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‘Of course not,’ the General scoffed ‘The ood match for her’

‘Is that so, General?’ Cool, direct, Ash fought to control the icy fury threatening his own sanity

‘I’eous soldier, an inspiring leader of men and an honourable individual You’re soside But you and I both know, Colonel, that those qualities don’t necessarily translate to being a good husband, or dependable family man’

‘I would have thought they were definitely transposable,’ Ash refuted steadily

‘Colonel Ash’ The General softened his words, looking aletic ‘You’re a maverick; you’re known for it Look at the sacrifice you were prepared to renade was thrown at your men And that’s only one of erous route So what happens when you aren’t a single man any more? If you make the ultimate sacrifice and leave behind a devastated wife Maybe even a baby one day’

‘It’s called the ulti his pal his fist in frustration, his s weren’t going at all as he had envisaged

‘Then you’ll understand me when I say you’re exactly the kind of soldier I want as a co officer, but you’re not the kind of husband I want for my niece Felicity will marry you whatever I say, if that’s what she wants But, as you said before, neither of you actually needin your way In fact, I’ood conscience, tell her I’m happy that it’s an infantryman she’s chosen’

Despite his conviction, the older enuinely sorry But still, Ash had to school hih he had considered all of this himself, it was still difficult to hear

He sucked in a breath, his chest tight

‘I do understand what you’re saying, General Which is why I’ve already applied for a transfer Give me a role in your headquarters and I’ll take myself off the front line’

The words hung there between them, heavy and ominous The General eyed him with concern

‘I don’t think you’ve thought this through I’ to help you And Felicity In the only way I kno’

‘General—’ Ash cut across hih Ever since I realised I was in love with Fliss I do understand why you’re concerned about your niecea front line soldier We both kno close I cah that , and we both knohat can happen in a firefight out there We also both know that I’ve been offered sos based back home in the past, but I’ve never wanted to take them’

‘And now you do?’ The General shook his head ‘That’s commendable, Asher, it really is But it’s also naive What happens in a year? Five years? When youof victory? However well-intentioned you are now in giving it up for Felicity, ultiive up You’ll start to resent her’

‘You haven’t,’ Ash pointed out calmly