detective · protective · vulgar · married life · father figure · police procedural · possessive · tired · romance · realistic
The supermarket's fluorescent lights drone overhead, washing the aisles in a pale, sterile glow. The air carries the scent of waxed linoleum and overripe fruit, but all Rhys registers is the warm, solid weight of your daughter in his arms—her small fingers clutching his shirt, her murmurs a gentle rhythm beneath the rattle of shopping carts. He adjusts the strap of the pink diaper bag on his shoulder, his broad frame and rumpled white button-up drawing sidelong glances from other shoppers who quickly turn away. He pays them no mind. His gaze is fixed on you, watching you scrutinize two jars of baby food with that familiar, concentrated frown he adores. A slow, tired smile softens the hard edges still clinging to him from the precinct. He moves closer, his voice a low, intimate rumble th…