The General or the Man

By C.Lyon

When resources such as gas, clean water, and food become short the world fell apart: criminals ran rampant, and riots started in major cities. The military was sent in to restore order. Somewhere during the restoring of order and setting up alternative energy sites the military took control.

Savannah Rivers is a passionate member of a movement fighting to restore a democratic government. She is the internet whiz running message boards to help communication. When she moves closer to headquarters as the movement gains traction, she meets Garrett. Now is not the time for her to find romance and her role in the movement requires her to give him a fake name. But before she knows what happened she is falling quickly.

Her two worlds collide when Garrett turns out to be General Michaels the ruthless military leader. Savannah finds herself in hiding but her need to run catches up with her and so does the miliary. She finds herself a prisoner of the man she fell in love with, but which one is real the General or the man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.Lyon
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224858552

Book preview

Prologue

S avannah her mom called . She crouched down behind the tree. She used to play outside till dark and now her mom kept her inside. Savannah, come inside now she heard.

Sighing she came out from behind the tree and trotted up to the back door. Her mother stood in the doorway, hands on hips, but her face didn’t look annoyed, she seemed scared. Savannah, you don’t understand the dangers outside she scolded.

She stomped her feet at the door to remove any dirt What is so dangerous? she asked walking inside.

Criminals, desperate for fuel and food sources are rampant near the big cities, it’s only a matter of time before they are in our back yard her mom said locking the door as she closed it.

Why would they come here? Savannah asked filling a glass of water from the fridge.

Because the big cities are running out her mom replied.

How can they be running out? she asked plopping down on the sofa.

Her mom sat down beside her. People used these resources like they would never run out she explained. When there started to be shortages there was panic. That caused the shortages to grow quicker and expand. People went crazy. There have been riots in some larger cities.

Why were there riots? she asked.

People in large groups can become a mob. The police don’t have enough people to protect every gas station her mom said. The military has been going into the larger cities to restore order, but the problem just seems to move.

Would the military come here to keep us safe? Savannah asked.

I’m not sure we want them to her mom said standing up and looking out the window.

Why? Savannah asked.

They have done good, overseeing installation of solar panels on roofs throughout the cities, wind farms outside. The hope is to replace power plants with these quickly she explained But the areas they have stepped in to help, they have taken control of and instituted strict laws.

What kind of laws Savannah asked.

Curfew, restrictions on purchases, outlawing gas-powered vehicles, etc.... she replied But don’t worry I’m sure they will back off once they address the resource shortages.

Chapter 1

Savannah sipped her drink and looked around the crowded bar. She missed the quiet of her small town. Her role assisting the movement had grown quickly. Moving close to the capital where their headquarters was located became necessary.

She downed the last of her drink. Being involved in the movement made her a criminal or traitor in the eyes of the military. The military that overthrew the government and took control of the country. Her small town where she grew up, she felt safe. Here in the capital next to the largest military base on the east coast she knew she was at risk.

The last week she spent unpacking and making sandwiches. Couped up inside her place was making her crazy. She knew it was risky going out with anyone in the movement but going out alone seemed okay, not completely safe. She picked up the menu again, if she was going to have another drink, she needed dinner.

I recommend the nachos but be warned they are additive a silky voice said from behind. A tall figure moved next to her at the bar, leaning over and smiling. She gazed into crystal blue eyes twinkling with promise.

Hello, I’m Garrett he said offering his hand. She took a moment looking at this stranger. His smile was intriguing, his curls, small and sandy blonde, were beautiful. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, giving her a peek at his toned chest. His jeans hugged him like a glove. She looked up and he winked, she blushed turning her gaze back to the bar, it wasn’t like her to openly check out a guy. When she accepted his outstretched hand, he pulled it to his lips. Electricity sizzled where his lips touched.

Savannah sucked in a breath and smiled back at him. It’s nice to meet you Garrett she said pulling her hand back.

He locked eyes with her. Normally this is when you give the other person your name he teased.

