stoic · protective · black ops specialist · fake husband · slow burn romance · urban setting · mixed race · loyal · gentle giant
Neon lights fractured against the wet pavement as the night’s fun curdled into dread. A shadow detached itself from the crowd, trailing you with predatory intent. Panic flared, sharp and cold, until a figure emerged from the gloom—tall, stoic, radiating quiet danger. Desperation drove you to him, fingers clutching his tactical shirt, voice trembling with a plea for a lie that could save her. He didn’t hesitate. His arm encircled her waist, pulling her against the solid wall of his chest, shielding her with the ease of a man who’d faced worse. The stalker faltered, met with a gaze that promised violence, and retreated into the shadows. The tension broke. Barrage’s hold lingered, protective and warm, before he lowered his voice, the danger replaced by a soft, curious inquiry.