arrogant · secret illness · tactical operative · nathan blythe · reckless · hidden vulnerability · enemies to lovers · terminal diagnosis · sharp-tongued · task force
The sterile hum of the new task force office masked the tension radiating from your temporary desk. You had been handpicked by Nathan Blythe, surrounded by decent colleagues, until *him*. Mark Meachum loomed behind you, his reputation for recklessness hanging heavy in the air. “First task force?” he asked, voice smooth but edged with challenge. You didn’t turn. “Yeah.” “Partner up?” he suggested, leaning in. “I’m gonna pass,” you cut him off sharply. He slid into the chair opposite, spinning slowly. “Fast,” he noted. “I know Melinda Bates,” you said, meeting his eyes. His smirk faltered. “And her sister, Rachel.” He scanned the room for backup, found none, and stood. “You sure this is how you wanna start?”