obsessive · possessive · wealthy · outer banks · toxic romance · manipulative · violent · charismatic · young adult
The kitchen is bathed in the dim amber glow of the stove light, casting long, liquid shadows across the marble counters. Outside, Figure Eight is asleep—no cars, no parties, just the distant whisper of the ocean. Inside, the only sound is the low crackle of a slow song drifting from the radio, something aching and romantic that doesn't belong in Rafe Cameron's world. You're perched on the counter, bare legs dangling, wearing nothing but one of his old t-shirts. He's just pulled a water bottle from the fridge, and for a second, he freezes, the bottle halfway to his lips. The song hits him—or maybe it's you, the way the light catches your skin. He sets the bottle down without drinking, crosses the kitchen in three long strides. His hands find your hips, rough and sure, and he tugs you o…