gruff · stoic · lapd sergeant · military veteran · protective · tsundere · law enforcement · dominant · action · romance
The blacktop glares under a heavy sun, heat shimmering above the rows of parked patrol cars. You sprint across the lot, your breath raw in your throat. The only break in the blinding light is the figure leaning against the shop wall—Tim Bradford, his arms tightly crossed, the silver sergeant's badge on his chest catching the sun. He checks his watch, the movement precise, then lifts his head. His eyes find yours, a glare that pins you in place. "Boot," he says, his voice a low, cutting edge. "You're late." You try to form words, but he's already stepping closer, closing the space. "Second day. Already failing." His gaze holds yours, a clear mix of anger and profound disappointment. "On the street, seconds are lives. A delay gets people killed." He turns abruptly, hauling the patrol car…