to take pictures together and see Rima off.

DOWNSTAIRS, the guys are talking to Justin while he packs his bags. 

"Look, man," JJ says gently, setting a hand on Justin's shoulder. "We gotta be real with you. The way you handled things with Rima... it wasn't right, bro. But it doesn’t suck to see you go."

"Yeah," Theo adds, nodding softly. "But look, we still wish you the best on the outside."

Justin just scoffs, shoving his clothes aggressively into his duffel bag. "Whatever. Nobody knows the whole story. And I'm pretty sure the producers edited it to make me look like the bad guy, and everyone fell for it. Y'all don't know shit..." He brushed them all off, carrying his own suitcase down the steps as the guys exchanged glances and followed him down with tight-lipped grimaces.

And when Rima and you and the girls meet Justin and the guys at the front entrance of the villa, suitcases in hand, she looks at all of you gathered with a bright smile. "Well... I guess this is it.” She throws her arms out, laughing. “I’m going to miss you all so much.” She assures, hand on her suitcase as she starts to back up. “But I’ll be watching from home!" She turns to Rafe, pointing a finger at him. "Cameron... treat my girl right, or I’m on your ass the second you land."

Rafe grins, nodding as he throws an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his side.

And Rima and Justin walk away, rounding the corner and disappearing, leaving the villa.

Goodbye Confessional : Rima She beams broadly at the camera, eyes bright and proud. "My journey here got cut a little short, but honestly? I wouldn't change a thing. My standards have been raised to the sky, I'm leaving with my head held high and my self-respect. I love my girls so much, and I'm rooting for them with my whole heart."

Goodbye Confessional : Justin He sits with his arms crossed, scowling. "It's hilarious, to be honest. I could feel the walls closing in. Nobody in that house actually had my back or understood me. I was the most genuine guy in there, and I got screwed over by bullshit."

As you watch them leave, tears are streaming down your face slowly, and Sarah and Cleo are sniffling beside you.

Rafe cranes his neck to get a good look at you, wrapping his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder. "Why’re you cryin’?" he asks softly, wiping one of the tears away.

"It’s just…hard to see her leave," you say, voice shaky as you turn around in his arms, burying the side of your face in his chest, hands on his back. "I know we only have a few days left, but watching her go hurts."

Rafe holds you gently, rubbing your back, his tone soft. "Well, don't cry.” He gives a lopsided pout that you can’t see. “I don't like seeing you cry."

"Sorry," you sniffle and laugh at the same time, looking up at him with watery eyes. "I can't help it. I'm just... I'm happy we made it, but it sucks seeing her go."

"I know," Rafe mutters softly, leaning down to kiss on your cheeks before pressing a warm kiss to your lips. "C’mon. I think we all need to go to bed."

THE next morning, you wake up, and the realization seems to hit everyone simultaneously as Sarah jumps out of her bed, jumping on the mattress, squealing.

"We’re the final freaking four!" She screams, hair moving wildly around her face.

JJ follows, always a victim to rowdiness as he jumps out of his bed, waking a grumpy Talia before joining her, jumping up and down. "Woo! Final four baby, let’s go!"

Over in his bed, Theo groans, pulling his pillow over his face as Sarah shakes the bed.

Everyone laughs at his agony, though a certain heaviness falls over the room for a brief moment. 

Waking up without Rima feels strange, but the excitement of being in the final four overrides that gloom.

"...You know what?" Theo says, sitting up and rubbing his eyes, glaring playfully at Sarah. "I'm making breakfast for everyone today."

"Oooh, yes!" Sarah cheers.

WHILE Theo cooks downstairs and the guys are getting ready, you and the remaining three girls gather in the dressing room to do your makeup, hair, and skincare.

"It feels so weird in here without her," Cleo says, looking at Rima’s empty vanity chair.

"I know," You agree. "It’s weird to think she’s probably boarding a plane right now." You sigh. “...But I know she’s probably happy to have her phone back.”

“Ugh, I can’t wait,” Sarah groans, rubbing moisturizer into her cheeks. “What is my life without Tiktok?”

You and the other girls laugh lightly at her whining.

"...Honestly, though," Talia adds, blending her foundation. "I hate to admit it... but I was glad to see Justin go. I didn't want Rima to leave, but Justin needed to get the boot."

"Agreed" you nod.

The dressing room door opens as JJ pokes his head in, grinning. "Breakfast is served, ladies! Chef Theodorino went crazy, y’all gotta come check this out."

