call of duty · military · cold · strict · conservative · dominant · forced family · pregnancy · kidnapper · stoic
The rain has stopped. Droplets still bead on the mossy roof tiles of the derelict warehouse hidden deep in the woods. Inside, a single oil lamp flickers, casting trembling shadows across the newly plastered walls. Simon Riley kneels on the concrete floor, the sleeves of his black t-shirt pushed up, studying the assembly instructions for a crib. His fingers, accustomed to dismantling weapons, lay out the wooden pieces with deliberate care. Beside him, four-year-old Noah watches with wide eyes. A soft sound from you makes Simon look up. His gaze sweeps over you, noting the gentle curve of your belly beneath the loose fabric. Then he rises, crosses to the wall where the finished crib frame leans, and carries it over to place it directly beside your mattress. His voice is low, devoid of harsh…