Give him up,the little voice in my head says.
I can’t.
My heart constricts, holding him closer like a vice grip. I can’t let him go. He’s all I have left.
Kit’s eyes are heavy and full of emotion as he holds me after I pull back from kissing him. He’s been as worried as I have being apart, wondering if I’m still alive.
I hear a throat clear from behind me, but I don’t move. This isn’t about putting on a show or making Lennox mad; it’s just what I need. It’s what is necessary. I need to be close to Kit.
“Are we done with our lessons for today? If so, I at least want to give you a conditioning program to follow so you can build up some strength and endurance. You’ll need it to throw a strong enough punch to protect yourself,” Hayes says.
I’m about to say yes, I’m done with our lessons for today, but then I look at Kit.
“Actually, can you show Kit everything you just showed me?” I say, looking from Kit to Hayes.
Hayes just blinks, confounded.
“Show him how to defend himself. He was a wrestler in high school, so he already has some basics, and he’s much stronger than I am. I can’t defend him, but he can have the skills to defend himself and help protect me when you guys aren’t around.”
“We will always be around,” Lennox growls, suddenly standing right beside me. He rests his hand on my shoulder, displaying his wedding ring even though he hasn’t touched me since last night.
I grind my teeth together, as Kit stares at Lennox’s hand with trepidation. “I agree that I won’t purposely go out again without security, but there may come a time when it just happens. And it’s better to be prepared for that inevitability. Kit should know some self-defense.”
He probably also needs to know how to use a gun—we both do, but I’ll approach that conversation another time.
“He doesn’t. We will always be with you. I’m not letting you out of my sight again,” Lennox growls, still gripping my shoulder.
“I know. But it will make me feel better if Kit knows some basic skills. You wouldn’t want me jumping in front of a bullet to protect him, would you?” I step out of his grasp.
Lennox narrows his eyes at me. “Fine,” he snaps, nodding at Hayes.
Lennox sits back in his chair, and I find a spot on the floor opposite them, while Hayes starts to teach Kit the basics.
Kit quickly catches on, blocking several attacks from Hayes and landing a few good punches of his own.
I grin, already feeling better about having Kit in my world. If he can protect himself, then I wouldn’t feel as guilty. But it still has to be his decision, and I’m not sure what he’ll choose. I’m not sure he’ll choose me.
I bite my nails as I watch Kit throw a punch that knocks Hayes on his ass.
I clap and cheer, like I’m at a boxing match.
Gage claps.
Hayes grins, impressed.
Lennox stands up, wordlessly. He helps Hayes off the floor with a look of gloom over his face.
Lennox nods at Kit silently, an unspoken conversation happening between them.
Kit nods in return.
And then Kit attacks Lennox, throwing the same move that knocked Hayes on his ass.
Kit attacks again and again, but Lennox dodges and deflects as if I were the one throwing punches.
I hold my breath, unsure of what’s about to happen. But I do know one thing—I was wrong in thinking Kit could defend himself. Watching Lennox fight him makes it painstakingly clear that Kit isn’t ready for a real fight.How foolish was I to think one lesson would prepare him?
Kit’s sweating and panting hard now, determined to knock Lennox on his ass. Meanwhile, Lennox could still be drinking his coffee in one hand while he pushes Kit around with the other. It no longer looks like an even match.