I stare blankly at the wall, feeling the weight of the Admiral's arm still draped over me, his steady breathing tickling the back of my neck. The chaos of the past twenty-four hours seems distant, almost surreal as if the physical intensity had burned through the layers of confusion.
I turn slightly, careful not to wake him, and glance at his face. His usual intensity is softened by sleep, and for a moment, I let myself watch him. Vulnerable. Tender. The contrast to his dominance from the night before leaves me wondering: Who is this man when the fire fades?
I slip out of bed, padding softly to the window, my mind drifting to the question I've been avoiding: what happens next? The sun rises over the swaying trees, casting a golden hue that does little to lighten the weight of my thoughts.
A rustle behind me pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to see the Admiral stirring, his eyes meeting mine across the room. For a moment, we say nothing. There's no need for words—we’ve shared too much to rush into this.
He rises from the bed, draping a robe over his broad shoulders as he crosses the room toward me. "Morning," his tone is low but his gaze is sharp.
"Good morning," I reply softly, the weight of the night before pressing in. I try to steady my voice as he steps closer, resting a hand on my shoulder.
"Do you have something on your mind?" he says as more of a prompt than a question.
I nod, then look up at him, trying to gauge his thoughts. "I’m just... thinking."
He raises an eyebrow, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. "About what?" he urges.
"I just... we crossed some serious lines. You and me. And… things are gonna get complicated... with Dallas." My voice trails off, uncertainty hanging in the air.
The Admiral’s expression shifts slightly, something like understanding flickering in his eyes. "I see." He measures the weight of my words before responding, his voice low and assured. "Well…I’ll handle Dallas. So you can figure out what’s most important to you. I won’t let anything get in the way."
His words are comforting, but there’s still a part of me that feels unsteady, and unsure. "This is a lot. I need to clear my head. I think I’m gonna go for a walk."
He doesn’t push, nodding calmly. "Take all the time you need."
I slip into some sweats, carefully pulling on my boots before stepping out into the crisp morning air. The early light filters through the trees, the forest alive with the soft sounds of birds and leaves rustling. The cabin feels both like a sanctuary and a cage, its isolation offering too much space for my swirling thoughts.
For the next few days, I create distance. Not just from the Admiral, but from everything. The first morning, I focused on Dallas. We hike, just the two of us, following a steep trail. He talks about nothing in particular, while I listen, trying to reconnect with the simplicity of us. His presence is familiar and easy, but the tension between us is undeniable.
That night, we played board games by the fire, the three of us. Laughter fills the room, and for the first time, the weight between the Admiral and me doesn’t feel as heavy. He watches, holding back, letting me come back to myself. I appreciate the patience, but it only deepens the strange pull I feel toward him.
After a few days, things feel different—lighter. Dallas and I fish by the lake, our conversation flowing effortlessly. We fall back into the rhythm of youth and ease. I begin to feel more like me again. However, I still can’t shake the tug I feel toward the Admiral. His presence is a challenge, a tension I can’t name.
On the fourth evening, a knock at the door disrupts the quiet of the cabin. My heart skips a beat, the air thick with something I can’t explain. The Admiral, always calm and in control, rises effortlessly to answer. When he opens the door, a woman stands there—a striking figure, tall and poised, with sharp eyes and a sleek, cropped hairstyle. Her presence commands the room.
“Am I too early?” she asks, her tone smooth and seductive.
The Admiral’s gaze flicks to mine before turning back to her. “No, perfect timing. Come in, Vivica.” He steps aside, and she glides in with the confidence of someone who knows exactly where she stands. “Dallas, Aiyana, this is Sergeant Vivica Howard, an old friend. She’s taking a break from the Air Force, passing through on her way to Texas.”
Vivica's eyes land on Dallas first, and she extends a hand. “Dallas, I’ve heard a lot about you. Ulysses speaks highly of you.”
Dallas grins as they shake hands. “Oh yeah! He’s talked about you too. Said you’re the most impressive person he’s met.”
Vivica’s gaze shifts to the Admiral, and she gives him a knowing smirk. “Is that right?”
The way they look at each other sends a wave of unease through me. Their body language is familiar and intimate. They have a history, and it’s not lost on me.
“And you must be Aiyana,” Vivica says, her smile friendly but her eyes sharp as she turns to me. I take her hand, my grip firm but my mind racing. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," I manage, though my voice sounds small. The Admiral watches the interaction closely before turning to Dallas.
"Dallas, why don't you help Viv with her bags?"
As soon as Dallas leaves, Vivica stares between the Admiral and me. Her tone dropped into something more intimate. "Looks like there’s more going on here than just a quaint little cabin getaway."
“Viv,” the Admiral warns, raising an eyebrow.
“Uh-Huh, you know better than to use that tone with me.” Her tone is seeping with a brand of venom that completely disarms the Admiral.
The tension between them crumbles as they both crack a smile. I can’t help but notice the way they’re looking at each other—the familiarity in their body language, the flirtation simmering just beneath the surface. It’s not the first time they’ve stood this close and exchanged these looks. It’s clear. Whatever history they have, it’s physical, and it’s still very much alive.
