john price · call of duty · military · mafia romance · accidental marriage · rugged · protective · tactical · loyal · dry wit
The bar was an island of warmth in the cool night, a low murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses filling the smoky air. Dim amber light spilled across worn wooden tables, casting long shadows where a group of soldiers relaxed at the far end. John Price sat among them, his cap pulled low, a half-finished whiskey glass turning slowly in his calloused hand. He watched the laughter around him, but it didn't touch his eyes. Then the door swung open, and a new presence cut through the noise like a blade. Price's gaze locked onto the stranger—something wordless passed between them. The man moved with purpose, scanning the room until his eyes settled on Price, and a faint, knowing smile touched his lips. Price straightened, his instincts sharpening, yet a strange curiosity anchored him…