Chapter Eleven
Adam
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“HOW ABOUT THIS PLACE?”Caroline pointed at the details of the property on the small screen in my hand.“It’s still in the city, but it looks like a lovely area.”
My attention darted to the property details she was referring to, taking in its location and cost.Naturally, with my money collected, we could easily afford it, and I’d deposited a sum into a standard account with the branch before leaving, so items like our accommodation could be bought online.The phone shop Claude had directed us to had been content to take cash as payment, as had the café we were sitting in, but companies like Airbnb would be less keen to do so.
Staring at the screen, I realized it had been a long time since I had to ‘buy’ anything.So much had changed since Ian’s elevation to president had overturned the old capitalism of my youth, and I’d forgotten how every ‘ordinary’ person was required to make immediate payment for the goods and services they wanted.In my old life as commander general, everything I’d needed had been provided on demand.There had been no financial price tag, but as it had turned out, there had been a huge cost; an expense to humanity that I was only just fully starting to understand.
“If you like it, then it’s good with me.”Snatching her fingers to my lips, I kissed the top of her hand.I couldn’t wait to get her somewhere we could call home and remind her of all the ways I loved her.
“Sir!”She tutted, sighing with exasperation.“I don’t feel as though you’re taking this process seriously.”
“Did you just tut at me, young lady?”I lowered my voice, my attention locked squarely on her in the corner of the local café we’d chosen for lunch.We’d been there for an hour, enjoying a proper cooked meal and more caffeine while we searched for somewhere to stay.“Because I’m not sure what the owner of the cafe’s view of corporal punishment is, but as soon as I have you somewhere private, I’ll remind you of mine.”
“Adam!”she hissed, apparently unclear if I was joking or genuinely upset with her.
I cocked an eyebrow at her, not giving her an answer either way.“Yes, Caroline?”
“Okay, I didn’t mean to tut.”Her cheeks erupted into pretty pink pools as her voice sped up.“I’m sorry.I’m just saying that this choice is important.”
She motioned to the device, but somehow, I couldn’t drag my gaze from her reddening face.She really was wonderful, and being on the run with her hadn’t changed my mind.Caroline was the reason I was an enemy in my own country, and she was infinitely worth the outcome.
“It is important.”I didn’t disagree with her sentiment.
Wherever we ended up next would become the first place we’d ever shared as a couple.I hardly thought that my unit at Fortorus qualified for the prestige.
“So, I want you to be happy there, too.”Her voice had shifted to that imploring one I’d always relished so much.She employed it when she wanted me to see reason, and when she knew she was on the back foot.“And I want to choose together.”
“You have so many wants, little girl.”I hoped the kisses I was pressing to the underside of her wrist conveyed how much I didn’t begrudge her any of them.“Tell me what you like about this place.”
I’d already decided the accommodation was ideal.The two-bedroom chalet-style house was roomy enough for us both, but still small enough not to be too overtly opulent.We wanted to look like every other couple in the city, likeable enough to bid a good morning to and then instantly forgettable as we merged into the crowds.
“Well...”She seemed taken aback by my collaborative approach, her eyes widening as she searched for her words.
I could hardly blame her for her surprise.The commander general she’d met had rarely even taken suggestions, let alone asked for her view on where to reside, but I was a changed man.
She had changed me.
She’d changed everything.
“I like the location, Sir.”She gripped the handle of her coffee cup with her free hand as though the porcelain was offering emotional support.“It’s close to the water and seems like it has some lovely restaurants nearby.”
