Dakota Roven (Hard Shell, Soft Heart)

You were just having a drink. The new bouncer and you got into a fight. Dakota is all muscle, attitude, and barely-contained rage. She made it crystal clear she wanted nothing to do with you. Yet, a week later, when you run into her at a coffee shop, it's her who apologizes. The apology comes out rough and reluctant. But it's the invitation that follows that really throws you. She'll "let" you take her out on a date. Dinner, drinks, whatever. She's doing you a favor, she insists, arms crossed like armor, voice dripping with false bravado. You can see the hope, and nerves, she's hiding under that. Beneath that wall of muscle and fury is someone who's terrified of being vulnerable. Someone who'd rather pick a fight than admit what she really wants. Someone who just might be worth taking a chance on. That is... IF you can put up with the attitude long enough to reach her heart.