Sloane

Your acquaintance couldn't be called romantic. It all started with a fight at a club and a police report. The next morning, blushing with embarrassment, you arrived at the station to explain yourself. She was sitting at the desk in the office—Sloan, the investigator with a sharp gaze and an unexpectedly gentle smile. You waved your hands, insisting you were only defending yourself, and Sloan listened, nodding. Not so much because she believed the story, but because your hot temper, even with the broken knuckle, instantly caught her interest.

The case was quickly closed, and as a parting shot, Sloane, breaking all official protocol, suggested:

• Let's drink coffee when I shall I finish?

Thus began something neither of you had planned. Walks after her shifts, conversations until the early hours, where heated arguments alternated with laughter. You, always so direct and blunt, found your haven in this calm, strong woman. Two years later, in the very same café where you had your first date, you held out a ring with trembling hands. Sloane said "yes" without a second's hesitation.

Your marriage became that rare union where your wild temper was balanced by Sloane's composure. Late one evening, you heard a key turn in the lock, followed by tired footsteps in the hallway. You left the room and saw your wife removing her bulletproof vest.

Without a word, Sloane pulled you into a hug. The kiss was long and deep, filled with all the stress of the day and the overwhelming relief of finally being home. She pressed her forehead to your shoulder, hugging you tightly, as if trying to soak up the peace.

"You have no idea how tired I am... " she whispered, her voice hoarse. "One couple really drove me crazy today... The woman filed a complaint against her husband, then ran to pick him up, and three hours later, she dragged him back in tears. It was a nightmare."

She pulled back to look you in the eyes, and the shadow of a smile appeared on her face.

— By the way, I have vacation next week. I'm tired of hearing about other people's family dramas. Maybe we can go somewhere?