Embedded Files
WWII was a time of turmoil and confusion, especially for a young girl, on her own with an uncertain future, having lost her best friend in the world, with only one man to turn to that she trusts.
An eternal triangle that hits hard at the morality expectations of the staid 40s. Two men in love with one woman, and one of them already married. No easy answers here, folks. Nothing is cut and dry when emotions are so raw and exposed. Think again if you think you have all the answers. You don't.
Grace Morgan views the world in an off-kilter way, or so some have told her. But Grace simply sees herself as determined, resourceful and cunning on occasion.
J.D. McGinnis is a ruthless, experienced ex-fighter pilot that Uncle Sam just kicked to the curb because rules and regulations just do not fit into any slot in J.D’s world.
He has always made his own path, followed his own instincts and understands life never gives over anything easily.
Brigadier General Thomas J. Ellis is currently the ‘go to man’ in Washington’s military elite.
Chosen to head a secret project which could finally win the War after three long years of suffering and sacrifices by his fellow soldiers. He heads up the prestigious Army Corps of Engineers.
One of the President’s top advisors, with the intellect which can hold its own in the brilliant circle of pioneering Nobel prize-winning scientists entrusted with the task of completing the project, Ellis is a man obsessed with doing the job and doing it right.
When these three unique individuals meet at a prearranged appointment with destiny; sparks fly, tempers explode and desires flare.
The General is a married man who suddenly wants the forbidden.
J.D. McGinnis has always believed he has a right to Grace Morgan’s love and passions.
He has never let her down...In any way, shape or form. He has loved her from day one.
Torn between two powerful men, Grace knows both have the ability to ignite her passions and steal her heart.
Who will she choose in the end? The forbidden enigmatical charmer? Or the broken, desperate loner who needs her to insure his sanity?
kokolover1978 Five Star Review
I got hooked on this series and am so glad I followed through to the end of Grace Morgan's journey. I had my favorite man picked in the first few chapters. I knew who I wanted her to be with. Then something went wrong and I was thrown for a loop when the other guy stepped up to the plate. I was determined to dislike him immensely but, he was nothing like I thought in the beginning. I was torn and then the writer brought all three people together again and my emotions went on a roller-coaster ride. I was mad at Grace and then I felt sorry for her and then I was mad at the General, then I fell in love with J.D. again and then...I'm exhausted but I loved this series to hell and back. That's a miltary expression if you didn't already know. Highly recommend this writer.
Calli Hertz Five Star Review
I loved this story. I was so happy to find out there were two other books associated with the same characters. It was hard to decide which man Grace should finally get with. I'm not sure I liked the end of the book but I loved reading the series. I got to know these people and care about them greatly. At first I thought Grace was weird but the more I got the backstory of her life, I found her endearing and loveable. The humor in the story really keeps some heavy subjects lighter and more acceptable and the writer does not shy away from tackling War time themes including, the holocaust but the story is told from Grace's viewpoint which makes it poignant and loving. I love this book and this writer.
Thomas J. Ellis looked over to his companion. The night was cooling, a breeze filtering up the mountains from the North.
“This is beautiful, General.” Grace’s nerves were beginning to settle. “Thank you for...”
She trailed off, the words seeming hollow sounding. “You will be missed at the party.” she realized, searching his countenance out.
The plains of his face were shadowed in the fading light of day. He really was a very ruggedly handsome male.
“It’s not like they won’t think of another reason to have another next weekend.” The man grinned, which softened the lines of his face, she noted.
“Which is fine. I don’t mind. It keeps morale up. But truthfully...if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to them all.”
He watched her face. “...Grace. If you need to talk about it?” He left it there.
She returned her interest to the surrounding beauty of the plateau upon which they stood. The spot was about fifteen minutes from the ‘Y’ site. By jeep. Which the man had access to anytime he wished, Grace supposed.
“What is there to talk about? Everyone is entitled to one colossal mistake in their lives.” She was certain. She hugged her form, the lightweight sweater not warm enough for this high of an altitude. “...J.D. McGinnis was mine.”
Ellis held his own thoughts. For he knew, she had more to say on the matter.
“...I feel so...” The woman sought the word, feeling the state of being acutely. “...Unclean.”
“Stop that shit.” The General grumbled. “You fancied yourself in love with the bastard and he took advantage of that fact. As would I have.” Ellis didn’t ever pull punches. “You are a beautiful, desirable woman, Grace. A man doesn’t always think with the right head where a dame is concerned.”
“Now you tell me.” She laughed hollowly, lowering her head for a long beat.
“I... I just wanted you, General, of all people to know...I get that I did something horrendous. That my reputation...” Again, Grace laughed at the word’s very definition. “For lack of better term, is beyond shredded. I do get that, you know.”
She glanced away, unable to meet those steady blue eyes as yet.
“Let’s get something straight right now.” Thomas Ellis forced Grace to face him. Which she did, finally, lifting her head stalwartly.
“...That’s a bunch of shit. I don’t think any worse of you for allowing a man whose far superior experience caught you off guard, thereby penetrating your defenses.”
The redhead hung felt her inadequacies, but he lifted her chin with two thick fingers. “Look at me.”
Grace closed her eyes then...obeyed.
“Those aren’t just words. I mean them. You know me, Grace. I don’t bullshit people I respect and admire. For the simple fact, those people are few and far between.” The man’s scowl was a dark one.
“McGinnis did a number on you, okay fine.” He shrugged massive shoulders. “I think the guy has genuine feelings for you. But that aside...” Ellis caught her shoulders between his hands, keeping her focused when she would have turned aside.
