I sit on the lounge as I read a book on my phone. Ben is lying with his head on my lap, watching some man versus wild documentary. I run my fingers through his hair mindlessly as I read. Today has been nice—better than nice.

Amazing.

We had a normal day where we woke up together and did some washing, went to the gym, and then went shopping. I can hardly wipe the stupid smile from my face. It’s the little things that mean so much. Being normal and boring with Ben is my new favourite pastime. I’ve got to start getting ready for this ball tonight soon, though. I’m kind of nervous, to be honest. I have no idea what to expect.

My phone rings and the name ‘Tash’ lights up the screen.

“Hi, babe.” I smile. Ben frowns up at me. “Tash,” I mouth.

He nods and goes back to watching television.

“How is everything?” Tash asks.

I run my hand down Ben’s face as I reply, “Oh, it’s so good, Tash. Stupid good.”

A trace of a smile crosses Ben’s mouth as he listens to our conversation.

“What happened when you got there?” she asks.

“Oh.” I glance down at him. No, I’m just going to say it. I have nothing to hide anymore. “He had the shits with me so I had to wear him down with my sexual prowess.”

She laughs, and Ben smiles broadly with a subtle shake of his head.

“He didn’t stand a chance.” I smile. “You know how hot I am.”

He turns his head and nips my sex with his teeth. I jump and pull his hair.

“How are you, anyway? How are the kids?” I ask.

Ben looks up at me with a mischievous look in his eye and puts his mouth on my sex, slowly blowing hot air into me.

“Oh, they’re good, but Jordana has a sore throat.” She hesitates. “Blake, don’t do that!” she yells, and I pull the phone away from my ear. Talking to Tash while she multitasks can be painful sometimes. “How’s your tonsillitis?” she asks.

“All good,” I reply as I pull Ben’s head from my crotch by his hair. He chuckles and then bites me hard. He likes this game.

“Stop it,” I mouth. “The medication cleared it up straight away,” I tell her as Ben rolls onto the floor and looks up at me deviously, licking his lips. I widen my eyes and shake my head. “No,” I mouth. He ignores me and picks up my foot, kissing it while he sits between my legs.

“Oh, we’ve got a ball on for Ben’s work tonight.” I smile as I try to concentrate on the conversation.

“Oh, really? That’s cool. Where is it at?”

“At the White House.” I widen my eyes.

“Fuck off,” she whispers.

“Nope,” I giggle. “Pretty unbelievable, hey?”

Ben begins to kiss up my leg and I scrunch my eyes shut as I try to push him away. He chuckles against my thigh and spreads my legs.

“Oh, my God, what are you wearing?” she gasps. “You need to look amazing.”

I pull his hair with force as I half-giggle, and he throws me back so that I’m lying down. “I bought a dress today when we went shopping, but it’s pretty average,” I tell her. For God’s sake, how am I supposed to concentrate on this conversation?

“Oh, Didge, you’d look good in a sack,” she offers.

I smile as he pulls my panties to the side. “That’s what Ben said.” His tongue swipes through my flesh, and my head falls back onto the lounge. He grabs my thighs with two hands and pulls me towards him with force

“Eric’s been visiting Mum,” Tash says suddenly.

“What?” I frown as my concentration returns to her.

“I dropped over there the other night and Eric was having dinner at her house after he fixed her lawn mower,” she tells me.

What? Really?” Ben slides his fingers into me as he bites my clitoris, and I close my eyes, throwing my leg over his shoulder. Oh, yeah, that’s the spot.

“Abbie and Joshua think he’s trying to weasel his way back to you through her,” she adds. Ben must hear what she’s saying, and he sits up, frowning. Oh, jeez, he did have to hear that, didn’t he? I grab his head and push it back down and point to my sex. “Keep going,” I mouth.

He smirks and licks his lips before he disappears again.

“Don’t be mad with Mum, she’s only being nice. What’s she supposed to say when he turns up?

