Mates in Disguise

Chapter 4

SKY

Throughout the 82 men I get second highest score. Only one is faster than me. He beats me by half a minute. How he did that I have no idea.

From the look on the warrant officer’s face, I see that he is not happy about me getting the place in barracks. It’s funny actually.

Four men got injured in the process, so they were sent to infirmary and then probably will be send off the academy lands. It’s shame really. They could be good in other things then strength. But the rules are rules. Soldier is supposed to ace in every way.

Five men who finished last will also be sent home.

The rest is getting a place in barracks since its already evening. The rest of the tests will be performed tomorrow. For now, we get the food and place to sleep in.

As we walk towards the barracks, someone steps in front of me. I look up and see...

Wow.

Before me stands the most gorgeous man I ever encountered. He’s tall. Really tall. With my height I reach just his collarbone. His shoulders are wide, his waist slim. The uniform looks a bit tight in the chest and bicep area, making me feel like I want to hide in his arms...

Wait. What?

I shake my head and look up at his face again. He has strong features.

Chiseled jawline that makes me want to draw a finger over it to see if it's as sharp as it looks.

High cheek bones that I envy.

Full, plump lips shaped in a way, that just make me want to trace them. With fingers of course, right?

His hair cut short on the sides leaving short wavy black curls on top. Tangled by the wind.

And eyes in the lightest shade of blue I’ve ever seen. Piercing me right to the core. His eyebrows furrow a little, his jaw clenches and then he slowly lifts the corner of his mouth with smirk that suddenly makes me feel all hot.

“Aren’t you going to take this?” He speaks. With voice so deep and low, and yet so warm I almost feel the tremble of it inside my stomach.

I stand frozen for another while. His smile widens.

“Not that I don’t like the attention...” He murmurs lowering his head a little. “But that look is doing things I guess you wouldn’t want right now”.

I blink. The brain fog slowly disappearing.

“What?” I ask taking a stronger stance. God, I made a fool of myself just because some guy stopped me on my way. I hope I don’t have saliva on my chin. That would be embarrassing.

“I just wanted to give this back.” He looks down between us.

Only now I notice my hat in one of his hands.

“I saw you lose it in the middle of the race, so when I got the chance, I took it.” He shrugs. It’s such a simple motion. Yet made by someone like him... It was definitely not simple.

I reach for the hat.

“Thank you.”

Our fingers brush, and I swear I felt small tingles at my fingertips. Weird. Block, block, block.

“You didn’t have to.” I answer with strong voice, taking the hat and putting it on my head. I’m not going to show him how weak my knees are.

“You’re welcome.” He nods. And turns towards the barracks

“Oh! And..” He says rotating his upper body to see me. “You were amazing out there. Not so bad for a girl!”

I halt.

He knows... f**k. HE KNOWS.

He smirks.

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” I look around. I hope no one heard him. I look at him with worry. Can I trust him?

“Looking forward to see what else you can do with that little body of yours.”

Before he turns towards the barracks, I swear I saw him smirk.

And oddly enough.

It made me smile.

I don’t know why, but the appreciation I felt from him is weirdly pleasant. I stare at his back. The way he moves shows dominance. I hate dominant men. They are sexists. Yet this man seems to admire my efforts. It's comforting. And the double meaning... I decide to ignore it. It's just words.

I only hope he can be trusted.

Time will show, I guess.

“Hey, friend!” Liam says pulling me towards the barracks. “Let’s see which of these belong to us, huh?”

“You look a little too overjoyed with the idea of sleeping in dirty barracks.” I smile teasingly.

“You have no idea.” He speaks. “Seventy men in one room, and only you and me against them. It's going to be fun!” He chimes. And I freeze.

Wait.

He’s right.

I am to sleep in one barrack with 70 men. When I’m... a girl.

Oh f**k.

How will I keep myself from getting exposed? It’s a one thing to beat the men at their games, but sleeping with them in the same space? How did I not think about that?

I will have to keep my bandages on all the time. I grimaced. Sounds both disgusting and uncomfortable, but it’s the only choice I have.

“Liam” I halt again.

He stops and looks down at me. He’s face smiling, curiosity lighting his eyes. Seriously?

“Liam. Can I trust you?” I ask. I don’t want to sound weak, but with the night ahead, I can’t help, but feel the fear creeping up my spine.

“Of course. Why?” His face gets serious. “You don’t want to be my friend?” He pouts.

I have to admit. Normally I would smile, but I don’t feel like it right now.

“Seriously, what’s going on?”

I’m not sure if I really should trust him just yet. I decided to keep my secret to myself. But he already looks concerned. I’ve got to say something now...

“It’s just as you said.” His brows furrow. “Me, you and 70 very annoyed men with hurt ego.” I finish.

His eyes widened. He looks along the men passing us by and smiles. Although this smile looks a little creepy.

“I got to admit...” He says, looking me in the eyes again. “You’ve got real big balls hid down there to come here.” He shakes his head with a smirk. “Like I said. It’s going to be fun...”