I stand awkwardly, feeling the tendrils of jealousy consuming me like a symbiote. But there’s something else, too—a curiosity. I can’t help but wonder what their dynamic is.
Vivica glances at me as if sensing my unease. “Don’t worry,” she says with a sly grin. “I don’t bite… unless you want me to.” She winks, her gaze lingering on me just long enough to make my cheeks flush.
I blink, caught off guard, but before I can respond, Dallas returns with her bags, breaking the tension. “Got ‘em all, Viv!” he says, oblivious to the undercurrent of the conversation. He hands her luggage over with a cheerful smile.
The Admiral stands up straighter, licking his lips as he eyes Vivica one last, time before addressing the group. “Why don’t we all head to the kitchen while I make us some drinks?”
“I could use a little something to take the edge off.”Vivica grins, her gaze locking with the Admirals before flicking to me. “But…how about we make things a little more fun? I’ve got a game in mind.”
Dallas raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “What kind of game?”
She looks at him with a playful smile, her confidence palpable. “It’s simple. We take turns asking questions—random trivia, personal, whatever comes to mind. If you answer wrong or can’t answer, you drink. The catch is... if your question stumps everyone, you get to skip the next round.” She grazes her teeth with her tongue. “It keeps things interesting.”
Dallas grins, already excited by the idea. “Sounds like my kind of game.”
“Are we doing this, then?” The Admiral asks, his gaze shifting between us, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Vivica claps her hands together. “Oh, we’re doing this. And I’ll start.”
The game begins lightheartedly, but soon, it’s clear Vivica, the Admiral, and I are in sync. We answer questions with ease, taking only occasional sips. Dallas, however, stumbles quickly, each wrong answer pushing him deeper into his drink. By the time he hits his eighth shot, he’s too drunk to keep up.
“I’m out,” he mumbles, slurring his words as he leans against the kitchen island.
I stand to help him. “I’m gonna get him to bed before he passes out in the middle of the floor,” I say, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
Vivica smirks, her eyes glancing between me and the Admiral. “We’ll be here when you’re done.”
I settle Dallas into bed, my mind racing. I could easily stay in the room and avoid whatever tension was building between Vivica and the Admiral. But the thought of them being left to their own devices had me too wound up to even think about sleep.
Instead, I changed into my lavender lace bralette and sleep shorts, with the matching robe. I knew the Admiral hadn’t seen me in this yet, I was sure it’d get his attention.
As I step into the kitchen, the sight of them locked in a heated kiss stops me cold. I’m not a violent person, but the thought of smashing a frying pan against Vivica’s head did cross my mind. I scramble to leave and end up dropping my phone in the process.
Vivica looks up, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Oh, you’re back. We thought you may have turned in for the night. Ulysees said you‘ve been keeping early bird hours. But it looks like you just went to get freshened up for us.”
Us.
Why don’t you have a seat? We’d like to discuss something with you,” Vivica says, her tone smooth but laced with a heat that sends electricity through my veins. I glance at the Admiral, who takes his seat with quiet authority.
“Ulysses mentioned you were feeling conflicted,” she says, nodding toward the room where Dallas is passed out.
I’m taken aback by her words, annoyance slipping into my tone. “….and what does that have to have to do with you?” I say my tone sharpened to a point.
Vivica glances at the Admiral, frustration flickering in her eyes before he gently touches her arm. “Look…I’m here as a favor,” she asserts, her voice steady. “He wanted to offer you something unique, an experience, that is sure to help you find clarity.”
My eyes shift between the two of them.
“Have you ever been with a woman, Aiyana?” She lowers her gaze at me.
I challenge her, staring directly into her eyes. “I can’t say I’ve ever wanted to be,” I state plainly, hoping she feels the bite in my words.
She scoffs amused but the emotion doesn’t reach her eyes.
I turn toward the Admiral, staring daggers into his soul. “Why did you bring her here? Who is she to you?”
“Babygirl….I told you I would never do anything to disrespect you. Didn’t I?”
My eyes fall from his, but I don’t speak.
“Answer me,” he insists.
“Yes, Admiral,” I say sheepishly.
Vivica licks her lips insatiably. "Oooohhhh, you got her trained well.”
“Vivica is here to help you become more resolute in your decision-making.” You already know what you desire—you've even told me as much. And yet, you took the passive route, denying yourself both pleasure and fulfillment, all to placate Dallas." He stands, gesturing toward the bedroom with a pointed look.
Vivica raises a finger, pursing her lips and clicking her tongue in silent disapproval, shaking her head as if to underscore her disdain.
Her actions make me want to lunge at her from my seat, but I maintain my submission to the Admiral.
“Dallas let you kiss him, still tasting of me, yet he wouldn't even offer to tend to you with the same devotion after he's finished. He's more preoccupied with seeking my approval than truly caring for your satisfaction.”