Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the long delay. I gave birth to my first child 7 weeks ago and after weeks of sleep deprivation and adjusting to my new normal, I am happy to report that I am back to writing. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully this chapter will brighten your day. I promise that now that I have adjusted to becoming a new Mum and my daughter is now sleeping much better, I will be able to update more frequently. Enjoy!
December 2017
Southern Provence
Sierra Leone
"Is she asleep?" I cocked my head to where Dawes was curled up by the fire.
"Aye," Spanner acknowledged with a nod.
"The perimeter is secure. I suggest you join Peanut in grabbing an hour or two of kip before we crack on."
"And you, Boss? I take it there is no rest for the wicked?"
"Not until the job is complete," I confirmed. There was no way in hell I would even think about catching forty winks until Dawes was delivered safely to the High Commission in Freetown.
-X-
Once Spanner had bedded down, I found myself taking a seat next to Dawes. For some inexplicable reason, I pushed back a tendril of hair that had escaped from the makeshift plait she'd made using a piece of vine I had cut for her.
While Dawes still looked battered, Peanut had managed to see to her wounds, but not without protest from Dawes. Even in the knackered state she was in, Dawes had wanted to tend to her own injuries.
I was beginning to suspect there was more to Dawes than I had originally anticipated. She hadn't protested once during our gruelling trek through the jungle thus far and I knew that it must have been brutal for her.
My concern that Dawes might be a Lady Muck was for naught, as she was anything but a prima donna. While it was apparent that Dawes was close to breaking down both physically and mentally, she possessed a level of perseverance that I had rarely witnessed until now. Much to my disbelief, I found myself admiring her grit and determination. Perhaps her Military Cross held more legitimacy than I'd initially thought.
"For fuck's sake," I muttered to myself. Why was I even thinking about Dawes? She was nothing more than a job.
It irked me that I was even contemplating the possibility that she wasn't what I thought. Even more vexing was the mysterious pull I felt towards her. Perhaps it had something to do with my disdain for James. I honestly couldn't say. All I knew was that I needed to get a grip and fast.
We still had significant ground to cover before the terrain would allow for us to rendezvous with the rescue chopper. The last thing I needed was to be distracted. Lieutenant General James was counting on me, and I was not about to cock-up my career by letting him down.
Mid-September 2019
Mayfair, London
United Kingdom
"I hope today made up for yesterday's mess with your family," Bones offered as we headed back to our hotel after dining at Cora Pearl in Covent Garden. Rather than stay with Max and Jack, or with his family, Bones had declared that he wanted me all to himself for the weekend and had booked us into the Four Seasons Park Lane.
"It more than made up for it," I smiled happily at Bones. The day had begun with us having breakfast with Bones's family at his parents' home in Upper Phillimore Gardens. From there, Bones and I had escorted Ella and Mia to the Zoological Society of London in Whipsnade. We spent the afternoon touring the various animal exhibits, feeding giraffes, indulging in a picnic lunch, and riding a steam engine train.
It never ceased to amaze me how patient Bones was with his nieces. They clearly adored him, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with them. It was moments like these, when he dropped his hardened "action man" persona, that I was able to see the funny and affectionate man he hid underneath. It also made me think that he would make a wonderful father. It was a shame he had no interest in wanting a family.
"Good." Bones nodded, as he placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me into the elevator. "I cannot wait to get you back to our room," he murmured into my ear.
"Is that a fact?" I gazed up at him with a not so innocent smile.
"Seeing you all tarted up like you are tonight has nearly made me lose my mind."
"Are you trying to chat me up, McClyde?" I gave Bones a knowing smirk. I had deliberately made an effort with my appearance that evening and had chosen to wear a black short-sleeve dress with ivory spots, featuring a v-neckline, blouson bodice, smocked waist, and a hem that ended just above my knees. I had paired the dress with a black, one-button blazer, and black suede over the knee boots with fringe detail and 5cm block heels. The boots I had purchased during my Uni days, but hadn't bothered with them since I had been jilted. I had almost forgotten about them, until I had gone through my wardrobe the previous week and had found it sadly deficient in several key areas.
