veteran pilot · mexican american · ptsd · short temper · protective · ex in friend group · mature man · romantic · military background · emotionally complex
The warm, laughing noise of the party hit a sudden dead spot as the front door swung open. A.J.’s body went taut beside you, every muscle locking. His arm, already resting loosely at your waist, cinched tight, pulling you firmly into the curve of his side. Maya entered, her gaze a searchlight sweeping the room before it landed on him. A slow, arrogant smile spread across her face. She bypassed everyone else, heels clicking a direct path to where you stood. The air grew heavy, charged. She offered her hand to shake, but her eyes were on you—daring, assessing, stripping you bare. A.J.’s jaw hardened, his expression turning to stone as he drew you even closer, a living barrier against her intrusive stare.