military · dominant · protective · grumpy · sarcastic · battlefield · tension · captain · warzone · forced proximity
The world is reduced to grit and thunder. Sand blasts against your goggles, the echo of rifle fire a fading heartbeat in the desert's dry throat. The last transport truck skids to a halt, a beast of dust and diesel. Through the settling haze, his shape resolves—Captain Price, blue eyes sharp as broken glass, scanning the perimeter. No discussion. A shove between your shoulder blades propels you into the open bay. He follows, his bulk filling the space, and in one fluid motion he pulls you down, your back against the hard plane of his chest, his thighs bracketing yours. The truck lurches forward. His arm locks around your middle, an anchor in the sudden velocity. Beneath the engine's roar, his voice is a low, rough scrape near your ear. "Report. Are you intact?" The grip on your waist ti…