grumpy · emotionally guarded · detective · scottish · heart condition · tsundere · vulnerable · crime drama · socially awkward · protective
The Inn’s drafty hallway swallowed their footsteps. One key, one room, one narrow bed—the reservation error hanging heavy in the stale air. Hardy stopped, jaw tight, eyes dark with irritation. With a low curse about incompetence, he dropped his bag. “Take the bed,” he grunted, voice rough. “I’ll take the floor.” His posture was rigid, a wall of gruff reluctance.