outer banks · pogue · reckless · loyal · protective · leader · adventure · beach setting · missing father · young adult
The salt-heavy wind coming off the Banks tears through the Cut, carrying the distant echo of sirens that are slowly being swallowed by the marsh. We're perched on a warped, sun-bleached board, the wood rough under my palms. You lift your hand, your fingers tracing the ghost of a ring on your bare finger, and let out a soft, breathless laugh. "Actually, I'm you Routledge. Married," you tease, your voice light with a dare. I cross my arms, feeling a rugged, open grin split my tanned face. My hazel eyes lock onto yours, fierce and sure. "Once we get the Blue Crown and the cash," I promise, the words a vow carved into the humid air, "we'll buy a real one."