Page 81 of Romancing His Heart

“Now, press the magazine into the bottom of the gun until you hear a click.” My body tenses as I watch her follow my instructions. “Good, this button here is to release the slide. When you do that, the bullets will load and it’s ready to go. Keep the gun pointing at the ground and release the slide.”

“Okay,” she gasps, jumping when it snaps into place.

“The gun is loaded now,” I remind her. Taking her left hand, I guide it into place. “You want to keep the palm of your left hand cradling the knuckles of your right hand and wrap your fingers into place. This will help you keep a steady hand when you go to shoot.”

“Mm-hm.”

Raising her hands to eye level, I point to the three sights located on the top. “See how there are two notches at the back of the gun and one in the front?”

“Yes.”

“You want those to line up with your target. That’s how you aim.”

“Got it.”

“Look straight ahead, see the targets?” I placed paper bullseye targets over some hay bales earlier in the day.

“I see them.”

“Okay. I’m going to step back. I want you to line up the sights. When you’re ready to fire, put your finger on the trigger and recheck your sights. There will be some kickback when you fire. It’s not a lot, but since you’re not used to it, it’ll be a shock. Take one shot, then point it at the ground while you get a feel for it. If you want to take another shot after, you can, but pause in between each one.”

“I’m sure one will be plenty,” she grumbles.

“You ready?”

“I think so.”

Stepping to the side, I watch as she lines up her sights, raises her head, and starts over. It takes her six tries before her finger ever lands on the trigger. I don’t push her. I let her go at her own pace, even though I’m getting anxious watching her.

POP.

The gun fires, and her arm kicks back. She immediately lowers the barrel to the ground. I am so fucking proud of her I want to pick her up and kiss her. If she didn’t have a loaded weapon and a twitchy finger, I probably would.

“Holy shit,” she hisses. “I just shot a gun. Did I hit the bullseye?”

I grin. I’m not expecting her to hit anything, but I love her enthusiasm.

“I’m not sure. Want to check?”

“Yes,” she wheezes like she just sprinted a mile.

After securing and placing the Glock on the table, we walk in silence to the hay bale. I hope this doesn’t discourage her from trying again. Maybe I should have suggested we check the target after she shot a few rounds and hoped that she hit something.

Sloane reaches it first and stands there wide-eyed. I look from her to the target and burst out laughing.

“Holy shit, Red. Dead center.” Now I’m the one standing in disbelief. “Want to try it again?”

“I do.” She grins. “I really do.”

Scooping her up in a hug, I hold her for a moment before releasing her. “Then let’s go shoot some rounds.”

We stand out there for forty-five minutes while Red shoots and checks every shot. By the time it’s too dark to see very far, she has hit the target thirty-two out of thirty-four times.

My girl could have been a sniper.My girl?Staring down into those green eyes that sparkle even in the lasts rays of daylight, I realize that’s exactly what I want her to be—my girl.

* * *

Loki:Anything on Luca yet?