Page 29 of Only You
‘It doesn’t matter. I know you. If you want it to happen, then it will,’ he said. ‘So, do it.’
Sabine stared at him for a moment, a shine coming to her eyes before she stepped closer to the circle. She took her stance, and, at his nod, she raised her foil.
Sabine wasn’t wrong about being out of practice. Her balance was lacking, and her footwork was clumsy, and she slower than before. Still, she continued to try, circling him relentlessly. Sweat broke out across her forehead as she tried to land a hit, her frown deepening at every failed attempt. He was tempted to go easy, but he knew that wasn’t what she needed. She needed a challenge. She needed to endure. So, she kept going, kept fighting.
He watched her form grow sloppy and opened his mouth to call time when she stumbled. He reached out to catch her, only for her to sidestep him and land a hit on his back. He turned in shock to see her smirking, her now inside the circle.
‘A lovely trick,’ he said.
She shrugged. ‘I figured I would try something new.’
He shook his head but couldn’t hide his smile. ‘Very well. I’ll have your prize tonight.’
She pouted for a moment before looking over her shoulder. She quickly looked away and cleared her throat.
‘Evening, General,’ she greeted. Damien peered over her shoulder before stepping aside, making sure he was a respectful distance from Sabine.
‘Good evening, Sabine,’ he greeted. ‘I’m surprised you’re still here, Captain. I was on my way to the caserns to speak with you.’
‘I apologise, General. I ran into the captain when I returned from my excursion with Lamont. I remembered that we haven’t had a lesson in so long. I insisted on him staying,’ she said.
‘That’s quite all right,’ General Roulet said. ‘However, I must steal him away.’
‘Of course.’ Sabine took the practice sword from Damien. ‘Thank you for your indulgence, Captain.’
‘I hope I don’t make terrible company,’ he teased.
Sabine looked at him with a smirk, but her eyes were soft. ‘You’re the best company I could ask for,’ she reassured him. ‘Second to the general, of course.’
General Roulet chuckled before motioning for Damien to follow. Damien let his eyes linger on her for a few more seconds before tearing them away.
He made sure to give as much attention as possible to the general as he reported about disturbances around town and reports from overseas, but his mind couldn’t help but linger on Sabine. Were it not for her teasing the general, her words would’ve been cause for concern. Yet, she said them anyway. She wanted to make sure he knew.
And for that, he knew he would endure anything with just one word from her. He would grant any request, even if it took him away from his bed in the middle of the night and risked his future. He would do anything for the look of glee on her face, like the one he saw under the moonlight when he presented her with a golden bangle engraved with flowers, small rubies dotting their centres.
The way she panted in his ear, writhing underneath him moments later, the world could burn for all he cared.
Chapter Twelve
Washington, D.C.
July 2013
As Dani got off at the Smithsonian train stop, she became very aware that what she was about to do could be a terrible idea. Having only talked to Jones twice, both times very briefly, she knew next to nothing about him. And yet, the moment he offered to go somewhere with her, she couldn’t say yes quickly enough. She would never have guessed he would ask to meet her at the National Mall but tried to keep an open mind.
She spotted him in front of the lawn of the Smithsonian Institute, typing on his phone. She took a moment to look him over, trying to find anything familiar but there was nothing that reminded her of Damien or triggered thoughts of anyone else. Maybe it really was déjà vu.
Jones looked up from his phone and spotted her on the walkway. He waved his hand, and she returned the gesture as she walked over to him.
‘Nice to see you again,’ he said. ‘You look better.’
‘Turns out naps are miracles,’ she bluffed. ‘How are you?’
‘Good,’ he said, shifting awkwardly. ‘Surprised, honestly. I didn’t expect you to reach out, well, ever.’
‘Me too, but… I’ve just been stuck on this piece for so long and Dr Allen told me a little more about you, so I figured you could help. Although, I don’t see how a museum can do that.’ Dani looked around warily. While she’d lived in D.C. for a few years, she had only been to the area twice and both times were when she first arrived.
‘Well, I would usually suggest travelling for writer’s block, but since you have classes, I figured this was the next best thing.’
