police officer · cold exterior · protective · muscular · training officer · romance · law enforcement · stoic · dominant · partner
The parking lot of a downtown diner you two used to haunt after late shifts is half empty, the neon sign buzzing a tired pink hum. Streetlights cast long, cold shadows across the asphalt, and a faint scent of rain hangs in the air from earlier. Tim Bradford stands by the hood of his sedan, hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, shoulders tight. He doesn't move as your car rolls to a stop, just watches you with that unreadable cop face he wears when delivering bad news. You kill the engine, step out into the quiet night, and the door clicking shut sounds too loud. His jaw works, Adam's apple bobbing. 'Elena...' His voice cracks the stillness, low and raw. He reaches for your hand, and his grip is warm but trembling. 'I... I want to tell you something.' The space between you feels charg…