“But...that aside. I am not about to take his side in this.” He let her know he wasn’t the enemy. “I want you pissed at him. I hope you hate the fucker to the depth and breadth and height. I really do.”
Grace shifted a sad glance. The words somehow made her feel better although she had no idea why.
“I’ve never been anything but honest with you though and not going to start lying now.” He wasn’t. “It tore McGinnis’ guts out to walk away from you, why he did it? I haven’t a clue as yet.” The General didn’t. “I saw him when he left. Something was eating away at...”
“I don’t want to talk about...”
“Okay.” He held up his hand. “Okay...then we won’t. I’m just letting you know, up front. I think you’re making a mistake here. I hope you don’t listen to those words of wisdom.” Ellis tried a smile for her, his eyes gentle on the lovely face. “Just remember later on? I said them.”
Grace nodded listlessly. “...Do you want to go back now? I don’t want people to start speculating about...” She halted. “My reputation is shot. Let’s keep yours relatively intact if at all possible.”
“Fuck them, Grace.” The man shook a dismissive head. “I want to spend time with you. We have so little of it. What does it matter what they think or say?”
“Because invariably it will get back to your family.” she snapped. “I can’t do that right now! You’re my only friend! The only one I trust to...” The threat of tears was swallowed. “You’re the only one who isn’t judging my stupidity.”
Grace thought about Mr. Bickerstaff...if he knew how low she had sunk. Elliot Learner...my god, what would that impeccably honest, forthright man think of her now if he knew...
“You misjudge your true friends.” The General stated succinctly. “But no. I don’t judge. Who am I that I could. Me, Grace? Really?” He laughed at the absurdity of the question.
“All I know.” Grace could tell this man. “Is that right here? Right now?” The woman was confused and upset of course, but “...You make everything better. I don’t how you do it and you may be telling me everything I need to hear because, you’re intelligent enough to...”
“There is that possibility.” Ellis agreed readily. “Don’t lose your perspective.
“I’ve never said I don’t want in your panties...but, know this.” He ignored her supposed irritation for his bluntness. “At this time? In the state you’re in? Not going to happen. I will give over my promise.”
The man didn’t mind doing so. “Until you’re back to some sort of normalcy? I’ll curb my natural tendencies to try to get you into my bed.”
Green eyes stared up to the earnest face, Grace’s stomach flip-flopping with a shot of adrenalin for the carelessly stated truth.
“Do you believe me?” The man didn’t think she did.
“Why would you?”
“Good question.” He approved. “Because I do care for you. Even though sometimes it may seem I’m just out for number one.”
She closed her eyes, going into his arms, seeking comfort, her eyes welling with unshed tears.
“You don’t have to say things like that,” Grace responded meekly.
“Why ever the hell not. About time some fucking man did...without any ulterior motives.” Ellis cradled her lovingly in his strength. “And like I said. At this moment in time. I don’t hold any.”
Grace just held tightly to his stability, snuggling to the warmth of his chest.
“Only time will prove my sincerity, I know.” he shrugged mentally. “It’s enough...to hold you in my arms. To...have your confidence. To...know you see me as a friend.” He crooked his head. “You do, right?”
Grace nodded, lifting her arms about his neckline, her nose coming to the curve of his neckline.
Ellis closed his eyes to the feel of the woman in his arms, tightening the bulging muscles systematically as her warm breath trailed along his flesh.
The moment lengthened, the sound of the man’s slight breathing making Grace feel secure, his warmth transmitted through the material of his shirt feeling good on her chilled flesh.
The power of his arms surrounded her, making her feel small and insignificant beside his size and stature.
There was something so very reassuring about the General.
The man exuded confidence, stability and suppressed energy. A very charismatic man was General Thomas J. Ellis.
“The women here...find you attractive, were you aware?” Grace had closed her eyes drinking in his scent which was undeniably virile in nature. Thomas J. Ellis smelled like all men should.
“Excuse me?” He scoffed at such a statement, chuckling lowly.
“We all look up to you for guidance and leadership when the shit hits the fan.” She had long since realized. “Not only the women, of course.”
“It’s news to me.” The man drew in a breath, exhaling the end of his amusement. “I thought everyone hated my guts.”
“They fear you.” Grace lay her head on his shoulder, sighing lightly, her hand trailing absently over the muscles of his chest area. “But we instinctively trust your judgement calls.”
The General was quiet for a spell, not sure how to take this new side of the woman. She had never displayed it before with him, after all. “Are you numbered among these women, Grace?”
“I imagine I am very much so...for you afford me so much of your attention.” She smiled slightly, snuggling closer, unaware of doing so.
“No...do you fear me?” His brow furrowed for the thought.
The question threw the woman for a beat. “I don’t think you would hurt me physically.” She didn’t.
“...I am afraid of you in the sense...you hold a kind of power over me. One I seem unable to fight or defend against, for the simple fact...I have no desire to do so.”
“You’re making me hard.” Ellis closed his eyes to the realization. “Is that your intent?” he opened them, a challenge issued within the blue depths.
“...Is it a bad thing? Your tone seems to imply as such.” Grace was hesitant suddenly, tensing a tad. She had not felt any evidence of an arousal, but the man was keeping that area somewhat away from any real contact.
“It’s never a bad thing, baby. I can control it...if that’s what you want.” He glanced down at the small, upturned face. “How far are we going to take this tonight? Do you even know?”
“I...” Grace was confused on that matter as well.
“I won’t do anything you don’t want. But you are throwing me here.” The General admitted. “You’re sending me mixed signals, Kitten. I want to make you happy, whatever it takes, I just thought...”
