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16

ARTHUR

S omething’s wrong.

It’s easy to tell by the way Eva’s fighting. Putting everything she’s got into every single punch. No dirty remarks or witty quips when I bark an order. Hell, she’s got that mean look in her eye I used to get before pulling the trigger.

Is it my fault? Have I upset her?

We were laughing at some bad pun when I dropped her at the mall. Did our short time apart make her realize what a mistake she was making entertaining me? Or did she find something else out about me? Some dark secret I forgot I was hiding.

No, it can’t be. I’ve hidden my military life well to avoid the unwanted irritations that come with it. But now isn’t the time to spiral into a pit of despair. My baby girl needs me to be her anchor.

“Left,” I say, lifting my hand in the air.

She cocks her shoulder, and her muscles bulge from the tension in her arm. A thunderous roar cries out as she drives her fist forward. It doesn’t just punch through the target, but it makes me take a step back to catch my balance. I’ve become loose in my stance while training Eva, and a blow like that would’ve floored me if it aimed at my jaw.

Right, time to figure out what’s going on here. I drop my hands at my sides and take a step back.

“What are you doing?” she growls. Her blue eyes narrow with fury.

“No. What are you doing?” I ask, keeping a calm and level tone.

“Fighting. I thought you’d be happy that I was finally getting into it the way you and my father wanted.”

“I’m going to ignore your jab.” Even though my heart’s starting to pump scorching hot fire instead of blood. “And you’re going to tell me what’s got you so worked up.”

Whoever did this to my princess is going to pay.

She wouldn’t be trying to tear my head off literally if I did something to upset her. This is someone else's wrongdoing.

“It’s no one. Nothing,” she sighs.

It hits me like a bag full of boulders as she opens her mouth to speak. The piece of shit who cornered her in the bar. He must’ve gotten to her.

The one time I take my fucking eyes off her.

“You don’t have to hold it in, Eva.” My calm voice slips behind the wall of rage mounting inside me. “Let me carry the burden instead.”

“It’s not yours to carry.”

“Sure, but these shoulders were made for it.” I slap my shoulders with the padded gloves.

“It really isn’t serious,” Eva says, starting to untie her gloves. “Just this guy from college. He’s been bothering me for years, and I thought it was over since I was leaving. He?—”

She cuts herself off. Probably because my eyes are starting to show signs that I’m trying so damn hard to hide.

“Tell me. Now,” I demand.

“He cornered me while I was shopping. He didn’t do anything, just gave me a fright.” Eva drops her gloves and heads to the camping table, where her mother’s drink of choice for the session is a pitcher of ice-cold sweet tea. “You don’t have to worry about it, Arthur. I can take care of myself. You saw to that personally.”

She shoots me a smile, trying to settle my mood while she pours the amber liquid.

“I know. But I also said you’re mine.” I remove my gloves and take the glass she offers me. “That means keeping you safe. If this piece of shit made you feel scared, I failed.”

“No one knew it was going to happen.” Her voice softens, and she cups my cheek.

I could have if I had stuck to my guns and kept a closer eye on her. That’s a mistake I won’t make twice. And here I was, thinking I’d let Eva enjoy her night on the town without my supervision.

Oh, no, I’ll be there. And if I see that prick, I’m going to smash every memory he has of Eva into the fucking pavement.

“Sure.” I empty my glass in a single swallow and use the time it takes to steady myself.

“We gonna get back to it?” Eva asks, steering the conversation in a different direction.

“We are, but you have to take it easy on me.” I start to bring some levity. “Don’t you know you already fucked me up last night?”

She giggles, and it brightens my mood instantly.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She fakes a pout and ends it with a wink. “I’ll go easier on you. Promise.”

We spend the next two hours doing various drills. I can still see the anger bubbling in her eyes while we do. I don’t let it show on my face. Words aren’t going to calm her down, especially not from a brute like me. But actions will.

And Lord have mercy on anyone who tries to ruin my princess’ night out.