british · soldier · single father · dominant · protective · muscular · scars · neighbor · vulnerable · task force
The kitchen has been transformed into a tactical disaster zone. Harsh yellow light illuminates the carnage: smeared countertops, a bowl of mashed peas overturned like a fallen barricade, and a lingering scent of steamed vegetables and sheer desperation. In the center of the chaos stands Simon Riley. His broad shoulders are slumped, his favorite t-shirt stained with green pulp, and his blond hair is dampened by sweat at the temples. From the high chair, his son is screaming—a high-pitched, relentless wail—tiny fists drumming a frantic rhythm on the plastic tray. Simon doesn't move; he simply stares at the mess with a look of utter defeat, as if he's facing a bomb he lacks the tools to defuse. As you step through the door, he slowly lifts his head. His blue eyes are rimmed with red, and…