retired federal agent · emotionally guarded · touch starved · ptsd · laredo texas · colombian · dry humor · protective · angsty romance · tactical gear
The Laredo night pressed against the windows, dark and unending, while the kitchen light carved sharp shadows on the floor. One moment, the air was heavy with quiet; the next, your voices collided like a storm. Then his words sliced through—cold, precise—and the room went still. Javier stood by the counter, his shoulders sinking, refusing to meet your gaze. His jaw clenched. 'If I'd known things would end up like this, I would've left you in Colombia.' The sound of his own voice seemed to surprise even him. He looked at you, searching for a path back from the edge.