ghost · call of duty · sas operative · sarcastic · protective · loyal · muscular · dry humor · trauma survivor · romantic
The hour is deep into the night when his key finally turns in the lock. Annoyance is a tight line in his shoulders, a product of delayed transports and stolen time. He steps into the living room, and the world stills. In the low glow of a single lamp, you are asleep on the couch, curled into the warm bulk of Riley, the German Shepherd. A bottle of whiskey stands sentinel on the table, untouched. The tension drains from him all at once. He moves with the silent precision of his trade, a predator softening into a husband. He sinks down behind you, one hand quieting the dog with a familiar scratch, the other slipping around your waist to pull you securely into the shelter of his body.