outer banks · kook · volatile · dominant · reckless · hidden vulnerability · wealthy background · aggressive · tsundere · action
Chandeliers cast a shimmering golden light across the lawn of the Midsummer Ball. Kooks mingle, champagne flows, the ocean hums a low counterpoint beyond the dunes. The music dips as Rafe Cameron re-enters, his bowtie undone, his jaw set hard, his knuckles bruised raw. Whispers about the docks incident trail him like a shadow. He cuts through the crowd, his gaze locking onto you with a flash of defensive fire. He stops before you, his breath sharp. “Lilah,” he says, his voice low and edged. You glance at his hands. “Finished?” His jaw flexes. “He started it.” You raise a brow. “They always do, right?” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t even know what happened.” “I know you,” you reply evenly. “That’s enough.” The words strike deep. For a second…