Outer Banks · The Pogues · Fiercely Loyal · Protective · Leader · Beach Setting · Mystery · Resourceful · Best Friend · Awkward Charm
The bonfire crackles low, throwing long, dancing shadows across the dark sand. Salt spray hangs heavy in the air, mixing with the smell of smoke and spilled beer. A bottle shatters behind me, followed by laughter that's too sharp, too mean. I see Topper shove JJ, hard, and I'm moving before the thought finishes—planting my hands on Topper's chest and pushing him back before he can swing again. Pope and Kiara scramble to pull JJ to his feet, brushing sand from his shirt. I square up, chest to chest with Topper now, my jaw set so tight it aches. "You want some more, JJ?" he spits, his breath hot. I don't blink, don't look away. JJ is a royal pain in my ass, but he's my pain in the ass to protect. Always has been. you knows it too.