I would like to start by offering all of the readers an apology. I never thought it would take me this long to update. Real life got the best of me on multiple fronts and then the writers block set in. I simply could not find a rhythm with this chapter. It's not my best work, but I couldn't leave everyone hanging any longer.
Real life has calmed down finally and the creative juices are finally flowing once again. I promise not to take nearly as long with Chapter 17. We will also get Bones's POV in it.
Chapter 16
Late July 2019
The Amalfi Coast
Italy
"What an incredible view!" I enthused from where Bones and I were seated on the motor yacht taking us to Amalfi. Unbeknownst to Bones, Arthur had chartered a yacht as a surprise to take us from Naples to Amalfi.
I had awoken on the first full day of our holiday feeling happy and secure in Bones's arms. He had tenderly made love to me before we had indulged in a shower together that was steamy in more ways than one. We'd then had breakfast on our terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
After breakfast, we had visited the Castel dell'Ovo, where we had walked the castle's ramparts to enjoy the breath-taking panorama. Bones had been in a fine mood and hadn't even complained when another couple asked if he would take their photo.
Once we had finished at the Castel, Bones had informed me that his father had chartered a 33-meter motor yacht to take us from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. Apparently, Arthur had enjoyed taking Victoria on a similar charter and thought we would enjoy it.
The yacht was an absolute dream, and was staffed by both a friendly and professional crew. The boat featured sleek teak decks that flowed into a spacious salon and formal dining room. It also boasted four staterooms on the lower deck.
The afterdeck included a wonderful open-air dining area, where Bones and I had opted to have lunch. We had been served grilled Mediterranean chicken kebabs with a Greek orzo salad, marinated vegetables, feta cheese, and baked rosemary infused focaccia bread. It was the perfect meal for a summer afternoon on the open water.
Once we had concluded lunch, Bones had led me out to the foredeck where we had decided to sit together and enjoy the scenery.
"I'll take this any day over a rigid-hulled inflatable boat," Bones chuckled, referring to the boat he often used in the SAS. "I definitely owe my dad a big 'thank you' for arranging this."
"As grandiose of a gesture as it is, even I realise that this is a once in a lifetime experience," I acknowledged. "I am warning you though, Captain McClyde, I expect for us to do something a little more low-key tonight."
"Noted," Bones smirked before pushing back a tendril of hair that had escaped from my ponytail, and brushing his lips against mine in a sweet kiss.
-X-
Brussels Airport
Brussels, Belgium
Sitting at my departure gate, waiting to board my flight to Birmingham, I found myself questioning whether I should have warned Molly in advance about my impending visit. While I knew she would be furious with my turning up announced like this, I didn't want her doing a runner on me. I needed to see her and did not want to jeopardize my chances. Even if she refused to listen, it was imperative that I warned her away from Bones. It didn't matter how much she protested. The man was up to no good.
Shortly before starting at Sandhurst, my father had informed me that Bones would also be in my commissioning course. While I had never met Bones in person, I was well aware of the fact that he was my father's esteemed protégé.
My father seemed to think that I was incredibly fortunate to have Bones in my course, and told me that it was his fondest wish for us to become friends. It was a wish I'd never had any intention of fulfilling.
My first encounter with Bones only served to reinforce my view that I had been right to resent the role he'd played in my father's life. Rather than show me any semblance of respect, Bones had been quick to question whether I had what it took to live up to my father's reputation.
As luck would have it, Elvis and I were assigned to the same platoon as Bones and his best mate, Jack Sinclair. He and Sinclair had been as thick as thieves, which had surprised me. Sinclair's father was the Earl of Hawkswood and Sinclair carried himself with the regal bearing one would expect from the son of an Earl.
Bones on the other hand, was anything but refined. While he'd been educated at Gordonstoun, he did not speak in a refined manner, nor did he carry himself with the same polished demeanour that one would expect from a man with his education. Instead, he was brash, unapologetic, and relentless in his ambition.
I'd often wondered at his background. While it was evident that he was not from an upper class or aristocratic family, his family obviously had scraped together enough money to send him to an independent school.
While at Sandhurst, I had asked my father about Bones's background only to receive evasive replies in response. Both Elvis and I had also cornered Sinclair about his best mate and had been met with a wall of silence. To this day, I still knew next to nothing about the man outside of the Army, including his first name.
Throughout our commissioning course, I found myself bested by Bones at every turn. It didn't matter if the subject was academics, strategy, or even physical fitness, the bastard always came out on top. I loathed that he was a natural at everything, which only served to fuel my resentment towards him.
