Hey guys! hope this one turned out ok. I will have a re-read of it tomorrow and check any mistakes, but hopefully its ok. I've been trying to add songs to my chapters but for some reason they don't seem to work on my device so I'll just add them with each chapter. Hope everyone had a great Easter!
Song: Bob Marley Stir It Up
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"No-no-no-no." Rafe mutters quickly, seeing Kiara untying the line of the bow.
They had just rushed onto his yacht- he'd climbed up to the top where the cockpit was located- to collect something real quick- some money- first, when he'd realized Ki had already been untying the lines. He flies down some stairs before then sliding down the rest of the way, down the side and across toward her at the front deck- approaching her slower this time and toward her in a way that was cautious and mindful- he hadn't wanted the risk of being thrown from his boat again...
He keeps his tone calm, low- patient... he is doing his best- doing what he can to gain her trust.
He was working on that- calm and collected Rafe... because the last time he'd been on a boat with her- she'd literally pushed him off.
So, maybe Ki could start to see him differently... This was his chance to show her that... maybe she could start to realize that he could be warm, kind, caring, considerate- compassionate if he tries hard enough... maybe she could even start to like him...
Rafe wanted Ki to like him- see that there was much more to Rafe than what she sees in him now... or maybe she'll always just see him as evil Rafe... I mean, that could have a pretty high probability too- something that maybe can't be helped the way she knew his past...
He has got to let her know he can be trusted- that way their time spent on his yacht traveling to Barbados for over the next four days straight could be at least somewhat comfortable... the less tension the better...
Her being content on his yacht was all he wanted... her knowing that he wouldn't try to pull off anything was also something he knew she needed to know... he wanted Ki to understand that- and feel confident about the trip- and therefore relaxed and comfortable... not stressed like she had appeared now.
He tries not to show any type of feelings either... that could really hinder things- do something that could possibly set her mind to change her plans... and therefore possibly jeopardize him in some way...
But- shit- he can't help it- something in the way her gaze comes up to look at him- soft and undeniably sweet- his lips do break and quirk into a timid open smile- putting his guard down momentarily... her gentle gaze touches his lips and makes his cheeks tinge red slightly...
Rafe's gaze turns serious, his brows furrow, eyes fixed to hers... how she looked beautiful against the glow of tangerine gold skies that stretched out over the evening horizon and reflected off the glistening ocean water- her hair flying, brushing at her soft golden tanned skin... Rafe swallows, finding it hard to look away.
Ki's lips quirk up into a faint twitched smile... the way he'd looked at her made her do that- smile... but she swallowed it back, wishing she hadn't...
She'd promised herself she'd show no weakness in front of Rafe- she's promised to keep that.
His hand comes across hers as he stops her untying the rope from the bow- and his breathing suddenly becomes kind of heavier too. "W-wait Ki." his eyes come to her, a cautious smile tugging to the corner of his lips, and he can't seem to keep his gaze from flickering to her lips and drinking her up some more. "Ahhh." he tries again, licking his lips, looking away. "We need to grab some supplies first... we'll be out on the ocean for at least four-days. Just in case we can't stop, we should make sure we have enough to get us through."
He ties the rope back up, pulling at the rope tightly. "Just wait here- I'll be back... anything you want or might need?" he questions, eyes falling on her as his standing to his feet.
Ki's eyes wander to him- studying him... wondering why the way he'd just looked at her made her heart skip just a little??
Shit- she knew he was shockingly handsome- his eyes were fucking beautiful, and his smile was absolutely perfect... the way he shifts his shoulders and she lets her eyes drag over his muscles- ok, she knows she may need some help!... but! no, she needs to remind herself she is doing this for JJ (her boyfriend who she absolutely adores and would do anything for), but also... she must reminds herself that she's supposed to hate this man!
How the hell did she end up here- back here working with Rafe again?!- she's questioning herself... this has got to be the worst idea she's had yet!
JJ... she reminds herself... because that is her answer... and Rafe will help her get to him.
"I might... ahhh... need... ahh-" she struggles to think, her mind buzzed- puzzled with all that's happened within the last couple of hours... she was kind of stunned, but her mind was streaming wildly with so many thoughts..?
"Pads, right? That what you need. I'll get them for you- ok-"
Her brows dip to his response.
"Maybe I should just go with you?" she offers.
He bobs his head, and swallows. "Yeah- I mean- yeah- that might work..." he cracks her a slightly nervous grin. "That would be a much better idea."
"Ok... because you know- I may need more than just pads to get me through four boring days- stranded out on the ocean... and just with you." she tries to light-heartedly joke, giving him a light smile... and- more out of surprise- his smile breaks into a soft laugh.
"Yeah- ok. Come on." he says, gesturing with his hands, helping her onto her feet.
He strolls over to the edge of the boat, hops over the edge onto the boardwalk, offering his hand up to her and helps her climb over it too.
It doesn't take long until they're both inside a convenience shop close by.
