In the past couple of months you’ve been together, you’ve never seen him so—loving. Since your injury in the field, under his watch—he’s been practically glued to your side, at your beck and call at all hours of the day, instead of leading his men. He’s never been so doting and affectionate before.

“What’d I tell ya about getting out of bed?” He scolds you gently as he helps you back into your bed, pulling the blankets back over you. You’d only gotten up to grab a bottle of water, but that’s far too much movement for his liking. “Your ribs are still shattered, baby—you want your lungs punctured too? You stay right where you are ‘til I come to help you. No more movin’ on your own like that.”