"It's weakness," I snap. "And I can't afford to be weak. Not now." I pace the length of my bedroom, energysuddenly coursing through me. "I need to do something. I need to move."
Gloria watches me, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "What about that self-defense training Mr. Reid suggested?"
I stop pacing. "You know about that?"
"Sophie mentioned it. She's quite excited actually, though a bit terrified of Mr. Reid."
"She should be. The man is built like a tank and has the personality of one too."
Gloria raises an eyebrow. "You've noticed his build, have you?"
"Don't start," I warn, though there's no real heat in my voice. "I'm professionally trained to notice physical details. Occupational hazard."
And it would be professional malpractice not to notice that all three of them are distractingly well-built, each in their own way. Ethan with his commanding presence and perfectly proportioned frame. Mateo with his easy grace and warm golden eyes. And Declan, all raw power contained in rigid control.
Not that I'd admit any of this to Gloria.
"Of course," she says, not even trying to hide her amusement. "But the training isn't a bad idea, Jade. It might help you feel more in control."
I consider it. Physical exertion would help burn off this restless energy. And if I'm being honest with myself, the idea of surprising stoic Mr. Reid has a certain appeal. He thinks I'm just some helpless model who needs his protection, his instruction.
He doesn't know that after I became free from the abusive situation I was in, I spent six months training with a personal defense instructor in New York. I'm by no means an expert, but I'm not the complete novice Declan Reid assumes I am.
"You know what? You're right." I head to my closet, suddenly decisive. "I've been hiding long enough. Time to take back some control."
I pull out my workout clothes, high-waisted leggings and a fitted tank top, and change quickly, pulling my hair into a tight ponytail.
"What are you doing?" Gloria asks, though her smile suggests she already knows.
"I'm going to take Mr. Reid up on his offer." I slip on my training shoes. "Right now."
"Now? But Sophie hasn't even set up a schedule..."
"No time like the present." I check my appearance in the mirror once more. "Besides, I'm tired of tiptoeing around my own house. They want to be here? Fine. But they'll learn to adapt to me, not the other way around."
Gloria rises, collecting the barely touched breakfast tray. "You lookmore like yourself already," she observes.
"I feel more like myself." I head for the door, then pause. "Thank you, Gloria. For everything. Not just now, but... always."
She nods, understanding all I'm not saying. "Go show him what you're made of."
I make my way through the house with purpose, no longer concerned about avoiding anyone. When I reach the back patio, I spot them immediately. All three men by the pool house, engaged in what appears to be a security briefing. Ethan with his tablet, Mateo gesturing animatedly, and Declan, arms crossed over his chest, listening intently.
I approach without hesitation, aware of the exact moment they notice me. Mateo spots me first, his sentence trailing off mid-word, his eyes widening slightly as they take in my workout attire. Ethan follows his gaze, straightening slightly, his expression shifting from professional to something more alert, more aware. And Declan... Declan's expression doesn't change, but his posture shifts.
The way they all look at me, different yet similar, sends an unexpected flutter through my stomach. Irritation, I tell myself. Just irritation.
"Miss Sinclair," Ethan greets me formally. "Is everything alright?"
"Perfectly," I reply, my focus on Declan. "I believe Mr. Reid and Ihave a training session to attend to."
Declan's eyebrows lift slightly, the most expression I've seen from him yet. "Now?"
"Unless you're worried you can't handle me," I say, letting the words land with a smirk. "Wouldn't want to bruise that big-silent-soldier pride."
For a moment, no one speaks. I can feel Ethan and Mateo watching this exchange with confusion.
Then Declan uncrosses his arms. "The gym in ten minutes," he says simply.
