Twilight Siege

16

“Fine. I thought I might be at least a little sore or worn down, but my body feels great.” “As a Fae your muscle recovery rate will be significantly faster, but I suspect it will take some time before your mind recalibrates to your new abilities. Until then you may expect to tire faster than you actually do or think an injury is worse than it is.” “Ow!” I had failed to block one of his strikes and he tagged me right in the cheek, again. While my body was in prime condition, my mind was distracted from Ronan’s attack and my performance with Lochlan was less than stellar. “Pay attention, where’s your head tonight?” “I am paying attention, you’re the one talking to me about muscle fatigue and distracting me.” I forced as much energy as I could into my next series of punches, angry at myself for making unnecessary mistakes. “You have to be able to focus better than that. I shouldn’t be able to touch you no matter what I say, now get your hands up to guard and pay attention.” My frustrations peaked and my sloppy form left my right side open to attack. Not being one to go easy on me, Lochlan took full advantage and knocked me on my ass on the mats, not for the first time that night. Instead of jumping back up as I had each time before, I stared at the ceiling lost in my chaotic thoughts. “Want to tell me what’s going on?” he asked as he sat next to me on the mat. I was quiet for a moment before I laid out the earlier events of the evening. Not that I wouldn’t have told him at some point, I just hadn’t felt like talking about the incident but I knew he needed to know. “Ronan showed up tonight.” He sat very still and his features became chiseled granite. “What happened?” “Not much, it was over pretty fast. He did say something about not being able to stop ‘us.’ There’s definitely someone else working with him.” I watched as Lochlan’s eyes carefully scanned up and down every square inch of my body, most likely checking for signs that Ronan had harmed me. I wasn’t about to read into his actions so I lifted my eyes back up to the ceiling. “Come with me.” He stood and began to walk away and a small snort slipped from me at his caveman behaviors. Lochlan was all alpha-male, commanding asshole—not your typical prince charming. So why, oh why did I find it so attractive? What was wrong with me? I rose and followed after him with a smirk. “Should I grab my gear?” “Yeah, we’re done here. Training isn’t going to do you any good if your head isn’t in it.” “Where are we going then?” “Life would be so much easier if you would just follow a simple instruction.” “I could follow your instructions if you would just explain things.” He leaned back against the elevator wall and I stood opposite him. The temperature in the confined space ratcheted up along with the tension in the air. “I think you might like taking the right kind of orders, you might even find that surrendering that control would be enlightening.” The elevator dinged our arrival. Sweet baby Jesus. I had no idea what to say in response to his statement so as soon as the doors opened I bolted out. Once we were in his office he opened a desk drawer and pulled out a set of keys, holding them out in my direction. “Take these. If you’re going to be out after dark, you need a vehicle.” I stared at the Audi key fob in astonishment. Whenever this kind of thing happened in books and movies, which is the only place it ever happens, the chick always refuses and claims the gift is too much. I never did understand what would make those girls refuse an expensive gift. I mean, really. Here’s a million dollars! Oh, no, I simply couldn’t. BULLSHIT! Give it to me, I’ll take it. In this situation I figured Lochlan was lending me the car rather than giving, but either way, there was no effing way I would refuse. “Thanks, that would be a big help.” I offered what I hoped was a grateful smile. “It’s been an incredibly long day so I’m going to head out if we’re done. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I started to walk toward the door but I couldn’t help from taking a glance back at him. Lochlan’s eyes held a look so carnal and hungry that I gasped and my steps faltered. We had done so well our entire training session not to give in to the electric current between us and I thought I had escaped the elevator incident but his pull on me was as strong as ever. As the voice of reason in my head chanted nonononononono, I forced my feet to continue toward the door and my eyes to turn from his. It was almost painful walking away, but I was better off on my own. Parked directly in front of the building, the Audi sports car was a sleek black piece of automotive artwork. I wasn’t a car girl, but I wasn’t ignorant either. The car cost a small fortune. My lips pulled back in a s**t-eating grin and I got in behind the wheel. The black leather still smelled new and was smooth and supple. I had learned to drive a stick, thanks to my dad and his ancient Honda he had given me when I turned sixteen. However, driving a stick using my left hand on the wrong side of the road was an entirely different matter. I didn’t exactly grind the gears, but it wasn’t my most graceful performance. I stopped first at a pet store to get dog food and then carefully made my way home, still sporting a goofy smile.