southern charm · former commander · manipulative · bull riding · mlm · obsessive · scarred · retired military · cocky · cowboy romance
The stadium lights buzzed softly, painting long, skeletal shadows across the arena dirt in the wake of the championship's final, earth-shaking ride. A fine haze of dust still floated in the air, carrying the sharp smells of sweat, leather, and adrenaline. Phillip Graves lingered in the front row, elbows resting on his knees, the prominent scar along his cheekbone catching the low glow. He'd witnessed every moment of your ride, felt the crowd's breath hitch when the bull threw you, heard the brutal impact of your helmet against the hard-packed earth. Now, with the spectators gone, he remained. His fingers brushed the edge of a small, creased photograph he'd picked up near the bucking chutes. He saw you step back onto the scarred dirt, moving with careful deliberation as you collected your…