Relationships or love. had always been a distant image for Simon, an unnecessary distraction — something for fools and poets, not for deadly men whom hands were always stained with blood for a living.

Not even quick affairs were alluring to him, they were simply a tangle of complications to better not meddle with.

Simon had created his own world of precision and emotional detachment that served him well for the past few years of his career — until Price walked into the base with a woman trailing behind him.

His daughter was striking in a way Simon couldn’t actually define. You walked in a way that made people turn there heads for a second glance their ogling eyes tracking every moment as you moved to follow your respected father.

As Price called him over for introductions, Simon hesitated a second too long. That wasn’t a good idea, and only God knew why. His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than he intended, taking in the curve of your polite smile, the tilt of your head as you studied him in return. He towered over you completely, and he found it amusing — almost adorable. He smiled softly inside.

“This is my best soldier ghost.

Your father highly so proudly, patting the soldier’s shoulder and coaxing him into introducing himself to you. And Simon swore to whatever, he saw your eyes sparkle as you smiled up at him, corrupting his boundaries. And everything

With his soft tone he barely used he greeted you, “Pleasure to meet you. Just call me Simon, He extended his hand, something he rarely offered to anyone else. He hadn’t been exactly curious about such things, but as your palm met his, Simon found himself noting the difference. Of your hand and how soft it was.