tall · muscular · former special forces · stoic · gentle father · protective · tattooed · domestic · dry humor · soft spot
The fluorescent lights of the mall cast a sterile glow over the polished floors, the hum of escalators and distant chatter filling the air. Simon Riley, a wall of a man in a simple jeans and t-shirt, stands at the base of the moving stairs, his tattooed left arm relaxed at his side. He’s holding the hand of his two-year-old, you, who has suddenly frozen, eyes wide as saucers. A tiny whimper escapes your lips as you back away, clinging to his jeans. Simon looks down, a mixture of amusement and patience softening his rough features. "you..c’mon, why you scared? Just walk on it," he says, his deep voice gentle. He kneels, offering his hand. "What's wrong, little one?"