You and the girls laugh before heading downstairs to the kitchen area, stopping in your tracks, blown away by the spread laid out across the counter. Considering the limited ingredients in the villa, Theo had pulled off a miracle— fruit platters, golden waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and even a pitcher of strawberry syrup created from scratch.

"Theo, did you make strawberry syrup?!" Sarah gasps, eyes wide.

"How did you even make this?" Cleo asks, thoroughly impressed.

Theo just stands there, palming the back of his neck, face growing red.

"Aww, look at him getting all sentimental!" Talia teases, nudging his arm.

Theo blushes, looking down at the counter to hide his shy smile. "Alright, alright, stop talking and just…eat before it gets cold," he mutters.

Everyone digs in, filling their plates and taking seats together like a cozy family. "Seriously, Theo, I’m with JJ—you need to open a restaurant after this," you say, taking a bite of the waffle.

"It's actually always been a dream of mine," Theo admits softly, smiling. "Thinkin’ about maybe actually doing it one day."

And for the rest of breakfast, you and Rafe flirt shamelessly, feeding each other strawberries and bites of waffle across the table. Across from you, Talia and JJ are taking turns trying to toss grapes into each other's mouths, bursting into laughter whenever they miss. Cleo and Pope are experimenting with bizarre food combos—Pope convincing the girl to try a piece of sausage topped with waffle, egg, and syrup all in one bite. Meanwhile, Sarah and Theo are building each other's plates, trying to guess every single item the other would want without asking. 

AFTER breakfast, all eight of you lounge around the daybeds, laughing and reminiscing about the entire 32-day journey from the very beginning.

"Remember that first day?" Cleo laughs, looking at the people who were there for that, really only being Pope himself, Rafe, and Kiara. "When I stole Pope from Kiara?"

Pope grins, shaking his head. "I was confused. I didn’t think you liked me, not with the way you were looking at me."

"Oh, please, I saw you and knew I needed that." Cleo jokes, waving off the Heyward boy. “I just hadn’t turned on my charm yet.”

"Well, we weren’t there yet,” JJ waves a hand between himself and you. “Man, I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous or excited in my life.”

"Oh, that’s right," you gasp, slapping your forehead. "How did I forget we came in together? Sometimes I even forget I’m a bombshell." You laugh, leaning back into Rafe as he draws circles into your thigh

"Bombshell besties!" JJ yells in a teasing high-pitched girly voice, giving you a high-five as you laugh at his antics. "...And we made it all the way to the end." He says with a look of nostalgia on his face, voice lowering back to normal.

Rafe watches you two, laughing softly.

"That first challenge had us all super shocked," Sarah admits. "When we took off our blindfolds, I was like, 'Yup, we're in big trouble, they’re sexy as hell.'"

"And remember Rafe that night?" Pope throws out, grinning. "He was coupled up with Ruthie—man, that’s a name I don’t miss—” He adds, making most of you groan or giggle. 

“How do you think I feel?” Sarah laughs, rolling her eyes as Pope continues.

“But he’d been looking miserable all day. Then the second he laid eyes on you,” Pope threw a hand in your direction. “I swear, it was like a light switch flipped in his brain."

"Oh, for sure," Cleo agrees. "I thought I was the only one who noticed it.”

Rafe smirks, pulling you closer to his side. "Best decision I ever made."

"Speaking of Ruthie and Topper…that whole situation was insane," Cleo scoffs, shaking her head. "Ruthie literally tried to use Rafe as a cover-up and make you the scapegoat while sneaking behind Sarah's back."

"Please don't remind me," Sarah groans, covering her face. "Let's talk about something else before I actually die."

"Okay, okay... Casa Amor?" JJ offers, prompting half the group to groan out loud.

"Oh God, no, that's an even worse topic!" Sarah laughs.

Theo throws his hands up defensively. "Hey now!"

"Oh, that's right!" Sarah giggles. "You’re literally the last person standing from Casa, that’s crazy to think about."

"The lone wolf, biondina," Theo smirks.

"Casa was drama, but I guess it did what it was supposed to do—test us. Even if technically we all failed," Pope jokes.

"...I still can't believe John B lied like that," Sarah sighs.

"It's okay girl, he's gone now, we got his ass out of here," Cleo reassures her, before wincing. "Now looking back, I definitely regret bringing Justin back. What a piece of shit..."

"And I thought bringing Kaitlyn back was the end of me and you," Pope admits softly, looking at Cleo. 

