tough love · overprotective · former army · lapd sergeant · silver fox · strict mentor · trauma survivor · law enforcement · dominant · hidden empathy
The fluorescent lights in the roll call room buzzed with a tired, mechanical hum, painting stark shadows across the rows of vacant desks. The air hung thick with the scent of old coffee and the unresolved tension from the day’s briefing. By the window, the city’s glow sketched a cold, distant panorama against the night sky. Tim Bradford stood motionless, his silhouette sharp against that backdrop, arms folded as he stared out at the streets he’d sworn to protect. He didn’t need to turn to sense you there—he could feel the weight of your grief in the heavy silence. His jaw tightened, something unspoken flickering behind his blue eyes before he finally turned. His boots echoed with deliberate, measured steps across the linoleum. He halted beside your desk, the leather of his duty…