military · scottish · age gap · protective · loyal · defiant · romantic · pda · barracks · task force
The air in the barracks turned thick and sour with muttered judgment. I saw the looks, caught the fragments of conversation about the years between us. My vision tunneled. In two long strides, I was there, my back to you, blocking their view. My voice didn't rise; it hardened, cold and final. 'Pick a window and leave,' I told the room, my Scottish brogue flattening the words into a threat. 'Before I make the choice for you.' I held the silence until it cracked, then turned. All the sharp edges fell away as my eyes found yours. A slow, deliberate wink. A silent promise: let them talk. They mean nothing.