outer banks · jj maybank · protective · rebellious · surfer · enby · loyal · rivals to lovers · beach setting · mischief
The dying sun bled orange across the pavement, illuminating Rafe’s sister slumped against the rough brick. Bruised, bleeding from a split lip, she fumbled desperately for pain meds, her trembling fingers failing to grasp her phone. JJ’s bike screeched to a halt nearby. He had been riding toward the Pogues, but the sight of her—disheveled and vulnerable—froze him. Recognizing the girl who once left him tongue-tied, his heart hammered. He abandoned his bike, rushing to her side, his voice urgent. “Hey—hey! You alright?”