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⚠️ WARNING⚠️
This chapter is heavy of sex and intimacy. If this isn't your thang, feel free to skip this chapter!
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War was his only reason for living now.

After months of constant gunfire and deployments, John welcomed the silence. Yet, he felt the pang of loneliness creeping in. He was home, but there was no one to welcome him—just the empty comfort he'd grown used to over the years.

John let out a deep sigh as he dropped his duffel bag on the floor. He removed his bonnie hat and moved through the dark rooms, his senses hyperalert from months of vigilance.

As he drew the blinds, his eyes adjusted to the light filtering in from the streetlamps below and moved to the kitchen. The emptiness of his apartment only served to highlight how much he had changed in years. Though he had seen and done many things, such as calculated with lethality mindset. Part of him was compartmentalizing his emotions, no loss, no sympathy, none. Here, in this flat apartment, his life was dull.

He poured himself two fingers of whiskey, sipping it steady as he stared out the window. The amber liquid burned warm in his chest as he drained his glass with a grimace. Civilian life seemed boring by comparison. He prefer the adrenaline spike of combat, the joy of a mission accomplished.

At war, every moment held purpose. Here, time blurred into endless mundane days.

Running over his rough mutton-chops, they were unshaven from weeks on the field.

Until, he turned around and froze.

Charlie stood before him, her skin glowing like that of an angel, a gentle smile on her flawless face.

She was wearing a short wedding dress, perfect for the summer weather, with thin lace holding onto her shoulders and the hem of the dress landing above her knees. It fit her well, simple but elegant, as if it was tailored for her. Her wavy hair flowed down around her shoulders, framing her face in a way that seemed almost too perfect to be real.

She stood barefoot on the hardwood floor, her toes curling against the smooth surface.

A knowing, affectionate smile played on her lips, as if she had been waiting for him to come home.

Home.

"Charlie..." he managed, his voice barely more than a whisper.

She took a step closer.

"Welcome home," she greeted, her voice sounded like a warm melody.

His heart stutter, caught between disbelief and awe.

"How..."

With a smile, Charlie revealed her perfect white teeth and said, "I've been waiting for you."

John swallowed. His mouth dry from the whiskey that was still taking an effect, he slowly reached out and his hand brushed hers, hoping it was real.

He took in every detail—the way the fabric clung to her, the gentle waves of her hair, and the light in her eyes that spoke of understanding beyond words.

Without a word, she lifted her hand to his cheek, her thumb tracing slow circles along the rough line of his beard. Her touch was soft, as though she was letting him know she's real.

He closed his eyes.

"Charlie..."

"Yes?"

When he opened his eyes, he found her looking at him with a tenderness that made his chest ache. He felt a deep longing in her gaze, a future he'd forgotten how to dream about. He shook his head as he covered his hand over hers.

"Why?"

She blinked as her smile faded. "What do you mean?"

"This," John pointed out, "why are you wearing a dress?"

"Oh,"

It took her a second to figure what he was asking.

"John," Her voice was soft and vulnerable, and her other hand came to rest on his chest, just over his heart. "I wanted to wear it because you liked it."

His heart skipped a beat at her words.

He couldn't remember the last time someone had gone to such lengths for him, let alone had him emotionally off-balanced. John tried to find the right words to say, but nothing came to mind. Instead, he did the only thing he could think of—he leaned down and their foreheads touched, and she closed her eyes. She sighed in content.

"This can't be real," John frowned while his eyes still shut.

"Why?" Charlie asked.

He inhaled and exhaled through his nostrils.

"I must be daydreaming about you. I want you close, but I can't," John said, his expression was stern.

"Don't say that, please," she whispered.

"No," John shook his head and he opened his eyes. "I don't know what the hell am I doing."

"John, stop." Charlie finally lifted her gaze up to him. She was still close. "I'm with you in a long way."

"You deserve better."

"You are better."

John shook his head again, and grunted.

"No, to this day, I still don't know why you would choose an old man like me, who only lived in wars and carry scars," he continued. "I'm afraid that I can't give you everything you want and need. You're better off with someone with your age, sweetheart."

"No," she said firmly. "I've made my choice, and it's you. I don't care about your past or the scars you carry, both inside and out. I see the man you are, the man who would give up everything to protect the ones he loves."

John looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm not a good man, Charlie."

"None of us are," she countered. "But that doesn't mean we can't be good together."

He chuckled. "I can't. I don't know if I can give you a white picket fence and 2.5 kids."

"Do I look like the white picket fence type to you?" She frowned before placing her hand on his chest. "I want you. I want a man who makes me feel safe, and I know you would drop everything for me at a moment's notice."

John cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs caressing her cheeks as he studied her features. "You deserve more than this life I lead."

"This life you lead," she corrected him, "is the life that made you who you are. You're more than a soldier, John. Besides, who else is going to keep you sharp?"

Her words struck a chord within him. A long-buried yearning for something more than bullets and bloodshed surfacing. He knew he should push her away for her own good, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Instead, he lowered his head and pressed his forehead against her again. When he closed his eyes and open them again.

