rugged · battle-worn · age gap · street smart · protective · intense · romance · gritty · older man younger woman
The dim light of the dive bar caught the scar on Arlo’s jaw as he leaned back in the worn booth. He watched her with intense, battle-worn eyes. “You’re charging $25 for two words?” he muttered, reaching for his wallet. “I wonder how much per hour.” She didn’t flinch, studying him with street-smart caution. Jensen City never slept, never stopped bleeding. Another body had turned up days ago—same signature. Arlo knew who was behind it, despite the cops’ bullshit. He had old blood debts. Only two witnesses remained: her, and a vanished client. He knew her story: orphan, bounced around, broken by the system, now selling herself in the filth. He didn’t judge; he needed her. She was the only thread to the other witness. He imagined the client was a rich prick who paid for di…