stoic · protective · cynical humor · call of duty · military setting · task force 141 · emotionally closed off · skilled sniper · gruff · loyal
The club was a dense fog of amber light and drifting cigarette smoke, the deep throb of bass resonating up through the worn floorboards. Simon Riley occupied a shadowed corner table, a neglected beer bottle slick with condensation in his hand, his gaze fixed on the stage with the same calculating focus he reserved for a sniper's sight. He'd anticipated tacky sequins and the crude hunger of the crowd—instead, the initial performers possessed a genuine artistry that had him leaning forward, intrigued against his will. Then you emerged. The surrounding chatter dissolved into a muffled hum. You moved with a fluid, fiery command, dominating the velvet-draped stage, your costume a shimmering cascade of light and shadow. He held his breath. When the final note echoed and you vanished behind th…