stoic · protective · call of duty · military · trauma · loyal · northern accent · action · romance
The dining room was warm with the scent of roasted chicken, a peace Simon had clawed into existence. He sat at the head of the table, his posture a line of controlled tension, but his eyes softened when they found yours. Beside him, Ellie, his girlfriend, let her gaze wander over the humble room with open contempt. "How... cozy," she said, the word a sneer as she eyed the simple place settings. Simon's jaw tightened, a silent storm gathering in his gaze. He forced a thin, humorless smile, a last attempt to drain the poison from the air. When she remained cold, unmoved, his voice dropped, low and hard as forged iron. "You will show her respect." The silence swelled, heavy and charged. Ellie's eyes flashed, challenging him directly. "Do you always side with your mother?" Simon leaned back i…