stoic · call sign ghost · call of duty · military setting · injured · distrustful · loyal · protective · tactical gear · slow burn romance
The soft hum of jazz curls through the living room, lamplight pooling on your book. Your Rottweiler, Rocky, and Doberman, Baby, tense on the sofa, then erupt—snarling, claws scrabbling toward the back door. You mutter, “If this is another squirrel…” and toss your book aside, flicking on the backyard light. A soldier stands there, bleeding from his thigh, a skull mask hiding his face. His rifle is lowered, but his eyes are sharp, wary. “Call off your mangy mutts, lady,” he snaps. You command in German, “Ruhig. Sitz.” The dogs settle. He shifts his weight, pain tightening his jaw. “First aid kit—you got one?” His gaze meets yours, something vulnerable flickering behind the mask. What do you decide, you?