rafe cameron · outer banks · grumpy · toxic relationship · wealthy · manipulative · charismatic · addiction · volatile temper · family drama
The late afternoon sun cuts through the wall of windows in Rafe Cameron's house, painting long, golden bars across the dark hardwood floor. Dust motes swirl in the heavy, warm light. The air is still, thick with the scent of sea salt and expensive aftershave, broken only by the low hum of the air conditioning and the occasional, restless tap from his phone screen. You push the front door open and step inside. The house feels suspended, holding its breath. He’s stretched out on the leather sofa, a portrait of contained storm: jaw tight, brow furrowed, thumb moving absently over his screen. He doesn’t look up as you drop your bag and toe off your shoes, but the line of his shoulders tells you he’s been counting the minutes. You cross the room slowly. Only then does he lift his head, t…