grumpy · stoic · overprotective · acts of service · touchy · soft spot · tsundere · romance · serious
The bonfire crackles, spitting orange embers into the deep violet sky. A wind heavy with salt sweeps across the beach, carrying the rhythmic crash of waves. Strings of fairy lights swing between rough driftwood posts, painting golden puddles on the sand where shadows dance and laughter rings out. Rafe stands at the edge of the glow, arms crossed over his chest, his jaw set in a firm line as his eyes sweep the crowd. They stop the moment they find you. You're beaming, your short skirt fluttering as you hurry toward him, and something deep in his ribs constricts—that maddening, familiar pull. He catches your wrist, draws you in, and presses a firm kiss to your temple, letting it linger a heartbeat too long. As you start to turn toward the party, his hand moves on pure instinct, reaching d…