Chapter Three
Training
I was up 2 hours before dawn. I pulled on a wetsuit and headed right for the lake. I saw Cullen was already up and he watched me as I dissolved the ice on the lake. I dove in and began my daily swim routine.
I dove to the bottom of the lake – wearing goggles – and discovered pearl mollusks. I didn't even have to touch the Freshwater Oysters to get the pearls because many had already spit them out! I picked up as many as I could putting them in a waterproof mesh bag from my special pack and broke the surface of the water before hailing Cullen.
He jogged over, "What do you have there?"
"Pearls – I found pearls in the lake, Commander. This is enough to give the Empress of Orlais a nice gift if we so desired."
His eyes were wide as he looked at the bag. I held about 178 pearls in it. 179 if you counted the single rainbow Pearl I kept out of the bag.
"Josephine will want to know about this…"
I nodded excitedly, "Shall we go see her together?"
"Er… you should… change first…"
"Right – wet suits are highly… revealing in a way. I think I'll keep the Lake de-iced. Its fresh water so it's safe enough to drink, giving us another resource."
He shrugged, "A good idea – though people will grumble about having to walk around it rather than over it."
"Let them – I need a place to swim, we need the water and there is actually a thriving fish community in there so that's food too."
I walked behind a rock and quickly changed into leggings and a sports bra before pulling on some sneakers and a tank top.
We headed over to the chantry. I wasn't sure how I knew it was 30 minutes to dawn. Josie was already awake and working – Leliana was in the room too when I set the bag on a table and said, "I bring a peace offering from the lake. Did you know there were Pearl Oysters in the Lake? I harvest 178 without even touching the Oysters."
Josie looked floored at the development. She reached out and I handed her the bag easily. "This… this could make the Empress of Orlais a decent gift!"
Cullen coughed and stifled a smile as I smirked, "That's what I said to Cullen. I already checked them all – none are imitation Pearls. These are 100% the real deal I only ask that I get to keep this one here. I like the rainbow coloring on it and plan to make a necklace of it. Where I'm from this is called a mabé Pearl – or a Blister Pearl. It's considered to only be a half-pearl because it's made in the shell of the Oyster and not in the muscle."
Josie waved a hand, "Of course – so many pearls, I would not be upset with you keeping more than one."
I smiled, "I'm happy with this one."
Cullen chuckled, "We are going to go spar now – people were already showing up to watch our match when you jumped in the lake."
Leliana tsked and said, "I think I will come too – I admit my curiosity."
Josie stashed the Pearls in her desk and stood, "It will be nice to get some fresh air."
Once we were back at the practice area, we saw just how many people turned out; Solas, Varric, Ellana, Flissa and most of the soldiers. I spotted Harritt watching from his forge.
I stripped off my shirt and faced Cullen who didn't even bat an eye – I guess sparring was one thing I could count on for him to not get embarrassed… unless I teased him.
He took off his coat thing and faced me. We were both bare handed as we circled each other.
I used Krav Maga – stunning both him and our spectators with my moves. He was strong – stronger than any opponent I had ever faced – but Krav Maga was a strong combat force.
When he pinned me, I was able to flip us; when he thought he had me, I was able to turn the tables. I hit acupuncture points and wasn't above resorting to soft tissue targets.
He reached out to grab me again, and I used one hand to deflect while using the other to break his arm. But he didn't let up – in fact, he looked like he was enjoying the challenge.
Actually, I had broken several bones by using his weight against him – a judo technique. Mixing the arts became a must – he was stronger than I had anticipated. I dropped to my back and kicked out – stunning him as both feet connected with his hips.
I then moved to flip back onto my feet and did a sweep – the off-balance from the kick made the sweep a success. I moved onto his waist and held his hands down – this was the best work-out I had gotten in years.
I smiled down at him, "Submit."
He was breathing hard and had a light smirk on his lips, "Victory is yours Admiral."
We were both breathing heavily as I motioned for Solas while I stood up and helped Cullen, "He has 12 broken bones that need healing and I have 2 fractured ribs and broken finger. Could you…?"
Solas' magic flared as he began to heal Cullen first – the more injured of the two of us.
Cullen finally showed the pain now that the fight was over, "Remind me to learn as we fight next time."
I snorted, "I'll teach you my martial arts if you teach me sword play, Commander."
"Deal, Admiral – I can see how you earned your title, at least."
