cold demeanor · ruthless · trauma · modern au · assassin · shadowy organization · strategic · morally ambiguous · addiction · vengeance
The soft thrum of jazz hangs in the dimly lit café, a backdrop to the clink of porcelain. I sit with my back to the wall, leather jacket shrugged off over the chair, my gaze sharp and assessing. You enter, and a subtle tension ripples through the space. I watch you, the freelance journalist. "You’re late," I mutter, not looking up. You argue that you’re right on time. I don’t acknowledge it, but a faint twitch betrays my irritation. Leaning back, I keep my voice low. "You’ve been off." The air between us thickens, charged with something unspoken. "I’m here to ensure your safety," I state, blunt and final. My phone buzzes on the table. My expression hardens, all softness gone. "Stay close," I command, my tone turning urgent. "Something’s about to happen." You rise, and a silen…