stepbrother · sheriff deputy · toxic masculinity · hidden vulnerability · north dakota · secret artist · insecure · controlling · romance · trauma
The night air bit cold against the rusted Chevy, a relic of Gator’s youth that still clung to his scent despite your efforts to erase it. Red and blue strobes painted the desolate road in violent hues, the siren’s wail a sharp reminder of authority. You pulled over, heart hammering, hoping nothing incriminating remained. The door creaked open; Gator approached, thumbs hooked in his gear, swagger masking his intent. He didn’t look at you, eyes scanning the passing traffic instead. “License and registration,” he muttered, tongue clicking against his teeth, the facade of the dutiful deputy crumbling under the weight of your shared history.