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“Nothing happened.” I defend myself, although I don’t know why.
It’s probably because a lot did happen. We definitely crossed a threshold this morning. I look to each of them again, and remind myself why I’m here.
Carmen raises an eyebrow and Rosalie cocks her head to the side, but neither call me out on my fibbing. Instead, they exchange a knowing look that tells me they know better than to press the issue right now. Despite their curiosity, and our friendship, they can tell when I don’t want to talk about something and, for once, give me a pass. We switch back to safer topics, like what we should do for lunch.
“Zeb dropped me off for a meeting. They’re talking strategy about what to do about Scott. I was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite to eat and what you’re doing this afternoon. Zeb says he’s going to teach me self-defense.”
“Ah, the dreaded self-defense class.” Rosalie rocks back and groans. “They are relentless.”
“It sounds like a good idea. Don’t you want to know how to defend yourself?”
“I do, it’s just sparring practice with a Guardian is intense. Hayes wants me to be an expert, and I’m just not.” Rosalie vents a frustrated sigh. “It’s not in my wheelhouse.”
“Oh, come on.” Carmen gets up from the couch. “Kaye’s right. It’s a good idea.”
“Hey, Zeb mentioned going out later tonight.” I sense the stress in Rosalie and figure a change of topic is a good idea. “Said Rafe is some secret chef and is cooking at insanity. What does that mean?”
“Oh, that’s right. I don’t think I mentioned it, but Rafe’s a master chef andInsanityis probably the coolest place on earth.”
“What is it?” I look at Carmen, confused.
“It’s Angel Fire’s home,” Carmen says.
“The rock stars?” I’ve heard of Angel Fire. Everyone with a pulse has heard about Angel Fire. They’re a worldwide sensation, and I’m definitely a fan. I’m way more than a fan. I’m secretly obsessed.
“You do know that Skye and Forest live there, right? She’s married to their lead singer? And Mitzy’s married to Noodles? The keyboardist?” She looks at me like I’m an idiot.
“I had no idea.”
“Well, Rafe and I went there when I was preparing for how to return to my father after my whole jump on the rope thing. He wound up cooking lunch and they loved it so much, he now cooks for them once a month. He asked if Bravo team could join and they said yes. Then Alpha team wanted to get in on the action. It’s now an unofficially official Guardian get-together. Super cool and tons of fun.”
Carmen takes my hand and squeezes it gently as if to reassure me that everything’s going to be all right. “Final words, because we should probably get lunch before sparring practice, but we’re all here for each other. What’s the saying? All for one and one for all? We’re the Four Musketeers.” She releases my hand and stands. “Now, let’s get out of here before Rafe and Hayes come back with reinforcements.” We all laugh at this, but soon enough, the laughter fades away as we make our way outside.
Guardian HQ is an amazing place, but for us, it’s Guardian Jail. Realizing once more just how fragile our lives are and how quickly things can change in an instant, I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful I have this as an option.
If not for Carmen and Rosalie, what would I have done?
As we step out into the fresh air, I take a deep breath. This is a second chance for me, and I’m determined to do better this time around. I’m going to make better decisions. No more shortcuts.
It’s not worth the risk.
TWENTY-THREE
Kaye
Sparring with Zebcan only be described as intense. If intense means tons of hands-on, physical contact. I try to keep from drooling as he explains the basics of what I need to know about self-defense.
“Krav Maga is all about instinctive movements, aggressive counterattacks, and an anything-goes attitude.” Zeb weaves his hands through the air.
I stand on the balls of my feet, ready for anything, but not really sure what that might be. “I’ve never been in a fight before.”
“That’s okay. We’re starting with the basics. Form a fist.” He forms a fist, locking his pointer and middle finger down with his thumb. “A straight punch is the core building block of any effective striking system. We’re going to work on this the most. Really ingrain it into your head so you don’t have to think about it.”
“Makes sense.” I look at my hands with doubt. They’re teeny-tiny compared to the massive battering rams Zeb holds up for demonstration.
He looks at me, staring dubiously at my fists, and his voice softens. He smiles reassuringly and approaches. “Like this.” He wraps his hand around mine, moving the position of my thumb and refolding my fingers.
I swallow with the contact. The warmth of his hand moves through my palm and into my wrist. Tiny electrical sparks of energy make my nerves tingle. The latent sexual chemistry between us builds without relief.
