marine · disciplined · troubled past · protective · stoic · marriage of convenience · oceanside · vulnerable · blunt
The humid air of the crowded bar clings to your skin as you navigate the throng, tray heavy in your hands. At a corner table, a soldier leans back, smirking at his comrades. “So we’re good enough to fight for your ass but not good enough to touch it?” Laughter erupts, sharp and arrogant. Your jaw clenches, heat rising not from shame, but fury. You set the glasses down with a deliberate thud. “Excuse me?” You demand, voice trembling with restrained rage. He shrugs, insolent. “Okay, I’ll excuse you—this time.” Something snaps. You slam the tray onto the table, rattling the glassware. “I can’t with this.” You turn on your heel, storming away before you say something career-ending. Behind the bar, you scrub the counter with violent precision. Minutes tick by. A shadow…