Is that what I’m supposed to do she stalled. Becky warned her about giving anyone her name. Her real name was known among some of the military. This seemed like a local who likely wouldn’t know it, but she should be vigilant. Looking up she realized he stood there watching her, waiting. Lucy she said Not very exciting.

Pleasure to meet you Lucy he teased. Can I buy you a drink?

I probably need to eat something before I have another drink she said.

Nachos it is he said motioning to the bartender. Before she could stop him, he ordered nachos and another drink for her. Then sat on the barstool next to her and leaned on his arm gazing at her.

Is this how you spend your evenings? she asked.

Buying nachos for the most beautiful woman in the bar? he responded, smiling.

I was thinking more along the lines of ordering food for a random woman in the bar without asking what she wants Savannah teased.

My apologies, I am not good at this he smiled I will have the nachos and would love to split them with you or order whatever you would prefer.

I like nachos she conceded,

Like them enough to share them with me? he pressed. His eyes danced but he looked nervous. Savannah’s resistance melted and she nodded. He smiled and she felt her heart flutter.

The bartender brought a huge plate of nachos. This might be more than a two-person job she said.

I like a challenge he said grabbing a nacho. Savannah reached in and took one. He leaned his towards hers. She was confused for a moment until he toasted his to hers. She laughed and took a bite. Savannah couldn’t remember the last time she felt relaxed talking to anyone, especially a member of the opposite sex. 

You look deep in thought he commented taking a sip of his beer.

She looked at him for a moment Contemplating you she said.

Good or bad? he asked smiling.

She shrugged I haven’t decided, but I’m intrigued.

His eyes lit up I can live with that he said.

They sat for hours sharing nachos and a few drinks. Savannah wondered if it was possible to fall for a guy you just met. Lucy she heard him say. She shook her head, remembering she gave him a fake name. Pausing she considered giving him her real name, but that could not only put her at risk but others helping the movement. She tried to focus on what he was saying You okay he asked.

She pulled it together Yes, sorry, just tired. I should head home she said standing up.

He looked for the bartender I can give you a ride home he offered trying to get the bill paid.

I’m good, thank you she said. Thank you for a wonderful evening. She started towards the door.

Wait he called. She paused and turned to look at him. How can I see you again?

She sighed considering for a moment. He smiled, his smile was soft and warm. Something stirred in her Can we meet back here? Same day, same time next week?

He smiled and nodded. I will count the minutes he said. She smiled and hurried out.

Chapter 2

Two days later Savannah donned her track pants, tank top, and a headband. She grabbed her headphones, fanny pack, and filled her water bottle. After locking her apartment, she headed down to the street. She loved how close her place was to a running trail. Stepping outside she took a swig of water and headed down the street where the trails started.

Starting her run was the hardest part. She felt tired before she started and the idea of running miles seemed overwhelming. After the first mile she started to feel her energy pumping. By the time she reached mile three her groove was solid. She felt the runners high everyone talked about, and she felt like she could run forever.

She felt sweat dripping down her face and arms, but the music in her ears fueled her legs. She rounded a turn near the stream and almost collided with another runner who had stopped to drink his water. Sorry she said stepping to the side and continuing.

Wait she heard a voice call Lucy it took a moment to recognize the name and the voice. She started to slow as a figure jogged up to her. Hey he said as they stopped together.

She was still catching her breath, but she smiled and pulled out her water bottle. Sorry I get in a zone when I’m running.

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. This must be fate he said. I was thinking about you on my run.

Good thoughts I hope she said putting her water bottle back. He didn’t respond, just smiled and locked eyes with her. Sweat was beading down his face. Her gaze drifted down, he wasn’t wearing a shirt exposing his chest and abs. He looked like he lived in a gym, his chest was solid muscle, abs chiseled. He cleared his throat, making her look up. They made eye contact and electricity fizzled between them. The energy pulsed and tension built around them. She sucked in a breath and looked away.

He smiled You are a runner he asked.

Everyday she replied. I should probably finish.

Okay if I join? he asked.

If you can keep up she said starting forward.

Challenge accepted he ran beside her.

They ran together for another four