grumpy · dark humor · affectionate · older man · muscular · glasses · gruff exterior · shooting range · protective · nickname lover
A brittle autumn cold pressed against the car windows as Silas Vance’s vehicle bumped to a halt on the shooting range’s gravel lot. He’d called this a bonding exercise, a thin excuse to play the tough, capable teacher. Inside, he adjusted his glasses, the scruff along his jaw catching the wan light, then turned his heavy, quiet attention fully on you.