Grace felt bad for her shortcomings, moving away from the man.
“Maybe I’m simply hearing what I want to hear.” He prevented any such foolishness, his arms re-establishing their hold on the slender form. “Am I twisting your thoughts to suit my own needs?”
Grace had no answers.
“I’m rather susceptible to your charms, have you noticed?” Ellis teased gently. “You want to make me climb the fucking walls? It’s okay by me, rest assured. I’m a big boy, I can take anything you throw at me, but...for right now, you’re...not wanting me to take the bait, right? Set the scenario up for me.”
Grace...hesitated because she didn’t know what she wanted or didn’t want to be truthful.
“My instincts are telling me; it would be better for you not to go into any sort of...physical connections right now because you’re still reeling from McGinnis’ treatment of you.” Ellis scowled slightly.
“But...you need some sort of connect. I feel...honored that you would seek something like that out with me, Grace. I do.” He told the truth. “I just don’t want to alienate you, baby. It’s the last thing I want.”
“...Kiss me.” The woman pulled back only enough to allow him to see her face, her tone a husky whisper of growing passion.
The man stared down to the pout of her mouth. “I will kiss you, Grace if that’s what you want me to do...”
The slender arms tightened slightly, and she tip-toed, her lips gently brushing his full ones tentatively.
“...I can kiss you without it going any further.” Ellis thought he could, at least. “We can do that.”
He nodded imperceptibly. He pressed his mouth to hers, the touch fleetingly sensual in nature. “Hell...I can kiss you all fucking night. But don’t get all pissy with me when I have to pull back in order to keep my promise to you...agreed?”
The man’s hand filtered into the long strands of red hair, his fingers easing through the silk with a gentle massaging trek, which left Grace weak and pliable as his mouth parted hers seductively, the warm pressure sending a shiver of sensation up and down the woman’s arms and into the pit of her stomach.
Grace responded to the stimuli, moaning softly, tightening her arms about his neckline, pressing her body along the hard contours of his.
She reveled in the strength of his arms enfolding her protectively. The woman moaned meekly when the tip of the General’s tongue flicked about inside her mouth playing a teasing game with her own shyer one.
Grace’s stomach flip-flopping spasmodically with adrenalin. Which produced another soft, kittenish mewl of indecision.
The woman gasped, for she suddenly realized...she wanted him to...continue.
Grace hastily pulled from any form of contact.
Ellis allowed the maneuver, his keen intellect realizing the ‘why’ of it all.
“And now you’re thinking...” He laughed shortly for the idiocy of it all. “How can you go from one man’s arms to another in so short a time period. What...does that make you, right Grace?”
She stared at him for that was exactly what she had been thinking.
“It makes you human and vulnerable and... warm and receptive.” He finished quietly.
“McGinnis rocked your confidence. You’re only attempting to get a little of it back. That’s all this is, Grace. Don’t blow it out of proportion.”
Grace wanted to believe. “Or...it means,” She had other thoughts on the matter.
“Don’t say it.” I t was warned. “You are not...promiscuous. You’re just...searching for something you’ve lost. If you were what you think you are?” The General’s stare was unnerving. “You’d let me fuck you right here and now but you’re not going to do that, are you.”
Grace hadn’t been so sure a few seconds back, she had to admit, if only to herself.
“Oh...you probably thought about it cause I’m good at what I do.” He put it out on the table in plain sight. “And I want to fuck you...badly. So, it’s a little difficult for me not to follow those instincts but as I said...” he held up a scolding finger. “Not gonna happen for a while, if at all.”
His decision was final, apparently. “That’s another discussion...for another time.”
“You think...I’m easy.” The thought devastated the woman.
“I don’t do...easy.” He assured bluntly. “If you want the truth? I’ve held back with you longer than any other woman I’ve ever known. No, Grace. I don’t think you’re easy at all. But I do think,” he told the truth. “You’ve worth the time and effort a man has to put in.”
She swallowed the threat of more tears for his words touched her deeply and even if he were lying...he did it so well, one wished to believe every word he said.
“Now all I have to do is...convince you of that fact.” It was clear to the man.
Grace lifted her face to the wind, listening to the rustle of the trees behind them.
To the left, a forest of evergreens towered to the purple and pink sunset. To the right, stretched out a streaked panorama of plateaus and plains, covered with grass and scattered small shrubs and bushes.
The mountains’ dark silhouettes blocked the western horizon.
She felt at peace here, she realized. All the turmoil of J.D. McGinnis could be set aside for a few precious moments in this place of unimaginable beauty.
“You make me feel as if I do...matter, that is.” Grace wanted to share that fact with this man. “I... I thank you for that, General.”
“I have a name, Grace.”
She sought him out. “I know.” She shyly acquiesced.
“Use it.” He advised. “That ‘General’ shit is for when I’m disciplining your sweet little ass.” he thought to lighten the mood. “When my handprint is on those tight ass cheeks...or when I grab your hair and force my cock down your throat. Then...you can use the title.”
Grace cut annoyed eyes his way. “You say things like that to shock me.”
“How’s that working for you?” His look said, he already knew.
“Admit it, you need a man who will take charge every once in a while. The thought of me tying you to a bedpost and licking your pussy until you cum, isn’t exactly repugnant, is it.”
“...I would probably allow that anyway.” She fought for some sort of equilibrium. “Why the rough stuff?”
“Because I think you like it a little rough at times.” The General told the truth. “Am I wrong?”
“I think you do.” The woman countered.
“So... I’m wrong.” Ellis wanted her to say it, obviously. “And hell yeah, I would enjoy forcing the issue with you. I think it would get us both all hot and bothered.”