"If it makes you feel better, you've been the best sparring partner I've had in years. It was nice – we should make this a regular thing."
"Not if I'm going to end up this bad off every time."
I laughed as I saw others exchanging money, "Eventually you'll get faster. This was a good lesson for all of you. Commander Cullen is wearing full armor – I am wearing cloth and not much of it. I still managed to over power and subdue him. Do not think that because you wear armor – no matter how good – that you are somehow harder to kill than an opponent who wears cloth. I watched you all yesterday – none of you would have made the cut for the Navy – not even the air force would have taken you lot. Half of you don't know your own arse from the shield in your hand and the other half looks like you think your sword would bite you if you moved any faster. Captain, don't go easy on these men – their enemies surely will not. Commander, I am commandeering you for the day to teach you some forms."
Cullen nodded – I hadn't so much as moved while I spoke even when Solas' magic began moving my bones back into place. Cullen called out, "Now you see why I don't let up – there is always someone better. All it takes is one lucky hit to kill you – that's it. This training could save your life if you learn it well enough."
"Ser, yes Ser!" was chorused. Leliana approached, "I would ask that I join your training with the Commander – I would like to learn this art as well."
I shrugged, "Two hours each day after today. No more or you'll be pulled from your duties for far too long. I will give you both 2 hours starting now to do what you need to today before I squirrel you both away to my cabin for training."
They both nodded and Leliana headed off to do what she needed.
Flissa approached, "So, I see five tattoos… where is the last one?"
I gave her a wicked grin, "Now, now, dear – it wouldn't be polite for me to use such language in present company."
Her eyes widened and shot to my ass. I laughed, "Not quite."
The five she could see were the clover on my right wrist, the necklace, an anchor on my ankle, the Highever crest on my upper left arm and a treble cleft on my upper right arm.
Cullen motioned to the left, "You have the Highever family crest?"
"I… felt a connection to the family while I read those… reports. Growing up without a family, seeing a family with my unique last name… it was just something I felt that I needed to do."
The neck tattoo had been something I was born with, but the other five that I had were all me.
Flissa bit her lip, "Please – I am dying to know where that last one is."
I pulled down my bra until my left breast almost popped right out. She almost reached out to touch the swirling broken heart in purple and black. Cullen flushed and looked away, though I noticed he couldn't help but sneak glances.
It would be a long time before I told anyone why I got that one. The others were all easy to explain – not so personal. But this one… there was a reason it was on my heart.
I covered it back up, "There is number 6; any other questions?"
"The one on your neck; what does it mean?" Cullen asked softly. I shrugged, "I'm not sure – I didn't choose that one, I was born with it."
Lelianas' voice cut in, "It's the Cousland family birthmark – usually appearing on an arm or leg. Elissa has hers circling her waist. I did not want to say anything about it until I had a chance to contact Lord Fergus or King Alistair, but I got a response to my raven just a moment ago. I sent word to both men the minute I saw that mark. Fergus is coming himself and King Alistair will await his report to do anything. Though, Alistair did have one question…"
"Is it sensitive in nature?" I asked. She nodded so I led her and Cullen to my cabin before having Cullen wait inside.
"He wished to know if you can tell me more about his mother…"
"The woman he was told is his mother was not his mother at all. Just a convenient human serving woman who died in childbirth and the son was stillborn. His mother is an Elven Mage, actually. His parents fell in love during that book, the calling. He has his mothers' eyes – brownish gold, yes?"
"I… well, yes, he does. He is not going to like this information. Not that… he will not like that he was lied to about it. What is her name?"
I smiled, "Don't worry about that for now – simply tell him that I will personally introduce him to her when our paths cross in Redcliff. She will know things about his father that should help him know she speaks the truth. She lives, but she could not keep him since she was a mage and… well, there were so many things that prevented Maric and her from being together. Their love was tragic and doomed from the start. I cried when I read what she said to him."
Leliana nodded, "If you had come during the Blight, he may have adored the chance to know you better. You'd have been about 14, but he'd have called you his sister at the least."
I snorted, "Alistair is a sweetheart and if I wasn't obsessed with Cullen, I might have been after him. As it stands, if I am the Lost Cousland, then he's my brother. Besides, as I said, I really like Cullen…"
"You realize that if you are the Celeste Cousland then that makes you the heir to the throne and heir to Highever and Gwaren until Elissa has a child with Alistair?"
