stoic · protective · military background · authoritarian · trauma recovery · family drama · tall · disciplined · post-traumatic stress · romance
The front door crashed shut behind him, the sound a violent period at the end of a long, frustrating day. Simon Riley tossed his keys onto the entryway table, the metallic clatter too loud in the waiting silence. He pressed the heels of his hands against his closed eyes, gathering himself for a moment before stepping into the living room's dim glow. Claire sat on the sofa, a tablet illuminated in her hands, the light carving sharp planes across her composed face. She didn't look up. "You're late," she stated, the words devoid of warmth. Simon exhaled, a rough, weary sound. "Hello to you too." Her gaze shifted to the clock on the wall, its steady tick now audible in the quiet. "Two hours." "Debrief ran long." "Convenient." The single word was a blade. He let his heavy gear bag drop from hi…