The flare of concern in his eyes fed the terrible ache inside her. How long had she waited for someone to give a shit about her welfare?
“Sorry,” she said, clearing her throat. “I don’t know why I’m suddenly emotional. I’m not jealous of Katie in the least. I just…”
“Please, don’t feel the need to explain yourself. She’s your dearest friend, and anyone can detect the love between you.”
“She’s the absolute best person I could ever have in my corner. Fierce, loyal, and smart. My soul sister, in so many ways.” She smiled at Katie, who was flirting up the blond. “I wish she’d find someone who appreciates her for her inner beauty more than her outer shell.”
“Yes, it does appear to be a problem for attractive people, doesn’t it?” he mused. “Everyone strives to create the perfect exterior, but inside, many are ugly. They’ve let life’s trials leave them embittered.”
She couldn’t argue, having had the same thought a time or ten.
“But not you,” he said warmly. “Despite a hard life, your soul glows. You’re pure of heart.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Her laugh was short. “I get angry and would relish doing bodily harm on occasion.”
“But do you act on it?”
“I had pepper spray in my hand when you bumped into me,” she reminded him.
“For protection. Not to hurt a random stranger. And you waited for certain death rather than reach for another weapon.” He leaned forward, and the twinkle in his brilliant eyes coaxed a smile from her. “You do, however, need training, if only to protect yourself in situations such as those.”
“Are you suggesting martial arts?” she asked.
“Among other things. But let us enjoy the beauty of the day. We can discuss self-defense another time.”
“Why do I get the feeling you want to train me as a warrior?”
His brows shot up, and the rightness of her answer struck her. Despite how often she studied him, she rarely guessed what he was thinking. Luc was nothing if not guarded, and she wondered what had caused such caution.
“Why?” she asked, pushing for an answer. “Do you need protection? Have you got an army of thirty-something women at your beck and call, all ready to fight when you command?”
He laughed, but an unnamed emotion flashed in his eyes, suggesting she’d hit a nerve.
“You do!”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Nadia.” A smirk played on his fine mouth. “My army is a mix of ages and genders. I would never be elitist.”
So saying, he lay back and settled his sunglasses in place, as if he had the last word on the subject.
Grabbing an ice cube from her glass, she tossed it onto his belly.
He didn’t flinch.
“Is that all you’ve got, pet?”
Luc’s mouth curved, slow and unreadable, as if he found her more interesting by the second.
Then, before she could react, his hand closed around her wrist.
“Hey—”
She barely had time to yelp before she was hauled off the lounger.
“Luc!” She clutched at his shoulders as he stood, lifting her with ease. “Put me down,” she ordered, heart racing in a way she didn’t entirely dislike.
Conversation around them faltered. Not silence exactly, more like startled people pausing mid-sentence. Nearby laughter petered out, and heads turned. Nadia was acutely aware of too many eyes on them.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
