A young doctor unexpectedly finds herself forced to indoctrinate into a paramilitary organization, where a stoic hero silently falls in love. Slowly, he earns her trust. The love between them burns away the darkness of the past and acts as a beacon...
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The next day flew by in a lazy haze, most of which I spent sleeping and mulling over everything that happened last night.
Arthur's theory at dinner rattled me, but what Solan promised as we walked home rattled me even more.
He would feel differently if he knew how broken I am.
I'm not worth much, let alone a lifetime of patience. I blew out my cheeks and shoved the thought aside.
Instead of staying by myself and going into a downward spiral, I walked to 5 Alpha. We will be leaving soon anyway.
I entered the building without knocking and was greeted by Arthur looming over his puzzle, whiskey in his hand.
I stood beside him, clicking a piece into place. "Are you okay?" I questioned, worried by his quietness.
"I'm always okay." He returned, clicking his piece into place.
I lifted a brow, somehow not at all surprised by his answer. "No one is ′always′ okay." I countered.
Arthur sipped at his whiskey, keeping his eyes fixed on the puzzle, scanning for opportunity. "I am." He repeated without any sarcasm, picking up three pieces and clicking them all into place in a single pass. He turned his attention to me, reaching for the white ball he had placed in the box with his free hand, turning it mindlessly.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you going to leave Aldric alone tonight?" I questioned with a hand on my hip. He snorted, bouncing his ball.
"Are you going to stop micromanaging my relationship with my brother?" His words cut, and I didn't have a response. I suppose I was overstepping. "And anyway, Solan already had this conversation with me. I don't need to hear it again. You're both so fucking annoying sometimes. You know that?" He asked, sipping his whiskey while tossing the ball at the corner of the wall. He caught it without looking and without spilling any liquid.
I rolled my eyes and threw my hands up in silent surrender.
"Want to learn how to play ramshackle?" He questioned hopefully.
"Play what?"
"Ramshackle! The game I was playing the night we got out of the field."
I giggled, excited at the idea. This is exactly the kind of distraction I need. "Yes!"
Arthur set down his glass, clapping his hands together happily.
He explained the game, which had way too many rules.
We were in a heated match when Solan walked through the front door. His brows lifted high at the furniture we had shifted to make more space to avoid me breaking anything with my horrific skills.
"Having fun?" He questioned, wearing a grin.
Artie and I both laughed in response because we were having a ton of fun.
