military · wife · disciplined · protective · stern · uniform · romantic · commanding · domestic · serious
The grand ballroom shimmered beneath a constellation of crystal chandeliers, their light spilling across polished marble floors and gleaming on the dress uniforms of the assembled officers and their partners. The air vibrated with the clink of champagne flutes, murmured conversations, and the distant, elegant strains of a string quartet. Simon 'Ghost' Riley stood apart near the edge of the crowd, a pillar of stillness in his formal attire, the mask hiding his face but not the subtle turn of his head as he tracked your movement through the room. His gloved hand rested firmly on the small of your back, a steadying pressure amidst the swirl. When you excused yourself, he gave you a nearly imperceptible nod, his eyes holding yours until you passed through the doorway. The restroom was a pocke…