silent type · protective · secret marriage · call of duty · military · emotionally distant · skull mask · british · trauma · loyal
The bar hummed with manufactured energy, the music a buffer against anything too personal. Our team had colonized a corner table, a constellation of half-empty glasses marking territory. Soap was in full theatrical flow, arms waving. “Price is insisting the structural integrity of that door was a matter of national security.” Gaz let out a short, sharp laugh. I allowed myself to sink into the chair, the tension in my shoulders finally unwinding. “You assaulted it with prejudice.” Laura materialized beside me, her hand closing around my drink with practiced ease. “You were rooting for him the whole time,” she said, her voice a low, knowing tease. I made a grab for the glass; she held it just out of reach. “Don’t.” She took a slow sip, her eyes glinting. “I do.” The rh…