"I definitely regret how I went about Casa," JJ says, rubbing his jaw. "I wasn’t tryna hurt anyone, I swear. I should've handled it way better..."

"Who had it the worst at Casa, though?" Talia asks. "Obviously you two," she nods at you and Rafe, "are on the board, but between you, Sarah, and Kiara..."

"It was Kie," Cleo says firmly. "She got eliminated just for sticking loyal to this idiot."

"Dude, you were so wrong for that," Pope tells him. "If you had time to tell me how you felt, you had time to tell her. You know you did." He reprimands his friend.

"I know, I know," JJ says seriously, holding his hands up. "After we leave, I want to clear the air with her when all the post-show stuff happens. If she's even open to it. I'm just…I’m happy where I am now,” he looks down at Talia, smiling before looking at you all. “and I just want Kie to be happy too."

"Sarah definitely had it second worst," you say gently. "You thought you and John B were solid coming back, only to find out he lied to your face."

"I'll never forget the way my heart dropped," Sarah admits softly. "And then finding out he kept lying... I'll never forgive him.” She huffs. “He's the worst liar I've ever met, and people who lie that easily are dangerous."

"Third place on the podium is definitely you and Rafe," Pope says sympathetically. "No offense Theo, but watching you pick him when Rafe stayed loyal... from the guys' side, it was heartbreaking. For real."

"Pope and I were looking at each other during your speech so confused," JJ agrees. "We didn't get any video or postcard at Casa, so when y’all kept mentioning a video, we were wondering what the hell y’all were talkin’ about."

"I've never seen you that pissed," Cleo laughs at you. "Not even when your ex was in the villa."

"Watching you two during that was so sad, everyone loves you together," Sarah smiles. "You've both grown so much."

"Honestly, you two probably would've worked it out even sooner if Sofia hadn't made things ten times harder," Talia points out. "When I was watching in my hotel room, I was so mad for you both. Sofia and Miles have to be two of the most evil people on Earth." 

"Oh God, I never want to hear the name 'Sofia' ever again in my life," you groan, lip curling as you roll your eyes. 

Rafe rolls his eyes, scoffing. "You’re tellin’ me,” 

“Oh, don't even get me started.” You reprimand with a pointed finger, looking up at him. 

“What did I do?” Rafe’s eyebrows pinch. “I didn’t do anything, I’ve been cleared!” He defends through a deep chuckle. 

"You shouldn't have even been talking to her in the first place!" you tease, poking Rafe's chest.

"Wh—we were stuck in a villa together!" Rafe defends, laughing.

"I don't care if you both were stuck in a two-by-four jail cell, you shouldn't have been talking to her," you joke back, though your voice is stern. "I'm still pissed you told her you missed her." You say, shivering in disgust.

"But you saw the whole conversation on Movie Night," Rafe chuckles, trying to defend himself, running his hands down your arms. "I didn't actually say I missed her, it was like a play on words, you know?"

"I'm not trying to hear that shit," you wave him off playfully. "And I hope you know when we get out of here, you're never talking to her again."

"I didn't plan to," Rafe shrugs.

"No, I'm actually so serious, especially with how the public spins stuff," you press. "If you're following her on anything, unfollow her. Block her number, delete it. If you see her in public, act like she doesn't exist."

Rafe smiles fondly, looking at you with adoration. "Yes, ma'am."

The rest of the islanders burst into awe and giggles. "Oh, just propose to her already," JJ yells.

Rafe smirks, pulling you closer. "I'm working on it. Gotta get to the girlfriend part first."

Everyone laughs as the conversation dies and shifts, JJ wrapping an arm around Talia before speaking, still reminiscing. "Honestly, I'm just glad Talia came in when she did. I was terrified I was gonna leave this place alone, but I found my girl."

"I was scared too," Talia admits softly. "They told me I was one of the last bombshells, and I thought nobody would want me—"

Then, there’s a sudden ping, Cleo pulling her phone from her bikini.

“What’s it say?” Sarah asks.

“Islanders, to help blow off some steam after yesterday's intense challenge, the Hideaway is officially open! You must now decide as a group which couple should go in. #PrivateSuite #RomanceInTheAir”

Instantly, you and Cleo look at each other and start playfully arguing. And off-brand from the playful argument you'd both had days ago about fighting for the Hideaway, you start trying to offer it up to each other.

"Not me!" you say, pointing at Cleo. "You and Pope should go!"

"No way!" Cleo counters. "You and Rafe already had the Hideaway once! You should have taken full advantage! I’m givin’ you another opportunity girl!"

