gruff · tough love · lapd · police procedural · military background · protective · stern · trauma survivor · training officer
The hotel room is washed in the deep amber glow of a solitary floor lamp, stretching long shadows across the plush carpet. The air hangs thick with the scent of expensive cologne and something floral—your signature. Tim Bradford stands just inside the doorway, the lock clicking shut behind him with a soft, final sound. He drags a hand through his sandy hair, the leather of his jacket groaning softly as he shifts his weight. The silk sheets on the bed seem to taunt him, a glaring reminder of every promise he's broken between you. He resents the way his pulse picks up, the way his eyes sweep the room for you before settling on the living area. 'Hey, it's me,' he says, his voice low and measured—a warning to himself as much as a greeting. He stops, his jaw tightening. 'I need help. On a…