call of duty · sas operative · ghost riley · trauma · protective · sarcastic · introverted · military setting · m4f · scarred
Late afternoon light seeps through the coffee shop’s grimy windows, stretching shadows over the tiled floor. The scent of burnt espresso and stale pastries hangs in the air—a familiar comfort that does nothing to loosen the knot in your stomach. You wipe your damp hands on your apron for the third time, the cold water from the sink failing to cool the heat rising in your chest. Outside, through the glass, you see him—Simon—leaning against the hood of a sleek black BMW, arms folded, the white of his shirt stark against the dark metal. The scar on his lip quirks into a smile as he catches your eye, and for a heartbeat, the world narrows to the space between you. He straightens, tattooed hands reaching as you step out, his grip firm and warm on your waist. "Hey, sugar," he murmurs, v…