“Like fuck I am. But someone has to play devil’s advocate.”
The truth remains, as much as I dislike the change to plots and strategies, I prefer the unit when he’s around, which is a weird confession that took me some time to come to terms with.
I step forward, and Viktor follows suit. Upon seeing us, all the noise dies down as the soldiers straighten and salute.
Viktor gives them the ‘at ease’ motion, and they comply at once. My gaze strays to Lipovsky, who’s still between Maksim and Rulan, face red and so soft, it should be a crime for him to be in the military.
You’re getting distracted again.
I let my eyes wander to the rest of my men. “As you all know, we’re departing tomorrow for the mission. Viktor already divided the roles, and we practiced the path we’ll take enough times that you should be able to recognize it in your sleep. Starting tonight, I want you to forget everything, including your names, and only remember the plan. As usual, I’m going to need you all to come back in one piece. If you die, I will kill you.”
Some snicker, others nod while hiding laughter, but one stern look from Viktor is enough to throw them back into the serious mood.
He’s an asshole. No doubt about it. A useful asshole, but an asshole all the same.
“We’ll go through the plan again tomorrow morning,” I continue. “You’re dismissed.”
They salute again, and I turn to leave. Viktor stays behind, probably to nag them like an old hag for daring to have fun.
When I’m in the hall, I notice I’m not alone. I can also figure out who it is without looking back. Only one in my unit has light footfalls without trying to conceal them.
“What do you want, Lipovsky?” I ask as I turn around.
He comes to an abrupt halt and swallows thickly. His shirt is crumpled at the top, revealing the hair-thin veins peeking from beneath his fair skin.
Lipovsky, obviously caught off guard, shifts on his feet, studies his surroundings, and breathes heavily before he finally looks at me.
“I don’t have all day,” I say when he remains statuesque without saying anything.
“You…Viktor gave me the role of backup.”
“So?”
“Why can’t I be on the front lines?”
“Because you’re too volatile and I can’t trust you in a precise and sensitive spot.”
“I score among the top five in sniping.”
“That means nothing when you lack on-field experience.”
His eyes shine with that infuriating challenge that both made me notice and want to squash him beneath my shoes that first time. “How would I get that experience if you don’t give it to me…sir?”
The little fuck has the audacity to act all proper and according to protocol. It’d be so easy to destroy him and break his spirit enough that he’d willingly leave.
But that’s neither necessary nor fun.
I step forward. “I might give you a chance if you answer a question.”
He straightens and, curiously, his colorful eyes become a bright green. “Yes, sir.”
“Why have you been avoiding me?”
His shoulders hunch so fast, it would be comical under any other circumstance. “I…have not.”
“Night, soldier.”
“No, wait.” He jumps in front of me so that his chest nearly slams against mine.