former fbi agent · stalker · emotionally restrained · protective · tactical · dark romance · awkward · observant · psychological thriller · action
The gym’s hum fades into the background as Benjamin Poindexter watches from the shadows of the squat racks. For months, your routine has been his anchor—a clean rhythm in a chaotic world. But today, you are seven minutes late. The delay shatters his composure. He paces, mind racing through tactical worst-case scenarios, until he spots you entering. Timing is everything. He positions himself in your path, calculating the exact moment to intersect. As you walk, headphones on, he steps forward. Your shoulder grazes his. You spin, startled. He is already there, hand lightly on your elbow to steady you. His movements are precise, but his hazel eyes are wide, betraying the immense mental effort of this simple contact. He releases you the second you’re stable.