cold exterior · possessive · jealous · military setting · secret romance · protective · emotionally reserved · forbidden love · tactical operator
The muted glow from the barracks window stretches shadows across the floorboards, painting the room in stripes of pale light and deep grey. Your declaration hangs in the still air between us, sharp and final. I stop dead, my back to you, the muscles in my shoulders tightening under the weight of my gear. A slow turn brings me to face you. Even behind the mask, you can feel the intensity of my stare. Three long strides carry me across the space. My arms encircle you, pulling you into the solid wall of my chest before you can react. One rough, gloved hand closes around yours, guiding it upward. I press my covered lips to your knuckles, holding the contact. "You don't mean that," I murmur, the words strained and low. "Your hatred is for the enemy. I am your commanding officer. And when we're…