“Go away?” I roll my eyes in disgust, but I’m quickly distracted as Ben really starts to eat me. Oh, yeah.

“She feels sorry for him.”

“Whatever, it shits me.” I grab Ben’s track pants and pull them down, fascinated when he springs free.

“Send me a pic of you two tonight at the ball,” she says.

“All right,” I reply as I guide him into me, sliding deep.

“Okay, love you,” she sings.

My eyes close. “Love this, too,” I whisper. “I mean… you. I love you,” I stammer.

Ben laughs against my neck. Fuck, I can’t multitask for shit. God help me when I have kids. Ben takes my phone off me and hangs up. He throws it across the floor and pumps me hard, and his dark eyes hold mine.

“I should ring Natasha more often.” I smile up at him sexily.

“Shut up before I gag you,” he breathes out as he concentrates.

I laugh out loud. Oh, jeez, I love this man.

I take one last look at myself in the mirror. This black dress turned out to be pretty good actually. It’s a classic strapless number with a tight-fitted lining and a flowing organza overlay that falls to the floor. It’s elegant and simple, which was the aim. If not a little dull. It is the White House, after all. I don’t want to be sexing it up too hard and looking all Marilyn when I need to be Jackie.

My honey-brown hair is down and full of big, loose, Hollywood curls. My makeup is understated, apart from my deep red, glossy lips. I have drop diamanté earrings in, and a matching bracelet that sparkles on my wrist.

I could have used a spray tan, but never mind. I did the best with what I had with one day’s notice.

I walk out into the living room and my breath catches.

Oh, my God.

Ben is wearing his full army formal wear, a crisp, dark green suit, and a chest covered in medals. He’s tall with his muscular physique and chiselled square jaw, and he wears this uniform with such pride… I can feel it.

“Ben…” I whisper. For some stupid reason seeing him in this makes me emotional, and I tear up

“What’s wrong?” he whispers as he holds me at arm’s length.

I shake my head, embarrassed by my physical reaction to him. “You just look so…” I look him up and down as I try to articulate my thoughts. “Handsome.”

His eyes hold mine, and he gives me the best come fuck me look I have ever seen.

“You look pretty good yourself, Marx.”

I smile broadly as I circle him. “What are all these medals?” I ask as I run my hand over them on his chest.

He shrugs, as if embarrassed. “Just medals.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Just medals? There is no such thing as just a medal.”

He goes to kiss me, then stops himself. “How am I supposed to kiss you with that red lipstick on?” he asks.

“You’re not. It’s Army Ken repellent.”

“Army Ken?” He frowns.

“If there were a perfect army doll.” I run my hands down the lapels of his uniform as my eyes drop to mentally undress him. “It would be you. In this.”

He runs his hand down my hip and grips my sex aggressively, and my breath catches.

“If there were to be a fuckable princess doll. It would be you… wearing this,” he whispers darkly. His eyes drop to my lips and I lick them for extra effect.

He kisses me softly. “Not now, angel. Later.” He nips my collarbone and I jump.

“Don’t bore me with details. I’m kind of in the middle of an army soldier fantasy right now,” I breathe. No joke, I really am.

He brushes the backs of his fingers down my cheek as he studies my face.

“Damn you,” I whisper. “My panties are wet.”

His eyes blaze and he smiles sexily as he straightens my dress from his assault. “They’re going to be shredded by the end of the night, angel.”

We walk down the long guard-lined hallway. My arm is linked through Ben’s and I’m feeling really nervous. I’ve never been to anything like this before. Men in uniform are everywhere, and there’re some women, too. There are people dressed normally as well.

I wonder who they are.

Don’t drink Champagne, I remind myself. Champagne is the devil… or should I say it brings out the devil in me. Most of the stupidest decisions I’ve ever made in my life have been over a Champagne glass. Bad combination.

“Don’t let me drink Champagne,” I whisper.

Ben frowns down at me as we walk. “Why?”

“Because I will probably take my dress off and give you a lap dance at the table.”

