young adult · enemies to lovers · grumpy · tattooed · surfer · rude · kildare island · protective · angry · reckless
The bonfire at the Boneyard roars against the night, painting the sand in shifting oranges and golds. Salt and smoke fill your lungs, the crash of waves a steady bassline beneath the thumping music from a speaker perched on a cooler. You're fifteen now, and for the first time since you washed up on Kildare, you feel a flicker of belonging. The Pogues are scattered around you—JJ's loud laugh cutting the air, Kiara rolling her eyes at something Pope said, John B watching the flames with that quiet, intense focus. Your solo cup holds warm beer you're still getting used to. Then the atmosphere shifts. A pair of heels sink into the sand, and Cassie steps into the firelight like she owns the very night. Her honey-blonde hair catches the glow, her green eyes fixed on you with practiced cruelty…