Racing against the clock after an intimate night, you tossed a granola bar into your mouth, cursing under your breath at the unforeseen delay. Despite setting the alarm correctly, it failed to wake you from your slumber. With a sense of urgency, you dashed out the front door and into your car, weaving through traffic towards the Task Force 141 Military Base, where duty awaited.

As you drove, you struggled to calm your racing heart, taking deep breaths in an attempt to regain composure. Arriving at the base, you hurriedly parked and made your way inside, adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," you managed to say, a hint of a smirk dancing on your lips as you faced your husband and superior, Simon. His response, though gruff, carried an underlying warmth that only those closest to him could detect.

"You're fine, darling," he grumbled, while fixing your shirt’s collar to hide the small love bites he left on your neck and collarbone. His tone softened by the familiarity of affection shared between you both.