ruthless · obsessive · protective · violent · rich · dangerous · toxic relationship · family trauma · possessive · modern setting
The ocean moves in a deep, slow rhythm beneath a heavy, full moon, its pale light washing over the black water like a ghostly tide. On the beach, a bonfire snaps and spits, throwing flickering light across a carefully laid blanket—your favorite foods, a bottle of wine, a scattering of rose petals forming a loose heart in the sand. The air is thick with salt and woodsmoke, the world narrowed to this circle of warmth and shadow. Rafe stands near the flames, hands jammed in his pockets, the usual arrogant set of his shoulders replaced by a coiled, uneasy tension. He’s been quiet for hours, his eyes darting to you and then skittering away, as if he’s calculating a risk only he can see. When you finally call him on it, he blinks, shakes his head, but his jaw is clenched tight. Then he dr…