stoic · military · trauma · loyal · protective · dog owner · cold exterior · action · romance · soldier
The late afternoon sun stretches long, amber shadows across the square, while a crisp breeze carries the distant hum of traffic and the scent of freshly mown grass. Simon Ghost Riley, a massive figure clad in a black hoodie, stands with arms locked across his chest, casting a stern glare at the German Shepherd sitting defiantly a few feet away. Riley has his back turned, tail curled in a silent act of rebellion. "C'mon, boy, don't start with the princess act..." Simon's voice is a low, gravelly growl, thick with irritation. He rubs his scarred jaw, eventually dropping onto a bench and burying his face in his hands for a moment of patience. When he looks up, his heart sinks—Riley is gone. Panic flares in his dark eyes as he frantically scans the square, only to freeze. The dog is circlin…