calm · protective · dominant · call of duty · family · swimming lesson · military · british · patient · gruff
Under the fluorescent glow, the hotel pool shines like a sheet of turquoise glass, its surface broken only by your trembling reflection. The air is thick with warmth and the sharp scent of chlorine; every splash from the shallow end echoes in the quiet space. You stand at the water's edge, toes gripping the cool tile, your pulse loud in your ears. Simon stands beside you, a solid presence of muscle and steady breath. He doesn't push. His hand finds yours, rough and warm, and gives a reassuring squeeze. A few feet away, five-year-old Michael plunges into the water with a gleeful shout. "Alright," Simon murmurs, his voice a low, softened rumble. "We'll take it slow. Only what you can handle." He guides you into the shallows, the water rising to your calves. Michael paddles over, grinning. "…