Chapter 2 CAPTAIN RYAN

A military bus drove into the army barracks and headquarters in Vanceney City, Alcantra. One by one, the soldiers alighted from the bus and walked into the building.

"Captain" the other soldiers saluted to the Alpha Team captain. The team known as the bravest and most valiant. The captain returned the salute to dismiss them and walked straight to the general's office. He knocked on the door.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it..." the general said to the other person on the phone before hanging up when he heard the knock. "Come in."

Captain Ryan entered and closed the door behind him.

"Sir" he greeted with a salute.

"At ease, Captain Ryan" the general answered, and Ryan relaxed his posture.

"I'm glad to see you back safe and sound. Have a seat" the general said.

"Thank you, sir" Ryan said and sat down.

"News of your victory has spread all over the country. The President himself wants to host you and your team on the armed forces day of remembrance at the Grey House" the general said with pride.

"I was just doing my job, General" Ryan answered modestly.

"Still, it's rare to see someone like you in this line of work. As the son of the richest man in the country, you could have been working in a luxury office at your father's company, yet you chose to put your life on the line" the general said.

"It's what I chose to do, sir" Ryan said calmly.

"Good to hear. You and your team should get some rest and prepare for the visit to the President. After that, you'll have some well deserved time off until the next mission" the general said.

"Thank you, sir" Ryan said, rising to his feet. He saluted and exited the office.

Outside the building, his team waited. When they saw him, they all saluted again.

"Come on, guys. We're off duty now" Ryan said with a smile, and the team laughed.

"Ryan, your car's here" Jeffrey, his long time friend, said.

"Thanks, Jeff. See you all next at the Grey House" Ryan said and walked over to a sleek, brand new sports car waiting for him. One by one, the team began heading off too.

The car pulled over in front of the grand Powers mansion. Several maids were already waiting outside. Ryan got out of the car, and the maids quickly took his bags.

"Welcome, young master" they greeted, and Ryan gave them a brief wave before walking into the mansion.

"Ryan, my dear!" Mrs. Powers called joyfully, coming down the stairs to hug her son. "I'm so happy you're back safe and sound."

"Thanks, Mum" Ryan said, gently pulling away from her hug. "Where's Dad?"

"He should be home soon, but he hasn't been around much lately" she answered.

"Why not?" Ryan asked, starting to unbutton his military uniform.

"Work at the company has been overwhelming. That's why I keep telling you to quit the army and come help your father. Please, Ryan" she said.

"Mum, I chose this work. I want to serve in the army, just like grandfather" Ryan said firmly.

"Who in their right mind chooses such a dangerous life? You're my only son and you're not getting any younger, you're 28 now. Won't you settle down and give me a grandchild! My friend, Mrs. Birkliff, already has two grandchildren" Mrs. Powers complained.

"I shouldn't have come home. I should have gone to my villa" Ryan said, clearly annoyed. Just then, a voice called out from the kitchen.

"Dinner is ready, Mrs. Powers" Cynthia announced.

"Cynthia?" Ryan said, surprised.

"Ryan!" Cynthia called in a squealed tone and ran into his arms, hugging him tightly while grinning. Mrs. Powers looked on fondly, smiling at the reunion.

"She's been here since this morning. I got to know you were coming home because of her" Mrs. Powers said.

"I've missed you so much" Cynthia said.

Just then, another voice came from the doorway. "Hope I didn't miss anything" Mr. Powers said as he entered, a maid trailing behind with his bag.

"Dad!" Ryan said and shook his hand firmly.

"Come on, son. Don't just shake my hand, give me a hug. Cynthia's not the only one who deserves one" Mr. Powers joked, and everyone laughed. Ryan hugged him too.

"I made your favorite meal" Cynthia said excitedly. "Let's eat now that Mr. Powers is home."

"She's right. Let's have dinner" Mrs. Powers said.

Later, Ryan and Cynthia sat in the living room chatting.

"When did you return from Mozaq?" Ryan asked.

"Three months ago and this time for good. I came back seven months ago but heard you had already left. I've missed you so much, Ryan. All our fun times and long talks" Cynthia said.

"What have you been up to? And how's Mrs. Macaulay?" Ryan asked.

"Mum's still in Mozaq, but I decided to stay here in Vanceney. It's the city for big shots. Didn't I tell you I launched my fashion house?" Cynthia said.

"I know. Do you know Jeffrey Connor?" Ryan asked.

"Jeffrey Connor?" she repeated, thinking. "My manager mentioned a name like that. He seems to be a regular customer at my store."

"I told him about your store. He's one of my closest friends in the army" Ryan said.

