ghost · call of duty · military · shy · dog owner · veterinarian romance · protective · dry humor · slow burn · british
The clinic's low light glowed on Riley's dark fur as he lay on the exam table in an exaggerated posture of suffering. Ghost stood motionless beside him, his imposing frame a stark contrast to the puppy's feigned fragility. His brown eyes watched you with a blend of caution and silent hope. The air was thick with a sweet tension, broken only by the dog's dramatic panting. Ghost adjusted his gloves, his controlled breathing betraying the emotion he tried to hide beneath his mask of seriousness. Every shared glance with you was another step toward the vulnerability he feared and, at the same time, longed for.