"You don't know what you're doing to me, Charlotte."

"Try me."

He stared at her, before he sighed. He shut his eyes and shook his head once more to himself.

"Can I kiss you?" he murmured, his voice barely more than a plea.

She gave him a quick nod, her eyes shutting as his lips met hers.

His hand slid down to her hip, then lower until it rested on her stomach, savoring the warmth of her skin under his touch.

As their kiss deepened, his hands wandered over her figure, discovering the curves hidden by her dress. He lifted the fabric and let his fingers glide over her smooth thigh, relishing in the sound of pleasure that escaped her lips.

She leaned into him, her body responding to his growing desire. It was clear that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

John pulled away from the kiss, leaving a trail of soft kisses down her neck and gently nibbling on the sensitive spot just below her ear. She let out a gasp, her hands clumsily removing his jacket and tugging at his shirt, eager to feel his naked skin against hers.

He let out a low growl as he swept Charlie into his arms, carrying her to their bedroom.

Gently, he placed her onto the bed, her wedding dress laying around her like a fluffy white cloud.

Taking a moment to admire her, he noticed how her hair splayed across the bed. His hands shook slightly as he traced the intricate lace of her dress, feeling the material beneath his rough fingertips.

Bending down, he captured her mouth in a passionate kiss, their tongues entangle in a sensual dance. The taste of her sweetness mixed in with his whiskey, left him yearning for more.

She explored every inch of his body with her hands, removing his jacket and shirt to reveal his bare skin.

Gasping at the sight, she traced her fingers over the outline of his chest, feeling the dark hairs and toned muscles beneath. He responded with a groan, his lips still locked on hers as she continued to explore.

As his hands moved to lift her dress, revealing more of her skin, he could feel the dampness of her sex through her lacy underwear. John hooked his fingers beneath the waistband and pulled them down, eager to experience everything she had to offer.

She raised her hips, allowing him to remove her lacy underwear. He could see the wetness on her folds, and he couldn't resist leaning down to taste her.

His tongue danced over her clitoris, causing Charlie to cry out in pleasure. He savored the flavor of her desire as her hips moved against his mouth in response.

Fingers gripped on his hair, and she moaned his name.

He responded with a low groan that sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. Slipping two fingers into her slick warmth, he expertly hit her G-spot with each thrust.

She moaned even louder, her inner muscles tightening around him as she approached her climax. He could feel his own desire building along with hers.

Withdrawing his fingers, John stood up and quickly shed the rest of his clothing. She watched as he revealed his throbbing arousal and the tattoos on his upper body and his abdomen that she wouldn't want to waste time questioning what those are.

He settled himself between her parted legs, his arousal pressing against her wet opening. She lifted her legs around his waist, pulling him closer as he slid into her.

They both moaned in unison as they became one, their bodies entwined together.

He started to move, his hips thrusting steady at first before increasing in speed. Charlie matched his movements, digging her nails into his back as she held onto him. His body began to tense with pleasure, the sensations intensifying in his groin.

Their movements became more frantic as the sounds of their bodies slapping against each other filled the room, mixed with their moans and gasps.

The tightness in her walls signaled to him that she was close to reaching her peak, which only heightened his own need for release. John reached down between them, his fingers finding her sensitive clit.

With practiced precision, he massaged it in quick, circular movements while applying just the right amount of pressure with his thumb.

Charlie couldn't hold back any longer; she cried out and her hips bucked uncontrollably as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. Her body trembled and her inner walls squeezed around him, drawing out his own climax.

He couldn't hold back any longer and released himself inside her with a deep, guttural groan.

His hips bucked uncontrollably as he rode out the remaining waves of pleasure from his orgasm until John slowed down and collapsed beside Charlie, pulling her into his arms.

They lay there, tangled in the sweat-soaked bodies. They were catching their breath. Charlie still had on her dress until John used his willpower to rip her dress off from her, making her gasp by attempt. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, his voice deep and husky.

"Come again. On me."

As he sat up, she noticed tattoos peeking out from his chest hair. One, a Latin phrase, was barely visible, while two rifles crossed behind a well-drawn skull decorated his lower abdomen.

She also took note of his strong right arm, its dark color and intricate design resembling an oak tree in a forest. The worn-out Union Flag on his arm hinted at his pride in being born in the United Kingdom.

She couldn't help but admire it.

As his hands slid down her body and gripped her hips, she straddled his waist as he pulled her onto his lap. She could feel his renewed hardness pressing against her, and she pressed herself against him, causing a deep groan to escape from his chest.

Charlie reached down, her fingers wrapping around his hardened member as she guided it towards her entrance.

As she lowered herself onto him, her body adjusted to accommodate his size. Both of them let out a moan as he entered her fully, their eyes locking in an intimate gaze. She started to move, her hips swaying in a slow and sensual motion as she rode him. He held onto her waist, guiding her movements while matching her thrusts from below.

John sat upright and brought his lips to her neck, nibbling and sucking on the sensitive skin. She let out a moan, tilting her head back as she gave in to the pleasure he was delivering.

