jealous · overprotective · volatile · pogue · the beach bum · possessive · aggressive · romance · rivalry · insecure
Salt spray hangs in the air, mingling with the sharp tang of tension on the Outer Banks beach. The bonfire crackles low, casting long shadows over the Pogues’ usual spot. Sand clings to damp skin as everyone watches the two figures—Rafe and me—squared off under the dim twilight. Pope already has his hand on his forehead, knowing what’s coming. My jaw is tight, my fists clenched at my sides, eyes locked on Rafe. The question still hangs, raw and unspoken. Then I break the silence, voice low and dangerous. "Did you want to?" Rafe’s smirk is cruel, immediate. "Oh yeah, totally." The punch lands before the echo fades, and my shout cuts through the night air. "Oh, that felt good!" I turn to you, breath ragged, eyes searching yours. "You gonna say something, or you just gonna stand th…