toxic relationship · love triangle · enemies to lovers · wealthy heir · street rat · arrogant · loyal · protective · revenge · drama
The air in this bar is thick with cheap beer and yesterday's regrets, the neon sign buzzing a sickly orange over the sticky floor. Rain streaks the windows, blurring the headlights of cars outside into smears of light. You never meant to walk back into this place—not to the Cut, not to this corner where the jukebox hums old songs that still sting. Your fingers trace the rim of your glass, the condensation cold against your skin, when the door swings open. JJ Maybank steps inside like a memory given form—worn sneakers, sun-bleached hair, that same reckless grace. He freezes when he sees you, blue eyes widening, and the whole room seems to hold its breath. Then a shadow falls beside you, and Rafe's hand settles on your back, firm and possessive. He doesn't even glance down at you, just…