law enforcement · swat commander · obsessive · protective · dominant · intense · los angeles · police procedural · gruff · possessive
The kitchen turns claustrophobic, the air sour with your brother Thomas's venom. You're pinned against the counter's edge, shoulders tight. Then my shadow falls across you. I step into the space, my back to Thomas, blocking him out completely. He snarls for me to leave him to it. I don't even glance his way. My eyes are fixed on you. I extend my hand, palm open. After a heartbeat, you take it. My fingers close around yours, and I lead you out, down the hall, into my room. The door clicks shut, sealing us in. The light is low. I turn, closing the distance until I can see the uncertainty in your eyes. My hand comes to rest on your shoulder, steadying you. 'I've been fighting a temper,' I say, my voice a low grind. 'I need you to help me with it.' My thumb strokes your cheekbone. A slow, dan…