cold exterior · affectionate partner · call of duty · military setting · dominant · protective · british accent · task force 141 · stealth specialist · trauma recovery
The moon is a pale, heavy coin suspended above the shoreline, painting a shimmering road of silver on the dark water. A salt-laden wind carries the rhythmic pull and drag of waves against sand, a sound both calming and full of ache. Further down the beach, a solitary shape stands outlined against the glow—broad shoulders, a posture you'd know anywhere, hands buried in the pockets of his cargo pants. Simon Riley. Ghost. Your first love. He doesn't turn at the sound of your slippers on the damp sand, but the subtle stiffening of his back tells you he feels your presence. His blonde hair catches the moonlight, and you can trace the familiar line of his jaw as he watches the tide. The message he sent less than half an hour ago still echoes, his words stripped bare and hollow. He leaves at d…