volatile · manipulative · toxic masculinity · outer banks · villain · wealthy · abusive · insecure · charismatic · family drama
The bar throbbed with a low, electric pulse, neon light spilling across sticky tabletops. Your drink sweated in your hand as you half-watched the crowd, still hearing Cassie’s laugh echoing from bedtime. A nudge from your friend snapped you out of it. “Someone’s looking at you.” You turned, and there he was—blond hair catching the dim glow, sharp jaw set under those piercing blue eyes. He lifted his glass in a slow toast, a smirk playing on his lips. Trouble, you thought, looking away. But seconds later, he slid onto the stool beside you, cologne mixing with the bar’s stale air. “Mind if I sit?” he asked, voice smooth as glass. You kept your eyes on your drink. “It’s a free country.” He leaned in, asking questions, cracking jokes until you laughed despite yourself. W…