As her climax approached, she started to move her body against his, becoming more desperate for release. His hands moved up to hold her breasts, his thumbs gently playing with her nipples as she rode him with increasing speed and intensity.

Charlie let out a cry as she reached her second climax, her body trembling from the intense pleasure coursing through her. John was not far behind, his own release triggered by the pulsating of her muscles around his cock.

They collapsed onto the bed, their limbs interwined and their breathing heavy as they came down again.

John found himself captivated by her, unable to look away from her closed eyes and rising and falling chest. He reached out to move a strand of hair from her face.

As she opened her eyes, a soft smile spread across her lips. John knew that he could never tire of looking at her. The way she made him feel, or how she filled the void of loneliness that had plagued him for so long.

"John, please stay with me," Charlie whispered softly.

He leaned in to kiss her quickly before reassuring her, "I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes sparkled with joy, pulling him closer and wrapping her arms around him as they lay together. His fingers ran through her hair before trailing lower, feeling the remaining wetness between her legs. She moved against his touch, and a smirk slowly formed on his lips.

"Round three?"

Charlie blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

"I can't help it," she admitted in a hushed whisper.

John chuckled darkly and continued to tease her clitoris with his fingers while sliding another one inside her.

Her moans filled the room as he groaned in pleasure. He leaned in for a passionate kiss while still pleasuring her. Her body tensed as she neared orgasm, and he added a third finger, stretching her and stimulating her G-spot once more.

This time, Charlie broke the kiss and cried out.

Her whole body convulsed as she came, but John held her tightly, keeping his fingers inside her until the waves of pleasure subsided.

When she finally stilled, he pulled his fingers from her body and brought them to his mouth, sucking on them while gazing down at her. She let out a soft moan at the sight before he leaned down and captured her lips.

This time, Charlie took control, her hands roaming over his body as she pulled him closer. She could feel his hardness pressing against her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him into her.

John moaned as he entered her, his hips moving slowly as he savored the feel of her body wrapped around him. The pain he could tolerate turned him on more as her nails dug into his back, her hips bucking against his as they found their rhythm.

His hands gripped her hips, holding her in place as he thrust deeper inside her, the sensation driving him wild with desire. He increased his pace, his hips slamming into hers as they moved together in a frenzy of passion.

"You make me want this," he growled, each word punctuated by a powerful thrust.

Charlie couldn't hold back her own moans as she arched her back and allowed him to go even deeper. His words sent shivers down her spine, causing her to tighten her legs around him. As his hands moved up to cup her breasts, she felt waves of pleasure coursing through her body with every movement of their bodies.

"Fucking hell," he exclaimed, his voice filled with longing. "I've wanted you since the first day we met, and the way you move against me. I won't be able to stop until you cum all over me."

His words sent a pleasurable shiver through her body, and she squeezed her eyes shut as she gasped and moaned into his shoulder.

"More," she begged, her voice coming out in pants and whimpers.

Without hesitation, John complied, his movements becoming more urgent as their climaxes drew closer. Sweat dripped down their foreheads as they breathed heavily, lost in a passionate dance of desire and lust.

"I'm...John...I'm...going...!"

In response, John growled and thrust harder against her.

"Charlie...Charlie...I'm...fuck!" He let out a series of grunts and growls until their orgasms crash (into) in an explosion of pleasure.

Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes fluttered shut as she felt him release inside of her, her muscles involuntarily contracting around him. Their moans mingled together as they both basked in the afterglow.

With one final thrust, their bodies shook with pleasure before slowly settling down. They lay intertwined, catching their breath while still connected. His hand caressed her body until it came to rest on her stomach. She placed her hand over his, intertwining their fingers as she gazed up at him.

John leaned in for a gentle kiss before breaking away. He sighed and pressed his forehead against hers.

"What did you do to me, love?" He whispered.

"I want you." She whispered softly.

"I'm... you're young... and I'm..."

She grabbed his cheeks and kissed him.

"I want you," she repeated and kissed him again.

"Do you?" He asked.

"Yes."

John chuckled heartily, his gaze locked on her.

"You're cute, not going to lie. I want you too."

She kissed him again. And again. And again until John held her tight.

'"Then stop fighting back," she said in between kisses. "You're home with me. Sleep soldier."

Then, he closed his eyes.

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Oh my goodness, folks, Chapter 16 has officially entered the chat, and wow—things got spicy! 🔥

Let's just say John didn't just take charge in the woods—he brought that commanding energy straight to the bedroom. 😏🔥 Our man is nothing short of dominant, and I'm living for how he balances his rough edges with tenderness.

Can we talk about how he had Charlie absolutely melting while still keeping that alpha soldier vibe?

A reminder: Mark your calendars! Three new chapters are coming your way this Friday! And if inspiration (or caffeine) strikes, I might drop an extra chapter this Wednesday!

Follow me on instagram and keep an eye on the notifications, just in case. 👀

Let's hear it—did this chapter leave you fanning yourself or what? 😏 Share your reactions!