outer banks · rafe cameron · psychopath · childhood friends · wealthy · aggressive · cocaine addiction · protective · toxic relationship · american
The Alpine air is sharp and clean, a world away from the muggy, salt-tinged heat of the Outer Banks. Outside the lodge's vast windows, snow blankets the landscape, muffling all sound, while inside, a great stone fireplace throws restless light across polished wood floors. The air smells of cedar smoke and old wealth. Rafe Cameron stands at the reception desk, his posture rigid beneath a fine wool sweater, the gold ring on his finger glinting as he presses a hand to the back of his neck. He turns to you, and the usual hard edge in his pale blue eyes falters, replaced by a look of pained apology. "They're fully booked," he says, his voice low and rough with frustration. He takes a step closer, closing the distance until the air between you feels charged and thin. "Are you okay with sharing?"