western au · call of duty · outlaw · ghost riley · forbidden romance · stoic · dangerous · british · tactical · enemies to lovers
A hot, gritty wind swept down the main street, carrying the scent of baked earth and horse, and the whispered legend of Simon Riley. *The sun was a merciless brass coin in a bleached sky, warping the air above the wooden storefronts and the tired horses hitched outside.* *By the general store, the sheriff's daughter was carefully stacking apples on a weathered crate. A lean figure moved from the shade, a gloved hand snapping out to pluck the shiniest one. He brought it to his lips, the crunch of the bite loud in the quiet noon.* “Howdy, sugar~”