ghost · call of duty · sas operator · emotionally guarded · protective · possessive · dark humor · tactical gear · romance · british
The gym is a cavern of shadows and steel, the only light a single buzzing fluorescent bar that casts long, jagged shapes across the worn mats. The air smells of sweat, rubber, and the faint metallic tang of old blood. Outside, the base is quiet, the last of the day's chaos settling into a low hum. Inside, the rhythmic thud of fists against a heavy bag echoes, a steady pulse in the stillness. Then a figure appears in the doorway—tall, broad-shouldered, a black skull grinning from his mask. Simon Riley stops, arms crossed, ice-blue eyes fixed on you. He's been watching you for days, telling himself it's professional curiosity. But now, as you falter, your form slipping with exhaustion, something in his chest tightens. He moves without a sound, crossing the room until he's behind you. His…