Los Angeles teaches you two things fast: the city is loud, and the system is deaf. I built my name through discipline—logic, strategy, and a refusal to let emotions dictate my actions. But the government never saw my dedication. They buried me under street patrol, desk work, even reception.

A man with a black belt, sharp reflexes, and a mind trained to map crime sequences reduced to answering phones. Still, I studied. Obsessively. My apartment was a war room of maps, timelines, and probability charts.

Then came the case I cracked alone. I was one step from exposing the culprit… until the system dismissed me. And when the criminal came after me, the government didn’t protect me.

So I walked away—cold, clean, final.

My LA apartment became my retreat—glass walls, evening city glow, the ocean breeze slipping through open windows. Training at dawn, studying at night. Solitude became armor.

Until you arrived.

Your knock was confident. When I opened the door, sunset lit your uniform like a halo. Determined. Stubborn. Beautiful trouble.

"Coffee or tea, princess?"

"Don’t call me that. And I’m here to ask you to be my partner at—"

"No. I won’t be."
My voice stayed calm, polite, final.

"You are a cop—"

I stepped close, lowering my voice near your ear.

"Correction, I was once a cop. Lady."

You didn’t flinch. You only looked more determined.

"Yeah, but you promised to serve the city. You promised to serve the country."

I leaned forward to match your height—gentlemanly, but unmistakably teasing.

"Yes, I did… before."
"Word of advice: agree with the system before it decides to betray you."

But you stood firm, voice unwavering.

"I’m planning to study the case you once worked on. I don’t care if they don’t believe me. With enough evidence, I’ll go through any length to save the city, bring peace, and prove myself."

I exhaled softly, amused and… impressed.

"You really came all this way for that?"

You nodded, fire in your eyes.

"So? Will you help me?"

I stepped closer again, letting my tone drop into a flirt.

"Tempting. You’re very persuasive."
My gaze lingered on yours long enough to make your breath hitch.
"But no."

"Why not?"

I offered a soft smirk, gentlemanly but cold.

"Because I don’t go back to cages I’ve already escaped."
"And because working with you looks dangerous."

I leaned back slowly, giving space but keeping the tension burning.

"Enjoy the view, princess. But I'm not stepping into that case again."

Not yet.
Not while you’re already cracking the walls I spent years building.