Page 73 of Mr. Charming

“I thought we would dine together. If you’re wanting to go into the villages without soldiers, I can see about going with you undercover in local garb.”

“You would do that for me?”

“I might,” I said, not ready to commit fully yet.

“Fine. We can eat and talk if you’ll help me get what I need for my story.”

“What paper do you work for again?” I asked.

“I don’t work for a newspaper. They’re all dying. I write online for an audience around the world.”

“Uh huh,” I said, uninterested.

I couldn’t think clearly with her sizable breasts pressing against an Army-issued green tee-shirt at least two sizes too small. Her hard nipples were clearly visible through the cloth.

“Come on,” she said. “I’m starving.”

Behind us, Max called out, “Cooper! Come here!”

I sighed then said, “I have to go.”

“Wow. He’s got that kind of control over you?”

“You don’t understand,” I said.

“You’ll have to tell me sometime.”

“Maybe I will,” I said, not breaking eye contact.

“Come on, Cooper! Now!” Max bellowed.

“I’ll take you on a date tomorrow or later this week.”

She tilted her head to the left and peered at me.

“A date?”

I grinned.

“A working date. I’ll get you into a nearby village friendly to our side. They might answer your questions and help with your story.”

“That would be wonderful,” she said. “Thanks again. For everything”

“No problem. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” she said. “Tomorrow.”

“Come on, Cooper, you shithead!”

I rolled my eyes. She laughed then turned and went inside the mess hall.

What the fuck does he want now? I wondered as I turned and walked back toward Max. I regretted having ever gotten involved with him.

FOUR

Cooper

The next day, I convinced Jeffries to let me take her to a nearby village so small it wasn’t on the maps. I told him it would keep her under control and happy. He agreed, to my surprise. After I had permission, I went to tell Jade the good news.