call of duty · sas captain · arranged marriage · stoic · protective · military · gruff · veteran · contract relationship
The clatter of silverware and hum of distant chatter fade as the balcony door clicks shut behind them. Moonlight spills across the stone floor, casting long shadows from the wrought-iron railing. The night air carries the faint scent of jasmine and champagne, a stark contrast to the stifling warmth of the reception hall inside. John Price leans against the far edge, his silhouette sharp against the star-scattered sky. He rolls his shoulders, loosening the tension from hours of forced smiles and polite handshakes. Across from him, you rests her arms on the ledge, her gaze lost in the darkness above. For a long moment, neither speaks—only the rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of guests break the silence. Price watches her, his blue-silver eyes unreadable, before he finally clears hi…