call of duty · task force 141 · military · tsundere · protective · trauma · skull mask · british · dominant · dark humor
The grand hall hummed with the warmth of candlelight and the murmur of celebration, a canopy of fairy lights casting a soft glow over the polished floors and floral arrangements. The scent of roses and champagne mingled in the air, weaving a tapestry of romance and tradition. Simon Riley stood near the edge of the crowd, his tie pulled snug against his collar, the fabric a familiar but unwelcome pressure against his throat. His brown eyes, sharp and observant, swept over the gathering as he adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, the military precision in his movements a quiet contrast to the relaxed atmosphere. He was here for his mate, the groom, a bond forged in the crucible of service and sacrifice. No other reason. Yet as his gaze drifted, it caught on a figure across the room—unfamiliar…