Halfway through the course, I received an unannounced visit from my father. He'd been keeping a close eye on my performance and had found it lacking. He felt I was not living up to his standards and had used the opportunity to imply that I should be more like Bones. This left me desperate to outmanoeuvre Bones and to put him in his place once and for all.
Elvis, equally despised Bones, as Bones had rebuffed Elvis's overtures towards friendship on multiple occasions. As it became more and more evident that Bones was going to be awarded the Sword of Honour, I became desperate to take the Sword away from him at any cost. Together, Elvis and I had devised a plan to ruin Bones.
We had left nothing to chance, and our plan had gone off without a hitch. I was elated to learn that Bones had disqualified himself from being awarded the Sword, and that I, as the runner up, would be the new recipient. I didn't care that I had also jeopardised his opportunity to go straight from Sandhurst into the SAS recruitment process.
Late one evening, I was on my way back from the library when I found myself slammed up against a brick wall and held in a chokehold by Bones. After lobbing numerous insults at me, Bones made it abundantly clear that he thought I was a sad sack who didn't deserve to have a great man like Edward for a father. Bones had then sworn, on everything he held dear, that he would do everything in his utmost power to destroy me. He'd vowed that one day, when the timing was right, he would discover what I valued most in my life, and he would take it from me, just as I had taken the Sword from him.
I realised now, that when Bones had visited Royal Crescent last year, he'd done so to test me. It was obvious that he'd deliberately disclosed what had happened to Molly in Sierra Leone to bait me into revealing my true feelings for her.
While I only remembered bits and pieces of attacking Bones on the riverbank in Bangladesh, it was apparent that I had somehow, in the mentally broken state that I was in, given Bones some reason to believe that it was Molly I loved and not Georgie.
By confronting me at Royal Crescent, Bones had effectively confirmed whatever suspicion I had given him, which had put Molly directly into his crosshairs. By acting the coward, and keeping my distance from Molly, I had given my enemy the perfect opportunity to prey on her vulnerabilities, and prey, he had. Now it was up to me, to find the courage to face her once again, and shield her from the potentially devastating consequences Bones had in store for her.
-X-
Amalfi, Italy
Upon arrival in Amalfi, Bones and I had been driven in a tender to the Hotel Santa Caterina, a historic five-star, luxury hotel perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel itself, was an elegant 19th century, seaside residence surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, luscious bougainvillea, cultivated olive groves, and fruit orchards.
After mooring at the hotel's Beach Club dock, we were greeted by the hotel's general manager, who led us to the main lobby, where we were both given a welcome glass of prosecco. We were then escorted to what I presumed to be our room.
I couldn't help but give Bones a look of surprise when instead of being led to a lift, we were led outside to a beautiful garden path leading to a secluded chalet far enough away from the main hotel to provide complete and total privacy.
"Welcome to the Giulietta e Romeo Chalet," the General Manager opened the door to a spectacular two-story chalet overlooking the Mediterranean. The first level featured a large lounge, powder room, and terrace leading out to a private garden with a heated infinity pool. The upper level housed the master bedroom and en-suite. The chalet was decorated in rich honey walls, beautiful cream fabrics, and hand-glazed majolica floors.
I was surprised to discover that Bones had arranged for our luggage to be sent by car. All of our clothing had been laundered and pressed, and now hung in the master bedroom wardrobe, while our toiletries had been unpacked and carefully placed in the en-suite. Bones had even thought to have the flowers from his parents sent over and placed on the bedside table.
Bones then took my hand and led me out to our garden, which boasted lush green foliage, bougainvillea, and trees. Next to the infinity pool were two sun loungers with end tables and an umbrella, along with a large daybed. It promised to be our own private oasis.
"I think skinny dipping might be in order later," Bones wrapped his arms around my waist and nibbled my ear.
"Just how do you plan to convince me to get into the water with you?" I posed, as I felt my body start to melt into him as he trailed his lips along my neck.
"I have my ways," Bones murmured, before leading me back inside and up to the bedroom.
-X-
Pizzeria Donna Stella
Amalfi, Italy
After enjoying what Bones had referred to as a 'long siesta', we had decided to venture into Amalfi to explore its seeming maze of streets and staircases. While there, we visited St. Andrew's Cathedral and the adjacent Chiostro del Paradiso, which was a magnificent Moorish-style cloister, complete with the remnants of 13th-century frescoes.
