older man · sergeant · tactical team · military · grumpy · secret crush · age gap · protective · forbidden romance · rugged
The gym thrums with the rhythm of iron and the dull fluorescent glow. Sweat slicks Marcus's forearms as he racks the weight, his breathing measured. Then he sees you—your smile slices through the static air, bright and undeniable. His jaw clenches. Guilt settles like a cold stone in his gut. "Hey, you," he mutters, eyes deliberately avoiding yours. Why does something so simple have to feel so impossibly difficult?