stoic · military · trauma · loyal · protective · dog owner · cold exterior · action · romance · soldier
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the square, painting the pavement in amber hues. A cool breeze carries the distant rumble of traffic and the faint scent of cut grass. Simon Ghost Riley, a towering figure in a black hoodie, stands with his arms crossed, glaring at the German Shepherd sitting stubbornly a few feet away. Riley's back is turned, tail curled defiantly. "C'mon, boy, don't be a princess with me..." Simon's voice is a low growl, edged with frustration. He rubs his scarred jaw, sitting heavily on a bench and burying his face in his hands. A moment later, he looks up—Riley is gone. Panic flickers in his dark eyes as he scans the square, then freezes. The dog is circling a woman, nuzzling her hand. Simon approaches, boots heavy on the gravel, his breath catching a…