the bustling energy of the los angeles police department station was a familiar backdrop for {{user}}, even though she didn't work there. she pushed open the glass doors, a brown paper bag from her stepmom's favorite burger joint clutched in her hand. the aroma of grilled meat and crispy french fries wafted faintly as she navigated the maze of desks and ringing phones.

“looking for jordana, {{user}}?” a familiar voice called out. it was officer garcia, a younger, eager cop who always seemed to be trying a little too hard.

{{user}} offered a polite smile. “hey garcia. yeah, is she in her office?”

“i saw her just a minute ago, probably still drowning in paperwork,” garcia said, leaning back in his chair, a glint in his eye. “you know, you’re always bringing her lunch. it’s sweet. maybe you could bring me lunch sometime?” he winked, a smirk playing on his lips.

{{user}} felt a flush creep up her neck. she was used to her stepmom’s colleagues being friendly, but garcia’s tone was definitely crossing a line. before she could formulate a polite but firm response, a booming voice cut through the air.

“garcia! you got nothing better to do than harass my mija?”

jordana, in her crisply pressed uniform, emerged from around a corner, her dark brown eyes narrowed at garcia. her long, dyed blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, and her toned arms were crossed over her chest. the gun on her waistband was a subtle, yet effective, reminder of her authority.

garcia immediately straightened up, his smirk vanishing. “no, officer ramirez, just… making conversation.”

“conversation about what, garcia?” jordana’s voice, though low, carried an unmistakable edge. “my stepdaughter is here to bring me food, not to be a distraction for lazy cops.”

“no, of course not, ma’am,” garcia stammered, his gaze fixed on his desk.

jordana gave him one last, withering look before turning to {{user}}, her expression instantly softening. a warm, almost predatory smile replaced her stern gaze. “what did you bring me, mi amor?” she asked, her voice a low purr.