"Oh, I'm always trying to chat you up, Dawesey," he winked in return, before pulling me against the hard planes of his body, and capturing my lips in a searing kiss.
-X-
"Wait," I cautioned once we were inside our suite and Bones began to pull me towards the bedroom.
"What?" Bones questioned impatiently, unable to suppress the hunger from his eyes.
"I-I have a surprise for you," I offered shyly as my cheeks turned faintly red.
"A surprise?" Bones looked at me sceptically. "What type of surprise?"
"Walk into the bedroom and sit on the bed," I instructed, causing him to stare at me with intense curiosity.
-X-
"What exactly are you up to Dawesey?" Bones demanded, once he was seated on the edge of the bed.
"I believe a certain someone once counselled me that curiosity killed the cat," I reminded. "I suggest you heed your own advice."
"You do realize I am hard as hell right now."
"Oh, do stop with the whinging, Alex," I smirked, before removing my jacket and setting it on the chaise. I then walked up to him so that I was standing directly in front of him. "Not yet," I chastised, as Bones went to reach for my waist.
"You're killing me," Bones groaned.
"I've only just begun," I smirked as I reached for the zip to my dress and let it fall to the ground.
"Christ," Bones whispered with a gobsmacked look in his eyes that was quickly replaced by primal hunger as he took in my black lace-inset, half-cup bra, matching knickers, lace stocking belt, and black silk stockings.
"I seem to recall someone suggesting I embrace my inner femininity," I gave a shy smile, as I felt my heart beat rapidly.
"Are you trying to bloody kill me, Molly?" Bones's eyes blazed at me with intense need.
"Do you want me to?" I breathed with anticipation.
"You're about to, unless you allow me to show you just how bloody turned on I am."
"Are you up to the challenge?" I couldn't help but relish in my femininity and the power it afforded me.
"For you, Molly, always," Bones declared, before reaching for me and pulling me up against his warm, hard body.
-X-
The Following Afternoon
Soho, London
"Thank you for persuading me to join you for a mani-pedi," I smiled at Bones's sister-in-law over a cuppa. "I worked at a nail bar before I enlisted in the Army and I'm afraid it has left me a bit a leery about having other people touch my nails. However, I am pleased to admit that the Cowshed certainly knows how to do a proper manicure and pedicure. That was by far the best pedicure I have ever experienced."
"That's brilliant," Melissa beamed. "I had hoped you might enjoy it. Now, we only have to worry about our hair and make-up for tonight."
"Fortunately, Max has that sorted for me," I couldn't help but feel relieved that Max was sending one of his hairstylists and make-up artists to attend to my hair and make-up. It was important to me that I looked my best. Not only because I wanted to ensure Bones and I made a favourable impression for the sake of his promotion, but also because I wanted to enjoy my rediscovered femininity.
"Will Max and Jack be in attendance this evening?"
"Yes, and I am dying to see Max in evening dress. He has such an enviable sense of style and always carries himself with great aplomb."
"That he does," Melissa agreed. "Speaking of style, how was dress shopping with Victoria?"
"Informative," I grinned. "Let's just say she filled in some blanks regarding her wayward son."
"I can only imagine the bollocking she received from said son in return," Melissa laughed.
"I may have advised Bones that it's his own fault I thought he was a freeloading spendthrift who leeched off of his parents."
"I hope you have since been disabused of that notion."
"Most definitely," I nodded in confirmation.
"At the risk of getting myself into trouble, has Bones told you that he donates the entirety of his Army salary to charity?"
"No," I stared at Melissa in wonder as Bones continued to be a man full of surprises.
"I'm not supposed to know about it, but Olly let it slip once. Apparently, each year he selects a charity which supports Army personnel and their families and donates his salary to it. It's all done anonymously, of course. Bones by no means wants any type of recognition from it."
"He wouldn't," I agreed.
"Molly!" I suddenly turned in surprise to find Emily James approaching our table in the tea room.
