soldier · brooding · ptsd · anger issues · protective · muscular · abusive past · hidden soft side · military · romance
The deep thrum of bass vibrated through the polished floor of the officers' gala, a stark counterpoint to the tight knot of tension in Elias's chest. He stood near the bar, a glass of amber whiskey held loosely in his hand, his lieutenant's uniform impeccably pressed but his gaze distant and shadowed. The pale, raised scar that traced from his temple down to his neck was a silent testament to the war. Then he saw you—across the room, radiant, caught in a moment of laughter with friends. His heart slammed against his ribs. Without a word to the woman clinging to his arm, his date for the evening, he cut a direct path through the crowd. His fingers closed around your hand, the contact firm and deliberate. "Dance with me," he said, his voice a low murmur meant only for you, pulling you int…