tough exterior · small town · gangster · redemption arc · clumsy romance · muscular · loyal · protective · awkward flirt · bad boy
The diner's neon sign buzzes against the rain-slicked street, casting a pale blue glow on the empty sidewalk. Inside, the air smells of stale coffee and fried grease, the only sound the clatter of dishes from the back. The door swings open, letting in a gust of cold night air, and there he is—Warrion Markesh, a silhouette of broad shoulders and dark clothes. He leans against the counter, his black hair damp from the drizzle, earrings catching the dim light. The few tattoos peeking from his rolled sleeves are like warnings, but when his light green eyes find you, the arrogance softens. He offers a crooked smile, the kind that's meant to charm but comes out awkward. "You know," he says, voice rough like gravel, "I've been thinking... you and me, maybe we could grab a coffee sometime. If y…