"Emily," I smiled awkwardly at Charles's sister. "W-what are you doing in London?"
"Matthew and I are here to attend a charity ball for the DNRC."
"Oh," I tried not to appear taken aback at what this might possibly mean.
"What a coincidence. Molly and I will also be in attendance," Melissa remarked. "I'm Melissa, by the way," she gave a welcome smile to Emily.
"Excuse my lack of manners," I interjected with embarrassment. "Melissa, this is Emily James. Emily, this is Melissa McClyde."
"McClyde?" Emily raised a curious eyebrow. "Any relation to Bones McClyde?"
"Yes, I'm married to Bones's brother, Oliver," Melissa explained. "Do you know Bones?"
"Not personally, but my father and brother do."
"Emily's father is a retired Lieutenant General," I offered by way of explanation.
"Will your father and brother be in attendance this evening?
"Actually, my entire family will be in attendance," Emily clarified, placing special emphasis on the word 'entire' for what was clearly my benefit.
"How was Lake Garda?" I asked in attempt to change the subject. "Emily's parents have a holiday home there," I explained to Melissa.
"It was fantastic. Matthew and Andrew were able to join us for ten days. Matthew is my boyfriend and is mates with my brother, Andrew," Emily clarified for Melissa.
"The brother who knows Bones?"
"No, that would be my eldest brother, Charles," Emily clarified. "He and Bones were at Sandhurst together."
"I suppose it will be a reunion for them," Melissa commented, having no clue as to the animosity between the two men.
"Indeed," Emily agreed. "Did I mention that Charles and Sam also joined us in Lake Garda?" she turned to me and asked.
"Um, no." I did not like where our conversation was headed.
"Charles is doing so much better now. It's like he is finally his old self again."
"Was he ill?" Melissa inquired.
"Yes," Emily confirmed. "You'll have the pleasure of hearing him speak tonight. He's one of the featured speakers and I could not be prouder of my brother."
"O-oh," I failed to hide my surprise.
"Perhaps you and Charles might have the opportunity to catch up, Molly. I know he would like nothing more than to..."
"I'm afraid I need to cut our conversation short in order to make it to my hair appointment on time," I interrupted Emily with an apology. "Perhaps we can have a proper chinwag later tonight?" I suggested, having no intention of indulging Emily's blatant attempts to interject Charles into our conversation.
"I will hold you to that," Emily agreed. "Besides, I would like nothing more than to introduce you to Matt. I'm sure the entire family will be delighted to see you again, especially since we haven't heard from you since…"
"I'm afraid we really must be going," I apologised, not wanting Melissa to become embroiled in any further awkwardness.
-X-
"I don't mean to pry, but what exactly was going on back there?" Melissa questioned once we were in the back of a Black Cab and headed to the Four Seasons. "Is Emily a mate? The only reason I ask is because things felt a bit wonky between the two of you."
"That's an understatement," I murmured, before continuing, "I'm afraid it's a bit complicated. I, um, was engaged once. It was before I ever met Bones," I revealed in an uncomfortable voice.
"Victoria implied that you had been badly hurt by an ex, but she didn't mention that you'd been engaged. Was it your fiancé who hurt you?"
"Yes."
"Was it Emily's brother, Charles?" Melissa questioned with an astute perceptiveness.
"Y-yes," I nodded awkwardly.
"I'm sure he is the last person you want to see tonight," Melissa empathised.
"Unfortunately, the Army tends to be a small world at the most inopportune times."
"I should warn Victoria. She was part of the committee who selected tonight's speakers. She will be absolutely horrified to know that…"
"Don't," I cut her off. "I'm sure she has no idea as to my past association with him, and I would hate for her to feel put out by this. The DNRC is such an important cause and I do not want this to derail this evening's festivities. There's no reason why I cannot take the high road."
"I assume Bones knows who your ex-fiancé is?"
"Yes." I nodded uncomfortably. "To say they do not get on is an understatement. However, as much as Bones despises Charles, he is too much of a professional to make a scene," I assured. "Especially when he is so close to being promoted to Major."
