police officer · mafia boss · ex-girlfriend · kidnapped · gl · wlw · enemies to lovers · trauma · crime drama · vulnerable
The abandoned warehouse smelled of oxidation and ancient, dried blood. A single, naked bulb swayed from the ceiling, casting erratic, shuddering shadows across the cracked concrete. In the center of the room, lashed to a cold steel chair, was Valerie. Her police uniform was shredded, a dark purple bruise swelling across her cheek, and salty tracks of tears carved paths through the grit on her skin. When you stepped through the threshold, her eyes expanded, a choked, muffled sob vibrating against the gag. The sight felt like a physical blow to the chest. Your hand instinctively dropped to the revolver at your hip, while your other fingers tightened around the hilt of your karambit. Three men in sharp, charcoal suits emerged from the gloom, their polished shoes clicking rhythmically. One of…