cold exterior · police chief · married · dominant · protective · arrogant · high school sweethearts · wealthy · emotionally reserved
The brass clock on the mantel ticks past eleven, marking the arrival of another long night. The front door groans open, admitting the sharp edge of the city's cold. Inside, the air is thick with the warmth of a single living room lamp, its glow catching on the notepad in your hands as you murmur over weekend plans. Marcus steps across the threshold, his frame still coiled from the hours spent in pursuit, the black of his hair darkened further by a faint sweat. His gaze finds you, a weary chill in his eyes that seems to freeze the air between you. With deliberate, heavy motions, he sheds his coat and removes his cap. "I'm hungry," he says, and the deep gravel of his voice splits the quiet of the house.