Page 141 of Crocodile Tears

“So, you requested a transfer to the Peacekeeping Corps?”

“I couldn’t leave the military – it’s what I’m good at – but I couldn’t stay with my old unit, either. I needed a fresh start. I thought that if I didn’t let people get close, then I could keep the red mist at bay. Keep the fighting professional, if you like, and try not to get high on it.”

“I wondered why you were so aloof with everyone.”

“I thought I could do things differently this time around – and, mostly, it worked, but there was one thing I didn’t factor in.”

“What was that?”

“You.” Josiah glared at him. “All those cosy evening chats in your tent. Before long, I’d fallen head over heels and didn’t even realise it.”

Peter smiled. “You can’t shut people out forever, Joe. Now, what’s this about falling head over heels…?” He reached out and squeezed Josiah’s hand.

“You think you can handle me?” He raised an eyebrow.

Peter roared with laughter. “Oh, somehow I think I can, you big blond idiot.” Taking Josiah’s face between his hands, he kissed him.

Josiah rested his hands on Peter’s hips, pulled him close, and kissed him back. It was an altogether different embrace from the one they’d shared before, deeper and gentler. He felt a warm rush of relief. Finally, after all these years, he’d found someone to love.

“It’s dark, and we’re both tired. Why don’t we stay the night?” Peter suggested when they came up for air. “It’s a warm night. We could sleep out here, under the stars – together.”

“Sounds romantic.”

“Then let’s do it.”

Peter hauled their bedrolls out of the jeep and threw them onto the ground. Josiah remained where he was, lost in a daze.

“Why are you still dressed, Sergeant?” Peter reached out to undo the buttons on his shirt.

“Just…is this really happening?” he asked in disbelief.

“God, I hope so,” Peter retorted. “I’ve been fantasising about it for long enough.”

“About me?” He blinked.

“Oh yeah. Wake up, Joe. You’re not the only one who fell head over heels.” Peter grinned.

He felt a warmth start in his belly and spread through his entire body. “You love me?”

“Madly.” Peter tugged him forward and kissed him again, several times.

“You do realise that fraternisation between officers and enlisted personnel is frowned upon, don’t you?” Josiah said between kisses.

“Hmm, yeah – so report me.” Peter kissed the side of his neck.

“No chance.” Slipping his hands under Peter’s shirt, he caressed his warm skin.

Easing Josiah’s shirt off his shoulders, Peter paused to examine the ring hanging around his neck on a thin gold chain. “Is there anyone I should know about, Joe?” he asked quietly.

Josiah was pleased to see that the charismatic Peter Hunt was capable of a little jealousy. “It’s my father’s wedding ring,” he explained. “It’s the only thing of his that I have. The only thing he really owned.”

Peter lifted the ring to his lips and kissed it, reverently, then tugged him forward by the chain and kissed him again, too.

Undressing each other slowly, they paused frequently to kiss, caress, and stroke. Peter’s body was earthy, solid, and totally perfect; Josiah thought he could happily spend a lifetime exploring it.

“How shall we…?” he murmured, nuzzling Peter’s ear.

Peter grabbed hold of his buttocks and pulled him in close. “I want you in me, soldier – now!” he ordered.

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