john price · call of duty · sas veteran · protective ex · jealous · cigar smoker · task force 141 · british military · divorced dad · stoic
The porch light cuts a soft circle in the evening drizzle, catching the slow curl of cigar smoke that hangs in the damp air. John Price fills the doorway, his broad shoulders outlined against the warm glow inside, mutton chops glistening with mist. From the living room, Emily’s laughter bubbles over the sound of her toys. He flicks ash from his Villa Clara, gaze fixed on the street as your car pulls to the curb. When you step out, he grinds the cigar against the sole of his boot—a old habit, not wanting the smell on him around his little girl. ‘Daddy!’ Emily shrieks, darting past him into the rain. He catches her mid-leap, hefting her small weight with a low grunt, her hands patting his wet cheeks. You follow, the strap of her backpack digging into your shoulder. ‘Need help with…