When it was time for dinner, I insisted that we continue being tourists and indulge in pizza, which is how we found ourselves seated at an outdoor table amidst lemon trees at the Pizzeria Donna Stella. We'd ordered a wood-fired margherita pizza, mixed salad, and bottle of chianti. After all of the luxury of the past two days, it felt good to be a 'normal' couple enjoying a pizza together.
"I was wondering if Mr. Blackwood Reed has a Christian name?" I asked while we waited for our meal.
"He might," Bones gave me a knowing smirk.
"Is it something he wishes to share?"
"Eventually."
"Is your name really that awful?" I probed.
"No."
"Then why not tell me?"
"It's not important," Bones gave a careless shrug.
"I beg to differ." I was growing increasingly frustrated with Bones's inability to share simple things about himself with me.
"I told you before, everyone calls me Bones, and has, for as long as I can remember. As far as I am concerned, my first name is Bones."
"Fine," I conceded. "But do you have to keep making it so bloody difficult for me to learn things about you?"
"What would you like to know?"
"If your first name is off limits, do you at least have a middle name?"
"Robert," Bones surprised me by readily answering my question.
"After your Uncle?"
"Yes," he nodded in confirmation.
"That's lovely that your mum gave you his name and that you'll always carry a part of him."
"What else?" Bones prompted.
"You're actually willing to answer more questions?"
"You better strike while the iron is hot," Bones warned.
"Right," I smiled at him. "When is your birthday?"
"It is 20 March, and to answer your next question, I am 37. Do you think you can manage having a codger for a boyfriend?"
"I can barely manage you now," I laughed. "Somehow I don't think I could manage a younger version of you. What about you? Do you think you can manage being a cradle snatcher?"
"I'm more than up to the challenge," Bones smirked. "Besides, you're very mature for your age. I often forget that there are ten years between us."
"I'm glad it's not an issue for you," I gave him a wide smile. "Now, why don't we talk about our holiday?" I suggested. "You've already done so many absurdly over the top things for me that I insist we spend some of it doing things that you enjoy."
"I'm here with you, what's more to enjoy?"
"There has to be something you would like to do?" I questioned in exasperation. While his answer flattered me, it was important to me that Bones also experienced things that interested him.
"I wouldn't mind going to Pompeii and Herculaneum," he offered.
"Those were the ancient Roman cities that were buried in volcanic ash, right?"
"Yes. They were buried under 4 to 6 meters of ash and were largely preserved because of it. I have read a few books about it and think it would be fascinating to see the ruins in each city that have since been excavated."
"I take it that history interests you?" I surmised.
"Yes. Especially military history," Bones revealed. "I can be a bit of anorak when it comes to military history."
"I highly doubt you're at Edward's level with his dioramas," I laughed.
"No, I'm definitely not at that level, but I do like to read military history books in my downtime."
"I don't think you're an anorak. Although one must admit, it is a surprising hobby for a Four-Star manwhore."
"We'll I suppose it helps that I'm now a retired Four-Star manwhore," Bones gave me a knowing grin.
"I suppose it does," I returned his smile, before leaning forward to kiss him, happy that this wonderful man was mine and mine alone.
-X-
The Following Morning
Birmingham, UK
After having flown into Birmingham the night before, and spending the night at the Hyatt Regency in City Centre, I was ready to do what needed to be done. I was ready to face Molly.
I had awoken at six and had internally wrestled with the best way explain to her what I needed to say. I knew there was no easy way, and that the best course of action was complete and total honestly. No matter how uncomfortable being brutally honest made me feel, Molly deserved nothing less than the truth.
I expected her to resist the idea that Bones was somehow using her, but it was imperative that I made her see reason. I vowed to try my damnedest to make her realise that Bones was a manipulative bastard who had been preying on her vulnerabilities. I planned to keep pressing her until she accepted that I was telling her the truth. Molly didn't deserve what Bones was doing to her and I refused to abide by it.
After taking a run through Canon Hill Park, where I had often run with Molly when I had first visited her at Uni, I headed back to my hotel room to shower, change, and have breakfast. I took care in dressing in a pair of slim fitting jeans, and a light blue and white, plaid oxford shirt. I decided to leave it untucked and rolled the sleeves up to my elbows in an attempt to give me a more approachable look. I also left my curls tousled as opposed to slicked back and tamed. I knew that Molly preferred me this way.
I had decided it best to wait until half past eight to arrive at the flat Molly now shared with Jackie. Emily had been kind enough to provide me with her address. As I sat in the back of my Uber, I steeled myself for what I was about to do. It was not going to be easy, but if it meant clearing my conscience and protecting Molly from further pain, I knew that that I had it in myself to see it through.
