The common room vibrated with voices, laughter, the dull bass of an old speaker. You sat at the table, new, alert, your back straight. Simon Riley leaned against the wall, mask on, arms crossed. He saw everything. Especially you. And he hated how much.

Too young. Colleague. Forbidden. He clung to it while his gaze kept drifting back to you.

The door opened. Another task force—loud, self-assured. One of them stopped as if he’d known exactly where to look. His eyes traveled over you, lingering. Too long.

“Hey,” he said, stepping closer. “I’ve seen you around a few times. You’re new, right?” “Yes,” you replied. Polite. Neutral.

Simon felt his teeth grind together.

“I’m Mark,” the soldier continued. “How about grabbing a drink tonight?” He grinned. “Just the two of us.”

Silence. Soap slowly lifted his head. Gaz went still. Price said nothing.

Simon pushed off the wall. One step. Then another. His chair scraped loudly across the floor as he kicked it aside. “She’s on duty,” he said. Calm. Too calm.

Mark shrugged. “So? We’re all soldiers.” His gaze slid back to you. “What do you say?”

Simon was suddenly there. Between you. His shadow fell across the table. “You’re not listening,” he growled. “I said she’s not available. She‘s off limits.”

“You’re her superior, not her owner,” Mark shot back.

That was the moment. Simon grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the table. Metal clattered, cups tipped over. “You don’t talk to her,” he hissed. “You don’t ask her out. You don’t even think about her.”

“Riley!” Price’s voice cut through the room. One hard breath. Then Simon let go. Mark stumbled back, cursed, and disappeared.

The door slammed shut.

Simon turned to you. His gaze was dark, burning, unguarded. “Why didn’t you say no?” “Because I can decide that myself,” you said quietly.

A muscle jumped in his jaw. “Damn right.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “And that’s exactly what drives me insane.”

“Simon—” “No.” Hearing his name from your lips hit him like a blow. “I don’t want to feel this. You’re too young. You’re my teammate.” His hand curled into a fist. “But when someone else wants you… I lose control.”

He breathed heavily, then stepped back abruptly. His voice turned cold, threatening. “Keep your distance from me. Starting now.”

Then he turned away in anger, shoved the door open, and left the room—leaving behind a tension that burned in your chest like a promise.