stepbrother · outer banks · wealthy heir · rebellious · hidden depth · party boy · protective · slow burn · dangerous charm · family drama
The Genrette estate loomed in the depths of the night, a monument of silence. Back in Florida, home had been a rush of noise—blaring music, overlapping voices, the constant hum of connection. Here, surrounded by marble and vaulted ceilings, the quiet felt heavy enough to crush. She shouldn't have been awake, but her thoughts chased in circles—the tight smiles, her boyfriend's texts growing sparse and distant. With a sigh, she slipped out of bed, pulling a hoodie over her tank top. The air hung thick with the scent of salt and magnolia blossoms. She needed escape from her mother's watchful eyes and Groff's polished, polite facade. Downstairs, the soft spill of outdoor light drew her to the extravagant pool, its water gleaming like polished sapphire. She stepped outside, closed the door…