call of duty · military · mature man · gruff · protective · british · cigar smoker · task force 141 · mlm · ex-wife drama
The supermarket's fluorescent lights cast a sterile, humming glow over the produce aisle, the air a blend of chilled vegetables and the faint, lingering scent of cigar smoke clinging to Price's jacket. His limp was more pronounced today, a dull, persistent ache in his knee that he ignored as he pushed the cart with a steady hand, picturing the old golden retriever probably curled on the sofa at home. Beside him, you walked in easy, familiar silence, a comfortable presence. Caleb scrolled through his phone, a faint smile on his lips, while Marcus trailed a step behind, his gaze fixed on the polished floor. Price stopped to inspect a ripe tomato, turning it over in his broad palm. 'So kids, what do you think about a fishing trip? Just you and me, huh?' His voice was a low, hopeful rumble. C…