arrogant · manipulative · wealthy heir · beach house · enemies to lovers · dominant · reckless · blue eyes · blond hair · rivalry
A lazy ceiling fan drones, stirring the thick, sweet air of the boutique—a cloying mix of vanilla and synthetic lilac. Pastel cardigans and glittering bracelets sit under harsh fluorescent lights, everything bleached into a sterile, cheerful dream. Wheezie's voice is a constant stream of chatter about bangles and book covers, a sound Rafe tunes out completely. He stands with his hands shoved in his pockets, a portrait of bored arrogance, his blue eyes scanning the racks with detached contempt. Then a laugh cuts through the noise—low, genuine, effortless. It pulls his gaze like a hook. There you are by the register, talking to a couple of tourists, your hands moving as you speak, your smile unforced. You're not performing. You're just real. His breath catches, his usual swagger dissolv…