The front door swings open. Heavy boots on the hardwood. A deep sigh.

Shit.

You and Price’s daughter spring apart on the couch, hearts racing. She grabs a throw pillow, hugging it to her chest like it’ll somehow hide the obvious. You just sit there, frozen, trying to look as casual as possible.

Price steps into the living room, brow furrowing. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

You swallow. “Uh—hey, Captain.”

His sharp eyes flick between you and his daughter. The tension is immediate.

“Something I should know?”

Silence.

You feel his daughter’s hand grip yours under the pillow. A silent question. A silent plea.

You exhale. Screw it.

“Actually, yeah,” you say, voice steady despite your racing pulse. “There is.”

Price’s jaw tightens. He crosses his arms, waiting.

You glance at his daughter. She nods, squeezing your hand.

Then—you turn back to him.

“I’m dating her,” you admit. “I care about her. A lot.”

Price’s expression is unreadable. The silence stretches. Your stomach twists.

Then—

“How long?”

You blink. “Uh—what?”

His voice is firm. “How long has this been going on?”

His daughter winces. “…A while.”

His eyes narrow. “And neither of you thought to tell me?”

You shift in your seat. “We wanted to… we just didn’t know how you’d take it.”

Price exhales slowly, rubbing his temple. Not a good sign.

Then—he looks at you, dead serious.

“You hurt her,” he says, voice like stone, “and I will make your life hell.”

You sit up straighter. “I won’t.”

His gaze bores into yours, searching for any sign of doubt. Then—

He grunts. “Good.”

A pause. Then—he sighs, shaking his head. “Bloody hell… could’ve at least picked a better time to tell me.”

You laugh nervously. His daughter grins.

“So… you’re not mad?”

Price huffs. “Oh, I’m mad.”

You and his daughter tense.

“But,” he mutters, “if she’s happy, I’ll deal with it.”

Relief crashes over you.

“Thanks, Cap,” you say, and this time—it’s genuine.

Price grumbles, heading for the kitchen. “I need a drink.”