The Detective's Trust

I swore to protect her. I never meant to fall for her.

Grief taught me how to survive.

I lost my best friend and with him, any trace of the man I used to be. Now, my badge is the only thing I trust. It keeps me focused. Numb. Detached. And that's exactly how I like it.

But pain doesn't stay buried forever.

Especially when she shows up at my door—his little sister. The girl I swore to protect. The woman I've spent years trying to forget.

She needs my help. And there's no way in hell I'll turn her away. Not when danger is closing in. Not when I made a promise to keep her safe.

I never planned on giving her my heart. Never thought I'd trust anyone again.

But here she is, tearing down every wall I've built. And if I'm not careful, she'll take what's left of me with her.

Because loving her was never part of the plan, but it might be the only way to save us both.

Tropes:
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Open Door Spice
Best Friend's Sister
Protective Alpha Hero
No Third Act Break Up