I groaned, "Say it ain't so, Leli! I hated being in charge of the Navy – between the active duty and the reservists, I was in charge of over 408 thousand people. The population of the country I lived in was over 320 million… I can't do that!"
"Ferelden has only about 3.5 million if you add the humans, elves, dwarves and Tal Vashoth. Only just under half of that is human. Your country had a higher population that all of Thedas. Last estimate was only 40 million people in all."
I blinked, "I… wait, really?"
"You were unaware?" she giggled as Cullen said, "Just how big is your world?"
I turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, "7 billion people and counting?"
He looked stunned, "And your country only had 320 million of that? Makers' Breath – how many countries were there?"
"195 Countries spread over 6 continents – a seventh Continent was uninhabitable due to extreme cold that would freeze you after a few steps. One country was called Greenland and was pretty cold and the other was called Iceland and was pretty green. Seriously, earth was weird."
"195 countries… how did you keep them all straight?" Cullen asked.
"We had the power of technology. Behold – the smart phone. All the information you could ever wish to know right at your fingertips. Use it for calling people like a Sending Stone or instant letter systems! Most people use this device for browsing pictures of cats. I'm more of a dog person myself…"
Leliana burst in giggles, "You are telling me that people could contact anyone in the world in the space of a second… or look up any information – such as languages or recipes – and they used the device for cat pictures?"
"Ugh – humans, am I right?" I smirked.
Cullen snorted, "What about the elves or dwarves?"
"Dwarves back there were humans with a growth problem. There were no elves, no magic, no Qunari and certainly no intelligence to be found in most people; hence my love of books – an escape from all the stupid."
"I could not imagine such a world," Leliana said.
"Buildings so tall they reached the clouds, horseless carriages moving between them, food readily available – if you had money, the world was a wonderful place. If you did not – the world was quite horrible. Now, let's get to training."
I started them on the easier stuff, though they advanced quickly – must have been previous combat training. We trained until it started to get dark out – not breaking even for lunch.
Leliana spoke when we finished, "Your weapon…"
I pulled the guns from the bag and motioned them to move outside with me. They did.
"Cullen, stand here – legs apart…" I then taught him how to aim and shoot. Leliana had an easier time with it – no surprise – though Cullen got it quickly.
I had silencers on the guns, so no one came to investigate. Cullen spoke, "So, why don't you teach others?"
"Are you kidding me? I don't know the integrity of every soldier here, Commander – the last thing we need is some trigger-happy green recruit with a hard-on for killing women or mages or worse. Making them use the current weapons makes that a harder task for them and cuts down on ammunition costs. Bullets are more expensive than arrows to make, so Josie would chew you a new one for suggesting that. We are not funded well enough for this to become the official weapon of the Inquisition and we are currently taking all recruits, right?"
Leliana nodded, "We… cannot afford to be picky unless someone shows bad colors upfront."
"There – that's my point. I trust you both – I trust Cass, Josie, Varric, Solas, Ellana and Maxwell… I don't trust every Tom, Dick and Harry who signed up."
Cullen coughed, "That is… fair."
"Glad you think so, Commander. It's about dinner time – I've kept you both all day, so we should call it. I want you both here for the two hours following my pre-dawn swims. Commander… could I trouble you to sit and eat with me? I'm used to having company. A ship with about a hundred men and women – you get used to never being alone no matter how high your rank is."
He chuckled, "Of course, Admiral."
I took the guns back – holstering them on thigh holsters as we walked. I had thrown on a loose over-shirt. Leliana walked with us all the way to the tavern.
"I told you I got a reply from the two men, yes? Fergus is actually on his way here as we speak. He should be here in two days if he's doing as I suspect. The man has been… changed since the coup on Highever according to Elissa."
I nodded, "His wife and son died in that attack, Leli – it's only natural a man changes after that. What do you suspect he's doing?"
"I suspect he grabbed a horse and rations and rode out without more than two guards. Nathaniel Howe once saved his life when that same recklessness endangered him."
I rolled my eyes, "Nate is a good man. Thank you for the update, Leli."
She kissed my cheek and walked off. Cullen and I sat at the same table as yesterday – funnily enough, someone had carved the runes for Commander and Admiral into the table. Cullen flushed when he saw that. I chuckled, "I see we've become a ship, Commander."
