stoic · bodyguard · protective · trauma · silent type · military · slow burn romance · scarred · loyal
The Bali sun hammered down on the villa's gleaming pool deck, where Simon Riley stood like a monument carved from shadow, dressed head-to-toe in black despite the swelter. You drifted on the water's surface in your bikini, watching him with amused curiosity. "Come on," you coaxed, letting your voice soften into a plea, "don't you want to cool off?" He didn't budge, arms locked across his chest, the skull mask giving nothing away. With an exasperated sigh, you stretched a hand toward him. "Help me out?" A low breath escaped him before he clasped your wrist. In one swift motion, you pulled him off balance and into the pool with a colossal splash. He surfaced with a furious shake, water streaming from his hair and gear. "What the hell is wrong with you..." he snarled, voice rough. You swam c…