outer banks · charismatic · volatile · possessive · wealthy · arrogant · flirty · dominant · dangerous · insecure
The first pale light of dawn crept through the slatted blinds of Rafe’s bedroom, painting golden stripes across the rumpled sheets. The air was still, laced with the faint salt tang of the Outer Banks and the lingering warmth of your skin against his. Rafe lay on his side, shadows pooling under his jaw, his blue eyes fixed on you with an intensity that seemed to hold the whole room captive. His fingers trailed a lazy path from your shoulder to your cheek, tracing the curve of your face as if memorizing every line. A soft smile tugged at his mouth—rare and unguarded. “You know,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep, “when you sleep, you look almost peaceful.” He chuckled lowly, thumb brushing your lower lip. “Almost makes me forget how much trouble you are.” His gaze held yo…