"I'm sure everything tonight will be fine, even if certain attendees leave much to be desired."
"One can only hope," I gave a nervous smile as I secretly prayed that everything did not go all Pete Tong on me once again.
-X-
Hyde Park
London
"There's nothing like a good run outdoors with both of my sons on a beautiful fall day," my father remarked at the conclusion of our workout. He had suggested we take a run together while my mum and sister enjoyed a spa day in Soho.
"It's good to see you're still keeping Army fit, even in retirement, dad," Andrew observed.
"Just because I have been put out to pasture, it does not mean that I cannot maintain my fitness."
"Are you ready for the big speech tonight, Charlie?" Andrew inquired, placing a brotherly arm around my shoulder while I caught my breath.
"I suppose. Although, I am still not quite sure why Beck felt the need to conscript me into this," I gave my dad a suspicious look.
"Because he believes in you, Son, and knows that this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that you are back in top form."
"Dad has a point," Andrew agreed.
"You could have at least warned me," I frowned.
"Warned you about what?" my father asked innocently.
"Lady Tewkesbury."
"I believe Roger counselled you about her," my dad reminded, referring to Colonel Beck's involvement in obtaining the speaking opportunity for me.
"Who is Lady Tewkesbury?" Andrew inquired.
"Lady Tewkesbury serves on the Board of Trustees for the Black Stork Charity and plays a pivotal role in organising the DNRC's annual charity ball," Edward explained. "She is extremely influential and is an important advocate for both active and former Army personnel and their families."
"What father failed to mention is that she also happens to be Bones's mother," I revealed.
"What?" my brother looked flabbergasted.
"What I have yet to suss out is why our Dear Old Dad would stick me with Bones's mother of all people? Care to enlighten me, Father?"
"How did you come to learn that Lady Tewkesbury is Bones's mother?" my father countered in surprise.
"Certainly not from you, Beck, or Lady Tewkesbury if that is what you are wondering," I grumbled sarcastically.
"Answer the question, Charles," It was obvious my dad was displeased with my disclosure.
"Beck arranged for me to meet with Lady Tewkesbury at her residence in London. While in her study, I noticed a photograph of a man who looked almost identical to Bones. When I inquired as to the man's identity, Lady Tewkesbury indicated that he was her late brother who was killed while on active duty in the Balkans. He was SAS. At first, I wondered if perhaps he was Bones's father until I recalled that Lady Tewkesbury had mentioned having a son in the British Armed Forces. With a little help from Debrett's Peerage I was able to confirm the familial connection. Am I correct that you've known all along that Bones McClyde is nothing more than a legend?" I looked at my father accusingly.
"What do you mean he is a legend?" Andrew questioned.
"It turns out Bones McClyde is, in fact, Alexander Robert Blackwood Reed, otherwise known as The Honourable Viscount Hardwicke."
"Are you taking the piss?" Andrew looked completely dumbfounded.
"No. It's the godforsaken truth."
"What the hell is he doing in The Regiment if he's a bloody toff?" Andrew asked in astonishment.
"Andrew, enough," my dad shook his head with disgust. "The two of you have no right to judge him."
"No right to judge? The man is a liar and an imposter!" I argued.
"Perhaps if you could set aside your animosity towards him for a moment, you might stop to think about this rationally. I have known Bones since he was fourteen and all he ever wanted to do was follow in his uncle's footsteps and be a part of The Regiment. Bones has absolutely no interest in the Peerage and views his courtesy title as a nuisance. His father, along with senior ranking officials within the MoD, were concerned that as the direct heir to an Earldom, Bones might be considered a high value target by potential enemies. It was for this reason, and this reason alone, that it was decided upon his acceptance into Sandhurst, that he would use his mother's maiden name and his middle name as his given name. As far as the MoD and the Army are concerned, Bones's name is Robert McClyde. You will also not find any record of Alexander Blackwood Reed serving in any of the British Armed Forces."
"I suppose it makes sense," Andrew conceded. "It's neither the first time, nor the last, that the MoD has concealed the identity of Royal Family members and members of the Peerage."
