Stung: Winter Special Read Online Free PDF Page B

Crunch
dressed as quickly as possible.
    “Thank you, Mr
Sheppard, but I’m afraid this can’t wait,” said the commander.
    Victor cleared
his throat. “Why don’t you wait downstairs then? It’ll be more
comfortable.”
    “It’s fine,”
Crunch muttered. “I have to go, Victor.” He took a deep breath and
buckled up his leather jacket. There was no point in artificially
extending the visit. Lingering would only make him feel worse. He
couldn’t get over the fact that he almost got to suck his morning
dessert, something he wouldn’t be able to do until their next
meeting God-knew-when.
    There was
silence after that statement, four pairs of eyes watching Crunch’s
every move and making his stomach curl. His mind was frantically
making up what to tell the other soldiers in case they asked. But
when he looked up at his comrades, ready to go, he noticed the
soldier glancing at the table with a pout. His blood went cold when
he realised Victor’s photograph was still there. Crunch walked up
in a few quick strides and slammed his hand over the picture.
    “Not a word.”
He gritted his teeth and put the photo inside his jacket. He was
not losing out on a picture of Victor tossing off because of some
knobhead who should be minding his own business.
    Only then he
realised Victor hasn’t said a thing since Crunch dismissed his
attempts to send the men downstairs. He was by the fireplace, quiet
and blank-faced as he watched the colourful tiles with unabashed
interest.
    The soldier put
his hands up defensively, but kept smirking. “Whatever you…”
    “Shut it,” said
the commander. “You’ve got two minutes, Crunch.”
    Crunch lingered
around the table, awkwardly looking to Victor as the men left. In
the sudden silence, the sound of the crackling fire seemed to mute
everything else. Victor’s arms slouched the moment the door
closed.
    “I’m sorry, I
’ave to go.” Crunch sighed and walked up to hug him.
    Victor met him
with a deep, breathless kiss, sliding his arms around Crunch’s neck
like he never wanted to let him go. It stole all the air out of
Crunch’s lungs, and it didn’t matter anymore that he didn’t know
what to say. He hugged Victor tight, wishing he’d had a lot more
time to spend in his bedroom. He couldn’t get enough of him, and
now that he got another dose, it would be even harder to stop
thinking about him.
    Crunch finally
pulled away and took off the ring he wore on his neck. “I promised
I’d give it back.”
    Victor pressed
his lips together and shook his head without a word. His gaze went
straight for Crunch’s eyes, intense and full of disappointment.
    “Hey, don’t be
mad. I ’ave to go…” Crunch uttered and had to look away. He didn’t
mean for it to end so fast, but he knew he’d have to go as soon as
he was summoned.
    “I’m not mad.”
Victor shook his head, and his warm hand slid into Crunch’s,
squeezing it gently. “It’s just... so sudden.”
    “It is what it
is… I—I can never predict when I’ll be off.” Crunch dared to look
up, with the ring still in his hand. He felt like a failure. Like
he couldn’t give Victor what he wanted and needed.
    “For God’s
sake, put that ring back where it belongs.” Victor bit his lip,
squeezing Crunch’s hand much tighter now. It almost hurt.
    “I’ll bring it
back next time…?” Crunch swallowed, hope bubbling up in his
heart.
    Victor drew in
a sharp breath and nodded, forcing a small smile. “Take good care
of it.”
    Crunch laughed,
trying to diffuse the tension in his jaw. “Guess I can’t die just
yet after all.”
    “That’s not
funny.” Victor gently pushed his fist against Crunch’s chest.
    “See ya, scone.
I’m gonna come back, even if just for that lemon curd.” Crunch
bowed down to steal one last kiss.
    “I’ll be
writing you about this,” chuckled Victor, withdrawing his hands. It
was time to go.
    “And I got this
to keep me company.” Crunch patted his jacket where he put