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Natasha walks me through several easy steps that use leverage to break a grip on my arms. She demonstrates on me, then has me mirror the movement on her until it feels natural.
“Good,” she says when I manage to break her grip after she reaches for me at full speed.
I can tell she’s taking it easy on me, only grabbing my arms lightly each time. “Won’t it be harder if they’re stronger though?” I ask nervously, thinking about the size of the man who grabbed me. His bruising grip on my arms.
Natasha shrugs. “It might not feel as good when you break the hold. You’ll probably get a few bruises out of it. But it will be just as effective. If you’d feel better about it, I’m sure Killian or Lance would practice with you until you’re confident.”
“No, I trust you,” I say. Because, while I’m sure she’s right, I don’t know that I can handle wrestling with Lance. And Killianhas enough on his mind right now. “Teach me more?” I ask, already feeling more comfortable about the idea of going out.
Natasha works with me for well over an hour, showing me various holds and how to break out of them, which areas to target in order to incapacitate an aggressor, and what moves will buy me the most time to escape. She has me practice on her time and again, and I’m stunned by how easily she blocks my attacks, allowing me to try the motion without actually hurting her.
By the end of our workout, I’m out of breath and covered in a thin layer of sweat. Meanwhile, she looks like she’s only getting started.
“How do you know so much about self-defense?” I ask as I mop my face and snatch up my water bottle.
“My father insisted that Tatiana and I at least learn the basics. He believed we should be just as strong as the men around us. It would help us survive the world we were born into. He also raised me to be an asset to the family, not a weakness. He believed power and independence were the most precious gifts he could pass to us.”
A flash of sadness crosses Natasha’s delicate features, and for a moment, I can see the intense pain that losing her father caused. Then her chin juts stubbornly forward, and her gray eyes flash with defiance. I can almost hear her thoughts. She won’t let it break her. Because her father raised her to be strong. And she’s not about to disappoint him now.
My heart twinges, and in this moment, I can understand why my brother would go to such lengths for Natasha. I can see why Killian fell so hard for the bold, intelligent woman. She’s brave and resilient and determined to hold her own in this world. I find her inspiring. And also incredibly relatable, because she’s not just some delicate flower sitting by and letting life happen around her. She’s doing what she can with the tools she was given—just like I want to.
“I think my father and Killian want the same for me, but in a different way—that’s why Killian’s putting me through nursing school, so I can get out of this life completely.”
Natasha nods, her full lips pulling into a beautiful smile. “Your brother really loves you. And he wants great things for you and your future. I feel guilty admitting how much I like having you here. Because while Killian might want you to spread your wings and find a better path, I don’t think I trust anyone to look after him like you have.”
I laugh. “When it comes down to it, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to just walk away. I love the idea of working in a hospital, but I don’t think I’d trust anyone else with my brother either. He’s too reckless.”
Natasha laughs as well, the sound soft and warm, and I get the feeling that my sister-in-law and I might actually become good friends. I already liked her a lot. But this experience has brought us a lot closer. And I feel like I understand her so much better than I did before.
“You can say that again. I’ve never met someone so willing to spit in death’s face.”
I could almost say the same. Although, in that regard, I think Lance just might have my brother beat. It terrifies me how willing he is to lay down his life—especially to protect Killian. And when the two are together, it’s a wonder that they both keep coming home alive.
11
LANCE
Ikeep my head on a swivel as I stride along the campus sidewalk, keeping within easy reach of Quinn at all times. From the nervous glances her classmates cast in my direction as they pass, I imagine no one has doubts I’m armed—even if no one can see the guns concealed beneath my suit jacket. I’m sure they’re not allowed.
But no one’s tried to stop me from carrying them. Perhaps Killian called to inform the school about sending Quinn to school with a bodyguard. Or maybe no one wants to risk starting a confrontation with me. Either way, I’m glad. Because while no one tried coming for her during the first four days she returned to school, I’m not about to let down my guard. And I’ll be glad when her last Friday class is done so we can head back to the King house.
Quinn walks briskly beside me, hugging her heavy textbook to her chest like it’s a shield. And though she smiles every time she greets another student on their way past, I get the feeling she has to put effort into acting cheerful. Her eyes flick up in my direction as the sidewalk clears, leaving us relatively alone for amoment. And after the quick, sidelong glance, she looks straight ahead.
“You know, you could try looking a little less like a storm cloud on occasion. I think you just made poor Chad pee his pants,” she quips, her lips twitching into a grin.
I know she’s trying to tease me. I can tell because Quinn and Killian both have that dancing green flame in their eyes when they make a joke.
But I’m not in the mood today. And my scowl intensifies as I look down to meet her gaze. “Why should I care if Chad has proper control of his bladder?”
Quinn laughs, the sound light and contagious, and she shakes her head. “My point is you don’t have to take things quite so seriously. You’re glaring at my classmates like you think one of them might kidnap me.”
“I don’t know which ones are your classmates,” I point out bluntly.
Quinn rolls her eyes. “They’re the ones who turn and run the other direction every time you glower at them. Maybe try a smile every now and again?”
I frown at her.
“Come on, Lance. Do you really think Lucian’s guys are going to come for me in the middle of the day on this busy campus? In the meantime, my classmates are starting to avoid me because they think you want to murder them.”