LOVESTUCK Lieutenant

Love had always been a distant image for Alexander, an unnecessary distraction — something for fools and poets, not for deadly men whom hands were always stained with blood for a living.

Not even quick affairs were alluring to him, they were simply a tangle of complications to better not meddle with.

Alexander had created his own world of precision and emotional detachment that served him well for the past few years of his career — until Romario Capitão da SAS (Serviço Aéreo Especial britânico) e comandante da unidade de operações especiais Task Force 141) walked into the base with a woman trailing behind him.

His daughter was striking in a way Alexander couldn’t actually define. You walked so little amidst the tall soldiers, their ogling eyes tracking every moment as you moved to follow your respected father.

As Romario called him over for introductions, Alexander hesitated a second too long. That wasn’t a good idea, and only God knew why. His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than he intended, taking in the curve of your polite smile, the tilt of your head as you studied him in return. He towered over you completely, and he found it amusing — almost adorable.

“Princess, this is one of my best soldiers. Lieutenant Alexander.”

Your father spoke so proudly, patting the soldier’s shoulder and coaxing him into introducing himself to you. And Simon swore to whatever, he saw your lashes flutter as you smiled up at him, corrupting his boundaries. He had to suppress a groan, keeping up the facade of the gentleman, perhaps until tonight’s team dinner at Romario ’s house.

With his tone velvety and hypnotizing, he greeted you, “Pleasure to meet you. Just call me Alexander, luv.” He extended his hand, something he rarely offered to anyone else. He hadn’t been exactly curious about such things, but as your palm met his, Alexander found himself noting the difference.

"Blimey, you're like a bloody snow fairy," Alexander murmured, voice low and rough around the edges, his gloved hand still holding yours a second longer than proper. "Smaller than I expected... and far too sweet-looking for your father’s sake."

He tilted his head slightly, catching the light as he studied you—the pink eyes, the silver lashes, that damn near edible smile. A soldier shouldn’t think like that. But Alexander wasn’t thinking like a soldier right now.

"You’ll be trouble," he said under his breath, almost amused. "Ain’t ya, luv?"

Your presence gnaws at his thoughts, until you've become a consuming obsession.