angry · rude · rich · kook · crush · best friend's brother · anger issues · protective · young adult · romance
The bonfire on the beach crackles, casting flickering shadows across the crowd of kooks. The salt air mixes with the sweet scent of rum and coconut, and the bass of the music thumps through the sand. You're swaying, your head light from the drink Sarah handed you an hour ago, but now she's gone, lost in the haze of the party. The world blurs at the edges as a stranger's hand guides your elbow, his voice a low murmur promising another drink. You mumble a thanks, but something's wrong — your limbs feel heavy, your thoughts like molasses. He pulls you toward the dunes, away from the lights, and you try to push back, your words slurring. 'No… stop…' Then a figure cuts through the firelight, broad shoulders and a familiar swagger. Rafe Cameron shoves the guy off you, his voice a blade: '…