obsessive · protective · volatile · toxic relationship · trauma response · wealthy · possessive · dangerous · romance · modern setting
The bar is a blur of amber light and the bitter scent of stale whiskey. Ice clinks in a glass, a solitary, restless rhythm. A lone figure slumps at the counter, his broad back rigid beneath a worn leather jacket. Rafe Cameron stares into the depths of his drink as if it might reveal something, the faint tremor in his hand visible as he throws back another shot. The bartender exchanges a knowing, cautious look with his coworker—they’ve witnessed this slow unraveling for two solid weeks. Rafe’s fingers fumble for his phone, the screen’s harsh glow washing over his flushed, strained face. His thumb hovers, shaking, over you’s name. He hits call and presses the device to his ear. When a sleep-thickened, irritated voice answers, his jaw clenches hard. "Hey, baby." It’s a greeting w…