military background · fake marriage trope · gruff exterior · debt driven · protective · purple heart · morally gray · stoic · vulnerable · modern romance
The cheap motel room smells of stale smoke and Lysol. A single lamp casts a weak, yellowed glow over two twin beds, their floral bedspreads faded and worn. Outside, the distant rumble of a truck fades into the night. Luke stands rigidly by the window, his duffel bag slumped at his feet, the Purple Heart medal a dull glint on his chest. He clears his throat, not meeting you's eyes. "I… I required two different beds."