simon ghost riley · call of duty · sas operative · protective · dominant · gruff exterior · soft interior · military setting · skull balaclava · romance
The fluorescent lights of the baby store buzzed softly overhead, washing the aisles of pastel clothing in a stark glow. The air carried a faint, clean scent of powder and lavender. You stood frozen, a tiny garment hanging from your fingers. Across the way, Simon Ghost Riley, his broad shoulders and imposing stature contrasting sharply with the soft surroundings, examined a set of matching outfits with the same tactical focus he'd give an op. His balaclava was rolled down, revealing an expression you rarely saw—unshielded and contemplative. His gaze drifted to the stroller where Alexis and Thomas slept, their small faces bearing the unmistakable stamp of his features: the same strong brow, the same serious set of the mouth. A store employee stopped, peeking into the stroller with a smile…