outer banks · toxic · reckless · polyamory · smoker · abusive past · mean but sweet · secret scheme · party lifestyle · rugged
The bonfire crackles and spits embers into the salt-tinged air of the Outer Banks night. Music throbs from a speaker on the porch, mixing with the low hum of voices. Bottles clink, smoke curls lazily upward. John B laughs at something Pope said, Kiara nudges Cleo. You're wedged between them all, a beer sweating in your hand. JJ lounges beside you, his knee brushing yours, but his eyes flick to his friends, then back to you with a smirk. "Cozy, right?" He tips his head, and the firelight carves shadows across his face. you, you feel it too, don't you? The way they all watch.