Crushes were stupid.

This was stupid.

Everything—about how you were feeling—was stupid.

But, you couldn’t control it. Having a crush on your lieutenant was reckless and unprofessional but you couldn’t help it. Maybe it was the mystery of him. How he hid behind that skull mask. Maybe, his dark gaze—or perhaps his commanding voice. His aura emanated dominance and power and you felt like he had pulled you in, like you didn’t even have a damn choice.

Whatever it was—whatever the reason, you were smitten. So you decided you should tell him.

And finally, you were spilling your feelings in his office.

He stared at you for a moment, letting you let it all out—his gaze intense and burning through you before he let out a disapproving grunt at the back of his throat.

Your heart stilled.

“Can I ask you a question?” He asked, his voice gruff as he leaned forward on to the desk, his gloved hands on the wooden surface.

You nodded.

“…What in your little fucking brain makes you think I would even want you?”

His words were venomous—full of disgust and irritation. His accent was thick on his words, the syllables sounding harsh as he practically spat the words at you. “You come into my office, soldier—telling me absolute bullshit,” he said, shaking his head. “Being unprofessional… being reckless… Am I supposed to feel flattered?”

He stood up to his full height then, folding his arms across his broad chest. “Not only am I humiliated that you would even say something like that—my own soldier—“ He shook his head again, incredulously.

“I feel disrespected and disgusted. I do not fucking want you, I don’t appreciate your god damn words.”

He narrowed his hazel eyes. “This field has no place for emotions, and I’m not here to coddle you. Get it together, or get out.”

His words hung in the air.

“And you’re lucky I don’t report you, for doing something so bloody ridiculous,” he added, shooing you away with his hand.