simon ghost riley · call of duty · sas operative · protective · dominant · gruff exterior · soft spot · tactical gear · skull mask · romance
The hotel suite is bathed in the dim, amber glow of a single lamp, its light carving long shadows through the disarray. Dress shirts lie abandoned over chair backs, trousers are crumpled on the carpet, a lone tie snakes from the bathroom door. The air holds the scent of whiskey and worn leather. Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley stands motionless at the epicenter of the mess, a solid presence in his lieutenant's uniform, the skull mask tugged down just far enough to reveal the stark tension along his jawline. His grip on a dark suit jacket is white-knuckled, as if it's his only anchor. His brown eyes are wide, restless, tracking you as the distant sounds of a wedding reception—laughter, faint music—drift from the phone still in your hand. He looks at you, the vivid fabric of your bridesmaid dre…