He looked confused, "A… ship?"
"Ah – it's short for… well it means… when people ship people, it means they like the idea of the two being together. Like… relationship? Forgive me; it is slang where I'm from."
He flushed and looked around. Axel came over – he was 5'11 with shaggy brown hair, blue eyes and tanned skin.
"Well, Admiral – you aren't wrong. I think it was Captain Rylen who carved the titles into the table. After seeing you two interact yesterday…"
I chuckled, "Made bets on how long he holds out have you?"
Axel laughed as Cullen groaned, "Yes, Ma'am – the longest one on the board is 6 months and some people have gone so far as to put actual dates."
"Just out of curiosity – is this betting pool for kisses, or am I supposed to seduce him?"
Cullen choked as Flissa set down two ales at our table.
Axel grinned as he sat at the table next to us, "Both, Ma'am – there are three pools; the first is for your first kiss, the second is for when he caves and goes public with your relationship and the third is when you start sleeping together."
I gave Cullen an amused glance. His eyes widened and he shook his head. I asked, "What's the soonest bet on the kiss?"
"Some were saying last night, Ma'am – 2 people in the pool, as you called it, were certain you were coming on strong enough to get him to cave."
I was curious, "Which two people?"
He shrugged, "The lady elf from the fade and Mr. Tethras."
Cullen groaned, "Of course, Varric – I should have known he was involved."
I patted Axel on the cheek, "Pay them, Axel – they win that one."
Cullen flushed bright red as people in the bar whooped. Varric – who had just entered – said, "You do move fast, Waves."
He sat next to me as Flissa brought us plates. I leaned back in my chair, "No, no, my dear loremaster – I go with the flow, as any good sea-woman does. He almost held out, but… a girl doesn't kiss and tell all."
Cullen was red as he ate his meal. I winked at him as Axel handed Varric a pouch of gold. Varric smirked, "My pleasure, Axel. Here Waves – you earned some of this."
I took the pouch after he emptied some of it. I smiled, "Ah, my first earned money in Ferelden. I could get used to that."
Cullen gave a confused look, "Lady Montilyet hasn't discussed your pay yet?"
"I thought I was here Pro Bono – free of charge. Besides – you've been with me since I met her; you know damn well she and I haven't had that chat yet."
He flushed, "I… of course. I suggest going to see her after dinner."
Varric looked scandalized, "We've all heard about the pearls you dug up, Waves – that alone would cement your status here. Then you go and beat Curly in the sparring ring? No way are you not getting paid to be here. Besides, if you are Lord Couslands' sister, he'd never allow that."
I shrugged, "Sure, Loremaster – whatever you say."
He chuckled, "You've given me a nickname?"
"It's only fair, Varric."
Cullen smirked, "So it is. Tell me, Admiral; what was your favorite part about being on a ship?"
"No one cares if you walk in on them nude. 100 people on a ship, boundaries get blurred and suddenly women are sharing underwear and men are hanging around the breakroom in their smalls." I said with a straight face. He fell for it. Varric laughed, "You're joking, Waves."
"Yes – everyone was either in uniform or in bed, Varric. It was actually rather boring. The most excitement we ever saw was the occasional illegal gambling or murder on the ship. Almost never happened, though – people were smart enough to not get caught with their cards and money out. They were rather interesting about it too. I'd walk into a room in time to see someone stuff money down their pants and another stuffing cards in their shirts. I usually let it slide – I don't mind people being people so long as they're off duty."
Cullen nodded, "I feel much the same – I just expect them to put in their best when training or in battle."
"No alcohol on the ships though – the navy considered you on duty practically the whole time you were on ship. Again, people were good at getting the stuff on to the ship and not getting caught. I will never understand how people were smart enough when doing idiotic things but if it came to doing good they were suddenly drooling simpletons. I had to pull more than one man out of the fire when he was just standing there looking at the pretty colors."
Varric laughed, "Sounds like Kirkwall – Hawke was always pulling someone out of something. It was always 'Hawke to the rescue'."
I smiled and said, "That Bone Pit was far more trouble than it was worth."
"You're telling me – I tried to talk Hawke out of going up there so many times, but no – he had to help everyone."
"Hawke may be a smartass, but he's a good man. I can't wait to meet him one day… I'd love to meet Fenris too – he is my favorite broody elf ever. Like… I just want to hear his voice once before I die – that is my bucket list, right there."
