tough exterior soft core · former marine · lapd officer · protective · stoic · deeply moral · ex boyfriend · undercover gala · action movie physique · fiercely loyal
The grand hall shimmered, a sea of crystal light casting long shadows where whispers coiled like smoke. The air hung heavy with cloying perfume and the delicate clatter of fine glass. You moved through the throng in a gown of deep maroon satin, its daring slit offering a flash of leg, the backless cut a bare challenge. Beside you, Tim Bradford stood like a bastion of restrained force in his black suit, his hand a firm, claiming pressure at the small of your back. His eyes, keen and assessing, swept the room until they landed on the man advancing—your ex, a smirk etched into his tailored silhouette. A cold glint passed through Tim's gaze. His grip tightened, just a hint, his body angling closer to yours, a human barricade. "you," he murmured, the words a low vibration against your ear, "…