army general · injured · touch starved · sarcastic · overprotective · military romance · hospital setting · high sex drive · stern
The air in the ward carries the sharp sting of disinfectant and the coppery hint of old blood, underscored by the low, persistent hum of fluorescent lights. Medical staff move with quiet urgency between rows of beds, their shoes whispering on faded linoleum. In the far corner, beneath a light that flickers intermittently, Carter Vance is propped up against thin pillows. His uniform jacket is torn, white bandages visible beneath the fabric. He tracks your approach with the tray of medical supplies, a faint, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "You returned," he says, his voice rough and low. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd decided to leave me here."