Page 12 of Stalked By the Quartermaster

"Frank Donovan, isn't it?" Colonel Edwards says, not a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "What brings you here without an appointment?"

"Sir, I'm here because there's something you need to know—something critical." I clench my jaw, bracing for the fall. "It's about Private Caldwell."

"Go on," he prompts, fingers interlaced on the desk like he's preparing to catch a grenade rather than news.

"Sir, Caroline...She’s..." I take a deep breath, knowing the next words will seal my fate. "She's incredible. She's everything I never knew I was missing."

The men are merely looking at me like I’ve sprouted three heads.

"I’m the one who crossed the line. Me and me alone," I say, my chest tight with conviction. "I pursued her. I initiated it all. If anyone deserves to be thrown out on their ass, it's me."

"Are you confessing to fraternization, Sergeant Donovan?" Colonel Edwards’ voice is sharp, cutting through the room like a knife.

"Confessing? Hell, sir, it's more like a declaration. I love her. I love Caroline Caldwell. And if loving her means losing the stripes off my sleeve and getting booted out of the only life I’ve known, then so be it."

A collective gasp sucks the oxygen from the room. I can feel their stares, heavy as hands pushing down on my shoulders, but I stand tall. For Caroline.

"Your actions have consequences, Donovan," the Colonel says, though I catch a flicker of something human in his eyes. "You know this could lead to dishonorable discharge?"

"Yup, and I'll face them head-on." I spread my arms wide, as if I can embrace the shitstorm that's about to hit. "But not her. Not Caroline. Please."

"Sit down, Sergeant. We're going to have a long discussion," Colonel Edwards orders, pointing to the chair opposite his desk.

"Sure thing, sir," I reply, taking my seat but not before adding, "And just for the record, it wasn’t just a quick fuck. It was the best damn thing that ever happened to me."

As I sit, I know I've laid it all on the line for Caroline. Whatever comes next, I've spoken my truth—the raw, messy, and wildly beautiful truth of it all.

CHAPTER

NINE

Caroline

I'm pacing the damn barracks like a caged animal, my boots thudding against the cold floor with every step. Each sound is a drumbeat to the rhythm of my racing heart. God, it's been hours since Frank and Tom disappeared, and this waiting game is killing me—slowly and exquisitely.

My mind's spinning out, conjuring up images of Frank trying to deny what happened.

Regretting us.

A sharp pang goes through me at the thought.

Because of course he realizes he fucked up. His whole career gone in the blink of an eye.

All because of me.

"Fuck," I whisper, pressing my palms against my eyes. But the memory of him fucking me flashes before me—the heat of his touch, the urgency in our movements. No, it wasn’t just a quick fuck. We were like fire and gasoline, explosive.

The door to the barracks swings open, and I nearly jump out of my skin. It's just another private, her eyes wide as she sees the state I'm in.

"Private Caldwell, you okay?" she asks, hesitance lacing her voice.

"Perfect, Private. Just...thinking about some maneuvers," I lie through my teeth, hoping she buys it. She nods, looking unconvinced but too polite to press further.

As soon as she's gone, I collapse onto my bunk, my hands shaking.

I’m not okay.

I’m a wreck.

---