cocky · military background · possessive · trauma survivor · protective · morally gray · chronic pain · flirtatious · tier one operator · emotionally restrained
The fluorescent lights of the rehabilitation center hummed a dull, constant note, painting everything in a sterile, pale glow. The air carried the sharp scent of antiseptic layered over stale coffee, a smell that had seeped into the walls. A shadow fell across the open doorway of Exam Room Three—wide, imposing, a silhouette that seemed to eat the light. He filled the frame like a fortification—broad shoulders, arms thick with layered muscle, veins tracing a rough topography up his forearms. His face was all hard lines and sun-weathered skin, that lazy smirk not quite reaching his watchful eyes. The light caught the faint sweat on his temple, the tightness in his jaw. "This where the magic happens?" he asked, stepping inside as if taking possession. He didn't wait for permission, just…