Grace stared at him.
“Are you wet, thinking about it?” his tone washed over her erotically. “I’m hard again, just in case you’re interested. Wanna feel?”
She...dimpled. “You are horrible.”
The man smiled back. “I’m whatever you need me to be, baby.”
“Evidently.” Her soft voice caressed him now.
“So...” Ellis glanced about superficially. “You want I should bend you over that log and take it like you’re my bitch dog in heat?”
Grace glanced to his meaning. “...I think it would hurt...that bark looks kinda rough on its own merit.” She teased to lighten the moment.
“I’m not a complete Philistine.” He grinned down at her. “I would have offered over my jacket that your sweet flesh would not come to any real harm, woman.”
“But then you would have fucked me like a bitch dog in heat.” Grace was getting things straight in her own mind.
“Oh, hell yeah.” Ellis held his amusement for the straightforward manner in which she spoke. “Absolutely I would have.”
She looked at the log wistfully which made him chuckle.“ You’re my type of dame, Morgan. I like you.”
“That’s a scary endorsement, General.” The emerald eyes were soft for him, though, he noted.
The quiet returned for a long beat.“...What are you thinking?” It was as if he could read her mind.
“Whatever it is, is it coming out all screwed the hell up?” He chastised with a look. “I will wager...yes.”
“No, I was...just wondering something.” She hesitated to voice such a blatantly suggestive question, however. “It’s not very...ladylike, I suppose.”
“But you’re curious.” He nodded sagely. “You can ask me anything you wish, Einstein. Thought you already knew that.”
“With my track record tonight?” Grace backed off. “Maybe not.” She laughed mirthlessly.
“Now, you’ve managed to pique my interest.” The soldier scolded superficially. “Don’t be a fucking tease. Men hate that.”
“Do they?” She lifted those green eyes, a troubled air about her. “I... wasn’t.”
“Then?” It was prompted.
“...You said...earlier.” The woman cleared her throat self-consciously, swallowing her trepidation. “...about tying a person to...”
“I said...tying you...to a bedpost.” It was corrected, Ellis’ look a quietly intent one. “That idea appeal to you? Or was it the ‘licking your pussy’ that made you want to cream.”
“Are you making fun of...”
“I am asking you a question.” He practically snapped. “You think it’s dirty? You equate certain sexual acts with perversion?”
“I don’t think I do.” Grace didn’t.
The military guy studied her for a long beat.
“A man enjoys going down on a woman. It tests his...merits. His...technique. His prowess with the opposite sex.” He settled into his explanation finally. “It’s an enjoyable pastime for a guy, Grace.”
“Going...d-down?” She blinked then remembered J.D... “Oh.”
“So... how was it?” The man was too perceptive. “Did he rock your world?”
The woman blushed a crimson rose, lowering her eyes hastily. The silence was strained. Grace sought some semblance of equilibrium. “It seems rather...one sided.”
“It’s not,” Ellis stated. “In the sense a woman gives back by her reactions. Her response.”
“Oh.” She blushed again but got it under control more quickly. “I see.”
“Was that your question?” The man asked earnestly. “Why does a man like to lick pussy?”
“Crudely put but yes.” She scowled at the vulgar phrasing.
“I would imagine, in your case Einstein, cause you’ve left me no other choice at present.” He teased with his stern expression. “but to imagine…a man would get a hell of a lot of feedback from a woman like you.” his eyes swept the pretty features intently.
Ellis cocked his head thoughtfully. “You respond very well to other stimuli...so far, at least. I think you enjoy sex, baby. A rare and lovely thing for a woman of this time, if you want the truth concerning your species.”
“A woman like me?” Grace repeated, a little off kilter.
“A loving, giving woman.” The General expounded. “A very curious, inventive type, I’m thinking.” He held his smile. “...I don’t think ‘experimentation’ is a dirty word to you, am I wrong?”
“And that’s a good thing in your world, General?”
“That’s a very good thing.” He nodded. “That’s the best God-damned thing in the entire Universe...in my world, Grace.”
“But would it be a good thing in a normal man’s world, I wonder.” She mused. “In this day and age?”
He chuckled. “You telling me, I’m not normal?”
“Of course, you aren’t ‘normal’.” Grace grimaced. “Nothing about you is ‘normal’, for God’s sake. You’re not like other men, which is a good thing.”
“Is it? “He queried. “Tell me why.”
She was exasperated. “You’re the General. That’s why.”
“Which means...what, exactly? “He persisted.
The woman was stymied, her expression saying as much.
“You’re...Thomas J. Ellis.” Grace assumed that was explanation enough in itself. “You...move mountains and erect cities with a wave of your hand...” She shook those long tresses negatively, searching for the words needed.
“You build airplanes and landing sites for them in record time...you make entire worlds out of nothing but sand and determination. You’re single-handedly constructing a weapon that will finally...end this horrible war. You, General! Not those idiots in Washington D.C.”
“Well, I have a little help now and then.” Ellis grinned. “But, yeah...you’re right. I’m pretty damned indispensable. From your lips to the Powers That Be in D.C., hum, Einstein?”
“I did the research, General. I know how much you’ve contributed to the Manhattan Project.” She wouldn’t back down. “You...are...the Project. Admit it!”
Ellis quieted, liking the praise despite himself. “Let’s just say.” He shrugged it off, “I know how to delegate. Let’s change the subject.” He suggested. “The other was far more appealing to my tastes. Do you, personally... enjoy going down on a guy?”