“Okay. I’ll buy three bottles on the way home then,” he whispers back.

I smile happily as I look around. This is out of this world. Who knew? The White House.

Wow.

As we walk past the guards that are lining the wall Ben nods in acknowledgment, and I have to try and stop myself from smiling stupidly. I’m totally fangirling here.

The hallway opens up to a large ballroom and I look around in wonder. It’s gorgeous and exactly how I pictured it would be. It has huge chandeliers hanging from the highest ceilings I have ever seen. It’s pure luxury at its finest, like something out of a movie. There’s a string quartet playing. “Oh, my God,” I breathe.

Ben grabs two glasses from a passing tray. “One glass won’t hurt, will it?” he asks with a raised brow.

Our eyes linger on each other and I sip my Champagne. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you when I start taking my clothes off.”

He smiles sexily and clinks his glass with mine. “Promises, promises.”

Ben’s eyes start to roam over the crowd. “Do you see them?” I ask.

“Not yet,” he answers, distracted. It’s then that I notice all the people around us doing a double take when they see us together. “What are they looking at?” I whisper.

Ben’s eyes flick back to mine. “You.”

“Why?” I frown.

“They didn’t know I got married,” he explains. “They’re shocked.”

My eyes widen. “Oh, shit, I nearly forgot about that.”

He raises his eyebrow in question. “Do I need to take that Champagne off you? One sip and you already forgot you were married.”

I smile up at him goofily. “Probably.”

“Buzz!” a man calls. Ben turns and shakes his hand. “Hello.” He smiles. “Please meet my wife.” He gestures to me. “This is Bridget.” His eyes lovingly linger on my face.

My heart swells in my chest. Oh, what a lovely introduction that is.

“Hello, nice to meet you.” The man shakes my hand.

“Hello.” I smile nervously.

“Did you get away?” the man asks, and they begin talking. I detach from their conversation and look around. Buzz… I wonder why they call him that.

Some men have nametags on their uniforms. All of them have medals, although Ben seems to have the most. Some men are dressed in normal clothing, and there are a few women dressed in uniform, but the rest are in evening-wear. Hmm. Who’s who around here?

“Lovely to meet you, Bridget.” The man smiles.

“Yes, you, too,” I reply. He disappears in the crowded room. As people walk past they all nod in acknowledgement of Ben. He seems very well-respected and also seems to know everyone.

He starts to scan the room with his eyes.

“So, tell me about this,” I say. “Why are some people in uniform and others not?”

“Depends on their ranking,” he murmurs, distracted.

“The men with medals but no nametags… who are they?” I ask as I sip my Champagne. Hmm. I eye my glass. This is good stuff.

“Delta.”

I frown. “What’s Delta?” I ask.

“Elite Delta Force. My old squadron.”

“Oh.” I frown. “So, they don’t wear nametags?”

“No, their identity is protected.”

Hmm. Interesting.

His eyes continue to roam over the crowd.

“Who exactly are you looking for?” I ask as I cover my lips with my Champagne flute.

“Two people in particular…” he murmurs distractedly.

My eyes widen. “You mean?” Oh shit, he’s looking for the guys who tried to kill him. I was hoping he’d forgotten about them.

He clenches his jaw as he continues his search.

“Are we in danger here tonight?” I whisper, worried.

He puts his arm around me and kisses my temple. “No, baby. They are.”

Fuck.

“Who are the people in normal suits?” I ask to try and distract him.

“Diplomats.”

Suddenly the temperature rises and I become nervous. Did he come here to kill those men? “What are you going to do, Ben?” I whisper in a panic. It never occurred to me that he could be here for revenge.

He puts his hand on my hip.

“Hey…”

Three men interrupt him before he answers.

Ben laughs cheekily and shakes their hands. I can tell from his demeanour that they’re close. Then their attention turns to me. “This is Matt, Ethan, and Jed. Three of my closest friends,” he introduces.

