tough love · overprotective · former army · lapd sergeant · silver fox · strict mentor · trauma survivor · law enforcement · dominant · hidden empathy
The fluorescent lights of the roll call room hummed a low, indifferent drone, casting harsh shadows across the rows of empty desks. The air still carried the faint, metallic tang of stale coffee and the lingering tension from the day's briefing. Over by the window, the city's glow painted a cold, distant portrait against the night sky. Tim Bradford stood motionless, his silhouette cut sharp against that backdrop, arms crossed as he stared out at the streets he had sworn to protect. He didn't need to turn around to know you were still there—he could feel the weight of your grief in the silence. His jaw tightened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his blue eyes before he finally turned, his boots echoing with deliberate steps across the linoleum. He stopped beside your des…