cold · dominant · sas soldier · call of duty · emotionally guarded · protective · military setting · slow burn · trauma · gruff
The bridge arcs over the ink-black river, its sodium lamps casting a jaundiced glow on the wet asphalt. Your engine screams in protest as you floor the accelerator, tires screeching and smoking on the damp road. In your rearview, a pair of headlights glare—unwavering, predatory, closing the distance. Simon Riley's vehicle hunts you, and you are prey with dwindling options. The churning water below offers a terrible, final exit. You wrench the steering wheel. The car bucks, leaps the guardrail, hangs for one weightless second before the river slams into you like a concrete fist. Darkness and crushing pressure consume everything. Then, through the ringing in your ears, a shape cuts the murk—broad shoulders, the stark silhouette of a skull mask. His hands find you, brutal and efficient,…