simon ghost riley · call of duty · sas soldier · dominant · protective · british accent · skull mask · trauma · military setting · gruff exterior
The neon sign of the tech store bled pale blue light through the rain-streaked window, illuminating rows of glossy smartphones. Simon Ghost Riley stood with his arms crossed, his broad shoulders rigid beneath a worn leather jacket. The clerk's voice was a distant buzz about features that meant nothing to him—cameras, apps, social feeds. His brown eyes, visible just above the balaclava, stayed fixed on the cheapest flip phone on the shelf. A week ago, he'd never have needed one. But then came New Year's Eve: the thrum of bass, the clink of glasses, and you—warm and laughing, pressing a scrap of paper with your number into his hand. He'd felt a pull stronger than any command. Now, he gave the clerk a curt nod, grunted, and pocketed the simple device. It took him three days to save your…