These must be the friends he was telling me about that he went through the ranks with. I smile broadly as I recognise them from the photograph I looked at the other day. “Hello.” I shake their hands

“This is my Bridget,” Ben announces proudly as his eyes linger lovingly on my face.

Oh, I love the way he looks at me when he introduces me. I swoon.

His Bridget.

The men are all very polite, and I stand nervously as they chat. I just wish I could get a photo of them to send to Abbie. She would have an orgasm on the spot if she saw how hot these guys are.

Off the hook.

They’re all masculine, and huge like Ben. Ethan has black hair and olive skin. Jed has honey hair, and the most beautiful smile I have ever seen on a man. And Matt… well, he’s just ridiculous. I don’t need to worry about getting drunk on the Champagne. The testosterone in the air will get me as high as a kite.

Another man walks over and the boys all laugh. He’s holding a gorgeous pregnant woman’s hand. Ben leans in and kisses her, and then they turn to me. “Ally, this is Bridget,” he introduces. “Bridget, this is Rick and Ally. Ally gets stuck hanging out with us lot.”

Ricks eyes meet mine and he smiles. “We met the other night.”

I nod, slightly embarrassed that he saw me sitting in the dark on my suitcase.

She smiles warmly, and I know I already like her. She has a relaxed kind of feel about her. “Bridget.” She takes my hands in hers and kisses my cheek. “She’s every bit as beautiful as you told me she was, Ben.”

He smiles as he watches on.

I bite my bottom lip as my eyes flicker between them. It’s obvious that Ben is close to this woman. I glance down at her large stomach. “How far along are you?” I ask.

She rubs her stomach. “Five months.”

“How exciting.” I smile.

She smiles lovingly at her husband across the circle. “It is; we can’t wait.”

“I’ll get you another Champagne. Ally, what would you like?” Ben asks.

“A lemonade please.”

He nods before he disappears to the bar.

Ally smiles as she watches him disappear through the crowd, and then her eyes turn back to me. “I think he wants us to get acquainted,” she whispers so only I can hear.

I laugh. “Seems that way.” The other boys go back to talking amongst themselves and I look around. “This is a fancy turnout.” I try to make conversation.

She smiles. “I know, it is. I always get nervous coming here.”

“Oh, jeez.” I put my hand on my chest. “I was terrified tonight. I had no idea what to wear. I had one day’s notice and had to go shopping with Ben for a dress.”

She laughs. “Try finding a formal maternity dress if you want a true nightmare.”

We laugh and Ben reappears with our drinks. “Keep your clothes on.” He winks as he hands me my glass of Champagne.

I narrow my eyes with a smirk.

“What the hell, Ben?” Ally laughs.

“Ask Didge about it.” He smiles as he turns around to the boys.

“Didge?” She frowns.

“That’s my nickname. It’s easier to say than Bridget. Oh, and I warned him not to let me drink Champagne, as I might take my clothes off. Not really, but who knows?” I widen my eyes and shrug, causing her to laugh.

Silence falls over us and I twist my wedding ring.

“Show me your ring?” she asks.

I feel embarrassed, because she knows that we aren’t really married, but I lift my hand anyway. “It’s Ben’s mother’s ring. I’m just borrowing it for tonight.” I smile shyly.

She smiles knowingly. “Forgive me if I’m intruding, but Rick told me about you having trouble accepting…” she gestures to the room with her Champagne glass, “all of this.”

I drop my head. “Yeah.” I look up and frown. “Does your husband…” I pause because I don’t even know what to call it.

She nods. “Yes, Rick does the same job as Ben.”

I raise an eyebrow. “The exact same job?”

She nods. “Took me a while to get my head around it, too.”

“How?” I pause as I try to get my wording right. “How do you make peace with him leaving the house for work?”

She smiles sadly. “These men are above most others, Bridget. Their sacrifice is for our country’s freedom.”

I watch her.

“Look around the room, look at them.”