-X-
Amalfi Coast
Italy
"I thought you were mental when you insisted that I wake up at half past five this morning. However, I had no idea that you had such a fantastic hike planned," I remarked as Bones and I trekked along the Path of the Valle delle Ferriere.
We had started our journey by being driven thirty minutes along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast to a village called San Lazzaro in the small municipality of Agerola. From there we set off along a trail that Bones promised would lead us through the beautiful canyons of the Valle dell Ferriere Nature Reserve. The Reserve boasted many rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. The trail would also take us down to the Canneto River, which would allow us to admire waterfalls and paper mill ruins before leading us back to Amalfi.
"I had hoped it would be worth the early wake up. I also hope it means you'll need a long siesta this afternoon by our infinity pool," Bones gave me a seductive smile.
"I'm sure that can be arranged," I gave him my own seductive smile in return, knowing the full well what he intended for our siesta.
-X-
Birmingham, UK
Arriving at Molly's flat, I waited until one of her neighbour's entered through the security gate, before stealthy slipping in behind him. I didn't want to give Molly the opportunity to refuse my entry into the building. I then proceeded up the stairs to her flat, and took a deep breath before knocking on her door.
I could feel my heart racing as I heard footsteps through the door and a hand fiddle with the lock. It was only a matter of seconds before I would see Molly again, yet it felt like an eternity. Suddenly, the door was opened, leaving me disappointed to find not Molly, behind the door, but her best mate Jackie.
-X-
"Charles?" Jackie stared at me in shock. "What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded.
"I'm here to see Molly," I responded.
"You what?" Jackie looked back at me in disbelief.
"I told you. I am here to see Molly."
"I seem to recall her sending you a text message a few days ago telling you that she didn't want to see you," Jackie reminded, none too gently. "Have you suddenly gone soft in the head?"
"Look, I know I'm probably the last person you want to see…"
"That's an understatement," she muttered sarcastically at me.
"I understand why you might despise me, but it's imperative I speak to Molly."
"It was imperative you spoke to her ages ago," Jackie pointed out incredulously. "But I suppose you were too busy chasing Lane to notice."
"I appreciate that you have Molly's best interests at heart, but I would really appreciate it if you could please tell her I am here," I stood my ground.
"She's not here, Charles," Jackie disclosed. "So, why don't you do us both a favour and sod off!"
"What do you mean she's not here?" I questioned, having fully expected Molly to be at home this early in the morning.
"You heard me. She's not here," Jackie repeated in an irritated voice.
"Is she at work?"
"No."
"I suppose I'll just have to wait for her to return," I decided. I hadn't come this far to concede defeat at the first obstacle.
"You'll be waiting a bloody long time," Jackie rolled her eyes at me.
"Where is she?" I persisted.
"Where she is, is none of your damned business. She told you that she didn't want to see you. As far as I am concerned, the fact that she's not here is a bloody good thing."
"Is she with him?" I demanded, feeling my stomach fill with dread at the prospect.
"What's it to you?"
"He's using her, Jackie."
"Like you did?" she scoffed.
"I'm serious."
"More like seriously deluded."
"I know I've given you no reason to believe me, but there are things about Bones Molly needs to know."
"What things?" Jackie raised a sceptical eyebrow at me.
"Things like he's singlehandedly one of the most cunning, manipulative, and ruthless individuals I know, and that he would stop at absolutely nothing to seek revenge on me."
"And why would he want that?" Jackie posed.
"Because I did something to him fourteen years ago. Something so egregious that he swore that he would take what I valued most from me in return," I revealed.
-X-
Faculty Coffee
Birmingham, UK
"Thank you for agreeing to listen to me," I offered in an attempt to break the ice between us. After revealing to Jackie that Bones had grounds for wanting revenge, Jackie had begrudgingly agreed to go out for coffee so that I could explain to her what I had done. I know that it would be hard to sway her, but if Jackie could at least understand why I believed Bones was using Molly, then perhaps she could help me persuade Molly of the danger that Bones posed to her.
"Look, mate, I'm not here for your benefit. I'm here for Molly's. Now, I suggest you explain this load of codswallop you've been spouting," Jackie invited none too gently.
"Bones and I were at Sandhurst together," I began, raking an uncomfortable hand through my hair.
"Does Molly know this?"
"No," I confirmed. "Bones and I weren't exactly mates at Sandhurst. We developed a keen dislike for one another early on."
