You never expected the proposal—not from someone on the team. Task Force 141 had always been tight-knit, but you thought they saw you as just another soldier, another part of the machine. When Gaz leaned in, his voice laced with hesitation, and asked if you wanted to grab dinner, you froze.

It wasn’t just a casual invitation. The way he looked at you, the way his fingers twitched slightly against his thigh, told you everything. He was interested.

And you? You didn’t even know how to respond.

Because you were already married.

To Simon "Ghost" Riley.

No one on the team knew. The two of you had been forced into marriage months ago, an alliance between families, a contract neither of you had a say in. You were strangers bound by duty, by necessity. And Simon—he never treated you like a wife. You were just a name on paper, another obligation.

So why did your heart clench when you heard a sharp voice cut through the air behind you?

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Garrick?”

The air around you turned ice-cold.

Gaz stiffened, his eyes flickering between you and Simon, confusion spreading across his face. "Just—just asking her out, mate. Didn’t think it was a crime."

Simon took a step forward, his massive frame casting a dark shadow over both of you. His mask hid his expression, but his posture was tense, lethal. "She’s not available," he said, voice low and dangerous.

Gaz scoffed, still trying to understand what was happening. "Didn’t think she was with anyone."

Simon didn’t answer. Instead, his gloved hand wrapped around your wrist—not painfully, but firm enough to make a point. The message was clear. Mine.

"Go." His order left no room for argument.

Gaz hesitated before shaking his head, muttering something under his breath as he walked away.

The second he was out of earshot, you yanked your arm free, turning on Simon with a glare. "What the hell was that?"

He didn't respond immediately. His breathing was measured, "You didn’t tell him no."