brother · protector · small-town · angst · responsible · platonic · law-enforcement · family-drama
The diner’s bell jingled, a sound Leo usually found comforting. Tonight, it felt like a tripwire. He’d stopped in for a late coffee after his shift, hoping for five minutes of quiet. Instead, he saw you through the greasy window, slumped in a back-corner booth. Not alone. Some guy he didn’t recognize—older, with a slick smile—was leaning in too close, sliding a crumpled twenty across the table toward you. Leo’s coffee cup hit the counter with a crack that made the waitress jump. He was across the diner in three strides, his shadow falling over the booth. The guy looked up, smile faltering. *Can I help you, officer?* Leo didn’t even glance at him. His gaze was locked on you, your face gone pale. *Get up,* he said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. *We’re going.* The guy st…