"That doesn't surprise me," Jackie remarked. "Bone's strikes me as a man who knows what's what," she observed. "I suspect he saw through your whole stuffed shirt persona and saw you for the despicable bastard you truly are."
"I'm not the only despicable bastard when it comes to Molly," I objected.
"Is this where you tell me that Bones is even more dishonourable than you?" Jackie posed.
"Yes."
"I find that hard to believe."
"You don't know what I did to him," I grimaced.
"Then you had best tell me," Jackie prompted.
-X-
"I take it that whatever it is that you did to him occurred while you were at Sandhurst together?" Jackie surmised after taking a sip of her tea while I awkwardly fiddled with my coffee cup.
"Yes."
"And that perhaps this had something to do with your unresolved 'daddy' issues?" Jackie pressed, causing me to look up at her in surprise. "Living in the shadow of a Lieutenant General must have been difficult, especially one who was away for much of your childhood. Then there's the fact that Bones became your father's mentee."
"How do you know all of this?" I questioned. I hadn't realised Jackie was so astute. Perhaps I had underestimated her.
"Molly. While I don't think she recognised the extent of your 'daddy' issues given that she has her own issues with Dave, she knew that being Edward's son was not always easy for you. As for your father's relationship with Bones, she learned of their history when she ran into your parents at a garden party with him."
"I see."
"Back to Sandhurst. What exactly did you do to Bones?"
"Are you familiar with the Sword of Honour?" I questioned.
"Of course, I am," Jackie gave an exasperated sigh. "Isn't it a James Family tradition to be awarded it?"
"Yes."
"What does it have to do with Bones seeking vengeance against you?"
"For all intents and purposes, the Sword should have been awarded to Bones instead of me. He was a far better cadet than I ever was."
"Then how did you wind up the victor?" Jackie wondered.
"Elvis and I may have stitched him up to his superiors."
"I take it you let yourself fall victim to the green-eyed monster?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"I can't say I'm surprised. I've always suspected that underneath your polished exterior, you were nothing more than an insecure boy desperate to win his father's approval."
"You certainly don't mince your words," I remarked at Jackie's sheer bluntness.
"Was is it worth it?" Jackie probed.
"At the time I thought it was what my father would have wanted."
"And now?"
"I recognise that it wasn't my finest hour. I've also come to terms with the fact that it only served to fuel my insecurities and undermine my abilities as an Officer," I confessed.
"Am I to assume that it didn't take Bones long to suss you out? And that this likely led to a confrontation in which he sent you away with a flea in your ear?"
"That is one way of putting it mildly. He was absolutely barking. I thought he might strangle me right there and then. Instead, he vowed that he would wait as long as it took for the right opportunity to have his revenge on me. He swore on everything he held dear that he would take what I valued most away from me, just as I had taken what he had valued most away from him."
"You do realise this was fourteen years ago?" Jackie argued.
"Yes, but the man's ego knows no bounds. Nor is he one to let sleeping dogs lie. There is no doubt in my mind that he has been waiting patiently all of these years to strike."
"Where does Molly fit into all of this?"
"Isn't it obvious?" I looked at Jackie in exasperation.
"Not from where I am sitting," Jackie retorted.
"Think about it, Jackie. He vowed to take what I valued most from me, and he has."
"Is she?"
"What?"
"What you value most?" Jackie looked at me with heavy scepticism.
"Of course, Molly is the one person I value most in my life," I contended.
"You have a peculiar way of showing it," Jackie observed, not in the least impressed with my answer.
"There's not a day that does not go by that I do not deeply regret what I did to her."
"You should regret it."
"You're right, I should. It's something I will have to live with for the rest of my life. It's also why it would kill me to be responsible for her having her heart broken again at my expense."
"I'm still not convinced that Bones would hold a grudge for fourteen years. Not when he's gone on to have a successful career as a highly decorated Officer in The Regiment."
"We had a row last November," I revealed.
"You and Bones?" Jackie looked at me with surprise. "I didn't realise you had seen one another since Bangladesh."
"Shortly after returning home from my treatment, my father insisted that I personally thank Bones for saving my life," I started to explain. "He thought it was the least I could do under the circumstances. For this reason, he invited Bones to Royal Crescent. Bones, being Bones, wasn't having any of it, and used the opportunity to go off on me."
"Can you blame him? You did, after all, tear his ACL," Jackie reminded. "You could have very well ended his career."
"I know," I begrudgingly admitted.
"What did you two argue about?"
