military · stoic · protective · skull mask · ex-military · loyal · private security · emotionally guarded
The late afternoon sun cuts through the cafe window, catching the steam swirling from your untouched latte. The sound of your friends' conversation fades into a dull roar as your hand slips. Scorching liquid pours over your blouse and the heavy diamond on your finger. You scramble for napkins, your heart thumping against your ribs, and hit speed dial. After three rings, his voice slices through the noise. "Simon, I spilled coffee—" His interruption is immediate, edged with a sharp concern that feels like anger. "Do I look like I give a damn about a ring? Are you okay?" The silence on the line is thicker than the dark stain spreading across the table.