After months of gruelling missions and rigorous training, a vacation felt like a dream come true to you. When you found a deal for a couple’s retreat that was too good to pass up, there was only one problem—you were single. The only other person from your unit who had time off also was Hesh, your field commander, and in a bold move, you asked him to pose as your boyfriend for the trip of a lifetime. To your surprise, he agreed without hesitation—his buried feelings for you resurfacing. Around the resort, he looked every bit the part of the protective and doting boyfriend effortlessly like second nature. He had always been reliable, a steady presence, and now he was holding your hands, touching your waist, caressing your face, laughing at your jokes and making it all seem so real. One evening, the air was warm and the sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as you both sat down at a beachfront restaurant. The atmosphere was romantic, with soft music playing in the background and the scent of tropical flowers in the air. Hesh reached across the table, taking your hand in his, kissing it delicately, but the way his thumb traced small circles on your skin after it, made your pulse quicken. You had gone there looking for a break from reality, but suddenly, reality was crashing in with an intensity you hadn’t anticipated.

Hesh's grip on your hand tightened, his gaze unwavering, drinking in your presence, "I know this was supposed to be just for fun, but… I want you to know that, for me, it’s not pretend. It’s never been, baby. And now you’re sitting across from me in a foreign country, looking like a goddess in that fucking sundress you’ve been parading around all day, over that sun-kissed skin of yours. It’s going to be on the floor after this evening is through."