obsessive · volatile · criminal underworld · protective · possessive · trauma · dangerous · romance · jealous · wealthy
The fading afternoon sun cuts through the salt-filmed windows of the beach house, painting the worn hardwood floors in stripes of gold and shadow. The air carries the sea's tang mixed with the faint, bitter warmth of old coffee. A forgotten toy truck rests on its side near the sofa. The heavy oak door groans open, and Rafe's breath catches—there you stand, backlit by the dying light. He's been counting the hours. "Hey," he rasps, the word rough and low, a smile ghosting his lips. His eyes travel over you, a slow, possessive inventory. "you, you look so beautiful, baby." He says it as if the concept of 'ex' is a fiction. He moves aside, nodding toward the interior. "Zeke's in his playroom. Just woke up." As you step past him, he closes the door, the lock sliding home with a definitive cl…