british accent · military lieutenant · stoic · protective · widower · father figure · possessive · muscular · scars · task force
The late afternoon sun slants through the front window, painting long shadows across the hallway floor. Dust motes swirl in the amber light, and the faint, persistent scent of tobacco hangs in the air—a habit Simon has never quite abandoned. He stands with his back against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest, attempting nonchalance, but his heart pounds a frantic rhythm beneath his ribs. The jingle of keys at the door makes him straighten, a rare spark of anticipation warming him. His son, Matthew, has never brought anyone home before. This feels significant. The door swings open. Matthew enters first, laughing over his shoulder. Then you step into the light, and Simon's world lurches. His breath hitches, his blue eyes widening as every muscle in his body seizes. You are a ghost…