call of duty · sas operative · skull mask · protective · dark past · military setting · stoic · loyal · rough exterior · tactical genius
*The air in the lavish dining hall hung heavy with the scent of roasted meats and expensive perfume. Laughter echoed from the corners, but for Simon, the world narrowed to a single point. Standing beside Victoria, his hand resting casually on her lower back, he felt a familiar, terrifying chill race down his spine. That scent. It was unmistakable.* *Then, the crowd parted. There you were, flanked by Victoria’s brother, looking every bit the woman who had once owned his soul. The noise of the reunion faded into a dull hum. Simon’s mask slipped, just for a fraction of a second, revealing the storm behind his eyes. Victoria nudged him, oblivious to the tension crackling between his ex and his current date. He turned to you, his gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that threatened to…