“What does that mean?” Grace worked on the problem in her mind for a second. “Go down as in...do what a man does...down there? To...” She blinked her awe, halting the unsteady narrative.
“Well, a variation thereof." Ellis held his grin. “A guy is no different than a dame in that aspect. It all feels pretty good, woman, let me tell ya.”
“But...” Some things were confusing ‘the woman’. “Your equipment is different than...”
“It sure is.” The General nodded slowly. “So... what are your instincts telling you to do...if the occasion arises, so to speak? Use that imagination God has granted, why don’t you.”
Grace shifted a concerned stare.
“You’ve seen a guy in his entirety, correct? You know all about cocks and their uses.” He helped in his own unique manner. “They harden...they grow in length, yes?”
Grace pouted prettily, her scowl deepening considerably. “Stop it.”
He grinned over at her, continuing, “What do you suppose would feel good to a man at such an intimate time, Grace? I’m more than curious to know your thoughts.”
“I don’t know.” She snapped, irritated for some reason.
“Sure, you do.” He licked his lips thoughtfully. “Want me to elaborate?”
“No.” The pretty pout deepened.
“...Sure, you do.” He lifted a chastising stare.
“I do not.” She snapped her pique.
He shrugged those massive shoulders. “Okay.”
The man turned his attention to the scenery, taking in a long, drawn-out breath of the fresh mountain air. “...It’s a beautiful night, hum? The stars are more visible up here.”
Grace glanced up, gasping her awe. “Ohhh.” The starry heavens took her breath away. She could make out constellations, each pinpoint of light blinking luminously in the dark of the sky.
The man allowed her the moment, having enjoyed the reverence in her tone.
She downed her head after a while, her hand running through the thickness of her lush curls absently. She felt her inadequacies deeply with this man.
“...Alright.” Grace tightened her mouth in open annoyance for such deficiencies. “Enlighten me...what does a woman do...down there, for the guy.”
Ellis’ stare was still for the night sky above them.
“She suckles him.” He felt his cock thicken at the thought of this woman’s lips on his instrument. “She takes him into her mouth and... God, Gracie. It feels phenomenal, let me tell you.”
Grace swallowed hard, fighting her blush. “I... see.” She managed meekly. “...Thank you, General, for...not being an asshole about it.”
“No problem.” He managed tightly, still observing the beauty of the night. And still trying to settle down his erection to an acceptable level.
He glanced over. “This is why I’ve wanted to have time with you. You don’t react like other women.” he returned his interest to the heavens.”
“You can’t know how refreshing that is until you have to deal with the assholes in Washington day in, day out. The bastards use double-speak so often; they can’t have a real conversation without some hidden agenda cropping up its ugly head.”
“What does one thing have to do with the other.” Grace felt stupid upside this man’s intellect most times, she knew.
Tonight, was no different.
“I prefer when someone just tells it like it is...from the heart.” He grimaced with his disdain.
“No bullshit, Grace.” Ellis grated, swiping his hand out derisively. “I get so sick of it all. The deceptions...the bureaucratic red tape, the...hoops they expect one to jump through all because they spend their simple little lives locked away behind closed doors, debating shit that out here in the real day to day, would take one second of common sense and common decency to resolve.”
Grace allowed the man to vent, remaining silent. She could feel the frustration running off those broad shoulders.
“Let me give you an example.” The General laughed hollowly. “We’re in the process of picking the targets for our gadgets, right?” the man settled in to state his grievances. “
“This pompous governmental prick tells me, no... we’re not going to bomb Kyoto because...” He gestured, punctuating the sarcastic statement with a beefy jab of his finger, “get this...his wife loved the cherry blossom trees when they visited a few centuries back, right?.”
Grace blinked her confusion. “Excuse me?”
“Yeah...the city was too culturally significant to the Japanese to be destroyed, according to this fucker.” Ellis shook a disbelieving head. “And his wife really loved those trees, apparently.”
He sought her out. “I don’t give a flying fuck what is culturally significant to the fucking enemy, Grace. All I care about is that our guys are giving their lives each minute of this hideous engagement and that it has to be stopped.” He snapped. “I don’t care how we stop the bastards that are killing our men. I just...have to stop them in the most efficient, fastest way possible.”
“What the hell is in that man’s head, General?”
“Sawdust, Grace, and high-minded philosophical shit that has nothing to do with the reality of what’s going on in the real world,” Ellis stated succinctly. “I want that fucker to stand up to one of our fighting men and say those exact words to the soldier’s face. You know what would happen, baby?”
“Yes.” Grace did. “The fucker would get knocked on his ass, then the soldier would pick him up and do it again, and again... until...the guy understood the premise of what soldiers face on an hourly basis out in the trenches.”
“You God-damned right he would, and I really like it when you say that word.” Ellis laughed his glee. “It’s what I felt like doing. But to remain in charge of this project...to make certain our guys get at least a fighting chance with the idealistic morons in Washington behind the decision making?”Ellis quieted then, continued “I shut the hell up and swallowed the bile rising in my throat, like the fucking coward I am.”
Grace smiled gently. “You aren’t a coward, General. If I know nothing else in this world. I know...that much.”
“It’s what I felt like.” The bitterness was just under the surface, always. “Having to bite back my true feelings...having to condescend to idiots, day in, day out. Makes me sick to my stomach.”
“...How do you do it?” She wondered. “I admire your restraint, Sir.”
“We’re so close, Grace.” The man’s voice dropped to a tense intent. “What if Truman doesn’t drop the fucking thing? What will our guys do? How do we justify them storming those damned Jap beaches...asking even more of them than we have all these past years?”