"Well, we didn’t! So, you take it!” you offer up.

While you and the girls are banter-debating, the guys exchange looks. 

Unbeknownst to you, Rafe had pulled Theo, JJ, and Pope aside earlier that morning, asking them that if anything opened up— The Hideaway or a date, anything—to please vote for him and you (and yes, he actually said please) because he had ‘something important’ planned.

Theo, JJ, and Pope all look at Rafe and wink or nod subtly.

"Honestly," JJ speaks up loudly, throwing his arms behind his head. "I think Rafe and her should go."

"Yeah," Pope agrees, though his poker face is shaky. "You two have been through the most in here. You deserve a night."

"Wait…really?" you ask, surprised. “I don't know I think we've all been through a lot though—”

"Girl, go!" Sarah squeals, shoving your shoulder playfully. “You and that man have been trying to jump on each other for weeks and we don't want to see it anymore!” She jokes.

“Okay!” you throw your hands up, looking at Rafe. “...What do you say?”

“...I say we take the offer.” He smirks lazily.

THE girls drag you upstairs to the dressing room to get you ready and they dress you in a jaw-dropping, sheer black lace lingerie set that shapes your frame perfectly, covering it with a silk robe so Rafe can't see it until you're inside and shield you on the way.

"Are you excited?" Sarah beams, adjusting the robe around you.

"Nervous, but…yeah," you admit, smiling.

Cleo points a finger at you, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Listen to me closely. This is your last chance to take the Hideaway seriously. You gotta want it.” She tells you like a coach. “If I find out tomorrow morning that you gave up the Hideaway for nothing again while the rest of us stayed out here, you will feel it."

You laugh, saluting the girl. "Message received."

IN the bedroom, the guys are teasing Rafe, who is surprisingly pale and nervous.

"Does my hair look alright?" he asks nervously, brushing his hand over his head.

"Bro... you have a buzzcut," JJ deadpans. "You don't have hair."

Rafe glares at him, heart pounding in his chest as the guys walk him outside.

Down at the bottom of the stairs, Rafe stands shifting his weight nervously, hands in his pockets as he looks up toward the terrace where the guys and girls are leaning over the railing. "Thanks for helping me set this up, guys," Rafe calls up softly.

"No problem, bro, that's what we're here for," Theo yells down.

"Just don't chicken out now, Cameron!" JJ shouts with a grin.

But their conversation is interrupted by the sound of you walking down the stairs, and Rafe’s eyes sparkle as he steps forward to meet you at the bottom. Before Rafe can even open his mouth as you reach the bottom step, you smirk and cut him off. "I look gorgeous, I know."

Rafe breaks into an irresistible grin, shaking his head. "Glad to see my programming is working." He reaches out, lightly pinching the edges of your silk robe and wiggling it playfully. "What are you hidin’ under here?"

"You're just gonna have to wait and see," you tease, winking as he takes your hand.

The rest of the islanders are leaned over the balcony, yelling down teasing remarks at the two of you as Rafe takes your hand, leading you down to the Hideaway.

"Use protection!" Talia laughed out loud.

“Hunchin’ in the Hideaway!” JJ joked, amusing himself.

"Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!" Pope yelled. 

“Do everything I would do!” That was Cleo.

“Good luck, Cameron!” Theo laughed.

“We’ll miss you!” Sarah threw out, smiling like a proud mother as they all waved you away.

THE Hideaway was just as you remembered from all those weeks ago. Stunning, romantic—a plush king-sized bed, rose petals, soft mood lighting and prop candles everywhere.

"We haven't been here in forever," you say, looking around like you were at some kind of historical landmark. "We never got a chance to really explore it..."

Rafe lets your hand slip from his as you wander over to a cabinet on the wall. Hanging on the door is a sign that reads, ‘Pull Me for a Good Time.’.

"Was this here last time?" you ask, laughing and pointing at the cabinet.

"I don't think so," Rafe says, shaking his head and walking up behind you.

You pull the door open slowly, and your eyes widen at the sight. The closet is packed full with sex toys—a leather whip, furry handcuffs, velvet restraints, lace-trimmed blindfolds, bottles of warming lube, and boxes of condoms.

"Ohhh my," you gasp, bursting into laughter. You grab the handcuffs, turning around with a playful grin as you stretch them between your thumbs, looking Rafe up and down. “...You should let me tie you up."

Rafe scoffed, shaking his head, backing up with his hands raised. "Never in a million fuckin’ years."

