DWUSS 07

Chapter 7.

Kitty stood in the middle of the bright, immaculate bathroom, staring into the mirror. Her hair, red as a blazing sunset, curled and swept around her shoulders. The makeup—bold but not excessive—cleverly concealed her true appearance.

She turned her head from side to side, studying herself. She definitely didn’t look like Greta anymore, right? At least to Kitty’s eyes, she looked like someone entirely different. No one would ever guess she was that famous war hero.

And the disguise had worked on plenty of people—she just wasn’t sure whether it would fool Percy as well.

He didn’t recognize me.

Kitty felt certain. Percy had no idea Greta—his runaway wife—stood right in front of him. But of all people in the world, why did he have to take interest in “Kitty Summers”? Of all the women he could choose—why her?

The coincidence was absurd.

Once forced together by a marriage neither wanted, now fate had thrown them together again like this.

But at least the worst didn’t happen.

The fact that Percy didn’t recognize Greta was a very good sign.

If she could fool the man who knew her most closely, maybe she could fool the entire world forever.

People were still desperate to know what had become of Greta Holt.

It made sense—she was the legendary war hero, after all.

But Kitty had no intention of revealing herself ever again.

She wanted Greta to finally be free.

If the world would simply forget Greta Holt existed, Kitty would ask for nothing more.

To live as Kitty Summers in a world where Greta had vanished.

That was what she wanted.

The woman in the mirror—Kitty Summers—was lovely and refined. She looked untouched by pain. As if she were someone made purely out of the bright and beautiful parts of the world.

Maybe Percy was drawn to her for that reason.

Even Percy wouldn’t want to be with a woman drowning in the shadows of war.

Kitty inhaled deeply, then stepped out of the bathroom with a newly formed resolve.

She rounded the corner and the interior of the upscale restaurant spread out before her. Everyone there wore suits or elegant dresses. Clearly, this place wasn’t open to just anyone.

A chandelier hung from the high ceiling, scattering a dazzling glow. Kitty spotted Percy seated at a table draped in white linen, lost in thought.

Even without his air force uniform, dressed instead in formal attire, he reminded her of the aide-de-camp she knew during the war. The feeling was strange.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

Kitty sat down. Percy snapped out of his thoughts, a smile easing across his lips. He really was handsome—no wonder Hannah swooned over him…

“I was wondering when you’d come back.”

“What, were you afraid I’d run away?”

“Well, that has happened before.”

It was a dark joke, but Kitty didn’t mind.

“By the way, aren’t you worried? Coming here with me, I mean.”

“What do you mean?”

“Everyone knows who you are. They know you’re married. Some people are not going to like seeing you with me.”

“It’s fine. Greta would understand.”

“But other people—”

“Their opinions have never mattered. Let them gossip. I’m tired of caring about rumors.”

He really looked exasperated. Of course—people had undoubtedly talked about Greta’s disappearance. About what might have happened between them. Both publicly and privately.

“So now you’ve decided to do whatever you want?”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“A cute act of rebellion. That’s the life of a public figure. Looks like you’re adjusting well.”

Kitty smiled and took a sip of water. Percy’s gaze never left her—not in a suspicious way, but as though he simply couldn’t look away.

“Still, I was surprised. I thought I was pretty well-known myself. But you acted like you had no idea who I was.”

“I’ve been out of touch with the world since I left the military.”

“You left the military?”

Oh no. Greta’s voice almost slipped out.

Fortunately, Percy didn’t notice.

“Yes. It’s been a while.”

“But you’re a hero. You must’ve had a promising future ahead.”

“That’s true, but… once the war ended, I realized I had no reason to stay. I kept thinking—what can I do in a world where that person no longer exists?”

Did he mean Greta Holt? Kitty thought he was an idiot but didn’t let it show. He gave up a guaranteed future? Then again—she wasn’t one to talk.

“So what do you do now?”

“I stay at home. Alone.”

Unemployed?

“The house you lived in with your wife?”

“No. I have my own place. I live there now.”

The answer struck her as both pitiful and frustrating.

Kitty genuinely cared about him. She wanted him to survive the war, and when the war ended, she hoped he’d walk a path of glory, honor, and stability.

But he had thrown all of that away just to… stay home alone.

Suddenly she needed a drink.

Kitty poured herself wine and emptied the glass in one go. One glass was not nearly enough.

Seriously, who admits he’s unemployed to a woman he’s trying to flirt with?

“So tell me, Mr. Collins.”

“Just call me Percy.”

“Percy, what do you like about me? My face?”

“You’re making me sound shallow.”

“Honesty is a virtue.”

“Then shall I be completely honest?”

Kitty shrugged, giving permission. Kitty Summers was beautiful; it was only natural Percy liked her appearance.

Naturally—

“The first moment I saw you, I wanted to kiss you.”

Naturally…?

Hearing such words from Percy Collins was shocking. She’d met plenty of men, but no one had been so blunt—especially not shy, awkward Percy.

Was this a moment to splash water in his face?

She would have, if it were any other man. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

His deep golden eyes locked onto hers. She couldn’t tell if she was captivated by him, or if he was captivated by her. Desire shone in his gaze like thick, molten honey.

She had never expected that from her loyal aide-de-camp.

His neatly styled black hair had fallen slightly, his brows were boldly defined, and every feature of his face was flawless. And all of him was focused solely on her.

This wasn’t the aide she used to know.

This wasn’t the man who blushed whenever she teased him.

“I’m joking.”

He finally leaned back with a playful smile. Time resumed. But Kitty knew he wasn’t joking at all.

He meant it.

While his gaze drifted away, Kitty blurted out impulsively:

“Then kiss me.”

Damn. What did I just say?

It had to be the alcohol.

She decided to own it and doubled down.

“If you want to kiss me, then do it. I like you. I’ll allow it.”

Surely he’d get flustered. Kitty knew him—he would.

Percy Collins would never kiss a woman he just met—

“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”

But once again, he didn’t react the way she expected. He simply studied her, as if weighing her sincerity.

…She already regretted it a little.

He was serious. He looked ready to act on it right now.

Apparently Kitty Summers was a direct hit to his preferences.

What a shame. After tonight, she had no intention of ever seeing him again.

Kitty sighed and took another swallow of wine.

If she was going to grant a wish, she might as well grant it properly.

After tonight, she would disappear.

“I’ll know whether I regret it or not once you show me.”

Percy didn’t answer—he just smiled.

It felt like a wicked joke.

A third kiss with him—while pretending to be someone else.

Yeah. More alcohol was definitely necessary.

There was no handling this sober.