Nairie watched with wide eyes. “It must have been that influencer Luke was talking to.”
“Maybe we can get Will to take pics with his fans and charge extra,” Elspeth said excitedly.
I scratched my beard. “Someone filmed me without my consent, and that’s all you can think about? I’m not a piece of meat.”
Elspeth got up and headed to the kitchen, calling out, “Just for a little while. I won’t make you take yourclothes off.”
“Wow, thanks.”
Nairie got up and started walking away.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I was going to draw a little bit.”
“Nuh-uh, I said we’re going on a hike, and we’re sticking to it. Bring your sketchbook if you like.”
Nairie gave me a bright smile, and I felt myself smiling back.
She disappeared up the stairs, and Elspeth sidled back out of the kitchen. “Hike, huh?”
I looked at her. “Just a hike.”
“Sure, sure. Getting sweaty, heavy breathing. I get it.”
“Mind your business.”
I looked back at Elspeth’s phone in my hands, the video still replaying on a loop. I hardly recognized myself. I was transfixed by the dark-haired goddess in front of me, and if it hadn’t been obvious I had a crush on my sister’s best friend, then it would be now.
After we both got ready, Nairie reemerged in what could only be described as my wet dream. She sported two braided pigtails, a pair of leggings that clung to her thick thighs like a second skin, and a tank top showing off her cleavage.
Nairie beamed at me. “Ready?”
I grunted, and we made our way to the car.
Nairie broke the silence during the ride. “Are you mad about the video? I know you like your privacy.”
“It’s not great. But if it means Elle gets some business out of it, maybe it’s worth it. Hopefully, it’ll die down soon.”
“I thought maybe it would affect you being in theservice and all.”
“It would have if I was still on active duty or if I was a mercenary. But I’m just an inn owner now.”
I parked the car, and we headed for the trail. It was going to be a hot day, but the air still had that morning chill. A few other hikers were already out, but everyone kept a good distance away from each other.
I’d mapped out the trail before we left the house. It was an easy walk with some uphill climbs, but it was worth it for the view at the top. From the Google photos, you could see the whole span of Los Angeles with a view of the ocean far off in the distance.
“How has civilian life been treating you? Do you miss the action?”
I thought over her question carefully as we settled into a comfortable pace.
I kept my gaze on a lingering cloud moving lazily across the skyline. “It’s been good for the most part. Do I miss the action? Yes and no.”
Nairie kept her eyes on the trail ahead, and I continued. “I didn’t want to be a soldier forever. But I’m grateful for everything I learned. It made me a better person, and it helped me channel some of my more violent tendencies.”
Nairie scrunched her face. “You were never violent.”
“I did punch a kid for making fun of you that one time.”
