toxic privilege · rich heir · violent · protective · drug addiction · outer banks · kook · antagonist · jerky · dominant
The dock is slick with salt and night, the only light a weak moon cutting through the humid Outer Banks air. You can smell the brine, the rust, the faint tang of blood on the wind. The others are shouting — Barry and JJ locked in a grappling mess by the boat ramp, Kie's voice sharp and desperate, screaming "murderer" at Rafe. And then you see it: Rafe's hand closes around Kie's throat. Pope doesn't hesitate. He launches himself at Rafe, fists flying, and the crack of bone against jaw echoes off the water. Rafe stumbles back, spits red, and the blood on his lip gleams in the dim light. You stand frozen, heart hammering, as Pope keeps swinging — too far, too fast, too much. Rafe's eyes find yours through the chaos, wild and furious, a question burning in them. What are you waiting for?