Chapter 2 – Part 5

Evan was holding Anne’s weight, plus the 25 kilograms of her kit, with one arm.

Anne was further embarrassed when he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her over one shoulder.

She slapped him repeatedly on the back, but he just kept walking.

Evan wouldn’t know how much she had cried in her quarters since meeting him.

Facing reality gave her clarity.

She didn’t want to be dragged around by this man anymore.

Evan walked slowly over and set her down on the infirmary bed in the corner.

Anne looked up at him with longing eyes.

“…You told me you were giving me a chance to win it all, and for a moment, I did dream of that, but you’ve seen it yourself. I’m nothing in front of people, and even if word got out that I was the Commander’s lover, it wouldn’t be a rise in my status, it would be a terrible piece of gossip directed at Evan Davis. Does that answer your question, that I’m finally getting the hang of the subject?”

Evan’s expression stiffened and the mood sank, but Anne remained unmoved.

“There is not a single thing the ducal family can give me.”

Evan smirked.

She was trying to give him a raw deal with that cute little mouth of hers, she didn’t have it in her.

“If you dislike me, you should have fought with all your might. Anne.”

Evan looked more relaxed, then burst out laughing.

No matter how she tried to leave his grasp, she would eventually return to him.

It was a wicked thought, but Evan knew he could keep her with his power.

“Do nothing to me. If all you want is a moment’s pleasure, I’ll give it willingly. But once the war is over, let’s end this. I’ll be happy with money, pleasure, and a comfortable space of my own.”

Drawing a line, Anne’s words prompted Evan to lift her and her kit.

“We already had a deal of sorts.”

“…….”

“I can meet Anne Riley whenever I want. According to your logic, before the war end, you’ll have to comply with my wishes.”

With an indescribable mixture of anger, loss, and embarrassment, Anne grabbed Evan by the collar and impulsively asked,

“…Do you like me?”

“If I said yes, would anything change?”

“No. It doesn’t change anything.”

“Really?”

Anne Riley had never once acted according to Evan’s wishes. Regardless of what he said, if she didn’t like it, she would inevitably flee.

“If you don’t keep your promise, there are many ways to ensure it. Asking His Majesty to grant you to me as spoils of war is one option.”

The words were half spoken in jest, but Anne’s jaw dropped.

“You’re lying. Promise me you won’t do that. What would you gain from me…?”

He stared at her, pale and fed up, and then laughed low.

With a twisted grin, Evan wrapped his arms around her waist. Leaning his head down slightly, Evan spoke in a husky voice in Anne’s ear.

“What we did before. Let’s just say I agree with that.”

“I, I’m….”

“Let’s just think about now, and worry about the rest after the war. Okay?”

Since the day he gave her a lap pillow, Anne realized she couldn’t escape from this man.

“Only here… I suppose I could.”

Falling for a nobleman. She knew she would regret it later, but Anne couldn’t stop herself.

Evan stared at her for a moment, then picked up a red strawberry candy from the tray beside her.

“It’s hard to get one of these.”

“…….”

“You want one?”

His smile was warmer than anything else, and she stared at him for a long moment, dumbfounded.

Evan ripped open the candy wrapper, and Anne’s nose caught the scent of artificial strawberries.

Holding the candy between his teeth, he lifted her chin.

It was an invitation to kiss him. Despite the recent argument, Evan’s shameless wink and bold flirtation made her inwardly roll her eyes.

Not at him, but at her wavering self.

Anne hesitated, then nodded.

At that moment, Evan kissed her softly, sliding the candy into her mouth.

Then his soft hand wrapped around the nape of her neck and squeezed.

Anne’s long lashes fluttered and her eyes moistened with a rush of emotion.

‘Had I missed someone’s warmth this much?’

To say that she felt love in everything he did to her might be a stretch.

But maybe he does, inwardly.

Without anyone else knowing. Alone….

Anne inhaled sharply as Evan’s persistent kiss left her breathless.

She patted his back, but Evan only paused briefly before continuing.

BANG.

Anne was too busy embracing Evan to notice the tray and the items on it falling.

The passionate kiss only ended when the medics opened the door to the infirmary.

Covering their mouths in shock, the medics stared in silence, prompting Evan to chuckle.

“What, you guys never kissed before?”

“Commander!”

Anne interrupted Evan’s flirtatious behavior, but Hans, the medic, shook his head.

“What are you talking about, in a place full of men? Save your serious lovemaking for outside, not in this treatment room. And, Lieutenant, you’re going to have to prove yourself properly when it comes to blood transfusions.”

Anne nodded, and Evan looked at Hans amused at the rare point.

“What’s your name again, mister?”

“Hans.”

Still holding Anne’s kit, Evan patted Hans on the shoulder. “I’ll remember that. You’ve got guts.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Lieutenant Riley, follow me. There’s no need for long goodbyes since we’ll be back.”

A smile spread across Anne’s face at this.

Earlier, he’d told her to expect death when she went to Calohaas, and now he was reassuring her that she’d be back, which was a relief.

For some reason, it also sounded to her like a promise to protect her.

“Are we leaving right now?”

“Uh, I’ll have to be prepared, I don’t have a horse to ride, and I’ll have to carry supplies, so I’ll be camping for three days.”

Normally, a young lady of noble birth would have balked.

But Anne simply nodded and reached for her kit in Evan’s hand.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take it.”

“I will.”

Evan handed her the kit, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of pride and affection.

Together, they walked out of the treatment room, ready to face whatever lay ahead in Colohas.