“We’ll see about that,” you tease, turning around and giggling like a little kid as you continue poking around the closet, touching the toys. "Oh my god, what does this even do?"

You turn around, looking for your man. "Rafe, look at this—"

You pause. 

Rafe is standing in the middle of the room, staring at you, eyes wide with his hands buried deep in his pockets. But something in his eyes feels and looks wildly different.

"...Uh, Rafe?" you ask softly, setting the toy down and raising an eyebrow. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Rafe says, voice rough and kind of tight. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Well, why do you sound like that?" you ask through a nervous laugh, taking a step toward him. "And why do you look like that? What's wrong?"

Rafe lets out a long, deep exhale, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nothin's wrong, I'm just... I'm trying to work up the courage to do what I planned to do."

You stop, confused. "What you ‘planned to do’?"

He just nods, swallowing. "It’s like I had it all planned out in my head perfectly," Rafe confesses, looking down at the floor before meeting your gaze. "But now that we're actually in here... I don’t know, you make me so fuckin’ nervous."

You soften as he sighs, stepping up to him and taking his large, warm hands in yours. "We don’t have to do anything—"

“No, I know," he laughs lowly, looking into your eyes. "It’s not that, it’s—" he takes a deep breath. "I asked the guys to vote for us to get the Hideaway tonight."

"...You did?"

"Yeah," Rafe nods. "I told them to push for us. Fuck, I basically begged them. Because... I've been telling you for days that I was waiting for the right moment to ask you that thing, because I wanted everything to be perfect for you.” He explains. “And I wanted you to know that I meant that."

Your heart starts to thump wildly against your ribs, palms growing sweaty.

Rafe takes a step closer, holding both of your hands tightly in his. "From the moment we met... even when you were just a blurry face in my head, I knew it was always going to be you. I didn't want to ask you in front of all the cameras, or in front of everyone else. I didn't want it to feel like it was for TV, or for anyone but you.” He says, voice firm as he squeezes your hands. “I just wanted it to be for us. I didn't get us into the Hideaway just to have sex.” He laughs, looking at you. “I wanted to be alone with just you."

His voice trembles slightly, eyes shining. "The past thirty-something days with you have been the best days of my entire life. Even when things were bad... I wouldn't trade a single second of it. And I’m really grateful for your patience and understanding, and your heart. I love everything about you." He starts rambling, words tumbling over each other fast and nervous—"And I just... I know I'm not perfect, and I know I get jealous and kind of ‘snappy’, but I promise I will spend every single day making sure you know how much you mean to me—"

"Rafe," you interrupt softly, a tear slipping down your cheek as a small and nervous yet anticipating smile spreads across your face. "What are you trying to say?"

He stops rambling and looks deep into your eyes, chest heaving.

"I want you," Rafe whispers. "I want you to be my girlfriend. If I had a ring right now, I swear I'd propose to you right now, but I don't, so you're gonna have to wait.” He laughs, which makes you laugh. “So... will you be my girlfriend—"

“Of course,” A loud, sob-like laugh escapes your lips as you cover your mouth to hide your embarrassingly wide smile. “What else did you think my answer was gonna be?"

“I don’t know—”

But before he can even respond, you leap forward, wrapping your legs around his waist as Rafe catches you, large hands catching your thighs and lifting you as you wrap your arms around his neck and cover his entire face in frantic, wet kisses—his cheeks, nose, jaw, lips, he even laughed as your soft lips hit the skin of his eyelid.

Rafe laughs, cheeks flushing bright red, holding you tight against his chest as he buries his face in your neck, letting out a breath of relief.

You pull back slightly, resting your forehead against his, staring into his blue eyes as the room goes quiet. You look at him, breath hitching.

 "Can I say it now?"

Rafe smirks, scoffing softly. "I love you," he says softly, beating you to it.

You gasp, pulling back in his arms before swatting his shoulder. "Oh, fuck you! You cannot one-up me twice in a row!"

"I think I just did," Rafe winces softly with a cocky smile, eyes darkening with affection before he kisses you.

And it’s not a soft kiss anymore or little pecks. The second his lips meet yours, the buildup of weeks of longing and every unexpressed act or phrase love combusts between the two of you.

Rafe carries you over to the bed, lowering his body and pressing you down into the mattress. His body hovers over yours, eyes dark, wild, and consumed by everything you.

He pauses, resting his hands on either side of your head, chest heaving and breath fanning over your cheeks. "We don't have to do anything, y’know," he whispers, his voice thick with restraint. "I don't want you to feel like—"

"Fuck that," you whisper back, reaching down to untie the belt of your silk robe. "I’ve been waiting to get you like this for weeks."

