Fire blazes through every vein in my body.She believes he'll come back and hurt her.No way in hell.I lean backward and lift her chin until I stare into her eyes.They're still wild with fear, but there's something else there now—a spark of hope, maybe.
"I'll help you."
She lets out a long sigh."Thank you."
"You are not broken.I'll teach you how to protect yourself so that when he visits you in your dreams, you'll be the one kicking his ass and making him scream in pain.Am I clear?"
A soft smile flashes across her face, when she raises her head, and it's a dazzling sight.Where Samantha's laugh gives me a sense of happiness, this woman's smile radiates through my skin and melts into my soul.
"When do you want to begin your training?"
As she inspects me, I already know her answer."Now!"she says.
"Okay, then let's do this, Miss McQueen."
9
ALISHA
Seven in the morning.A frustrated puff leaves my lips as I rest my head against the elevator wall.My mind and body are playing wicked games with me.
Last night I woke up at 4:02 a.m., but instead of the usual terror-filled nightmare, I found myself trapped in a different kind of dream.One where Cole was showing me self-defense moves, his body radiating heat against my back, his breath tickling my neck.His scent—crisp apples and something darker, richer—wrapped around me like a physical touch.In this fantasy, he had me against the wall, supposedly demonstrating an escape technique.But when our eyes met in the mirror, electricity crackled between us.And being the impulsive woman I am, I grabbed his face and kissed him.
A shiver runs through me remembering his response—the deep, throaty sound he made before kissing me back with an intensity that set every nerve ending on fire.His lips were perfect against mine, demanding yet gentle.When his tongue pressed against my mouth, asking for entrance...
I woke up.
For the first time in months, my racing heart had nothing to do with fear.The rest of the night I couldn't stop thinking about that dream, about him.About how the best kiss I've ever had wasn't even real.
The soft ding of the elevator snaps me back to reality.Daniel, the concierge, greets me with his usual warmth.
"Good morning, Miss McQueen."
"I told you to call me Alisha."I hand him the box of donuts I brought.Last week, we discovered our shared weakness for these sugary circles of heaven.
His eyes light up when he opens it."Thank you.You know, you're different from most residents here.You see me as a person, not just an employee."
"They're snobs," I say, wrinkling my nose.
"Does Mr.Walker act like a snob?"
"He..."I pause, thinking of Cole's unexpected kindness during our training sessions."No, actually.He doesn't."
Walking toward the gym, I feel that familiar flutter in my stomach.I love these sessions with Cole, even though they're slowly driving me crazy.He's patient, professional, and treats me like I'm strong, not broken.
But now, after that dream...
The music hits me first when I enter—something with a heavy beat that matches my pulse.My eyes find Cole immediately, andoh holy hell.He's working the punching bag, his grey shirt clinging to his shoulders, defining every muscle.A thin sheen of sweat makes his skin gleam in the morning light.My body reacts before my brain can remind it that this man is supposed to be helping me heal, not starring in my fantasies.
He hasn't noticed me yet, so I let myself watch.His movements are precise, powerful.I could swear I hear him mumble something that sounds like my name, but that has to be my imagination.
"Good morning!"I call out, finally announcing my presence.
He stops, turning to face me, anddamn—a lock of dark hair is stuck to his forehead, his chest rising and falling with each breath.He grabs his water bottle, takes a long drink, and I definitely don't stare at the way his throat moves as he swallows.
"Morning," he says, his voice rougher than usual."Didn't realize it was 7:00 already."
"How early did you get here?"I ask, proud that my voice doesn't betray how his presence turns my insides to jelly.Get it together, woman.
