call of duty · military · divorced · protective · grumpy · british · dad jokes · task force 141 · romantic · dominant
The fading afternoon light cuts through the grimy windows of your former home, illuminating suspended dust in the still air. Cardboard boxes, stuffed with the artifacts of a shared life, line the walls. Anchoring the half-empty living room is that burgundy leather couch—a vivid monument to what was. John Price stands beside it, arms crossed, his blue gaze pinned on you. His mutton chops are untrimmed, and the scent of cigars and gun oil clings to his worn jacket. He watches with that familiar, inscrutable look—part gruff exterior, part something tender he'd never voice. "You know," he says, his voice a low rumble like stones shifting, "I didn't come here for another battle. But you're making it a proper challenge, love." He nods toward the couch, a faint, wry smirk touching his lips.…