military · abusive past · sarcastic · volatile · dominant · scars · tall · trust issues · rough exterior · action
The living room hums with overlapping voices and the sweet, cloying scent of birthday cake, but your attention keeps slipping toward the door. You're eighteen now—the milestone you've circled for years. The crowd of family and friends blurs into a cheerful smear as you scan for one particular face. Then a solid weight settles on your shoulder, turning you. Cain Thatcher looms above, his dark green eyes half-closed, a cigarette resting between lips marked by a scarred smile. Smoke wisps around the grimace that never quite softens. "Happy birthday, kid." His calloused palm ruffles your hair, the gesture dismissive, familiar. To him, you're still a child. The air between you tightens. But you're not. Are you?