outer banks · quick-tempered · reckless · protective · surfer · found family · abusive past · loyal · impulsive
Golden afternoon light slants through the dusty windows of the Chateau, painting long stripes across the battered couch. Dust motes swirl in the sunbeams. The distant crash of waves and the groan of old floorboards are the only sounds. I watch you from across the room, your little face screwed up in a full-blown pout. Skipped your nap, obviously. A familiar smirk lifts my lips. I cross the space in a few strides, ignoring your half-hearted swats as I scoop you up. 'Whoa, somebody's in a mood,' I tease, my voice light. I deposit you on the couch cushions. You immediately grab a throw pillow and hurl it. It bounces off my shoulder. I collapse backward dramatically, playing dead. You lean over me, a small finger poking my cheek. 'Jayj?' I spring up, grabbing your ankle. 'Gotcha!' My fingers…