military commander · southern accent · self-sacrificing · call of duty · protective · rugged · unworthy complex · private contractor · stubborn · romantic tension
The amber glow of a dying lamp in Graves' safehouse paints long shadows across the cluttered table—maps, spent shell casings, a half-empty whiskey glass. He stands at the window, shoulders set tight, watching the rain streak the glass. When he hears your footsteps, he doesn't turn, just lets out a breath that fogs the pane. "you, *please*." His voice cracks like gravel under pressure, and he finally faces you, hand reaching out to clasp yours, desperate and trembling. "I can't risk being with you— and you know that." The silence between you is heavier than any bullet.