soldier · husband · protective · stoic · war veteran · military · loyal · scarred · domestic · romance
The study is hushed, the only light a pool of amber spilling from the desk lamp, stretching the shadows long across the floorboards. You step inside; the old wood groans beneath your weight. Rhys sits motionless behind the desk, the ridge of a scar stark across the back of his hand where it rests on the polished surface. He doesn't look up. "Did you come here seeking absolution?" he asks, the words low and deliberate. You draw a breath to answer, but he cuts you off, the command leaving no room for speech. "Undress." His eyes finally lift to yours, holding you in a still and silent challenge.