14
Bronywyn
“Bronywyn?”
I glance up from the book I’m reading and meet the cautious gaze of Magnolia. My smile is instant. “Hi! I’m so glad you came by.” Setting the book aside, I push up from the chair and cross the living room.
“You are?” She hesitates a moment then takes a single step inside.
“Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I just thought, you know, since I told them what you wanted me to do.”
Realization dawns on me. “Please. I’m glad you were honest with them. And I am so sorry that I put you in that position in the first place. It was wrong of me, and had I been in my right mind, I never would have asked you to spy on them.”
She visibly relaxes, shoulders slumping forward, a soft smile on her youthful face. “I’m so glad to hear that. You have no idea.”
“Come on in, have a seat.”
After plopping down on my couch, she smiles at me. “I don’t suppose you’d still be up for training me, would you?”
“Absolutely. I think it’s more important than ever that you learn how to defend yourself.”
“Drexel has been working with me on the hand-to-hand. He’s very good.” Her cheeks flush, and the star-filled gaze is not one I’m unfamiliar with.
“You and Drex are very close.”
“We are. He’s kind of become my best friend.”
“Is that all you are?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I just—” I sigh. “A relationship between you two goes against The Accords.”
“So does yours and Tarnley’s. And Delaney’s, and Lauren’s.”
“I know, and I’m in no way saying you shouldn’t. I just want to make sure you know what that comes with. Until that rule is gone, the councils could send bounty hunters after both of you.”
“I know what could happen if anything developed between us,” she insists. “And I’m keeping my distance because of that.”
“You care for him?”
“I really do,” she admits. “But I’ve already lost a lot, Bronywyn. My entire family, my friends. I can’t risk losing him. Heck, I don’t want to lose any of you.”
I lean forward and gently squeeze her knee. “You won’t. We’re not going anywhere. And I want you to know that you can always come talk to me. Anything you say will stay between us.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile one more time then get to my feet and clap both hands together. “Well, shall we?”
“Shall we?”
“Start training for the day. Since my clinic is empty, I’ve got time now.”
“That would be great.”
She stands, and together we make our way down to the gym I haven’t touched in months. “You’ve still been working with Lauren?”