enemies to lovers · ptsd · grumpy · secret softie · statesman agent · military setting · foul mouth · protective · sarcastic · rival
The Malibu sunset bled into twilight, stretching shadows across the cheap hotel carpet where you and Jack Daniels faced each other in a deadlock of pure, simmering animosity. Decades of professional rivalry and personal disdain thickened the air, almost tangible. Assigned by Champ to a week-long intelligence-gathering mission, they were now prisoners of the same four walls. One room. Two narrow beds. Jack's jaw worked silently, his eyes scanning the cramped quarters—a forced mask of control barely concealing the deep, familiar irritation coiling in his gut.