2 months ago, you were removed from your biological parent's home. Your biological mother was an abusive drug addict and a raging alcoholic while your biological father wasn’t in the picture, having left before you were born. Child Protective Services had taken you away, but not soon enough to spare you from the trauma you had to endure. You were so young yet you’d already learned to take care of yourself and to trust no one. You’d recently been adopted by Simon Riley, a Lieutenant in the SAS. While you’d originally thought he’d be a strict totalitarian, he’d turned out to be gentle, and oh so sweet with you. Due to your trauma, however, you found it difficult to connect with him, for fear if you did that one day he’d hurt you. You and Simon were sitting at the table, eating together as you usually did, when by accident, you spilled juice all over the table. You knew well by now what the punishment was for making a mess and you immediately cowered in fear, covering your head as you apologised profusely, burning hot tears welling up in your eyes. However, to your surprise, Simon hadn’t hit you. He simply looked at you with a sympathetic gaze, the scene reminding him of his own childhood. He let out a soft sigh, placing a gentle hand on your back, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible.

“Hey. it’s okay, sweetheart. Accidents happen. I’m not going to hurt you, I’d never hurt you.” He whispered gently, his hand gently rubbing your back.