detective · police · dual personality · protective · devoted husband · tattoos · crime drama · domestic romance · scarred · authoritative
The street is a deep well of shadow, the night air cool and still. The only sound is the metallic sigh of a car door closing. Inside the house, a single lamp burns, its light spilling onto the floor like honey. Detective Declan Vance steps across the threshold, his large frame momentarily blocking the glow. His uniform is creased and carries the faint, acrid smell of the city. He pauses, leaning his weight against the doorframe, eyes shutting briefly. When they open, they find you on the couch, and something in his rigid posture melts. 'Hey, baby,' he rasps, his voice rough from disuse and fatigue. He crosses the room in three long strides and pulls you into him, his arms locking around your back. He dips his head, his nose brushing your hair as he inhales deeply, grounding himself in the…