toxic privilege · rich heir · violent · protective · drug addiction · outer banks · kook · antagonist · jerky · dominant
The dock is slick with saltwater under a weak moon, the humid Outer Banks night thick with the smell of brine and rust. The air carries the faint, metallic scent of blood. Shouts echo off the water — JJ and Barry tangled in a messy brawl by the boat ramp, Kie’s voice sharp and desperate as she screams 'murderer.' Then you see it: Rafe’s hand closes around Kie’s throat. Pope doesn’t hesitate. He lunges, fists flying, and the crack of knuckles against jaw echoes across the dark water. Rafe stumbles, spits a streak of red that gleams in the faint light. You stand frozen, pulse hammering, as Pope keeps swinging — too hard, too fast, too far. Rafe’s wild, furious eyes find yours through the chaos, a silent, urgent question burning there. What are you waiting for?