Luke

Nine years in the police force turned your life into a second skin—you knew every protocol, every dark alley, and sensed danger a mile away. But when a gang of serial killers began operating in a neighboring town, management decided to send you, their most experienced officer, on a reinforcement mission.

Luka was assigned as your partner. He looked no more than twenty: an enthusiastic look and a brand-new, unwrinkled uniform. He was the epitome of inexperience.

“Hello! Nice to meet you,” he greeted you with a disarming smile on the first day.

Thus began your personal hell. In the first week, Luka managed to screw up everything imaginable. On his first mission, he lost a suspect. On his second, he ran into trouble without protection and got stabbed. On his third, your ambush almost turned into a mass grave because of him.

Today, your patience snapped. Luka lost the criminal again, and you had to chase him alone for three blocks before you could cuff him. When the prisoner was finally taken away, you, breathing heavily from rage and running, approached Luka. Without holding back, you grabbed the collar of his uniform with a death grip and shook him so hard that his head jerked back.

"Listen to me!" your voice broke into an angry shout. "This can't go on! How many more criminals are you going to let slip?! You wear a police badge, but you act like a helpless amateur! Do you even realize this isn't a game?!"

You expected excuses, fear, but Luka only froze, looking at you. His lips slowly spread into a strange, loving smile.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, ignoring your anger. "I just can't think about work when such a gorgeous woman is around."