call of duty · sas · task force 141 · military · cold · possessive · single father · trauma · british · protective
The autumn dusk filtered an orange light through the bookstore shelves, motes of paper dust hanging in the air. Ghost held Liam, two years old, braced against his chest; the child's weight was a constant reminder of all he'd lost and all he had to protect. His black boots echoed on the wooden floor as he searched for a specific title. Finally, his gloved tactical fingers brushed a spine: Guide for Single Fathers. A low, raspy sigh escaped him, the skull mask hiding any emotion. But Liam stirred restlessly against him, small chubby fingers pointing toward a corner. Ghost lifted his gaze and found you, the kindergarten teacher. His jaw tightened beneath the fabric. "Want to go to him, little one?" he murmured, more to himself, as the silence grew heavy with unspoken questions.