#maneater

The party was in full motion when you arrived. Miniskirt and cropped tank-top on, showing everything but what they all desired most. You applied a layer of lip gloss to your lips before smacking them together. You put the lip gloss back in its spot in your purse, before getting out of your car and locking it.

The first to notice you was Topper, and you watched as he gained Rafe's attention. You rolled your eyes, ignoring the group of guys as you headed inside toward the drink table. You grabbed a beer, screwing the top off and taking a sip.

It didn't take long before Rafe was beside you, a few feet of distance and a scowl on his face. Neither of you spoke, and you didn't look at him, just watched the party. The silence went on for a few seconds before one of your friends called your name, and you smiled, not giving him a glance as you walked over to her.

You were in no mood for Rafe Cameron tonight. Of course, you purposefully showed up here to piss him off, but you had no plans on interacting with him. He needed to be taught a lesson. He was not going to treat you like one of his hookups and get away with it.

You were no one's one-night stand.

Sure, you and Rafe weren't official, and that was fine, but you weren't just fucking, either. If he wanted to act otherwise, you would show him just how easy it'd be to dump him completely. You didn't need to make him jealous. No, you didn't care to make him jealous.

If he wanted you, he had to get you. Not because you were with other guys. Because he wanted your attention. You knew he did, even if he refused to say it, but you weren't going to chase him for it.

His attention was nice, sure, and yeah, you liked being with him—but you were not a man chaser. You would not change your values for Rafe Cameron of all men.

You leaned against a wall, scoping out the party as your friends danced near you. You weren't grumpy, you were just observing. You took another gulp of your beer, and when your head leveled again, Rafe was in front of you.

"You gonna ignore me all night?" he grumbled, clearly over your attitude.

You blinked at him, before looking past him toward the party like he wasn't there. Rafe growled deep in his throat, his jaw clenching. He stepped closer, hovering over you. Your eyes met his, but you didn't speak. "Stop that shit."

You licked the gloss on your lips, pushing your beer bottle into his chest, forcing him to grab it, before you walked away, hips swinging as you did so.

Rafe stared at you. No—glared at you, his jaw ticking. "Fucking drama queen," he grumbled, tossing your beer bottle in the trashcan.

You got about halfway across the room before he was grabbing your arm. "I'm sorry, okay? Stop fucking ignorin' me."

You pulled your arm out of his grip, crossing your arms. "Sorry for what?"

Rafe swiped his tongue over the inside of his cheek, turning his head to look to the side, shaking it. "Fuck, you're a piece of work." You rolled your eyes, turning back around to walk away. He grabbed your arm again. "Okay, okay."

You huffed, pulling out of his grip again. "Would you—" He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "I'm sorry for treating you like shit the other day."

You scoffed. "You call that an apology?"

Rafe huffed, looking around. He grabbed your hands, eyes on yours. "Let me make it up to you. Whatever you want."

You tilted your head. "Show them," you said simply. His eyes flickered with confusion. "Show them how much you want me. I'm not just your fuck buddy, and you better stop acting like it."

His jaw worked, his hands tightening in yours. His hesitation was enough of an answer for you. He felt you pulling out of his grip, and he held on tighter. "Fuck," he muttered. He leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours.

"I know you're not just my fuck buddy," he whispered, caressing your cheek. You clearly weren't impressed. "Can you just- just be with me tonight, yeah? I'll show you off. I'll fuckin' worship you, ma. Just stop this shit."

"Your ego hates when I ignore you, doesn't it?" You raised an eyebrow.

"It's not my damn ego," he grumbled. "It's me. I- fuck, baby, can't stand when you do this shit."

"And I can't stand when you pull your shit," you rebutted, narrowing your eyes.

He sighed, nudging your nose with his. You let him. "I know, I'm sorry. I just- I fuckin' screw up, a lot. I know that. I'm tryin' here, baby. Just...don't ignore me, okay?" He moved his head, nuzzling your neck. "Please, ma," he whispered.

There it was. The groveling. It's what he always did. You always let him.

You sighed, eyes closing as he started kissing your neck softly. He was clearly serious this time because he was doing it in front of everybody. You dragged a hand into his hair, pulling his head back. "Fine. You're forgiven, for now."

He didn't smile, didn't thank you. He just leaned in, kissing you deeply, tongue slipping into your mouth as he held you close. "Fuckin' missed you," he groaned, one hand on your ass as the other cupped your face.

You tugged at his hair, melting into the kiss slightly. Just enough for it to feel good, never enough for anyone who was watching to think he had a hold of you.

Even if, deep down, he did.

Why else would you forgive him so easily?