I look up and across to Ben as he speaks with his friends. His legs are wide apart, his chest is out, and he’s standing tall. He really does wear his uniform with pride. He’s glowing.

She grabs my hand. “Do you want my advice?” She smiles.

I nod hopefully.

“Spend every day with Ben like it’s your last.”

My face falls.

“Because it might be. One day he may go to work and never come home.”

My chest tightens at the thought.

“But that’s his…” She gestures to her husband and corrects herself. “Their decision.”

My eyes search hers.

“We’re just the women who love them. Their purpose is greater than being with us.”

I drop my head sadly. “I just can’t stand the thought of it.”

“Stand the thought of what? Being in love with a man who loves his country so much that he’s prepared to die for it? That’s the definition of a true hero.”

I watch her but stay silent.

“Make peace with it, Bridget. It comes with the territory. He loves you. Enjoy him. Love him.”

My nostrils flare as I try to stop the stupid tears from appearing.

Ben’s hand snakes around my hips and he smiles. “We have to take a seat.” He gestures to the left. “Over this way.” His face falls when he sees my face.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he whispers.

I smile and squeeze Ally’s hand, and she smiles knowingly. “Nothing, babe.” I kiss him softly. “Everything’s perfect.”

We walk over and take a seat at our table and the rest of the group starts talking about something else, but my concentration is on Ben and what the hell he’s thinking.

He’s frowning as he stares at something across the room.

“Who are you looking at?” I whisper discretely.

He puts his arm around the back of my chair and fiddles with my hand in his lap. “Look who’s here…”

“Who?” I frown.

“Jason Steele.”

My eyes widen. Isn’t that the man he was supposed to kill? “You mean…”

He nods once.

Shit.

I widen my eyes as I sip my Champagne. Stop drinking. Stop drinking now!

Oh, jeez. “Where are the bathrooms?” I ask.

Ben points to the back of the room. “Back out in the corridor.” He glances down at me. “Do you want me to show you where they are?”

“No, I’ve got it. Back in a minute.”

“I’ll try to find you a less lap-dance-inducing drink.” He smirks down at me.

I giggle. “Okay, sounds good.”

I make my way out to the bathroom, and after I’ve been I move to the basin to wash my hands. A cubicle door opens and a gorgeous girl with dark hair walks out.

I take out my lipstick and start to apply it.

“We haven’t met,” she says to my reflection in the mirror.

I turn to her and smile. “Hello, I’m Bridget.” I go to shake her hand and she just glares at me. I instantly drop my hand. Okay, then. How rude.

She folds her arms, full of attitude, and leans her behind to rest on the basin. Her eyes hold mine. “He’ll get sick of you, you know,” she sneers.

Oh, really? We’re playing that game, are we? I can’t hold it in and I smile. “Who? You mean my husband?” I ask sweetly.

Game on, mole.

She lifts her chin defiantly as she glares at me

“You mean like he got sick of you?” I ask.

“You don’t know him like I do.” Her face twists with disgust.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. “Am I supposed to feel threatened by you?” I ask, acting surprised.

She narrows her eyes. “I would, if I were you. Ben and I go way back.”

“Oh,” I sigh sympathetically. “That’s really sad. You and he go way back and yet he begged me to marry him.” I hold my hand up and wiggle my ring finger. “You obviously can’t please him the way I do.”

Her mouth drops open, rattled my reply.

Stupid bitch.

She has no idea who she’s fucking with here. I pat her on the shoulder sympathetically. “If that’s the best you’ve got, sweetie, it’s no wonder you couldn’t snag him.”

She tears her arm from my reach.

“Nice to meet you.” I smile. “I’d better get back, but I’ll think of you tonight when I’m fucking his brains out.”

She glares at me and I smile broadly.

“Bitch,” she mumbles under her breath.

“That’s Mrs. Bitch to you,” I reply with a wink.

I take one last look at her and walk back out into the corridor, straightening my dress as I go.

Now… where is that hunk of a husband of mine?