“Well, I definitely enjoyed when hot, sweaty football players passed me at the gym. It was the highlight of my day.” I don’t recognize the sharp tone in my voice.
I pick up my knife and fork and stab the piece of meat so hard that the utensils make a screeching sound.
Victor shakes his head.
It was supposed to be a nice dinner, and I wanted to have fun and make Victor laugh. But instead, now we’re all rushing to get through it to avoid the awkward silence.
Abi and Alek move to the couch to watch their favorite show, and I clear the table and place empty plates in the dishwasher. Victor cooked, so I don’t want him to have to clean.
As I bend to place the utensils in the dishwasher, something catches my eye at the kitchen window, which is open. The blinds are open too. A shadow moves quickly, but I can’t be sure because it’s dark outside. I freeze. My pulse quickens. I manage to take two steps backward and stumble into a hard chest. I jump and turn to face Victor.
He places his huge hands on my shoulders and the touch sends warmth through my arms and chest. My body relaxes a little.
“What’s wrong?”
“I swear I saw someone outside the window.” I lower my voice and scan the small kitchen. “What if Charlie is lurking in the dark?” My voice trembles.
My stomach twists and turns. “Something bad might happen. Any of you could get hurt.”
Doomsday is coming.Time doesn’t stop so that I can take a breather.
“Look at me, Tia.” He moves his hands to my cheeks. “Everything will be okay.” He places a small kiss on my forehead, and I shiver. “I’ll protect you.”
I immediately glance behind him to where Alek and Abi sit.
“I’m so sorry I brought my troubles here.”
“Everyone has secrets and drama.”
He hugs me, and I cling to him for reassurance.
That night Victor sneaks into my room, slips under the bedsheets, and presses his hard body to mine.
“Sweet dreams,” he whispers in my ear.
Victor’s muscular arm drops around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. My cold body warms up and relaxes against his. I melt into his arms. He must have thought that my scare in the kitchen earlier would give me a nightmare. I wish he could stay forever.
* * *
Ten days until classes start. It’ll get really busy, really fast, but I’m looking forward to having a course schedule. Today I’m trying out a kickboxing class and my heart is already drumming loudly.
The enormous leather bag looms in front of me and I cringe. Hitting the bag seems intimidating and violent. I know I won’t be hurting a person. But still.
Once class begins, my kicks and punches are light, barely making contact with the cold leather.
I do my best to follow the instructor’s commands. Am I supposed to be sweating so much? And I’m panting like a dog that wants bacon. Now I’m thinking about food instead of figuring out the combos.
A tall, muscular girl appears in my sight. She’s smiling at me, but I know she could be dangerous with those defined muscles. Her hair is cut short to her ears.
“I’m Brianna.”
“Tia. Nice to meet you.”
“First time?”
“Is it that obvious? I’m terrible at this.”
She gives me a warm smile. “I give you permission to kick the shit out of the bag.”