The bell rings as they walk in- Bob Marley's Stir It Up playing on the speakers, and Ki's tempted to hum along to it.
Rafe begins to search for the things he may need- mostly just food- but other bits and pieces too- most of which are bits of equipment, like some fishing string and some odd bits.
Ki browses through the isles, her head still feeling like it were buried in sand... it almost surreal her situation, and her head feels a little hot- wandering if she were coming down with something, or if it were just the humidity in the weather... she remembers she needed water and wanders over to grab herself a few bottles.
Her head were undeniably bulging in thoughts- so water wasn't all she needed for her head... she wanders through the shop feeling the cool breeze of a fan as she stops and stands underneath one, hoping to cool herself down...
Rafe spots Barry just outside the shop.
Barry stops and begins chatting with someone- Rafe immediately travels over quickly back to Ki.
"Wait here- ok?"
He moves fast and opens the door, the bell rings above him as he leaves.
When the bell rings again as someone steps in- Ki thinks he couldn't have been that fast, so her eyes come up and swipe over toward the door to find Cleo casually strolling in.
Ki completely freezes at first- shocked- the smile on her face wavering- she doesn't know what to do first...
She quickly makes her way over to Cleo, surprising her when Ki launches at her with a tight hug.
"Cleo?" she breaths, exasperated. Cleo's eyes widen and her smile twitches with surprise, only now realizing it was Ki clinging to her.
"Ki?" Cleo gasps back.
"Your here- I thought... I thought Pope's dad said you all left for Barbados-"
Cleo pulls away a little to see Ki's face, hands holding her shoulders firmly. "Ki- I have so much ta tell you girl." She makes sure Ki's eyes fix to hers, and listens in carefully. "Pope and the others had to get JJ off the island- that boy is all over the place- so insecure and all- after all the things ya done."
Ki almost chokes on her words- "I've done?! -who even- even told him... about all- all this-"
"Not me girl... apparently sometin' he heard off Wheezie's friend's older sister say. They be out- Pope and JJ- by the docks when he heard it. And he confirmed it wit Sarah, girl. So... you kinda in all sorts of shit with the boys- and ya kind of been shady bout it all so, JJ only assumed you both seeing each other or sometin- behind his back . He was bout to blow your buddy's brains out if Sarah hadn't stepped in."
Ki swallows hard, her heart thumping in her chest...
"Anyway- JohnB- with all that was going on, persuaded JJ ta get on their boat- complete a part of their treasure hunt in Barbados- it wasn't easy... I tried to get on but... I couldn't... told Pope I'd look after his pops and ma while his gone...but I got to tell ya, sis, don't think they be cooling down or forgiving you anytime soon."
She's scared to ask the question but there is no way she won't. "A-and JJ? H-how is he? I don't know- I don't know what to do Cleo?" she breathes out, exasperated.
"Calm Ki... JJ is kinda a mess- lost his mind a little... but, get your head straight and he may come round. But I ain't gonna sugar it, Ki... the guy was so down and drunk, he kinda crushing on some girl at the beach... apparently telling her about how his girl was out cheating on him anyway... all kind of things like that, girl. JohnB pressed him onto their boat, before he about to do something else stupid."
Ki hears the bell again and Rafe walks back in.
His eyes come up to Ki, hands working through his hair, then coming down to his pockets. "Hey." his brows dip on her as he's pulling out his wallet- he scans her with a curious look- wondering why she'd appeared a lot more stressed then she had before he'd left. "You ok?"
Cleo grunts, anger and disappointment mixed in the way she frowns at Ki. "Girl- don't tell me your serious about hanging out with him- this guy- still? Oh shit." she says shaking her head.
"I asked him to help me get to Barbados Cleo- I have no choice- I need to know what the hell is going on!- I need to get to JJ-" she responds, desperately.
Rafe scoffs, rolling his eyes and wanders over toward the cashier, placing a few items onto the counter.
"Ki, we need to go- make it quick. Got everything you need?" he presses, gaze a little more annoyed and tired now- sliding a quick glance between the two.
Cleo holds her eyes to Ki- like she wishes she would make an alternative decision. Ki's eyes wander between the two...
"Y-yeah. I'm coming..." Ki says to Rafe with a small smile. Her eyes return to Cleo. "Cleo, you want to hop on with us?"
Cleo bites down her lip, disappointed.
"Nah, girl. I'm good... not going anywhere- I'm keeping my distance from all this. JJ is Pope's best friend, you know, Ki- can't go messing with that. Not gettin' myself involved... especially if they knew I knew something and did or said nothing."
Ki casts her eyes away, and takes a moment to think... her gaze returns back to Cleo with an understanding look... Ki nods, hand rubbing over her temple as she opens the door and walks out, meeting Rafe just outside.
They get back on the yacht, quietly... an undeniable-unspoken tension between the two neither wanted to bring up... and within a few minutes, they have unanchored the yacht, and sailed off.