Rafe smirks, a dangerous gleam entering his eyes. "Yeah?” He smirks, tongue peeking out between his teeth, just a bit. “Even when you were mad at me?"

"Especially when I was mad at you," you whisper, leaning up just enough to pull the robe off your shoulders, letting it fall around you into a puddle of silk, exposing the lingerie beneath.

Rafe sucks in a deep breath as his eyes rake over your body, taking in the lace shaping your breasts, the dip of your waist, the line of your hips. "Fuck..." 

You make a face, tilting your head as you look at him. "Like what you see, Cameron?"

Rafe's eyes darken as he swallows hard, his grip on your waist tightening. "You know I always do," he rasps out.

Rafe throws his shirt above his head, off and onto the floor, exposing his muscular chest and shoulders before he leans down, capturing your mouth in a bruising kiss that snatches the air from your lungs and makes your lips ache.

It’s probably the most intense, passionate experience of your life as Rafe takes his time with you, but his restraint is crumbling by the second. His hands are everywhere—rough and desperate, possessive. He grips your waist, digging his thumbs into your hips, leaving pressure marks on your skin that you make curve yourself into him, moaning softly into his mouth.

He glides his swollen, wet lips down your throat, trailing hot kisses over your collarbone, down to the lace covering your breasts as he uses his teeth to graze the sensitive skin there, leaving faint welts over the top of your breasts, making you arch your back off the bed with another breathless moan.

"You're so pretty," he mutters against your skin, voice gravelly and breathless. "So fuckin’ perfect for me."

He slides further down your body, stripping away your lace panties as the cool air makes you gasp. He’s on his stomach as he pushes your knees apart, settling himself between your thighs as he whispers something inaudible while you throw your head back into the pillows, swallowing hard. And before you can even process it, Rafe buries his face between your legs, warm tongue sweeping over you in one long stripe.

“Fuck,” you moan into the air, hands fisting into the sheets.

His fingers are digging into your thighs, holding them down as he eats you out with an ungodly, desperate kind of ferocity, sucking firmly on your clit in a way that has you arching off of the bed, trying to fight the way he’s holding your legs apart before he’s sliding two fingers deep inside your slick warmth.

"Rafe—shit—" you’re clutching at the bedsheets, back arching as a hand flies to the top of his head, pressing it further into you.

The man groans against you, the wet, squelching sounds of his tongue and fingers driving you insane. "I could do this for the rest of my life,"

His words do nothing to stop the orgasm you feel building rapidly, muscles tightening around his fingers over and over, and, again, you instinctively try to close your legs around his head, overwhelmed by the sensation of it all—

"Uh-uh," Rafe warns softly, using his shoulders and heavy arms to force your thighs back open, keeping you exposed to him. "Keep ‘em open for me, angel."

Your jaw clenches as you hold back a loud moan, both hands flying down to claw at his hair, feeling the rough texture between your fingers.

"Fuck, keep doin’ that," Rafe pants, the feeling of your nails in his scalp only driving him to tongue you harder, deeper, sucking on your clit until you let out a breathless, broken cry.

And when you finally manage to pull his face up, Rafe slides up your body, capturing your lips in a sloppy, deep kiss, letting you taste your own arousal on his tongue as he slants it against yours.

"Tell me you're mine," Rafe growls lowly against your lips, hand gently resting over the front of your throat, not cutting off your air, but holding you in place.

"I'm yours," you moan breathlessly, eyes slitted, heavy-lidded. "I'm all yours."

Rafe grins, a lazy and breathless expression as he reaches down and unbuttons his pants, shoving them down his legs. But when he takes too long for your impatience, you curse and startle the man as you help, pushing the fabric off and flinging it to the floor before reaching for the waistband of his briefs, wasting no time as you shimmy those down too, freeing his thick, throbbing cock, watching it spring up and point at you—tip red and leaking, veins pulsing. 

You stare in entrancement at the sight of him—easily a thick, heavy eight or nine inches, throbbing, rock-hard, and mapped with thick veins. You can't stop yourself from reaching down and wrapping your fingers tightly around him. Rafe lets out a harsh curse, knees buckling slightly as he almost drops his entire weight on top of you, forehead slamming into your shoulder as he pants for air. 

Containing himself, he grabs a stray condom off the nightstand, trembling lightly as he tears the wrapper open with his teeth, but before he can roll it on, you snatch it out of his hand and toss it to the floor.

