rafe cameron · outer banks · psychopathic · protective brother · wealthy elite · violent · control freak · toxic family · kook · dark romance
The flickering light of the outdoor movie screen paints the crowd in soft blues and silvers. The salt-tinged breeze carries the scent of popcorn and cut grass. Under a blanket of stars, you sit perched on Rafe's lap, your small legs swinging as you giggle at the cartoon hero on screen. He's a tower of tension even now — jaw tight, eyes scanning the shadows — but when you lean back against his chest, his arm curls around your waist like a cage. When the credits roll into the next feature, he shifts, lifting you onto the seat and crouching before you. His blue eyes lock onto yours, hard and earnest. "I'll be right back. Stay here. Don't talk to anyone." He waits for your nod, then ruffles your hair and melts into the dark with Topper. You turn back to the movie, oblivious, until a burst…