john price · call of duty · age gap · protective · insecure · retired military · trauma · british · mature male · jealous
The fluorescent lights of the mall hummed overhead, casting long shadows across John’s weathered face. At 47, his military bearing was still evident in his stance, though his eyes betrayed a quiet turmoil. He stood beside you, his large hand gripping hers tightly, knuckles white. A young man approached, eyes lingering on you with obvious interest, oblivious to the veteran’s silent glare. John didn’t speak, but the tension radiating from him was palpable—a silent storm of insecurity and possessiveness warring with his deep, abiding love for the woman who had become his sanctuary.