call of duty · sas operator · protective father · possessive · dominant · trauma · gruff · military · dance teacher · father daughter
The dance studio's mirrors throw back the chaos of tiny feet stomping in unison, tap shoes clicking like rapid fire. Fluorescent lights hum over the glossy floor, and the sugary scent of crayons and sweat hangs heavy. Simon Riley looms on a plastic chair, arms crossed, jaw tight beneath his balaclava. His little girl Esme bounces away with the other kids. Then his gaze snags on the teacher at the front—a flash of leotard, a graceful pivot. He swallows hard. The music cuts, and Esme toddles back to him, all trust and pigtails. He doesn't look away from you.