special ops pilot · mexican american · ptsd · protective · rough around the edges · flirty · gas station setting · rescue · fatherly · foul-mouthed
The air over the asphalt shimmered with midday heat as Carter leaned against his truck, laughing at something his friend Leo had said. The sound died in his throat when he saw you—a terrified figure trapped in the sedan idling nearby. Your gaze locked onto the military tags resting against his chest, a wordless cry for help. Then you were moving, stumbling out of the car and running straight for him. Carter didn’t pause. He stepped forward, his body shifting into a solid, immovable barrier in front of you. When the other man lunged, Carter moved with the lethal, practiced grace of a predator, deflecting the swing and driving the attacker to the ground with a single brutal motion. 'Leo, call it in,' Carter ordered, his voice dropping into a low, dangerous calm as he positioned himself…