"Thank you, Ryan and thank you for supporting my business too" Cynthia smiled.

"What about your boyfriend?" Ryan asked.

"Ryan, I told you we broke up three months ago, just before I moved here. That idiot accused me of sleeping with you. I tried to explain that we've been friends since we were kids, but he didn't believe me. Well, he's out of the picture now. Guess he left me for you" Cynthia teased, and Ryan chuckled.

"You didn't give me the full gist about your break up" she said.

"Nothing much Cynthia. She broke up with me just as I was about to introduce her to my parents. She said she couldn't bear with my line of work. I heard she got married five months ago. That's all" Ryan said.

"Our fiancées broke up with us. Maybe we were meant for each other" Cynthia said playfully with a wink.

Just then, Mrs. Powers appeared on the staircase and called "Ryan."

Ryan turned around.

"I need to talk to you" she said.

Ryan got up and went to her while Cynthia stayed seated, munching snacks and watching TV.

"What's it, Mum?" Ryan asked.

"She's been here all day. Are you two in a relationship now?" Mrs. Powers asked.

"Mum, you know we've been friends since high school. We're not dating" Ryan said.

"She's a lovely girl, from a good family, and has her own business. If you two end up together, I would be so happy" she said.

"You just want a grandchild, right? I'll adopt one for you" Ryan teased.

"I don't want an adopted grandchild, Ryan. I want your own child. You're getting older. I don't want to grow old in a silent house with no children around. That's why I appreciate Cynthia. She visits me often and sometimes sleeps over. She keeps me company. You're both single, so take a chance" she said.

"Alright, Mum. I'll think about it" Ryan said.

"I'm going back to my husband. You two should enjoy the night. Good night" she said.

"Good night, Mum" Ryan said and went back to the living room.

"You know, I always sleep in your room whenever I stay here" Cynthia said with a smile.

"Well, let's go to my room then. It's getting late and I need to rest" Ryan said.

"Are you sure? You know you don't allow us sleep together before" she said, teasing.

"That's because you had a boyfriend. Now we're both single" Ryan said, and Cynthia smiled.

"Let's go" she said, and they both headed to his room.

Inside, Cynthia stood in front of the mirror, tying her short brown hair into a bun.

"I'll be right back, I left my phone downstairs" Ryan said and left the room.

While he was away, Cynthia removed all her clothes and walked into the bathroom. After taking her bath, she sat in front of the mirror to moisturize her skin, wearing a transparent nightgown. Ryan entered the room and saw her.

He walked up and stayed behind her, placing his hands gently on her cheeks as he looked at her through the mirror.

"Come on, Ryan, I just applied face cream" she laughed.

"You still haven't stopped pampering your skin" Ryan said playfully, taking the cream from her.

Cynthia quickly stood and tried to take it back, giggling. In the struggle, she almost slipped, but Ryan caught her. Their eyes met. His hands were on her waist and hers around his neck. They held the gaze, and Ryan's eyes roamed over her transparent gown. He could see her breast through it and his body started betraying him at the moment. It's been long he had been with a woman and right now, he can't resist this temptation. He leaned forward and kissed her. Cynthia returned the kiss like she had been waiting for it all her life.

Suddenly, Ryan pulled back and went to drop the cream in his hand on the table. He walked back to Cynthia who was still standing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

But Cynthia pulled him close to her again, her breast pressed against his sturdy chest.

"You don't need to say sorry. I've loved you since we were kids. I only dated Dennis because you never asked me out" she said.

"Are you sure you want this?" Ryan asked, and Cynthia nodded.

He kissed her again, more deeply this time. Their hands explored each other's bodies. Ryan carried her to the bed, still kissing her. As soon as Cynthia lay on the bed, Ryan gently pulled the strap of her gown off her shoulder and began kissing her neck and chest. His hands found her breasts and he began fondling them.

Cynthia felt his arousal pressing against her. He stopped kissing for a moment and unzipped his trousers.

"When was the last time you did this?" Cynthia asked, rubbing her thighs seductively.

"Since Kieran left me. That was like a year ago, maybe" Ryan answered. "And you?"

"Months ago, when I was still with Dennis" she answered.

"Well, forget Dennis. Think about me now" Ryan said as he kissed her thighs, pulling up her gown.

"I should give you a proper homecoming" Cynthia seductively said as she sat up. Ryan looked at her, intrigued.

She stood up and turned Ryan around, then she pushed him gently on the bed. He lay back, and she climbed on top of him.

"You're going to enjoy this" Cynthia said with a confident smile, and Ryan smiled back.