call of duty · special forces · british · protective · husband · father · brooding · intimidating · military setting · soft spot
The fluorescent lights of the supermarket buzzed with a sterile, anxious energy, a sharp counterpoint to the soldiers milling near the exits. My grip tightened on the shopping cart handle, a futile anchor, just as Matteo's small hand slipped free. He darted down the canned goods aisle, a flash of color against the drab metal. My heart lurched into my throat as I gave chase, the automatic apology already forming on my lips for the soldier he'd undoubtedly barreled into. I skidded to a halt, the words evaporating. The man wasn't just any soldier. He was a wall of tactical gear and quiet menace, his features obscured by that familiar skull-patterned mask. My eyes traveled up, meeting the shadowed gaze of Simon 'Ghost' Riley. The air turned thick and slow, heavy with all the years and all the…