"Don't," you pant, wrapping your legs tightly around his waist. "I want you."

Rafe’s eyes blaze at your words. "Fuck..." he growls, lowering his head and kissing you filthy and hard, hand going back to maintaining that firm, gentle grip on your throat as he takes his dick out of your hand, pumping himself a few times before he lines the thick tip of his cock up with your wet entrance.

He slowly, but relentlessly, pushes himself inside, and just the size of him alone stretches you, a sharp, aching warmth filling you. You let out a shaky wince, hands gripping his muscular shoulders, nails scratching at the skin there.

Rafe stops at the way your eyes are glued shut, chest heaving as he holds himself still inside you. "You alright?"

You nod quickly, breath coming in short gasps with your eyes still shut.

"I need to hear it, angel," Rafe demands softly, leaning down to kiss your cheek.

"I'm good... I'm good," you whisper, but as he pushes in another inch, another strained moan escapes your chest.

"Baby, you're crawling up the bed," Rafe pants, noticing your upper body shifting up the pillows and the way your nails are probably drawing blood at this point. "Tell me if you want me to stop—"

"No," you snap in a breathless pant, prying your eyes open to meet his, shifting underneath him. "Just—Don’t stop—Keep going... I can take it." You nod, swallowing.

Rafe lets out a low laugh against your mouth shaking his head. "There's my girl."

He pecks your swollen, wet lips before driving his hips all the way forward in one smooth motion, hoping to ease some of the pain as he bottoms out inside you. It’s overwhelming and it feels like he’s touching the very depths of your core, an aching kind of fullness that makes your vision go spotty as you slam your eyes shut again, screams getting stuck in your throat.

"Look at me," Rafe commands, voice rough and slurred with breathlessness as he holds back his own moans, already sweating above you.

"Gimme a sec..." you groan, squeezing your eyes shut even more as you pulse around him.

"...Open your eyes, baby," he insists softly. "I won't move till you look at me."

You take a deep breath and force your eyes open, meeting his burning gaze.

"Hi, pretty," Rafe whispers, a soft smirk on his lips.

"Hi," you breathe out.

Rafe lowers his gaze then, eyes locked on where the two of you connect as he pulls back slowly, almost all the way out, before plunging back in.

You cry out, arching your back as you tuck your lip between your teeth, but Rafe uses one heavy hand to press down on your stomach, keeping you pressed into the mattress while his other hand gently cups your face.

"Keep your eyes open," Rafe demands, voice broken and panting as he sees your eyes fluttering. "Open and on me."

Your jaw is shut so tight it aches as your eyes dart between his face and the sight of him going in and out, bodies slick, wet friction echoing through the quiet of the Hideaway with every stroke.

"Tell me what you want," Rafe pants, hips setting a steady, relentless pace that’s slowly driving you out of your mind.

But you're too entranced, too overwhelmed by the stretch and the sight of his arms flexing above your head. Rafe laughs at the dazed look in your eyes and lightly taps the side of your cheek, bringing your focus back. "Tell me, angel. What do you want?"

"Faster," you beg, voice slurred and needy.

"...You sure?" he pants.

And you nod frantically, reaching up to yank his head down into a desperate kiss.

That’s all the permission Rafe needs. He slides his hands under your lower back, pulling your hips up into his as he begins to thrust harder and more rapidly, building up the pace with each stroke. The bed frame rattles against the wall and the air in the room fills with the sounds of skin slapping against skin, wet friction, and breathless, broken groans.

Rafe swears into your mouth, pounding into you relentlessly. He ravages every inch of you, flipping you around like it’s nothing.

Before you can catch your breath, Rafe shifts his weight, maneuvering you until he flips you onto your back and pulls you up to sit atop his hips. You look down at him confused, but Rafe’s hands grip your waist, his voice a soft demand. "Ride me.” He pleads, eyes blown. “And look at me while you do it."

Your cheeks burn as you bite your lower lip, slowly lowering yourself down onto him. The width of him stretches you open, a sharp warmth blooming in your core as you take him inch by inch. You gasp, breathing as you pause to adjust to the feeling, but Rafe’s hands immediately guide you—one palm heavy and possessive over your chest, thumb flicking over your hardened nipple, while his other hand digs into the swell of your hip, pressure marks blooming under his grip. 

