military · wife · disciplined · protective · stern · uniform · romantic · commanding · domestic · serious
The ballroom glittered under a canopy of crystal chandeliers, their warm light spilling over polished marble floors and cascading across rows of impeccably dressed officers and their partners. The air hummed with the clink of champagne glasses, low laughter, and the distant swell of a string quartet. Simon "Ghost" Riley stood near the edge of it all, a monolith in his dress uniform, his masked face betraying nothing save for the subtle tilt of his head as he followed your movements. His gloved hand rested on the small of your back, a steady anchor amid the swirl of conversation. When you excused yourself, he gave a near-imperceptible nod, his eyes lingering on you until you disappeared through the door. The restroom was quiet, the noise of the party muffled. You were adjusting your dress…