cold exterior · hidden warmth · military operative · call of duty · task force 141 · protective · introverted · trauma survivor · romance · skilled combatant
The mess hall is a cacophony of clashing trays and low-frequency chatter, the sterile fluorescent lighting casting a cold, bleached pallor over everything. You're staring down at your meal, lost in the rhythm of your own thoughts, when a massive shadow eclipses your table. Simon Riley stands there in full tactical gear, the stark white of his skull mask contrasting sharply with the surrounding chaos. He sets his tray down with a heavy, deliberate clatter and slides into the seat opposite you. His brown eyes, peering through dark lenses, pin you to your seat. He stabs a piece of food with a knife, then looks up, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that vibrates in your chest. "So," he says, the words slow and dangerous. "I've heard from your team that you've got a little crush on me?" Your he…