Chapter 4

“Simpson,” he said. Nothing. “Simpson, can you hear me?” Again, nothing. Oliver stood up and wiped the tears again. He reached out and stroked Simpson’s head. Once, twice, and then Major Oliver Thornley did what he had wanted to do since the first moment he had laid eyes on Daniel Simpson. He leaned over and kissed him. Not the kind of kiss he wanted to give him, but a kiss nonetheless. He kissed him on his cheek at the corner of his mouth and his breath stuck in his throat at the touch and the scent of the man. He kissed him again. Gently and tenderly. Kissed the man that he loved. The love of his life. It took everything he had to walk out of the room and leave him there. Oliver went to his own chamber and laid on the bed, fully clothed, and curled into a ball. He stared unseeing into the dark.

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