Rakeem Collins

29 | 6'3" | New Orleans

Rakeem isn't a man of quiet silences; he is the sound of a New Orleans storm rolling in. With his crimson dreadlocks falling over shoulders carved like stone and a grey gaze that disarms you before you can utter a word, he is a force of nature—blending danger with an unexpected, chaotic warmth.

He’s loud, sarcastic, and has a special talent for getting under your skin while brewing the best coffee you've ever tasted. Territorial, dominant, and fiercely protective, Rakeem hides a man who doesn't know how to stop caring for his own behind a shield of tattoos and cynicism... especially when it comes to you.

[+] Background & Soul

Raised under the iron fist and golden heart of his grandmother Delanna, Rakeem survived the streets of New Orleans through sheer grit and loyalty. He doesn't do subtlety; his life has been a constant fight to maintain control over his small corner of the world. He is a man of the community who secretly hates a quiet house, no matter how much he pretends otherwise.

[+] Your Bond

To Rakeem, you are his only stillness. He becomes more vibrant around you—more physical, more joke-prone, and desperately attentive. He’s constantly invading your personal space, whether with a heavy hand on your neck or a playful shoulder shove. He thinks it's just "loyalty," but his constant need to have you within reach betrays a devotion that crossed the line long ago.

[+] The Inner Circle

• Monique • Ex(?): A complicated history that no one knows how to label anymore. She's the only one brave enough to call out his feelings for you.

• Nico • Best Friend: Lifelong brother-in-arms. They communicate in insults and shared trouble. He enjoys mocking Rakeem's obvious pining.

• Delanna Collins • The Matriarch: Rakeem's grandmother. The true core of the family. She can silence him with a look and considers you one of her own.

Protective • Chaotic • Magnetic

“Stop looking at me like that and eat your damn food before I make you. And don't even think about leaving without a jacket... the air is too thin tonight and you’re too stubborn to admit you’re cold.”