Varric laughed, "He did have a nice voice, I'll give him that – but why do you want to meet him?"
I allowed a cold smirk to grace my lips, "I'd love to talk shop on killing slavers – and like I said, his voice is supposed to be legendary. Deep like the Dwarven roads and could melt butter in a hot second…"
"Slavers, Waves?"
"That hostage situation I talked about yesterday – the one that got me this badge? They were slavers. Slavery isn't legal – but that doesn't mean people don't still do it. Then, the situation that got me the Medal of Honor – with the kids – was a Child Marriage ring. People like that make me sick."
Cullen was angry, "Child… marriage?"
"Kids as young as 8 being forced to marry people in their 30s or 40s. Mostly it was girls that were taken, but there were boys too."
His hands fisted, "That is…"
"Abhorrent, wrong, sickening, disgusting, terrible, or any number of other words – I've used them all. Let us speak of something else, lest we lose our appetite, Commander."
He nodded his eyes still dark. Varric said, "You promised me stories, Waves? I started work on that book and sent word to my publicist to fire him. So it's your turn then."
I smiled at him as I picked at the chicken on my plate, "Do you want true stories or false ones? I know hundreds. One of my favorites is a series about a young man and a magic school – wizards – in a land with no demons, only evil people. The true villains of any world are not the evil you know, but the evil you don't. Darkspawn are only doing what is in their nature, but a man who betrays his own kind… that is evil. So take your pick, Loremaster – true or false."
"The way you weave words… alright, I'll bite – give me the story about the wizard boy."
I smiled and handed him the first book, "Read at your own discretion. Maybe when you finish that, I will give you the second book – there are 7 of them."
He cracked open the book and started reading. Cassandra appeared from somewhere to stand next to me, "Admiral – we have a problem with the Herald."
"What is it, Seeker?"
"Adan…"
"Oh, that – he'll be fine, Seeker; he'll wake sometime in the next two days."
She relaxed and glanced at Varric. She made a disgusted noise, but he didn't even look up. She looked surprised at his lack of reaction.
I grinned at her, "I'm training him, Cass – he'll be a good boy if he wants more after that. But if you want a fresh book series, I can lend you one. It won't be like what you normally read – Chant of light or… eh – but I think you may like it. Here's the first book."
I briefly felt evil giddiness at the thought of getting her hooked on Vampire-Werewolf-Alien romance novels with multiple partners, but smiled sweetly as she read the cover. Thankfully the books I had pulled out were written in runes. She managed to keep a straight face and nodded, "I'll try this…"
Cullen looked confused, "Are you an author?"
"Sort of, but these books were written by others. The one I gave Cassandra was written by a friend of mine – I actually helped to promote her books from time to time. The one our Loremaster is reading was more famous but less of a favorite than the one I gave Cass. I didn't think Varric would like the one I gave her though."
Varric muttered, "This is… I've never heard of such magics like this 'deluminator' thing. And people turning into cats – it's too unbelievable."
"Uh-huh… and you're still reading it, loremaster."
He shrugged, "It's well written, at least. And you already said it was false – so long as it keeps consistent with this line of magic, it should be fine."
I smiled and handed Cullen a book I thought he might like; strategies. He read the description and said, "This is… a book of Strategies?"
"To be specific, that book contains maneuvers that you won't have seen – all past successful U.S armed forces strategies."
He smiled a little, "Will you be mentioned in this book?"
"… Chapters 39 and 52 mention my exploits, yes," I flushed.
He nodded, "Then you must have done good work."
I sighed, "Being in charge is about making hard calls – the only reason I stayed was because I cared what happened to the men and women under my care."
Axel spoke, "That's all us lowly foot soldiers can ask in our leaders, Ma'am – that if we die, we died for good people; people who cared."
I smiled, "I have an annoying habit of getting attached to my people – meaning I usually jump in front of them if they're in danger. SECNAV hated it – sorry, secretary of the navy. I may have acted like a hard ass, but everyone who knew me knew that I was the person to come to if there was trouble. I hope you understand what I'm saying?"
He smiled and nodded, "Loud and Clear, Ma'am."
I nodded lightly and stood, "Thank you for dining with me, Commander – I should be getting back my cabin."
He stood, "I'll walk with you."
