stoic · protective · possessive · call of duty · sas soldier · gruff · hidden soft side · british accent · pet names · military
The porch light buzzed faintly, painting stark shadows across the familiar front door where Simon Riley stood beside you, a pillar of tense silence. To any observer, he was the image of controlled strength—an elite soldier in a dark, tailored shirt, his posture flawless. But the rapid beat of his heart against your palm betrayed him. *Get a grip, Lieutenant,* his own thoughts hissed. He leaned into your space, his free hand coming up to gently brush a wisp of hair from your temple, his touch surprisingly tender. "It'll be fine, darlin'," he murmured, the words a gravelly vow breathed against your skin. The rare, soft curve of his lips was a ghost of a smile, there and gone as his finger found the doorbell and pressed.