Averi had planned to hold the wedding while Dallas was in grad school, but Cristopher's death forced them to postpone it.
Dallas's graduate advisor, Darryl Dyer, was aware of his intentions. He arranged a special meeting with him before the doctoral exams to discuss the pros and cons, hoping he would continue his PhD and eventually stay on as a professor. With his wealth of front-line experience, a doctoral degree would open limitless opportunities. Moreover, graduating with a PhD would also grant him the rank of major, which would better suit his current situation.
Dallas hesitated.
Darryl guessed what he was thinking and spoke earnestly, "Dallas, serving the country isn't only about fighting on the front lines. Becoming an excellent instructor and training more outstanding officers is also a contribution. Most of the professors here focus more on theory than practical experience, but you have a wealth of real-world experience. You could teach the students so much, especially those in command courses—practical experience is invaluable to them."
Dallas nodded. "Professor, you're right."
Darryl felt a sense of satisfaction in keeping a promising student. Once he relaxed, his tone became more casual. He chuckled and said, "And honestly, the school is a lot less strict compared to the military. Your family probably won't be able to join you if you go to a base after graduation. If you're stationed out in the field, you'll only be able to see each other once a month—definitely not ideal for a stable relationship. Trust me, I've been there. No matter how strong the connection, being apart for too long takes a toll."
Dallas pressed his lips together, and a slight flush of embarrassment crossed his rugged face.
In June, Dallas graduated as scheduled. Due to his special experience and the recommendation of his advisor, he enlisted under a special recruitment status. He went to a frontline unit for three months of basic training and new soldier education. After passing the assessment, he was granted the rank of captain and returned to school to further his studies as an officer.
During training, he wasn't allowed to leave freely, so Averi hadn't seen him for three months.
In mid-October, the training ended, and Averi drove to pick up Dallas. She knew her car was easy to spot, so without him saying anything, she suggested waiting for him at a bus stop a few stations away from the military zone.
From a distance, Averi saw a man in camouflage pants step off the bus. He was tall and had a posture that was unusually straight, making him stand out.
His hair was even shorter than when they first met, making his sharp features stand out more. He had gotten a tan, and his exposed arms were now more muscular, the lines more defined than they had been three months ago.
Averi didn't feel the need to speak right away, instead quietly observing. It wasn't just her; everyone who walked by couldn't help but steal an extra glance at him. There was something about him that made people take notice, even if only for a second.
This version of Dallas felt different to her, in a way that stirred something deep inside her—a sudden, unexpected pull.
He scanned the crowd for her, his eyes squinting against the harsh sunlight, a guarded tension in his posture as he remained alert to his surroundings. At the moment I saw her, my eyes softened instantly, my thin lips involuntarily lifted, and I strode towards her.
Averi raised her hand in a casual wave, her smile soft and warm, her eyes sparkling with a gentle kindness that made her seem as poised as ever.
"Have you been waiting for a long time? "Dallas asked as he got into the car.
Averi shook her head, her voice calm. "I just got here."
The autumn heat in J City was brutal, with October being the peak of it all. Sweat dripped from him, and the mix of soap and light perspiration lingered in the air, reaching Averi's senses.
Averi's lower abdomen twitched, and a slight wetness emanated from between her legs.
The nipples also seemed to have hardened, lightly rubbing against the bra, creating a suppressed pleasure.
Averi started the car, her expression unchanged as she glanced over and asked, "Is it that hot outside? You're sweating so much."
Dallas looked down, tugging at the collar of his shirt and sniffing it, then glanced at her and asked, "Is it that bad?"
"No." Averi adjusted the air conditioning vent and said," Don't blow it in the opposite direction, be careful of catching a cold.
Dallas gently took her hand and placed it on his thigh, holding it firmly.
"I'm driving," Averi replied, glancing at him briefly.
Dallas responded with a nod and didn't let go. After grabbing for a while, he changed it to pinching her fingers and gently caressing them with his thumb.
His cocoon has also thickened a bit, giving him a primitive sense of power.
Knowing he was thinking of her, there probably weren't any 'crooked thoughts', but Avery got even wetter.
Dallas didn't let go until she got on the highway, letting her grip the steering wheel with both hands.
Returning to the apartment, Dallas pressed down on her and kissed her for a while, then said he wanted to take a shower and left her.
Averi glanced at him, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she said, "You know, if you're in a hurry, I guess you could skip it."
Dallas pursed his lips and looked at her, hesitating for three or four seconds before going to take a shower.
He didn't want to seem too eager, especially not rushing in the door and going straight for her without even taking a shower.
Averi sighed inwardly, wondering if returning to the military would reshape his inexplicable sense of morality as well?
If he touches her between her legs, he will know that she is ready and it won't hurt to just insert her.
But Averi doesn't intend to tell him, is there anything more addictive than the repressed Dallas?
No.
Dallas came out after taking a shower and saw Avery asking him seriously what he was eating. He was stunned for a moment and sat down with his semi soft penis.
His eyes were so hot that they were about to devour her alive, and he even pretended to choose a restaurant.
The two of them went out for dinner and watched a movie.
Averi chose the couple's room and sat in the corner, slowly touching Dallas' lap with one hand. He felt his muscles tighten instantly, and the things under his pants were rapidly engorged, causing the zipper to deform.
She only sparked the tension, never eased it. He pulled his hand back, his gaze fixed on the big screen, as if more absorbed in it than anyone else.
The screen was showing a dramatic scene where the leads were saying their final goodbyes, but she couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth.
They were just as bad as when they first met — their actions just as crude, with the same unspoken tension.
He used to hate so much that his teeth itched, but now——
Averi noticed his gaze, turned her head to meet his eyes, and a playful smile curved her lips as she silently asked, "Still watching?"
Dallas had deep eyes and stood up as a response.
