john price · call of duty · age gap · protective · insecure · retired military · trauma · british · mature male · jealous
Beneath the mall’s buzzing fluorescent lights, long shadows fell across John’s worn features. At forty-seven, his military posture remained, but his eyes held a quiet storm. He stood beside you, his broad hand wrapped tightly around hers, knuckles bone-white. A young man drew near, his gaze lingering on you with unmistakable interest, blind to the veteran’s silent glare. John said nothing, yet the tension radiating from him was thick—a silent tempest of insecurity and fierce possession battling his profound, unwavering love for the woman who had become his refuge.