Page 118 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

Laurent was right about needing my strength. I was grateful for my protein-rich breakfast once Hassan began training me. Sweat beaded my skin, soaking my T-shirt and workout shorts. Not only did he teach me about my center of gravity, how to find my balance, and how to move gracefully, but he spent an additional hour working out the most crucial self defense tactics for disarming and escape.

Throughout it all, I battled with embarrassment. I knew absolutely nothing about self defense, about using my elbows, or pulling free of someone’s grasp. It was humbling to realize that all my academic achievements meant nothing if I couldn’t protect myself from a basic physical threat.

“I get the point about defending myself,” I panted, stepping away to catch my breath. “But explain why this matters against supernaturals like vampires?”

“Because,” Hassan countered, straightening to stare at me. “You’re feeding from Laurent. Vampire blood enhances everything. Why do you think Red Allure is so popular?”

“You… You know I’m feeding from him?” My cheeks flushed.

He ignored my question and said, “Given that Laurent’s blood is stronger than most vampires, your improved abilities will be that much better. See here? How you moved a few moments ago? That was faster than any human.”

I hadn’t noticed.

“Now, let’s begin again.”

Hassan was calm, collected, and soft-spoken, but he was also firm. The way he matter-of-factly explained my enhanced abilities made me oddly thrilled by the idea of becoming stronger. He guided me, told me when I wasn’t doing something correctly. I enjoyed the way he taught.

It was well past lunchtime when we finished. We departed the gym—which Zola hadn’t shown me on our tour—and emerged through yet another secret door onto the ground floor. Hassan promised we’d do this all over again tomorrow, and continue once we reached Italy.

Vittorio found me as I entered my room. He left lunch on the table while I showered. Laurent was sitting there when I emerged in nothing but a towel. I gasped, nearly dropping it.

Amusement danced across his features, such a contrast to his usual emptiness. “Don’t mind me,” he said, leaning back, making a show of getting comfortable. But I caught the way his eyes tracked every drop of water sliding down my skin, the possessive hunger barely contained beneath his casual facade.

I glared before disappearing to rummage around in my closet. I emerged freshly dressed in a pair of leggings and fitted top. Laurent made a humming sound, sparing me a final glance before helping himself to my food. I pretended to scoff, then took a seat, snatching the plate from him.

“I earned this, thanks,” I said, tucking into the veggie stir fry.

“How did it go?” he asked.

“Good,” I said through a mouthful. I told him everything Hassan and I worked on.

Once I was finished eating, we went downstairs. I dropped off the tray and followed Laurent out onto the back lawn. Hassan and Zola were waiting. “Darling,” Zola said, coming over to kiss both cheeks.

I gave her a hug and squeezed extra hard. “Your children are all right?”

“They are recovering, yes. I am sorry that I have been absent.”

“It’s okay.” I shrugged. “Your children are important to you. They should be your priority.”

“All right,” Laurent said, slipping on a pair of sunglasses. The others were already wearing theirs. I couldn’t help but linger a moment over the sight of him, how good he looked. “We’re going to test out the limitations of Lily’s ability to control us. If possible, help her get better at it. When we reach Italy, our rivals will do all they can to undermine this family.”

I twisted my fingers together. “Will they try to take me? Kidnap me, I mean?”

“Yes.” Laurent stared at me and I hated that I couldn’t see his eyes. “It will be dangerous, but I will not shut you away. I will not hide you from the world. A flower without sunshine will wither.”

I swallowed and nodded.

“Let’s get started,” he said. “We will attempt to capture you and you will use your ability to resist us.”

“All three at once?” My brow furrowed.

“For now.”

“But—“ That was…a lot. Fighting off one of them felt doable. Not all three.

Laurent seemed to read my mind. “If someone tries to take you, I promise there will be more than one of them.”

His matter-of-fact tone sent ice through my veins. This wasn’t theoretical anymore. Laurent truly expected our enemies to target me in Italy.