“Of course it is.” I shrugged nonchalantly.
Stryker rolled his eyes.
I sat at the table outside, looking up when Stryker emerged with two coffees and two pastries.
“Thanks.” I grinned “it’s cool you have a coffee shop in a military base.”
“Oh, we have everything. John says the army will spend a bit more if it means the soldiers are happier and stuff. Makes us more eager to work.”
“Mh”I recalled him telling me the same. Taking a sip from my cup, I remarked “good coffee.”
“I know.”
We ate in silence.
“So…how come you seem to know so much after just a month here?”
“I told you, I’ve been training with Johnathan my whole life. He talks about the army a lot.”
“What about when he was away? Who trained you then?”
“Men hand chosen by Johnny.” Stryker grinned “dad wanted the best for me and uncle ensured it happened.”
“Right. Prince.”
“The running route’s long.” Stryker continued, changing the subject and ignoring the comment “you a good runner?”
“I trained hard to get here.” I muttered “I know how to run and how to fight, I just-“
“No need to get defensive. I know you trained hard to get here. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
I raised an eyebrow “good.”
“You work?”
“Pub.” I said with a stiff shrug. It wasn't the grandest of jobs, but I enjoyed himself. “Don’t suppose-“
“I work loads.” Stryker chuckled before I could finish “got three jobs.”
“Why?” I gaped, genuinely shocked. IfIwere filthy rich like him, I wouldn’t even consider gettingonejob, let alone three, “you’ve got all the money you could possibly-“
“It’s not about money; I just have a lot of free time.” Stryker shrugged “bartender, huh? Make good drinks?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty decent.”
“You’ll have to make me one.”
“I will.”
We finished off and stood “I’ll probably change and go running, do you-“
“I don’t run much.” Stryker shook his head “only the typical laps during training. Have fun, though.”
I followed the cracks in the sidewalk, which zigzagged across the pavement forming a sort of natural map in the earth with greenery growing through them. I was lost in my own thoughts when I collided with a firm body, knocking us both backwards and sending the other guy to the ground.
“Watch where you’re going.” The other guy spat, glaring up at me as he got to his feet from the ground.
The glare softened slightly when he recognised me.