"I for one, think he is a bloody hypocrite. How dare he accuse me of being a 'Rupert' when he is the posterchild for one," I argued.
"Neither you, nor Bones are Ruperts," my father countered. "Now, I expect that both of you will respect Bones's privacy and the MoD's efforts to protect his identity. As Officers of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, it is your fiduciary responsibility to protect his identity. This means that you are not to disclose Bones's true identity to anyone. That includes Molly, Charles."
"Don't you think she has the right to know?" I stated my objections.
"What makes you think she doesn't know already?" Andrew contended.
"This is Molly we are talking about," I shook my head in disbelief. "She hates toffs. Look at how long it took for her to accept that our family is upper class. She could never accept being with a Viscount. Besides, you should see his parents' residence in Upper Phillimore Gardens. It makes Royal Crescent look like a council flat. I can only imagine what his Family Seat in Winchcombe is like. Believe me, when I say that the Molly I know, absolutely loathes everything related to the Peerage and would be unwilling to even contemplate being in a relationship with Bones if she knew the truth."
"I know you love Molly, and want the best for her, Charles, but what Molly knows and does not know, is none of your concern. I am afraid that you must put the Army before Molly. Your failure to do so, could have severe repercussions," my father warned. "Given all that you have accomplished over the past year, and everything Roger and I have done to ensure that you still have a promising career, I would urge you to let sleeping dogs lie as there is absolutely nothing to be gained by interfering in this matter. May I count on you to appropriately exercise your professional judgment in a manner befitting an Officer of the British Army?"
"Yes," I frowned. "I will uphold my professional obligations." Little did my father know, I had no intention of honouring them when it came to Molly's relationship with Bones.
-X-
Four Seasons Park Lane
Mayfair, London
"How was it?" Bones looked up from his laptop as I entered our hotel suite.
"Melissa has good taste. What did you and Jack get up to this afternoon?"
"We visited the boxing gym in Shadwell I used to belong to while at Uni."
"I suppose I should be relieved to find you still in one piece. Giles would be devastated if you spoiled all of his hard work tailoring your mess dress uniform only for you to be sporting a black eye while wearing it."
"We kept things above board," Bones stood up from where he was seated and walked over to me. "You seem pensive," he observed, reaching for my cheek.
"I ran into Emily James while sharing a cuppa with Melissa."
"And what did the ubiquitous Miss James have to say for herself?" Bones wondered sarcastically.
"It turns out the entire James Family will be in attendance tonight," I sighed.
"Bloody hell," Bones raked a frustrated hand through his hair. "I should have asked my mum for a copy of the guest list."
"Why? I told you before that I no longer feel anything for him. With all of us being in the Army, and you both being Officers, we are bound to run into one another on occasion. The question is, can I trust you not to let him get on your wick?"
"Assuming he behaves himself, I don't see why I cannot tolerate being in the same room with him. Frankly, he's not worth my time and energy, especially when I have the only thing that truly matters," Bones declared.
"And what's that?" I wondered.
"You know damn well what it is," Bones chided before his lips came crashing down on mine in a burning kiss.
-X-
"How much longer do I have you to myself before Max's entourage descends upon us?" Bones asked from where I was curled up on the sofa next to him in front of the fireplace in the sitting room.
"Fifteen minutes give or take. How do you plan to amuse yourself while they are here?"
"I'll probably hit the fitness centre."
"Boxing wasn't enough of a workout today?"
"It's only appropriate I maintain my fitness level, especially if you plan to keep me up to all hours of the night again tonight," Bones gave me his trademark smirk.
"I have every intention of keeping you awake again tonight," I grinned, before turning serious. "I should probably warn you about one more thing."
"What now?" Bones groaned.
"Emily also informed me that Charles is one of the featured speakers tonight."
"Why does this seem to have an accidentally on purpose ring to it," Bones rolled his eyes.
"Well, I can attest to the fact that he did spend ample time at Headley Court on two separate occasions," I argued.
