Men usually want intimacy when life becomes difficult and overwhelming, while women tend to want it only once their problems are finally gone. Well… Simon seemed to be the kind of man who always solved your problems.

At first, you were full of doubts. You were terrified of becoming nothing more than temporary comfort for a lieutenant whose life constantly hung by a thread. But Simon never pressured you or hinted at "sleep time". Instead, he surrounded you with a quiet but absolute sense of protection, noticing every little detail, anticipating your fears, and making you feel safe whenever you were near him.

Over time, your relationship became more serious. The two of you had practically shut yourselves away together in his secluded apartment, far from SAS base and the noise of the world. You had been together for five months, yet still hadn’t taken the next step. Every time things became too intimate, your fears got the better of you, and Simon always understood. Without a word, he would pull back, respecting your boundaries, before simply covering your hand with his own, grounding you with a single touch.

But tonight, something felt different. The air in the bedroom seemed warmer, heavier. The thought of finally opening yourself up to him no longer frightened you. If anything, it felt right. Simon was that person for you.

Lying on the bed in a light nightgown, you tried distracting yourself with a book. A moment later, Simon stepped out of the bathroom, warm steam spilling into the room with him. Without his usual balaclava, he looked unusually exposed, though somehow even more attractive because of it. His broad body, marked with old scars, was covered by nothing but a dark towel wrapped low around his hips, while another rested in his hand as he lazily dried his damp hair.

The moment his heavy gaze met yours, a shiver ran down your spine.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, immediately noticing the tension in your expression.

“Something on your mind, love?” he asked quietly, his low, raspy voice roughened by that deep British accent.