He nods, accepting my gratitude. “How are you feeling?”
I shrug. “I’ve been better, but I’m not as freaked out as I was last time. He’s mostly pissing me off now. This psycho needs to leave me alone.”
Rand grins. “Is there anything you’re truly afraid of?”
Plenty.
I choose to hold back that vulnerable truth.
“Why would I be afraid when I have a big, bad MMA fighter here to protect me?”
“That’s a far preferable attitude,” he approves. “Much more flattering.”
I redirect the conversation before we get too flirty again. “What do we do now? Have you heard back from your friend? The one who’s good with tech? I really want to get rid of this creep.”
“Walk with me,” he urges. “I’ll tell you about it at the pub.”
I hesitate. “We can’t go to the pub together, Professor.”
He hefts his satchel. “I’ll put some papers out again, and we won’t order alcohol. There’s a small pub tucked away in a neighborhood just across the river. It’ll be quiet at this time of day. We won’t attract attention.”
“I don’t know…”
He lifts his brows. “Would you rather do this at your place? I’m more than happy to come into your flat to talk privately, but I don’t think you’re ready for that.”
I swallow hard. No, I’m not ready for that. I can’t risk having him alone with me in my apartment.
I don’t know if I’m strong enough to resist our chemistry if he’s that close to my bedroom.
“Okay,” I agree. “Let’s go to the pub.”
We start walking around Clifford’s Tower, making our way towards the river.
My stomach lurches when I think about how Rich’s body was dumped in the dark water.
“Are you alright?” Rand asks gently.
“It’s Rich,” I admit. “He’s dead. This crazy person killed him.”
His jaw firms. “If you’re considering pushing me away again to protect me, don’t bother. I’m not leaving you to deal with this on your own.”
“I’m not going to push you away. You said you can take care of yourself. Will you tell me more about the MMA?”
His gaze cuts away. “It’s not that interesting.”
“Please. I need to know that you can defend yourself if my stalker threatens you.”
The look he shoots me is enigmatic. I can’t read him at all.
Finally, he says, “I’ve been training for several years. I’m not in any danger, Lena.”
“How did you get into it?” I press.
He’s quiet for several long seconds.
“I told you about how things were hard for me after my father died. I wasn’t always this built. I had to learn to become strong to get by.”
“Oh. I’m sorry if it’s a painful topic for you. I thought it was just a hobby.”
