A shower should help, but it doesn't. It only washes away the sweat. But the long night is still on my face, and I look in the mirror and see stubble....I can't shave today. I can't keep my hand steady right now. Maybe later. But for now, the stubble will stay. The dark circles of a long night too.The day passes and it is evening. My head is clear and I know what I want. I talk to you on the phone, and I know what you want too.In fifteen minutes I am at your door. I ring the doorbell, but there. ’ The church doors swing open and Clive rushes in. Before either of the soldiers can lock blades Clive rushes in between them. ‘Stop it you two!’ he orders. ‘Commander Beckett!’ Ash says. The color quickly drains from his face. ‘Stop! You’re both sworn to defend this country!’ ‘Leave us be old man!’ Kane snarls. ‘You had best watch that mouth of yours, Kane!’ Clive warns. ‘The Crimson Guard is already in enough trouble with the council. More trouble and even your father, Hel Spites won’t be. Sitting naked at the table with him seemed the most natural thing to do. Even being naked didn't seem out of the ordinary. They kidded back and forth about unimportant things, both of them comfortable with the other. He didn't apologize for the dark shade of the toast, but she could tell it bothered him. There hadn't been much else in the apartment suitable for breakfast. She hadn't bothered to stock the pantry. She hadn't been expecting overnight guests. He seemed pleased when she admitted. THAT is where you fucked up." WHACK! You slap my ass cheek. I gasped and clenched my hands in the sheets, not making a sound. "You made a bad choice, little bitch." WHACK! The other cheek is stinging now. "You chose to let me wonder. You chose to give your full attention to another man. So I chose to bring another woman home. And she's good, too. She can make the toughest guy turn into a puddle with her touch. You won't be so lucky. Missy, on her clit. I don't care how you work your way there.