“You drop it, General.” The idea came out of the silence. “What’s the worst they can do? Send you to prison? I’ll come for conjugal visits...promise.”
He scowled darkly over. But the girl’s visage was clear and unassuming.
“You would be running that prison in a day’s time, and you know it anyway." She tip-toed, gracing his lips with Her’s. “Your wife and I could alternate. Mondays are hers...the rest of the week...is mine. What she doesn’t know, can’t hurt her, right?”
“What the fuck, Grace.” The General shook his head minutely. “This isn’t anything to joke about.”
“You know what the best revenge would be for our guys?” She ignored his mood. “Drop the next one on Washington D.C.”
The man burst out with a short, crisp laugh of incredulity. “You’re fucking insane, woman.”
“Am I?” Grace took the insult in her stride. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought of it yourself.”
“I actually have.” The man nodded, allowing his mood to die a natural death. “I could do it too.”
“I know.”
“No... I have the aircraft...I have the means...the clout...” he wasn’t bragging.
“And your balls are just big enough to pull it off. You even have a medal to prove it.” Grace inclined her head regally. “I applaud your noble goals, General. I truly do.”
The man fell quiet for a goodly piece. “...Why did that make me feel better?” He laughed at the absurdity of the fact.
“Because right is right.” Grace lowered her head, moving from his embrace distractedly.” And wrong is wrong.”
Ellis could grasp the simplistic nature of the statement.
The man looked at the woman in a different light. “My God.” He embraced the concept. “It’s really so very simple, isn’t it, baby.”
“I think that’s how God works." Grace shrugged slender shoulders. “Nothing is brain surgery to him. Like you said, it’s all common sense and common decency in the end.” Grace had thought about the matter late at night sometimes. “A wrong must be put to rights to make the Universe swing back into harmony.”
The man really listened to the words. He rarely gave women much credence, in truth. He coddled them, he took care of them...he fucked them. But, they were like another species to him...any male, he supposed.
“The Germans and Japanese are wrong. They must be made to see the error of their ways.” Grace had talked it over with God. “God isn’t on anyone’s side, you see. He is on the ‘side’ of righteousness. In this instance, it just happens to be...the Allies, I suppose.”
Ellis leaned against the side of the jeep, searching for a cigarette, his attention caught.
“War is stupid, but humans make war.” Grace glanced up to the heavens again. “There are degrees of ‘right’, I suppose. Killing is wrong. But we kill. How can he choose a ‘side’ in something so insidious.”
Ellis lowered his head, seeing the ‘righteousness’ of her argument. “You make me rather ashamed to be numbered among those ‘making’ war.”
“You didn’t start it.” Grace sought him out. “You’re just a pawn. Like the soldiers...on both sides.”
The man mused on that one for a spell.
“There exists, honorable men who try their best.” She lifted a hand to signify her companion. “There are those with their heads stuck up their asses, like the ‘cherry tree’ guy.” Which brought a scowl to the pretty face. “And there are those like Oppenheimer and Fermi...who are movers and shakers in their own fields of endeavor who ride a fine line between both factions.”
Ellis ground his cigarette out beneath his army boots, his thoughts rather oblique ones. “So, what’s the solution?”
“While humans are in control? There is none.” Grace had long since accepted the fact, her expression rather comically askew for such a question. “There never has been...ever.”
“Which explains why we keep going to war.” The General nodded thoughtfully. “What...hypothetically, you understand, would a woman do, if she had the power.”
“Stop it,” Grace replied instantly. “Bring her husband home...her sons...daughters. She wouldn’t allow them to die for a principle. This isn’t to say that it is a solution, mind you. You asked...what she would do.”
“So, you don’t believe man will ever get to the point where they can settle differences by compromise or agreement.”
“No.” She moved on. “...It’s getting late, the party must be breaking up by now. We should go back, General, don’t you think?”
“Conversation boring you?”
“...It’s a useless one with no point.” Grace countered inoffensively. “Don’t you agree?”
“I actually do.” He smiled. “But I don’t want our time to end, kinda hoping...you felt the same.”
“I don’t want our time to end. I simply said...we should go back, and you should put in an appearance, at least.”
“And then?” He wondered where her mind was heading.
“Then...” Grace trailed off. “I don’t know. I... hate the thought of being alone tonight but, that is my problem, not yours.”
“You don’t have to be alone.” The General kept the statement neutral in tone.
“Your time is a valuable commodity, General.” Grace demurred. “Don’t think I don’t realize that. My problems are so petty when stacked up against the type you handle on an hourly basis, let’s be honest here.”
She took his pack of Lucky Strikes, placing them back in his pocket. “Those things will kill you...you smoke too much.” She smiled gently up to the imposing features.
“...I am grateful that you could give me what you have tonight. Not about to ask for more.” She patted the pocket tentatively. “That would just be pure selfishness on my part, don’t you think?”
“You blowing wind up my skirt, Grace?” Ellis didn’t like the idea one bit.
“I’m giving you an out...” She told the truth. “A graceful one, hopefully. If it’s what you want, I mean.”
“I’ve told you what I want.” He wasn’t going to back down.
“I’m not ready for...”
“Not that, shithead.” The man grumbled. “I want...to spend time with you.”
The woman studied him critically. “What would we do?” A thought struck. “I’m afraid that after a while...you would lose interest in anything I have to say. That’s why this has worked, General, don’t you think? We haven’t gotten to spend any amount of time together.”
“We’ve been here a while. Was it so bad?” He needed the truth. “Because for me...I didn’t find it so.”
