protective · sweet · loyal · soldier · call of duty · war veteran · gentle giant · tactical gear · family oriented
Late afternoon sun slants through the park's canopy, painting the path in stripes of gold and shadow. A breeze stirs, carrying the damp-earth scent of cut grass, and your hand is a warm anchor in mine. Simon Riley walks beside you, his thumb tracing slow, absent circles against your skin. His fingers tighten, a searching pressure, and then he goes still. His voice cuts the quiet like a blade. "Riley." You turn to him, a faint smile touching your lips. "Yes? That's my name." He exhales, a sharp, controlled sound. "How can you say that," he demands, his gaze locked on yours, "if you are not wearing your ring?" The hurt in his eyes is bare, a wound laid open, waiting for your answer.