"I cannot speak to what happened to him in Afghan, but the injuries he sustained in Belize were entirely down to his own hubris and incompetence."
"I wasn't there in Belize. However, I was in Afghan, and I am partially to blame for what happened to him there," I confessed.
"That's a load of rubbish. From everything I gleaned from your file, the man owes you his bloody life."
"You don't know the full story."
"Nor do I want to," Bones brushed my objections aside. "The only thing I need to know, is the one thing I already know, the man is a disgrace to his uniform. It's also apparent that someone, likely Edward himself, hoodwinked my mum, and her colleagues on the planning committee, into letting him make a spectacle of himself tonight."
"Am I correct in assuming your mum has no idea as to my connection to him?" I questioned.
"Of course not, and I have no intention of telling her. The last thing I need is for her to go spare on him."
"I agree. She doesn't strike me as someone who would take too kindly to him."
"That's an understatement," Bones laughed. "Enough about the arsemonger. I would much rather make the most of the next fifteen minutes."
"And how do you intend to go about it?" I raised a curious eyebrow at Bones.
"I have my ways," he assured, before pulling me into his arms for a drugging kiss.
-X-
The Bar at Simpson's in the Strand
The Savoy
London
"So, Molly?" Andrew posed as we indulged in single malt Scotch whiskeys prior to the start of the evening's festivities.
"What about Molly?"
"Did you know she would be in attendance tonight?"
"Honestly, no." I had to admit that Emily's revelation that Molly was in London for the DNRC charity ball had been a surprise. "Bones generally does not attend these types of events."
"It does seem a bit dodgy that he would attend when he has gone to such lengths to disguise his true identity."
"I cannot help but wonder if this is somehow part of his revenge plot. Perhaps he thinks that by rubbing it my face that he is with Molly, I will somehow cock-up my speech or that he can provoke me into losing my cool and giving credence to the rumours of my past instability."
"Do you think he would do that?"
"Absolutely. The man is coldly calculating and this reeks of him having a hidden agenda."
"What do you intend to do about Molly?"
"I know she wants absolutely nothing to do with me, but there has to be a way to get her alone. She needs to hear it first-hand from me that Bones is using her and that he is not who she thinks he is. Even if she never wants anything to do with me again, I cannot abide by him hurting her. She has suffered too much at my hands."
"It's important that you keep yourself in check tonight and wait for the opportune time to confront Molly. I know you love her, but you owe it to Sam, Dad, and Beck not to do anything that might derail your career," Andrew cautioned.
"I recognize that, but I also recognize that I have wasted too much bloody time being a coward, and look where it has gotten both me and Molly? If there is one thing I admire about Elvis, it is the fact that even when there seemed to be no hope with Georgie, he never gave up. If there is one thing, I can learn from Elvis, it is that time is precious and being a coward gets you nowhere. After everything I have done to Molly, I owe it to her to save her from Bones even if it means hurting her in the process."
"Now, that, Charlie, I will gladly drink to," Andrew raised his glass to me in encouragement. "Rest assured, Molly will thank you in the long run."
-X-
Four Seasons Park Lane
Mayfair, London
"Beggars belief," I whispered in astonishment as I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror in the walk-in wardrobe.
It was impossible to think that I was once a gobby, bottle blonde girl from Newham who lacked any legitimate prospects and was destined to become her mum. Now, when I looked at my reflection, I saw a sophisticated woman, with her chestnut hair professionally styled and pulled back in an elegant twist, sparkling green eyes and porcelain skin tastefully highlighted with just the right amount of expertly applied cosmetics, and a petite body, nicely toned from years of Army workouts. Never in a million years would I have pictured myself wearing a full-length designer evening gown by Alexander McQueen.
Yet here I was, nearly ten years later, having my very own Cinderella moment. I had overcome so much to make it to this point. While Charles had destroyed my belief in fairy tale endings, it didn't mean that I couldn't enjoy this moment.
