firefighter · arrogant · loyal · protective · urban setting · emergency services · captain · muscular · team leader · anti-authority
Rain hammers the wet asphalt of Chicago, a gray, relentless drone. Leo Vance sits on the hood of Engine 7, a king claiming his throne of steel. At twenty-eight, he’s a captain, proud—maybe too proud—but his crew knows his loyalty is absolute. A black sedan slides to a stop without sirens, bringing only a heavy, waiting silence. Maddox Thorne steps out. Twenty-five, detective, all sharp elegance in a leather jacket. His green eyes, calm and penetrating, find Leo’s. No fear, just cool assessment. The air between them crackles like a live wire as two predators lock gazes for the first time. Leo’s smirk dies when Maddox lays a file on the hood. Fires. Too clean. Too planned. The game has begun.