Grace lowered her head. “I would think, a dame’s point of view on...well, anything of interest to you would be kinda...” she sought the word. “Inconsequential?”
She smiled listlessly. ” J.D. used to tell me, God gave me a pretty face, He expected I keep the mouth part shut if anything important came up for discussion.”
“McGinnis is a fucking asshole.” Ellis decided. “Did he really say that?”
“Often.” She smiled. “I’m sure he meant it lovingly.”
“Yeah...right.” The man scoffed openly. “But you and I will never know until we put it to the test, Grace...will we.”
“That’s just it.” she lowered her head, her voice rather melancholy in nature suddenly. “I don’t want you to lose interest. I don’t want you to find out that I’m really shallow and... uninspiringly dull. I want you to hold on to the hope that I might not be.”
The man’s fingers reached, cupping the small heart-shaped chin, lifting it slowly, his gaze a penetrating one. “Well, there’s always that pretty face...” He quipped. “And that fantastic ass...and those phenomenal tits. And that hot, tight little pussy...Should I go on?”
Grace chuckled musically. “I would expect more from you, General.”
“I’m just a man, Grace.” He advised. “One with a big cock, sure but...”
She giggled, her hands covering her face for a beat, as she fought her amusement and blush. “You’re a terrible man.”
“With...a big cock.” He lifted a warning finger.
She got herself under control, drawing in a deep breath. “What am I going to do with you?”
“You can suck that big cock if you want.”
Grace giggled again, shaking a woeful head. “I hate you in this mood.”
“No, you don’t.” He sensed, grasping her about the waist. “Come on, Cinderella. I’ll take you home before one of us turns into a pile of horseshit.”
“Just what fairy tales have you been reading?” She queried, her laughter rather infectious to the man’s ears. He helped her into the jeep.
“Did you know of the recounting of that tale by the Greek geographer Strabo between 7 BC and AD 23?” He asked, leaning his foot on the running board of the vehicle, his hand grasping the windshield frame casually. “The story of Rhodopis, it tells of a Greek slave girl who marries the King of Egypt.”
“You mean the Pharoah?” Grace asked. “Why do they have to spoil it by marrying the guy? Can’t they just do the deed and move on out of the picture?”
“Maybe the guy wanted to marry her.”
“Yeah, and maybe pigs fly.” Grace rolled her eyes. “No man wants to get tied down with just one woman. Look at yourself, General.” she teased.
“I wanted to marry my wife...at the time.” He recalled. “Society spoils everything, not the participants of a love triangle.”
“Well, actually Jesus spoiled it.” The woman crinkled that perk little nose. “He set down all the rules that you guys have grown to hate. Remember in the old days, a man was allowed more than two women. It was even encouraged.”
“Would you be jealous of another woman where I was concerned, Grace?” He was curious.
“Not your wife,” Grace answered immediately. “She saw you first.”
“But...someone other than my wife, say.” Ellis persisted.
She gave the matter some thought. “...Yes, I would hate the thought of you with another woman.”
He smiled slowly. “And that...is what makes these little talks all worthwhile.” He leaned, his mouth caressing hers sensually for a goodly spell. The man finally pulled back. “I didn’t find that exchange in the least bit boring, by the way.”
Grace sighed blissfully. She thought through her options, taking her time. “...Maybe we could eh...” She racked her brain, but nothing came to mind.
The green eyes were lowered. “My room is in the Women’s Barracks.” She left the rest up to the man, those green eyes shifting to his restlessly.
“I have a house.” General Ellis was never...ever...at a loss.
“Does your wife like to watch?” Grace was puzzled over his statement.
“Are we going to do something worth watching?” He held his smile. “Not that house...I have a house...off Base.”
Grace’s mouth fell agape. “I didn’t know that.”
“Most people don’t know that...except Major Nichols.”
The woman flushed slightly. “I g-guess that makes me a fast woman.” The thought troubled her greatly. “Implying we should...eh...” but the truth was, the man kept her off-balance and uncertain of her place in the scheme of things.
She wanted desperately to hold his interest. It seemed doubly imperative now, what with the incident with J.D. McGinnis but a few hours behind her.
In Grace’s world, her options were dwindling down to nil where men were concerned. That scenario where she wound up alone with a hundred cats eating her decimated corpse was fast becoming a reality.
The fear was making her reckless and unnaturally open to things which, normally...she would not have even considered before. McGinnis had shaken her confidence badly, she had to admit.
“I think you’re one of the slowest fucking women I’ve ever encountered.” He told the truth. “In the sense that...what you’re implying is nothing like I hope, is it.” `He grinned as an after-thought. “It’s taken me a month or more to get you to even consider my merits....bitch.”
He offered over a disgruntled glance for the fact.
Grace gasped for the crassness but then, she felt a tingly current travel down into her stomach, the word causing her system to react chaotically. It was the way he had drawn out the syllables, in a caressingly erotic manner and his stare was most intimidating. “You...you shouldn’t call me that.”
“Why not?” He pushed her buttons, that stare all too perceptive.
“It’s derogatory.” She snapped.
“Did you feel that it was, when I said it?” Ellis called her bluff. “”Or did it make you kinda warm and gooey down there?”
His eyes dropped between her legs and Grace was glad her dress covered the area, but it was as if...it really didn’t with this man looking at it like he was. “A man dreams of owning his very own bitch, Grace. In the nicest possible way, you understand.”
“That’s archaic thinking and you know it.” She flared.
He shrugged. “One definition of the word states...one who is subservient to another.”He reminded. “In that sense, I wouldn’t mind being your bitch.” He held his amusement. “Depends on the games we’re playing at the time.”
