“Just a couple weeks ago you couldn’t stand to be around me.” Garridan’s breath fanned out over his skin.
Sage turned in Garridan’s arms, his hand cupping Garridan’s cheek. “I know I’m not being rational. I can’t seem to get my shit together. I probably never will. I’m high maintenance. I’m sorry.”
Garridan met his gaze for long minutes. “You’re going to learn to fight. That’s not in question.”
“Well…um…okay. I’ll train with you, but you have to promise not to leave me. At least until the vampires go away?”
Garridan grinned. “Are you negotiating with me?”
Sage shrugged. “I guess.”
“That’s a better strategy than using anger. Although, you are very sexy when you’re mad.”
“Noted. Oh, and I’m taking your last name.”
Garridan grinned. “Noted.”
Garridan kissed his lips quickly and then straightened. “Bennett.”
“Yeah,” Bennett yelled from the living room.
“Will you teach Sage?” Garridan asked.
“No.” Sage said automatically.
Garridan’s forehead creased. “What do you mean ‘No’?”
“I’ll freak out if he touches me.”
“Bennett will train you.” Garridan brooked no argument.
“And me too,” Lucas yelled from somewhere in the house.
“Fine. The first lesson starts in five minutes in the yard. That means you too, Lucas.” Bennett started out of the living room.
Sage huffed. “Damn it.” How the fuck was he supposed to get through a session where someone was putting their hands on him in violence? God, just the thought made him want to vomit.
He stood in front of Bennett, shaking like a leaf in a stiff breeze. Oh God, how was he supposed to get throughthis? Bennett was ready to attack. Sage was just about ready to bolt, go back inside and read instead.
Lucas was beside him. Sage could feel Lucas digging around in his thoughts. “Stop it, Lucas. That’s rude.”
“Sorry. It’s just that you look like you’re about to shit yourself.”
Yeah, that was because he was.
Lucas held up a finger to Bennett, who nodded and relaxed. Lucas turned to Sage and said, “Where’s Garridan?”
Sage pointed behind him.
“Turn around and look at him,” Lucas demanded.
Sage did and he took a deep breath.
Garridan smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Do you think he’s going to let anyone hurt you?”
Sage shook his head. “No. Never.”