When we got away from the tavern, he asked, "Why this cabin? I know Master Taigen died at the conclave and that it was his… no one else had claimed it but… it's a bit out of the way. What if something happened to you in the night?"
I gave him a teasing look, "If you're so worried Commander, you could take up residence to keep me safe. I happen to have found a spare cot under the bed…"
He was red as he replied, "That's… I mean, I only worry because – as you pointed out – not all of our people are completely honorable. What if one were to get the idea… of a young woman… alone…?"
I smiled, "Hmm, that would be quite the problem – poor guy wouldn't realize he was dead until he woke up in the afterlife."
He laughed, "A fair point – not many would be stupid enough to try after our sparring match this morning anyway."
I chuckled, "Perhaps they might think you went easy on me? After all, it's already spreading that I've kissed you – who knows what people will think later."
He groaned, "I did forget that – why did you tell them?"
"People gossip – it's natural. If we give them bits of information here and there, they won't go too wild with the rumors. At least my telling them that you kissed me, they won't have people watching my place and waiting for it. I don't exactly like being watched."
"Oh… that's actually… not a bad point."
"My prime example is that we're being watched now, Commander. A barfly has followed us."
He looked around discreetly – and I knew when he spotted the drunken man because his face shuddered. I gripped his arm tightly to keep him from going after the fool.
"Tonight, it's harmless – leave him be. Thank you for walking me here – I'll be sure to talk to Josie about pay soon."
He nodded, "See that you do, Admiral. We cannot have people doubting the Inquisitions' ability to pay people. Besides, with your information and abilities, you became our greatest asset in very little time. We can't afford for you to go running to Highever, Gwaren or Denerim when your family comes calling."
I snorted, "We still don't know…"
He gave me a wry look, "Don't we? You look like the Hero Queen, you have the Cousland marks and strength, and even your name… you said you don't believe in coincidences, Admiral."
"Celeste… my name is Celeste, Commander. And you're right; Rule 39 – There is no such thing as a coincidence. Is this the part where you kiss me goodnight again?"
He shook his head, "I shouldn't have done so yesterday – I'm not quite sure what came over me."
"A pity, really – I liked it quite a bit and wouldn't mind having another."
"I… ahem – that is… what's another rule?"
A smirk settled on my lips, "Rule 5: You don't waste good things. If something is good, don't waste it – an example being chocolate… or perhaps addictive kisses?"
He snorted, "I suppose that's a fair rule… addictive?"
"I tell you, I dreamed about that kiss last night. Perhaps I'm naive – I've never really kissed anyone before – but that kiss reminded me of some rather inappropriate books."
He looked startled, "Never… surely you've been kissed, Ad… Celeste."
I shook my head, "No, actually – I told you I was rather innocent when I came here. My memory, my strength and my looks just… didn't work well together in most peoples' minds, so… no one wanted to get involved with me. I suppose if you're not going to kiss me, I should get to bed…"
He looked a bit torn before grabbing me and pulling me to him. His lips descended on mine. Like yesterday, the kiss gained passion almost instantly and before I knew it, my back was against the wall of the cabin again. I tangled my hands in his fur mantle – desperately trying to pull him closer.
He pulled away and an involuntary whimper left my lips. His forehead rested against mine again, "That… I do believe you might be right, Celeste – when I kiss you, it's… different. And I don't think anyone in Thedas would be run off by your looks, memory or strength. You told Sister Nightingale and me about your world today… but this one isn't like that one. Here, it'd be a relief that you can defend yourself from attackers. Your looks merely show you are healthy – not… what did you call it; fat?"
I flushed under his gaze and said, "I… thank you for saying so. I should…"
"You don't believe me."
I shook my head, "I'm afraid not, Commander – too long I've been told exactly what I told you. I have a hard time seeing differently. It took you years to get passed what happened at Kinlock Hold enough to not completely hate mages – and you were tortured for less than a month. I had 40 years of people telling me I wasn't good enough. I accepted that by the time that rift sucked me in. I find it flattering that you see me that way, but… I have a hard time thinking anyone else would."
"Call me Cullen and what about Axel…?"
"Axel seems a bit of a player – someone who likes a challenge in the women he dates before eventually leaving them. He also seems a good soldier. But I won't break Rule 12 for him."
"What's rule 12?" he whispered against my lips.
"Never date a co-worker," I whispered back just before I moved to kiss him again.