"Molly," I confessed. "It was during our argument that he revealed what had happened to her in Sierra Leone."
"You honestly didn't know?"
"No. Initially my parents didn't think I deserved to know. Later, they worried that I was not strong enough to handle the truth."
"Would you have even given a monkey if they had told you at the time?" Jackie accused.
"I know that my behaviour was reprehensible, but that doesn't mean that I ever stopped loving Molly," I attempted to defend myself.
"Bollocks!"
"It's the truth," I objected.
"You were always a bit economical with it."
"Not when it comes to my feelings for Molly."
"Look, I'm not here to listen to your lies or sick platitudes, mate. I suggest you crack on with your story before I completely lose my patience."
"I was horrified by what Bones revealed and I think it only confirmed his suspicions regarding the extent of my feelings for Molly. He became extremely angry and told me that if I came anywhere near her that he would destroy me. Looking back, I played directly into his hands with my reaction and gave him a golden opportunity for revenge. It's obvious that he has been preying on her vulnerabilities in order to steal her away from me as he knows that her being with him has the power to destroy me."
"Let me see if I have this straight. You pinched the Sword of Honour from Bones in an attempt to please your father. Bones, was justifiably furious, and threatened you with revenge. Now fourteen years later, you think he has tricked Molly into believing that he has feelings for her as a way of getting back at you?"
"Yes," I confirmed, pleased that Jackie had put the pieces together.
"You do realise you sound absolutely barking?"
"How so?"
"First, the man has saved your life not once, but twice. If he was truly an unscrupulous bastard out for revenge, he would have left you on that riverbank to fend for yourself."
"He only did that our of respect for my father."
"I find that doubtful. Second, you've done such an exceptional job of destroying your own life over the past two years, that even if Bones still wanted revenge, he would no longer consider it worth his time and effort. Lastly, have you ever stopped to think that perhaps Bones actually fancies Molly?"
"Believe me, Bones is the last person who would fancy Molly."
"Are you really so dim as to think he wouldn't fancy her?" Jackie angrily challenged.
"She's not his type. He's a trouser snake who only cares about himself. The last thing he would ever consider is being in a relationship with someone sweet, kind, and caring like Molly."
"You really are blind," Jackie shook her head in disbelief. "Has it ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, when he rescued her in Sierra Leone, he saw what an incredible woman Molly is and fell for her just like you did in Afghan?"
"He's incapable of feeling."
"Then why did he spend the last two weeks meticulously planning the holiday of her dreams for her birthday?"
"What?" I stared back at Jackie in complete shock.
"You asked where Molly was earlier. To answer your question, she's out of the country with Bones on holiday, and I can guarantee that the last thing on either of their minds is you. As for your asinine conspiracy theory, I think you've deluded yourself into thinking that Bones is up to no good as a way to assuage your guilt over what you did to Molly. As much as the nurse in me wants to empathise with the fact that your insecurities left you vulnerable to PTSD, you knew damn well what you were doing when you fucked Lane the night before your wedding. If you truly loved, Molly, like you say you do, you would have found a way to end things with her, that did not involve getting off with your dead mate's fiancé. As for Molly, you nearly destroyed her, and I will never allow you to have that opportunity again. Now, I suggest you go back to Brussels and stay the hell out of our lives," Jackie demanded before storming out of the café in disgust.
-X-
Hotel Santa Caterina
Amalfi, Italy
"I wish we could spend a fortnight here," I sighed as I took in the majestic view of the Mediterranean Sea from where I lied curled up in Bones's arms on the daybed next to our infinity pool.
"You're a bad influence on me, Poppet," Bones chuckled from beside me.
"Why is that?"
"This might be one of the only times in my life that I might consider skiving off of work."
"As much as I would enjoy that, we cannot have you cocking up your promotion. Speaking of your promotion, do you have any sense as to what you'll be doing come October?"
"I'm hoping that I'll be assigned to the Special Projects team," Bones revealed.
"What's that?"
"It's the team that specialises in counter-terrorism. It also specialises in close quarter battle techniques and hostage rescue. I've done multiple rotations through the team and it is the area I find most rewarding."
"Would you still be based at Stirling Lines?"
"Yes, but I would also spend a significant amount of time in Pontrilas, which is about twenty minutes southwest from Hereford. There's a training camp there operated by the MoD, which The Regiment uses for counter-terrorism training. I'm afraid I cannot say more than that."
"I understand," I knew that many aspects related to Bones's job were classified and could not be shared with me. "Do you like living in Hereford?"