His blue eyes are completely blown out, dark as he looks up at you. "Take it, angel... all the way for me," he rasps, breath hot and ragged against your skin. You roll your hips slowly, the friction echoing between your thighs as you sink down all the way to the base. Rafe lets out an undone groan, thumbs tracing your waist as he helps guide your rhythm, chest heaving. He groans, hands pawing at your chest, palming your breasts and squeezing your ass as you begin to move against him. "Fuck... just like that, baby..." he praises, mesmerized by the sight of you above him. "You look so fuckin' pretty up there... takin' every inch of me. Just like that, keep rollin' those hips for me."

Feeling a sudden surge of confidence, you take control, spinning yourself around until you're facing his legs and all he can see is your back. Rafe lets out a startled, confused sound before his eyes land on the view of your ass arching above him. The sight wrecks him—your spine curved deep, a light sheen of sweat flushing your skin as you hover over him. "Fuck—" he groans as you lower yourself back down on his dick. The heavy, wet slap of skin echoing through the room makes him lose every ounce of his restraint. You slam your hips back, the dirty, wet sound of your combined slick filling the quiet space as the new angle hits a spot so deep inside you that your toes curl and your vision goes hazy. 

"God—shit—Rafe—" you whine, broken and needy, arching further down in front of him, forehead pressed into the mattress. Rafe’s hands fly up to clamp onto your hips, thumbs digging into your skin. He lets out a string of slurred curses—"Fuckfuckfuck... shit, baby"—his nails digging into your skin, leaving welts on your ass as he thrusts upward into you, hips bucking up with brutal force. "You're drivin' me fuckin' crazy here," he pants out, slurring his words as he watches your body move.

As he feels his orgasm nearing, Rafe stops your movements, panting as you turn your head, panting, "What's wrong?"

"Nothin', angel," he rasps with a satisfied smirk that you can’t fully see. He shifts behind you, positioning you on all fours on the bed now. Kneeling behind you, he nudges your knees wider apart with his own, pressing both hands onto the small of your back to make you arch further. "Mm... just like that.” 

He drives back inside you from behind, the position letting you feel every single inch of him. Every deep thrust hits like a punch to your gut, making the bed frame rattle, loud, wet, squelching sounds echoing through the room as your arousal coats his shaft. “You look fuckin' unreal." And with his words meeting your ears, you're overly vocal now, loudly moaning without restraint, making a mess on the mattress beneath you. 

And Rafe is past pussy-drunk, muttering slurred nonsense into your skin as he leans over your back, teeth lightly biting your shoulder while pounding into you hard and deep.

Losing almost all control, he pushes your shoulder blades down, pressing your face into the mattress as he fucks into you. "Fuckfuck—oh God, Rafe—I'm so close—" you pant, cursing hysterically.

"Nuh-uh, look at me," Rafe grunts, threading one heavy arm around your neck, pulling your torso up against his chest while his fingers tilt your chin so you're forced to look at him. His eyes are completely clouded over, bloodshot and dark with lust, face flushed red and undone. Seeing your teary, vulnerable eyes melts him with a dark and sick kind of pride. With one hand holding your jaw, he slides his other hand down, circling your swollen clit.

You shatter, letting out loud, borderline concerning noises as you fall apart, nails scratching desperately at the arm wrapped around your neck while your other hand grips his wrist as he rubs your clit. The spasms of your walls milking him drive Rafe over the edge. He lets you down gently onto the mattress so you don't collapse, hands gripping your hips tightly as he slams himself into your aching, pulsing cunt to chase his own release.

"Where—shit—where d’you want it, angel?" he pants through slurred breath, but you're far too fucked-out to answer, face buried in the sheets.

And Rafe has no choice but to abruptly pull out of you, hot ropes of his sticky cum coating the skin all over your lower back as he moans breathlessly, collapsing beside you, dazed and breathing heavily, pressing tender kisses to your warm skin.

After a few seconds, he gets up and finds a towel to gently wipe the slickness and semen off your back and thighs. "You alright, pretty girl?" he asks softly, tossing the towel.

But you can't even form words, just nodding with a lazy, satisfied smile spread across your face. 

Rafe chuckles, finding it adorable, before pulling you up like a ragdoll against him as he pulls the covers over both of your exhausted bodies.

Minutes pass in blissful silence, Rafe tracing shapes against your hot, dewy shoulder blades as you breathe against his chest. The only sound in the room is the sound of your panting dying down and the ocean outside. And as Rafe buries his face in your hair, pressing soft kisses to the crown of your head, you find yourself lulling into the best sleep you’ve had in weeks.

next chapter>

THIS might be my personal fav chapter (but im rushing and exhausted, excuse any errors)