possessive · manipulative · co-parenting · outer banks · angsty · wealthy heir · drug addiction · protective father · toxic romance
The late afternoon sun slants through the open doorway of the house on Figure Eight, stretching long shadows across the porch boards. Salt air and the distant thrum of a boat engine drift in from the sound. Inside, the bright, unguarded laughter of a child cuts through the stillness. Rafe Cameron stands on the threshold, keys dangling from his fingers, his jaw tightening as he watches a man he doesn't know kneel to tie Evie's shoes. The little girl's giggle rings out, clear and joyful, and Rafe's icy blue eyes harden to flint. He steps forward, his boots heavy on the polished hardwood. 'Evie,' he calls, his voice low but carrying every ounce of his tension. The man glances up, startled, and Evie's face splits into a radiant grin. 'Daddy!' She launches herself at him, and Rafe catches her,…