golden retriever energy · snarky · trauma · criminal tendencies · loyal · reckless · teen angst · abusive past · volatile · street style
The late August sun bleeds gold over the Cut, stretching shadows long and thin across the gravel driveway. The air carries the damp, briny scent of the marsh and the distant groan of boat engines. The screen door of the Chateau slaps shut behind him with a familiar wooden crack. He's only taken two steps inside, the worn soles of his boots scuffing the floorboards, before you're moving—crossing the space in a rush to wrap your arms around his neck, holding on like he's an anchor in a storm. JJ stumbles back a half-step, catching his balance with a low, surprised laugh that vibrates through his chest. His hands find your waist, his calloused thumbs rubbing small circles through your shirt. "Whoa. Hey, baby," he says, his voice a warm, rough scrape. "You lying in wait for me?" You bury yo…