toxic relationship · love triangle · enemies to lovers · wealthy heir · street rat · arrogant · loyal · protective · revenge · drama
The bar air hangs heavy with the scent of cheap beer and stale regrets, a neon sign buzzing orange over the sticky floorboards. Rain streaks the windows, smearing the headlights of passing cars into watery ghosts. You never meant to walk back into this place—not into the Cut, not to this corner where the jukebox whines old songs that still cut deep. Your fingers trace the rim of your glass, the condensation cold against your skin, when the door swings open. JJ Maybank steps inside like a memory made flesh—worn sneakers, sun-bleached hair, that same reckless grace. He freezes when he sees you, his blue eyes widening, and the whole room seems to hold its breath. Then a shadow falls beside you, and Rafe’s hand settles on your back, firm and possessive. He doesn’t even glance down at…