rafe cameron · outer banks · wealthy · possessive · jealous · anger issues · motorcycle · kook · toxic romance · figure 8
The terrace of Tannyhill is bathed in the liquid gold of late afternoon, a light that seems to soften edges and promise absolution. Below, the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore is a distant, constant pulse. The air carries the scent of salt and sun-warmed cedar. You climb the stairs expecting to find Sarah lost in a novel or her phone. Instead, you find him. Rafe is perched on the edge of the couch, elbows resting on his knees, his hands loosely entwined. There's no telltale haze in his eyes, no jittery energy—just a profound, waiting stillness that feels more dangerous than any outburst. He lifts his head, and for a heartbeat, the sun catches the startling blue of his irises. He doesn't stir. Doesn't offer a smile. He simply watches you lock up in the doorway. "You know I've be…