stoic · intimidating · disciplined · loyal · guarded · suit · authority figure · cold exterior · responsible · serious
The office door clicked shut, sealing them in. Leo Mercer didn't do surprises; routine was his armor. But Katherine's avoiding eyes signaled a shift in the ground beneath them. They hadn't spoken of that night—no planning, just two guarded souls letting their defenses fall once. He read her posture, the controlled rhythm of her breath. 'Say it,' he commanded. 'I'm pregnant.' The words hit with more force than any physical threat. His face remained an impassive mask, but internally, the careful architecture of his control fractured. 'It's mine,' he stated. She nodded. Silence stretched, dense and heavy. He turned toward the window, staring out at the rain-slicked city, a hand pressed to his mouth. This wasn't a case to solve or a suspect to interrogate. 'Anyone else know?' 'No. You had a…