"Yes. I don't mind living there at all. I would like it if you became a frequent visitor there," he gave me a hopeful smile.
"I think that can be arranged," I grinned back at him.
"It also helps that Hereford's not terribly far from Birmingham. I suspect you'll be indoctrinating me into the ways of the Brummies before I even realise it. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I'm already a Villain," he drawled.
"You are?" I was surprised to discover that Bones was an Aston Villa supporter.
"You're not the only one around here who likes footy."
"I had no idea," I smiled widely.
"Perhaps I didn't want to listen to you giving me endless shit over the fact that my Villains are crap this year compared to your bleeding Hammers. Hopefully my Cherry and Whites have a more respectable season this year," he sighed, referring to Gloucester Rugby.
"Oh, Captain McClyde, I am going to have so much fun taking the piss out of you with this one. Who would have ever thought that my boyfriend would be a Villain?" I giggled with excitement.
"Watch it Little Miss Hammer," Bones warned with a fake scowl. "Push me too far, and I'll be forced to show you what Villains do to Hammers," he warned, before reaching his hand out to start playfully tickling my neck.
"I'm not afraid of you," I attempted to squirm away from his tickles.
"You should be," Bones breathed, before leaning over me and trapping me underneath him. "I can do a whole lot more than just tickle," he promised as he started feverishly kissing my neck, causing my entire body to tingle with feeling.
-X-
"You shouldn't have let me sleep so long," I chided, as I walked out onto the terrace wearing Bones's t-shirt. After our heated coupling by the pool, we had gone inside to shower, which had led to us making love again.
"I wanted to make sure you were well rested for our next adventure."
"And that is?" I eyed Bones with suspicion.
"I had an inspiration while we on our hike earlier. You had asked me what I might like to do on our holiday, and I realised that I wouldn't mind renting a motorcycle and driving us to Positano.
"Do you realise that you sound as mad as a box of frogs right now?" I protested.
"No. Care to enlighten me, Dawesey?"
"The last time I checked. The roads around here are bleeding dangerous. I cannot count the number of hairpin bends, zig zags, narrow roads, and steep bends we've encountered thus far. Not to mention the lack of railings, plethora of tourist buses, and muppets who have no business being on mopeds."
"You certainly are opinionated for someone who refuses to learn how to driver," Bones chuckled.
"Do you have any idea how many patients I've taken care of in the Orthopaedic Ward due to motorcycles? I would prefer not to break any bones."
"You won't, not with me behind the wheel," Bones assured.
"Do you even know how to drive a bloody bike?" I questioned.
"Of course, I do," Bones replied. "Remind me to take you inside of my garage in Hereford the next time you visit. Inside, you'll find my Triumph Tiger 1200 and a Ducati Multistrada 1260 S. I also own a Triumph Thruxton TFC which I keep at Mulberry Estate."
"Are those supposed to mean something to me?" I gave Bones a puzzled expression.
"Please tell me you're taking the piss out of me?" Bones groaned.
"I'm not," I looked at him with complete seriousness."
"They are motorcycles, Poppet."
"Oh."
"When I'm off duty and living the life of a normal bloke in Hereford I prefer to ride my motorcycle over my Rover. I mainly use my Rover for commuting back and forth to Stirling Lines or visiting Winchcombe during the winter months. I think you'll find that I am extremely competent on a motorcycle. As for the infamous Amalfi Drive, I am more than up to the challenge. I've driven motorcycles on every type of terrain imaginable, in every environment imaginable. If I had the slightest doubt that I might be putting you in danger, I would never even think to suggest such an excursion. The question is, Molly, do you trust me?"
"Of course, I trust you!" I exclaimed. "After Sierra Leone, how could I not trust you. I just didn't realise that you had so much experience with motorcycles. Perhaps if you told me more about yourself, I wouldn't have these doubts."
"If I promise to do a better job in that area, will you consider letting me take you for a ride? I promise to keep you safe and if you hate it at any point, you only have to tell me and we'll turn around and drive back."
"All right, I'll try it, but I expect you to tell me more things about yourself at dinner tonight," I warned. "Starting with whatever the hell a Triumph Thruxton TFC is."
"Oh, Poppet," Bones reached for me and pulled me into his embrace. "I honestly don't know what I would do without you," he chuckled before giving me a reassuring kiss.
-X-
Positano, Italy
"So?" Bones smirked at me after he had parked the Ducati Multistrada near Piazza dei Mulini, and had helped me remove my helmet.
