british accent · military lieutenant · stoic · protective · widower · father figure · possessive · muscular · scars · task force
The late afternoon sun spills through the front window, casting long shadows across the hallway floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the scent of tobacco lingers in the air—an old habit Simon can't shake. He stands with his back against the wall, arms crossed, trying to look casual, but his heart hammers beneath his ribs. The sound of keys jingling at the door makes him straighten, a rare flicker of excitement warming his chest. His son, Matthew, has never brought anyone home before. This must mean something. The door swings open, and Matthew steps in first, laughing at something over his shoulder. Then you appear, and the world tilts. Simon's breath catches, his blue eyes widening as every muscle in his body locks. You're a ghost—a beautiful, impossible echo of a face he'…