Page 56 of Steel

I could seewhy Nayelli loved coming here.

Kerrion really did have a way with children. They all flocked to him like he was the best thing in their little world. Their smiles when he talked to them or listened to them was infectious. Today, they were practicing blocking and getting out of holds. My baby looked so focused as she listened to him. I could tell she was taking everything in.

When he paired them up, Nayelli did a great job without being too rough. I think that was the part that scared me a little. Self-defense was one thing. Combat training was another. I knew the extreme part of this man. I knew what he was capable of. Kerrion fought like he was in survival mode. Like if it was between you and him, it would always be him.

“Did you see me?” Nayelli asked, running over to me. “Did I do good?”

“You did amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“I told you Mr. K was a good teacher,” she said, beaming.

“You did, and he is.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, baby.”

“Did you love him?”

The question caught me off guard. I had to sit there for a moment before I answered.

“Once upon a time, I loved him very much.”

“As much as Granny loves Grandpa?”

“Yes.”

“That makes me sad.”

“Why?”

“’Cause people who love each other like Granny and Grandpa should be together. You’re all alone.”

“I’m not alone. I have you.”

“That’s different.” She looked back at Kerrion and smiled. “You can get back together, and we can be a real family.”

I hated to burst her bubble, but that wasn’t happening.

“Go say bye, and come on here so we can go home. You have homework.”

She giggled as she ran off to the rest of the kids. I crossed my legs and rested my chin in my hand as I watched her. Knowing her, we would revisit this conversation at a later date. If only she knew things weren’t that easy. Love wasn’t enough sometimes. I knew that firsthand.

My eyes drifted to Kerrion.

On the outside, he still looked like the man I once loved. From afar, he carried that familiar energy that used to make me swoon. I wondered if the parts of him I once loved still existed. Was he still as romantic and passionate as he used to be? Washe still sweet? Then I wondered if he was attached to anyone. Where was his child’s mother? Even if he wasn’t with her, was he even single? There was no ring on his finger, but maybe he had a girlfriend, . . . a fiancée? I wondered if he was good to her. If she’d seen the dark side of him.

My heart dropped, and I didn’t know why. The thought of him being with another woman made my stomach lurch. What the fuck was wrong with me? He wasn’t mine andcouldn’tbe mine. What he did now was none of my business. I cleared the thought from my head as Nayelli walked back over to me with her snacks.

“I’m ready,” she announced.

I stood to my feet. “Let’s get going.”

Nayelli ran over to hug Kerrion. He picked her up and gave her a warm embrace before kissing her cheek. A few parents murmured about the action, some even looking at me. I didn’t owe them an explanation.

“I’ll call you later, baby girl,” he said, placing her on her feet. “I love you.”

Nayelli smiled as she made her way back to my outstretched hand.