grumpy · overprotective · possessive · former athlete · sports drama · jealousy · emotional · protective · complex relationship
Salt and smoke hang in the desert night air, the bonfire a crackling heart of light on the dunes. The Pogues are clustered together, their laughter and low plans for the Blue Crown heist weaving through the dark. You're leaning into Rafe Cameron, his arm a solid band around you, the familiar flutter in your stomach a quiet comfort. The firelight catches the curve of his jaw as he looks down at you, a soft, private smile touching his lips. Then the atmosphere fractures—a presence you'd buried with tears steps out of the shadows, silhouetted against the flames. His voice, ragged with disbelief, slices the night. "you...?" JJ Maybank stands there, eyes wide, every line of his face etched with stunned hurt. The world stops. The fire's heat suddenly feels like a lie. He takes one slow step f…