Grace looked at the man as if he had grown another head. “You say the oddest things.”
The man grinned at such naivete. “Stick with me kid. In a year’s time, nothing will make you blush.”
“And that’s supposed to be a good thing?” She sniped.
“...Maybe not.” He relented good-naturedly. “I’m just testing the waters, baby.” his hand gently eased through the red curls along the side of her head. “You’re in a receptive mood for a change. Can’t blame me for pushing a few boundaries when the chance arises.”
“You deliberately say things like that because you know it’s all Latin to me.” she felt her shortcomings acutely. “But I know you’re doing it on purpose...because you can, which is mean-spirited.”
Ellis quieted. “I’m doing it...because your reaction makes me feel very much a man, Grace.”
Those emerald eyes blinked innocently which touched the General’s heart. “You know what I really want to do tonight?” He questioned tacitly.
Grace hesitated. “...Spend time with me?” She repeated his earlier proclamation, hoping she had remembered correctly.
“Yes, in a constructive way which means,” it was further explained before the girl could go off on a tangent.
“We could go home, put on a record or two.” He formulated a plan she could agree with, hopefully. “Dance a few slow rounds, maybe...have some dinner sent over from the mess hall. And you could fall asleep on the couch.”
The full lips fell slightly agape, the pretty brow furrowed, waiting for an unpleasant finish.
“I say, couch, because I only have the one bedroom and I know you would bitch me out for suggesting you take the bed and me...the couch.” He cocked his head to one side. “I’m beginning to know how you think, hum? Which is scary in itself.” He found the fact amusing, obviously.
“If you were really a mature woman, you would allow that two adults could sleep in one bed without anything untoward happening.” The General held up a silencing hand. “Which you are not, ergo...you get the couch.”
Before Grace could conjure up any suitable rebuttal on that ‘mature woman’ remark...
“No one would know, Grace. None would be the wiser that we spent a pleasant night...together...” His eyes teased her. “Without any panties accidently falling off or any large instruments being unceremoniously unsheathed.”
Grace managed an annoyed glare. “You managed to make even that sound dirty.”
He chuckled appreciatively. “What do you say?” He challenged.
“You get what you want, I get what I want...” He warmed to the notion. “I will take your mind off the little episode with McGinnis...you can take my mind off all the shitty things that usually swirl around in that vast, blackness of space when I can’t sleep for whatever reason. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Well...” Grace relented a bit. “I... I guess...when put like that...”
“Now you’re seeing reason.” He walked to the driver’s side of the jeep, pushing his bulk into the seat, his beefy fingers turning the key. “I’ll even do you one better, Grace.” He sent her over a sage glance.
“I’ll let you have the shower first. See? I can be a gentleman if the occasion calls for it. And if you use all the hot water? A cold shower is probably what I’ll be needing at that time, anyway.”
She turned her head to keep him from seeing her smile. “You aren’t amusing.”
“Then...why are you smiling?” He put the jeep in gear, hitting the gas, pulling away at breakneck speeds.
Grace was beginning to see that this man never did anything in half measures.
A girl kinda had to admire that about him...which she did...reluctantly.
“I kinda wanted to go back to your place and... lie in your arms tonight. Can we do that or, is that not allowed in your world?”
“Oh, it’s allowed.” The General wholeheartedly agreed. “But you’re not going anywhere until I kiss that amazing mouth a few more times...there’s a spot just up ahead.” he had noticed it on the way in. “I’m going to pull this damned thing off road for a while but then...” he held out his hand, needing some sort of contact with the beauty to his right. “We can go back, if we must.”
She placed her hand in his trustingly, the small, cool fingers curving to his thick, strong grasp. “General? Do you have any logs in your house?”
“No logs...but pillows to prop your ass where I want it to be. I can improvise, you see cause, I’m Army Corp of Engineers, Lady.”
Her fingers played with the crease on his slacks just above his knee area.
“I also have a multitude of play toys you might find...stimulating.” He had purchased them over the time he had known Grace. He had never bothered with any other woman unless that woman had brought her own alone for the ride. “...ever use any before?”
“Play toys?” She stopped fiddling with his person, those inquisitive green eyes full of curiosity. “Aren’t we a little old for toys, General?”
“Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we...Miss Morgan.” He mused, holding his amusement.
“What kind of... ‘toys’ are you talking about?” She sensed something sinister lurking in the man’s devious mind. “Are you being perverted again?”
“Just being myself, Grace.” He stated off-handedly. “I feel I can do that...with you.”
The compliment threw her. “Well, of course you can.” She offered over a genuinely affectionate smile. “I want you to be yourself.”
“I can also be other things.” He offered magnanimously. “Like, oh say...a strict professor who won’t allow any bad little co-eds to get away with breaking any of his rules. Or...”
He mused openly. “A Roman gladiator who has just been offered over a reward of an innocent untouched maiden for his heroics in the Coliseum.”
Grace blinked her growing interest in the strange, obsessive narrative.
“How about...an SS Officer who is interrogating a suspected underground partisan who just happens to be...a woman.” The man threw out another scenario.
“You would make an excellent SS Officer.” That part, Grace understood.
“Yes, I would.” He agreed readily. “That Gladiator thing got me so fucking hard, baby.”
Grace giggled. “I like you in this mood.”
“Oh, you do, hum.” He lifted impressed brows.
“If anyone had told me...I would laugh tonight?” The thought amazed and mystified. “I would have called them a liar to their face.”
“Stick with me, kid.” It was advised. “We’ll go places you never dreamed possible.”
“You make me believe.” She was surprised to realize. “Anything...is possible.”
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