The Fight for Peace by Autumn M. Birt Read Free Book Online Page B

said.
    Derrick chewed on that statement as the landscape flashed by below them. “We’ll figure it out on our own. You don’t have to say anything on my behalf. We are both adjusting, considering everything that happened before.”
    “Sure, your happy and confident tone inspires me to leave you two barely having a conversation.”
    “Oh come on, if you want me to list the little things bugging me you’d probably end up just dropping me in Kesmere before this flight is over,” Derrick tossed back. “Could have a good dinner, sleep in a very large room with a soft bed, have some quality red wine ...”
    Jared laughed. “Sure. I’ll drop you off. You wouldn’t last two days before you headed to Rhiol to call me back.”
    “True. Despite the changes I don’t like, that is true.”
    Jared sighed but nodded. “So let’s see how these things fly solely on manual.”
    Derrick swore.
     
     

 
     
    Chapter 6
     
    THE LADY GREY
    MERIMARCHE
     
    “Everyone knows you and Derrick were dating. No one cares if you continue to do so,” Jared told her.
    Arinna pulled at the curled tips of her hair. “I care. It isn’t right,” she answered. Jared said nothing, watching her until she volunteered more. “Renault told me before he died that Eldridge used to accuse me of protecting Michael more than I protected Europe, that I refused to make risky moves if they threatened him. Renault thought it ironic considering how much David did to protect his son. But ... what if it is true?”
    “So instead of being over protective, you send Derrick on the riskiest missions?”
    “I didn’t send him to Crystal City,” Arinna snapped.
    “No. He volunteered and he signed up for the Guard. He knows the risks, just as Michael did. We all do. It won’t change how you feel. I’ve never seen affection cloud your judgment or anger either, unfortunately. There are a few times I wished you agreed to let me blow something up.”
    “Or take someone out?”
    Jared grinned, before sobering. “You are the one who told me not to waste the joy life offered. I think you are making a mistake on this.”
    “Are you giving me permission to break the rules, Captain?” Arinna teased, preferring not to have the conversation Jared was attempting.
    “Yes,” he answered, serious tone canceling her attempt at humor. “Now go have some over the holidays!”
    “Thanks,” she said dryly. “The orders to reintegrate—”
    “Nope, go. Holiday leave. See you in two weeks.”
    Arinna dug in her heels. “Don’t you dare push me out again. You know damn well I’ll go batty and call Kehm the second I get to Merimarche if you don’t talk to me now.”
    “I should take away your communicator,” Jared said, cocking his head.
    “You wouldn’t dare,” she shot back, crossing her arms. There was no way she’d admit the idea frightened her. They were equals now and who could order what was not entirely clear.
    “You going to talk to me about Derrick?”
    “I’m not ready to talk to myself about Derrick,” she spat in frustration.
    “That’s a start. Yes, the orders have gone out. Most of the soldiers are on holiday break. After that everyone is being called up and the troops in the Defensive Guard will be integrated with the Active. Joint training under each of the Lieutenants in rotation. New recruits will be starting basic as well. We might be able to have enough soldiers to fight another war if the peace talks collapse.”
    “You mean when,” Arinna said, sighing at Jared’s expression. “I’ll try to be more optimistic. It doesn’t feel right.”
    That made Jared frown. “Shit. I was just getting hopeful. Fine, we’ll start to work on a plan B.”
    “I could be wrong.”
    “You are never wrong. Well, about the FLF. You are completely wrong about Derrick. Now go and have a nice holiday.”
    “I really dislike you some days,” Arinna said, giving Jared a hug. “Call me if something comes up, or you think of anything,