Page 10 of Burn for Me

“Holy fuck, you're pretty!” Sharkie gasps, pulling my hand to make me twirl. I growl, trying to hide my blush.

“Hurry up and take it off before you burn the building down with how hot you are.”

I laugh, but I'm not entirely comfortable with Sharkies' compliment.

When left alone, I remove the fabric and toss it aside to put my clothes back on.

If I can force my fears to the darkest depths of hell, then I can do this.

I’ll be what they think I can't.

After all, I am excellent at changing into whatever is needed of me.

Four

8–22-2024

I hate being caught off guard.

-Sam

In five, four, three, two…

My private quarters door swings open hard enough that the knob slams into the wall just in time for the wake-up call.

“You'd think you’d give me a knock after all these years,” I grumble, focusing on the steady pattern of tying up my laces.

“I need to keep you on your toes.” Caspian huffs, but I don't look up to witness the amusement written on his face.

My boot thumps to the floor, and I pull the other up to rest on the edge of my bed to match the string, “Try being less predictable then.”

Once satisfied, I stand and double-check my uniform and surroundings. The bed is made with tight and straight sheets, there isn’t a speck of dust on the barren furniture, and the floor is spotless, per usual.

“It looks good, Sam. Let's get going. We have a busy morning, but this afternoon should be calmer.”

I know it looks good. My brain won't allow it to look any different, and since Caspian locked me in my private quarters after Jasmine took off, I had no choice but to find a way to occupy my mind. I hate when she goes into town because I don't know what is happening or who is around her. Luckily, from what I can tell, her visits to town have been minimal over the last few months, so even while on bed rest, I didn’t have to stress as much over it. But yesterday, I was half tempted to hide in the trunk even though we sent Moe with them as a‘safety precaution.’

Moe and Caspian came to my quarters last night for a little chat and whisky–I have no shame in saying that I snuck Moe some when Caspian wasn't looking. He's an adult and has been for a long time, but I think the only one who can recognize that is me.

That’s beside the point, though.

The liquor loosened his tongue enough that he informed us that everything went well, and he threw us for a loop when he said Sharkie and Jasmine were getting along. Caspian was pleased with the information, and I should be too, but at the same time, I’m irritated that Jasmine would let her guard down so easily.

Once I triple-check everything, I brush my fingers through my hair and step past Tide into the open hall. Soldiers come to a haltto salute their superiors and then hurry to whatever task they should be doing. I am so lost in my tumbling thoughts that my feet carry me without my mind, following the familiar trail that my body is wired to remember by now.

“I can't wait for this.” Caspian laughs, shoving at my shoulder, and I finally realize how far we've walked in silence. Its fucking weird hearing the noise from him, but I enjoy it anyway. He’s been looser ever since Sharkie came into the picture, but I don't see how when the woman is the definition of disaster. I’ll never question him out loud, though…especially since I don't have room to talk.

I shake my head and put my hands into my pockets to keep my mind on the conversation instead of returning toher.

“I thought I told you to warn someone before you throw them into shock with that sound.” I joke back with a small laugh in return.

“You'll be hearing it all day.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” All humor is lost in my voice because there is too much in his. Today is supposed to be like usual; I can break a sweat and get some of this anger out. Due to my history, Caspian is the only person I'm allowed to work with when preparing, so I always look forward to these days, but I freeze as he turns into the mess hall instead of heading straight for our training grounds.

Caspian eats in his room every morning with Sharkie–I would know since I have to hear how bloody good it was. Even though I should probably get some protein before exerting myself, it's not part of my schedule on days with Caspian.

“Get your arse in here.” He barks, and I begrudgingly follow his voice into the area.

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