After feeling insecure and unattractive for so long, it felt liberating to feel confident in my reflection, and to know, that for the first time, in a very long time, I felt beautiful again. I was also grateful to Bones for pushing me to see my true beauty both on the inside and outside. While the dress, hair, and cosmetics helped bolster my confidence, I had come to realise that Bones was right. I didn't need legs a mile long, fake breasts, or bottle blonde hair to be beautiful. I just needed to be myself.
I was also immensely proud to be attending this event with Bones. While he might be a bit rough around the edges, he was courageous, caring, witty, infuriating, charming, handsome, intelligent, and generous. While I had no idea what the future might hold for us, I knew without a shadow of a doubt, that I had grown to love him these past few months. Not in the hero worshiping, fairy tale way I had first loved Charles, but as an imperfect, flesh and blood man.
While it had taken me longer than it should to accept the fact that Bones genuinely cared for me, I now recognized from his actions that he cared a great deal. While I knew he didn't believe in love or marriage due to his insistence that he would eventually die in action, there was a part of me that desperately wanted to tell him how I felt. While I had come a long way, there was a part of me that was still bruised by what Charles had done, and I feared that if I confessed my true feelings to Bones, it might scare him away. For this reason, I would continue to remain silent for the foreseeable future and take things as they came. I didn't delude myself into thinking I could change Bones, Charles had proven that men could be incapable of change, especially when they were hellbent on upholding their beliefs. Yet, part of me hoped that given time, Bones might see a future for us.
While in reality, I was no Cinderella, and Bones was by no means Prince Charming, perhaps there was no harm in indulging in the fairy tale for one night and one night only. At least I could rest assured that when the clock struck midnight, I would still have my flawed Prince Charming.
-X-
Summoning all of my courage, I exited the master bedroom and entered the sitting room where I found Bones nursing a glass of whiskey in front of the fireplace. To say he looked incredible was an understatement. I couldn't take my eyes away from him in his scarlet mess jacket with royal blue facings, royal blue cuffs, and royal blue shoulder straps with gold piping. He wore a royal blue waistcoat with gold buttons and a royal blue silk bowtie.
I took the opportunity to study his medals which were prominently displayed on his mess jacket. Like me, he possessed a campaign medal for Operations Herrick and Toral. He also boasted a campaign medal for Operation Telic in Iraq, and Operation Shader which involved fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria. These were paired with a General Service Medal for operations in the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa, Eastern Africa, and the Gulf of Aden. Next was an Accumulated Campaign Service Medal indicating that he had completed 720 hours of campaign service since 2011. I was impressed by how many territories and operations he had fought in.
His last, and most striking medal, was the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, which was awarded for an act or acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy. To say the man was highly decorated, was an understatement, especially as the one decoration missing from his uniform was his Victoria Cross. As much as I wanted to hear the details behind his various decorations, I knew that he would be less than forthcoming about them. Knowing Bones, the only reason he had elected to wear his campaign medals and decorations was solely to remind the curtain twitchers of the calibre of Officer he was when compared to his peers.
"W-will I do?" I asked nervously as Bones studied my appearance with his penetrating green eyes.
"Will you do?" Bones shook his head in disbelief.
"What?" I began to worry.
"Only if you can stomach being the most ravishing beauty in the entire room," Bones smirked as he set his glass down and strolled over to me.
"Really?"
"Really," Bones gave me a genuine smile. "You look stunning. That dress was made for you."
"Thank you," I beamed at him. "You look quite fit yourself."
"Giles will be pleased that his efforts have not gone unnoticed."
"Do you think you have enough gongs?" I gestured to his medals with a smirk.
"Piss off," he jokingly rolled his eyes. "The things I do for the bloody curtain twitchers," he then shook his head in annoyance.
"Well, I for one, think you should wear them proudly."
"I'm more interested in serving Crown and Country that earning any accolades."
"I know, Alex, and it is one of the things I admire most about you," I revealed.
"I have something for you," Bones suddenly changed the subject, looking slightly uncomfortable.
"Why do I not like the sound of this," I frowned as Bones reached for a red box on the coffee table.
"No jumping to conclusions," Bones warned.
"Do I dare ask what is in the box?"
