Chapter 433

"I'm really fine, just exhausted these past few days." Luna White chuckled, pinching Andrew Smith's tense cheek. "Look at you, frowning so hard you could crush a fly between those brows."

Andrew yanked her into his arms with enough force to make her gasp.

"Still mocking me?" he growled through clenched teeth. "No returns or exchanges once sold, got it?" His fingers dug playfully into her waist. "Out with it—have you set your sights on some other man?"

The sour tang of jealousy radiating from him made Luna burst into laughter.

She buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled. "Who else could I possibly want but you?" Her fingertip traced idle circles over his heart. "Guess I'm stuck with Captain Smith for life."

She meant it. Across two lifetimes, no man—except her brother Ethan—had ever treated her this well.

Andrew tightened his arms, locking her securely against him. The entire base knew where he was; no one would dare interrupt. For once, he allowed himself to forget discipline and regulations.

Yesterday's scene still haunted him—Luna, drenched in the downpour, refusing to let go of her injured comrade's hand. That petite frame had unleashed a strength that left him awestruck.

Before deployment, he'd thought himself noble for that phone call. If he came back broken or dead, he wouldn't burden her. Now he regretted it.

How could he entrust Luna to anyone else?

What if they didn't love her as fiercely? What if they failed to cherish her?

"Luna..." His voice roughened. He suddenly dipped his head, brushing his lips against hers before pulling away abruptly.

Luna froze, then dissolved into giggles. Her usually aloof captain was blushing, his ears burning crimson.

"Stop laughing!" Andrew feigned annoyance, threatening to tickle her.

Luna dodged, still laughing, but a pang of melancholy struck her. In her past life, she'd given her whole heart only to be betrayed. This time, she'd resolved to lock it away—until this man pried open her defenses.

Too late now. She was hopelessly in love. Her body, more honest than reason, pressed closer, craving his warmth.

Andrew's gaze darkened as he noticed her flushed earlobes. A realization struck him—perhaps selfishness in love wasn't so terrible after all.