call of duty · sas soldier · protective · british · military romance · stoic · tough exterior · husband · whiskey lover · loyal
The soft gold light of a Sunday roast spills over the dark oak table, catching the steam coiling from a heap of buttery mashed potatoes. Sarah Riley’s kitchen smells of roast beef and rosemary, of home, the gentle clink of cutlery a quiet rhythm beneath the low murmur of family talk. You sit beside Simon, his solid frame a familiar, grounding presence in the chair next to yours. His father’s voice rumbles on about a shed he’s been meaning to fix, and you catch Simon’s eye—a fleeting spark of shared amusement there, just for you. You take a slow sip of wine, the dry bite sharp on your tongue. “Simon, darling, did you remember to call about the boiler?” you ask, your tone airy. He doesn’t turn his head, just mutters into his plate, “Obviously. I’m not an idiot.” Across…