"That was brilliant!" I gave him an infectious smile. "I'm so glad I let you convince me to get on that contraption," I nodded in the direction of the Ducati. Not only was the scenery blinding, it also felt unreal to have the wind at our backs like that."
"Does this mean you might be willing to try it again in Hereford?" Bones gave me a look that was almost boyishly hopeful.
"Perhaps," I smirked.
"Thank you," Bones looked at me sincerely before stroking my cheek.
"For what?"
"Trusting me," he replied. "I know it cannot be easy after…"
"You're right," I interrupted him. "It's not easy. But you make me want to try," I whispered before reaching up and capturing Bones's lips in a warm kiss.
-X-
Royal Crescent
Bath, United Kingdom
After Jackie had gone off on me, I had taken the train to Bath and arrived at Royal Crescent with my tail between my legs. Fortunately, my parents were at their villa in Lake Garda with Emily, which meant I was spared from having to answer any awkward questions.
I had miscalculated on several fronts this morning. The first is that I hadn't given consideration to the fact that Molly might be with Bones. The second was in believing that Jackie still held any semblance of respect for me, when in reality, she viewed me as a contemptible scumbag.
"I'm glad you telephoned me," my brother Andrew remarked as we sat in our parents' back garden drinking beer together.
"Why is that?" I turned to look at my brother.
"It doesn't seem right, you ruminating here by yourself over Molly. Yes, you were a total shitbag towards her, but I've finally come to understand just how fucked up in the head you were. I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive you for leaving me holding the bag on your wedding day, but I've accepted that neither of us can change the past. I also know that you've been slogging your guts out to get your life back on track and I would like to support you with that."
"Thanks, Andrew. It means a great deal to me to have your support," I patted him on the shoulder with brotherly affection. "Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find my way out of this mess."
"You will," Andrew reassured me. "It's just going to time, perseverance, and patience. Dad is really impressed with the work you've done at NATO. He thinks it will go a long way in getting your career back on track. Have you thought about what you would like to do next?"
"I haven't the faintest idea," I sighed. "I doubt I'll be allowed back on active duty after everything that has happened."
"You never know."
"It's still highly unlikely.
"I know you think you're a complete and total fuck up, but you're not. If Elvis were here, he would tell you to stop acting as if you have had your chips when you haven't."
"I highly doubt he would be saying that to me about now," I cringed.
"Why not?"
"Oh, I don't know. Perhaps it might have something to do with the fact that my stupidity got him blown to pieces. I'm sure he also wouldn't appreciate the fact that instead of providing Georgie with appropriate support during her time of mourning, I became a complete head case who became obsessed with fucking her for all of the wrong reasons."
"Do you know what I think?"
"What?" I eyed Andrew with scepticism.
"I think if Elvis were still alive, he would tell you to get over your God complex. Dad told me what happened in Afghanistan. There was no way you could have prevented his death. You need to stop being such a hardhead about it and accept that you cannot always be the 'hero'. The reality of the situation was that Elvis knew the risks associated with his work, and he accepted them for what they were. For him, the way he died, would have been an honourable way to die, and he would never, ever blame you for how it happened. As for the rest of it, he would likely beat the living daylights out of you for the PTSD, Georgie, and Molly, but he would have ultimately forgiven you. He loved you, Charles, and he also knew that as hard as you tried to portray the image of a Lieutenant General's perfect son, you are flesh and bone just like the rest of us. You were and will always will be his best mate, flaws and all."
"Do you honestly think that?"
"Absolutely. As for Molly, he would tell you to take your head out of your arse. Did Elvis give up when he thought all was lost with George or did he persist in his desire to seek her forgiveness and ultimately regain her love and trust?" Andrew posed.
"Even when it seemed impossible, he always hoped that they would find their way back to one another," I observed.
"Which is why he didn't give up at the first obstacle. There's also no way in hell he would give up if someone like Bones was standing in his way. I know that you think that you gotten nowhere fast with Molly, but Elvis would tell you to stay the course. Yes, you did despicable things, but a love like Molly had for you, doesn't completely die. I think there is a place deep inside of her that knows you are her soulmate and the man that she is destined to be with. Bones can never love her the way you do."
"You're right. He cannot. Even if he isn't using her, he isn't capable of loving her the way I love her."
"So, instead of sitting her with me, licking your wounds and feeling sorry for yourself. I think you need to take a page out of Elvis's book and think about how you can regain her love and trust," Andrew advised. "If Elvis were here right now, he would tell you not to give up on Molly…"