"After you went dress shopping with my mum, she accused me of needing my head examined for leading you to believe I squandered my parents' fortune on an overly extravagant lifestyle."
"I seem to recall you telling me this already," I reminded.
"During this discussion, she mentioned how pleased she was that I had found a woman that not only found my fortune off-putting, but also had absolutely no interest in spending my money."
"Was she worried I was a gold digger?"
"No, of course not. However, she knows that I'm not interested in associating with people who are more interested in my bank balance than me. Mum also knows that you were less than thrilled at the prospect of allowing me to purchase your gown for tonight. When she asked what I intended to do about jewellery, I told her that as much as I would have liked to have purchased something for tonight, I knew that you would consider said purchase to be bang out of order."
"I'm relieved to see your finally starting to see sense. Perhaps you're finally getting the hang of this whole boyfriend thing."
"Give a man a break. It's hard work figuring this whole boyfriend thing out after being a four-star manwhore for so long."
"Quit whinging and get on with your story, McClyde," I ordered with good humour.
"Mum, being Mum, decided that she would be honoured to loan you a pair of earrings from her own personal jewellery collection for this evening."
"Oh," I studied Bones with surprise.
"I picked these for you to wear," Bones opened the jewellery box to show me the earrings inside.
"Blimey," I stared at the double loop, drop diamond earrings in astonishment. Each earring had to be comprised of at least 50 diamonds. They were so beautiful that I was afraid to even look at them, let alone touch them.
"To answer your questions, before you even ask them, yes, they are real. Yes, they are insured, and yes, Mum would like nothing more than for you to wear them tonight."
"I-I don't know what to say," I was deeply touched that Victoria would entrust me with her earrings, especially since I was still getting to know her.
"She also wanted me to warn you that she will be very hurt if she does not see you wearing them tonight," Bones added. "Shall we put them on you?"
"Yes," I gave Bones a shy smile as he clasped my hand and led me to a mirror in the foyer, so that I could watch as he carefully put them in my ears, touched beyond belief that he and his mum would do this for me.
-X-
"There's something, I have been wanting to tell you," Bones confessed as he held my hand in the back of the chauffeured Jaguar XJ that was to escort us from the Four Seasons to The Savoy.
"What is it?" I asked curiously.
"Shortly before entering Sandhurst, I made a special request of my parents," Bones began. "While I am not necessarily embarrassed by my parents' wealth or social standing, I thought it might be a serious hindrance to my success in The Regiment. The last thing I wanted was for everyone to believe that I was a bloody Rupert. It was critical to me that I be viewed as my own man and judged based upon my own performance and accomplishments."
"I can understand that," I empathised. "It's similar to me not wanting to be judged because I grew up on a council estate."
"Right," Bones nodded in agreement. "For this reason, I made my parents promise to keep my career in the Army private and not to acknowledge that I was their son in Army circles. I felt this was the best way for me to maintain my anonymity, while allowing my Mum to continue with her charitable endeavours on behalf of current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families."
"Isn't it a bit extreme?" I questioned.
"Extreme, but necessary," Bones argued.
"And your Mum and Dad agreed to this?"
"Yes," Bones confirmed. "For the past fourteen years they have followed my wishes. For this reason, very few within the Army are aware of my connection to them."
"I see."
"It's important you are aware of this, as we will not be associating with my family tonight. Instead, we will be sitting at a table that Jack is sponsoring. My parents, along with Olly and Melissa, will be seated at a separate table that my father is sponsoring for his law chambers. I didn't want you to think that my family was snubbing us or that I was snubbing them. I also didn't want you to think I was too embarrassed to introduce you to my parents' friends and associates."
"As much as I would enjoy sitting with your family and meeting their friends, I understand."
"Thank you," Bones looked at me with a relieved smile. "I want you to know that I could not be prouder to have you as my date tonight."
"Just as I could not be prouder to have you as mine," I gave Bones a wide smile before leaning in and giving him a reassuring kiss on the cheek. I had a feeling that tonight was going to be a turn up for the books….