Page 119 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“Okay?” he asked.

I rubbed my sweaty palms on my leggings. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

They separated and began circling. When Zola shot forward, I wasn’t prepared. She moved quickly, wrapping her arms around my body. I managed a sound, a mix between a gasp and a shriek.

“Fight her,” Laurent growled.

I recovered and ordered her to release me. I was so surprised when she did, that I missed the blur that was Hassan, snatching me up in her place. “Stop!” I ordered, my voice taking on that melodic quality. All three of them froze. Laurent fought free of my hold first, rushing for me.

I couldn’t help the thrill, the surge in my heartbeat as his body collided with mine, as he swept me into his arms. Admittedly, I didn’t tell him to put me down immediately. When I did, he growled, as if also frustrated.

What followed was an hour of them rushing me while I used my voice and any other defenses I’d learned, to stall and escape. They grew more daring, less forgiving, until our training turned into an all out race for my life.

Every order I issued lasted no more than a few seconds on them. Stop. Stay. Back up. Release me. They didn’t get me very far—but they did buy me time.

Anyone watching us probably thought we were playing a bizarre game of tag around the manor grounds, through the hedge maze and the flower beds. The only one who got tired was me. Eventually my gasping breaths made speaking difficult.

“Take a break,” Laurent said at last. I wanted to cry out in relief. “In a real situation, your circumstances will be dire. A three second gain could mean the difference between life and death, but I worry it isn’t enough.”

“I’ll get better,” I promised. “I just need practice.”

He hesitated, then nodded.

Vittorio emerged from the house to deposit a squirming Cinnamon before me. After several long minutes of me trying to calm my breathing, we started up our next round. Cinnamon joined the chase, nipping at our heels.

The sight of her reduced me to hysterics. Laurent’s arms snatched me, pulling me flush to his chest. Instead of fighting back, I buried my nose against his neck and collapsed into a fit of giggles. “You’re not taking this seriously,” he growled. His obvious frustration made me sigh. I kissed the corner of his mouth and his arms tightened.

“Perhaps we call it?” Hassan suggested. “She has worked hard today, sire.”

“Yes, I have,” I pouted up at him. “I deserve a medal for having to put up with you lot. Cinna and I are going to go enjoy a nice long nap, thank you very much.” I straightened, untangling myself from Laurent’s embrace.

“Fine. All right.” Laurent’s gaze didn’t waver as I strode toward my playful pup. I scooped her into my arms, satisfied at the way Laurent’s features softened. I needed to relish these moments, because my cute pup was already getting so big. Soon, I wouldn’t be able to carry her.

“Shall we have dinner together, darling,” Zola asked, coming over to stroke Cinna’s soft fur.

“I’d like that⁠—“

“Dinner will be held in the dining room this evening,” Laurent announced far too quickly.

“He’s no fun,” Zola scoffed. “Won’t even share you with the rest of us.”

“What do you think a family dinner is, Zola, if not sharing?”

Zola merely rolled her eyes. “Come. I’ll escort you back inside.”

Laurent’s mouth opened like he might protest. He snapped his lips closed and sped off into the house. Hassan followed, until it was just Zola and I comfortably strolling through the garden toward the door.

“I am glad of this change in him,” she mused. “Though I did not quite anticipate…this.”

“This? What do you mean?” Cinna squirmed, but I only cuddled her closer.

“I’ve never seen him so…protective? Attached? Soft?” I flushed. “It isn’t a bad thing. Don’t mistake my surprise for anything beyond that. Laurent’s father…”

“Did you know him?”

“No. He was gone by the time I was made.”

“He was a real asshole.”