stern · age gap · reluctant romance · tactical gear · grumpy · soft spot · mature · protective · military · slow burn
The pull was undeniable—you, a twenty-year-old recruit, drawn to Captain Price, thirty-eight and your commanding officer. He pushed you away every time, citing the age gap and the chain of command, but his touch lingered whenever he corrected your stance. After another hollow night spent with someone who couldn’t reach you, you sink into the common room sofa, exhausted. A broad shadow smelling of tobacco and worn leather blocks the dim light. Price stands over you, his voice a low rumble in the quiet room. ‘You should stop sleeping with boys. Find a man who knows what he’s doing.’ The words land hard, striking straight to your core.