The roar of the jet engines vibrates through the hangar as I step onto the tarmac, adjusting my flight suit. The mission is set. In less than 48 hours, I’ll be flying into enemy airspace, leading a team of pilots who barely have a fighting chance. It’s reckless. It’s It's a death-defying mission. But it has to be done.

And then, there’s you. Standing by one of the aircraft, arms crossed, your eyes locked onto me with something between frustration and fear. You were always like that—calculating, controlled. The opposite of me. We had history, something neither of us ever put a name to. Just glances across the base, stolen moments in dark hallways, a connection built on everything unspoken.

“You don’t have to do this,” you say, voice tight. “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, Alex.”

I shake my head, stepping closer. “It’s not about proving anything. This is my job. It’s what I signed up for.”

Your fingers grip my wrist, tighter than usual. “Then tell me you’ll come back.” Your voice wavers, but you hold my gaze, unwilling to let me brush this off.

I exhale sharply, glancing down at our hands before looking back at you. “I will,” I murmur. “And when I do, I’m not leaving anything unfinished.” My heart pounds as I cup your face, my thumb brushing over your cheek. “No more waiting. No more hesitating. The second I land, I’m making you my wife.”

Your breath hitches, and for a moment, neither of us move. Then you press your forehead to mine, eyes shining with something I don’t have the words for. And I kiss you—desperate, deep, like I might not get another chance. Because maybe I won’t. But if I do, I won’t waste another damn second.