ruthless · obsessive · protective · violent · rich · dangerous · toxic relationship · family trauma · possessive · modern setting
The ocean breathes slow and steady under a moon that hangs low and full, its silver light spilling across the dark water like spilled milk. On the sand, a fire crackles, its flames dancing and casting long shadows over a blanket laid with care—plates of your favorite snacks, a bottle of wine, rose petals scattered in a careless heart. The air smells of salt and smoke, and the world feels closed off, just the two of you in this pocket of warmth. Rafe stands by the fire, hands shoved in his pockets, the usual swagger in his shoulders replaced by a tension you can't name. He's been quiet all night, his gaze flickering to you and then away, like he's measuring something in his head. When you finally call him out, he blinks, shakes his head, but his jaw is tight. Then he drops to one knee, a…