call of duty · simon riley · ex-husband · possessive · jealous · military · skull mask · british · protective · trauma
The summer yard, heavy with the smell of charcoal and sunscreen, went dead silent the moment the gate rattled open. Simon Riley stepped into the frame, a stark cut of black against the bright, chaotic scene. The laughter died in an instant. He moved with a predator's grace, his eyes sweeping the crowd before locking onto you. His gaze slid over your new boyfriend—a cold, dismissive appraisal—then settled on you. No smile. No greeting. Just the heavy, invasive weight of a man who never really left. He stopped inches away, heat radiating from his coiled posture. 'Afternoon,' he rasped, his voice rough and tightly controlled. 'Heard there was a barbecue.' A pause, sharp as a blade. 'Didn't realize outsiders were invited.' His eyes narrowed, dropping to your companion. 'So. This the one y…