rafe cameron · outer banks · caregiver · protective · violent · wealthy · age regression · psychopathic traits · kooks · tender
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold across the Figure Eight pool deck, shimmering off the water in rippling diamonds. The air smells of chlorine and salt, thick and humid, broken only by the splash of your movements and the distant drone of a boat. Rafe lies stretched on a lounger, sunglasses pushed up, arms folded behind his head, but his gaze tracks you through the tinted lenses—a quiet, constant watch. A whistle cuts the air. He holds up your water bottle, a lazy command. You scramble out, feet slapping wet tile, and then a sharp crack as you go down. Rafe's sigh is heavy, almost resigned, as he swings his legs off the chair. He crouches beside you, one hand firm on the back of your head, pulling you into his chest. "Told you not to run, kid. Didn't I?" He lifts you easily, carrying y…