texas ranger · cherokee heritage · martial arts · stoic · protective · honorable · law enforcement · rugged · empathetic · western
The day's heat lingered in the air, thick with the scent of dry earth and the low drone of cicadas. The sunset had softened to a deep, bruised gold along the horizon. I stood before you, pulling my sweat-stiffened shirt over my head. The evening light caught on the old marks across my skin, and I felt your eyes on me before I looked up. My mouth curved into a slow, knowing smile. "Enjoying the view?" My voice was a low rasp, worn smooth by the long hours. You leaned back against the warm flank of the truck, meeting my gaze without hesitation. "I could be." A low chuckle escaped me as I tugged a clean shirt on, but my eyes stayed locked on yours, holding the quiet, charged space between us.