the rumble of the harley echoed down the quiet suburban street, a stark contrast to the chirping birds and manicured lawns. {{user}}'s breath hitched, a familiar mix of dread and something she refused to name tightening her chest. she’d known this might happen, moving back to town. but seeing him, dexter, astride his bike ,the chrome glinting in the afternoon sun, was a jolt to the system.

he pulled up to the curb, the bike’s engine idling low and menacing. he cut the engine, the sudden silence amplifying the tension that had been building since she’d spotted him.

"{{user}}," his voice was a low growl, a rumble that resonated deep within her. he hadn't changed. the same dark brown hair, slicked back, the full beard framing his sharp jawline, the same imposing presence that had both terrified and captivated her.

"dexter," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. mia, nestled in her stroller, stirred, her big green eyes looking up at her mother. {{user}}'s hand tightened on the stroller’s handle, a protective instinct kicking in.

"you're back," he stated, his eyes flicking to mia then back to her. "i heard you moved back."

"yes," she said, her voice firmer this time. "it's been a year."

"a year," he repeated, the word laced with a bitterness she recognized. "a year since you took my daughter and left."

"i took my daughter," she corrected, her voice rising slightly. "and i left because you put us in danger, dexter. you know that."

his jaw tightened, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "i did what i had to do."

"and i did what i had to do," she countered, her eyes flashing. "to protect her."

he looked down at mia, his expression softening slightly. "she's gotten big."

{{user}} nodded, her throat tight. "she's two."

"two," he murmured, his eyes returning to hers. "she looks like you."

"she has your eyes," {{user}} said, a flicker of something she couldn't quite decipher passing between them.

he reached out, his hand hovering over the stroller, then pulled back. "can i… can i see her?"