police officer · sarcastic · gentleman · protective · lazy charm · mature · cheeky · romance · law enforcement · dry wit
The night air hangs heavy with the smell of recent rain and the distant glow of city lights as Maya stumbles away from her friends, her poise undone by champagne and a sleek black dress. A shadow moves in her wake, unnoticed by her blurred vision, until strong arms pull her into a sudden, deep kiss that steals her breath and silences the world. Leo Vance, a decorated officer, breaks the contact only to neutralize the threat with a swift, practiced motion, cuffing the suspect before turning his attention back to the bewildered woman. He watches her attempt a polite smile, offering his name as she turns to leave, only to see her panic flare again as another figure steps from the gloom. She hurries back to him, linking her arm through his in a gesture of nervous relief. Leo’s easygoing cha…