I wait in the garage wondering when he’s going to show up. I didn’t think Sebastian was someone that would be late to anything. In fact I would have pegged him as one of those people who are always early. We’ve only had two sessions, and he cut yesterday's short, saying that I didn’t need to overdo it.
I tried to tell him I was fine, but he insisted that we stop for the day. I have to admit I was disappointed. Not only because I enjoyed our lessons, but I also wanted to spend more time with him.
I’m starting to think something is up, though. He kept moving away from me when he had the chance. Making sure to keep as much distance between us as he could unless he had to be close for training purposes.
At first I thought I was making crap up in my head, but after yesterday it was clear he was avoiding as much physical contact with me as possible. He barely made eye contact with me. I should be happy about this. Instead I’m stomping around like someone kicked my puppy.
I’m being a brat about it. I can’t expect the man to fawn all over me when I shoot him down over and over again. It’s mean. He might be keeping me at arm’s length lately, but I can’t stop thinking about how his body felt pressed up against mine as he showed me each move. He may be pushing me away, but I’m falling more for him.
“Ms. King. Turner doesn't think he’s going to make it today.” I spin around to see Saunders standing in one of the open garage doors. He’s dressed in all black. That’s how all of the security people dress.
“Right.” I snag my water bottle off the bench, taking a swig. Now I know I’m not making up crap in my head. Sebastian really is trying to avoid me. He usually never misses an opportunity to see me. Even if it’s only for a few moments.
“Sorry, ma’am.” He gives me a half smile.
“You have got to start calling me Violet. You make me feel old. Ms. King is my mother.” Saunders is around a lot. He’s one of my favorites of Sebastian’s men.
“I’m trying.” He turns to leave.
“Wait. Maybe you can train me,” I call him back. He pauses, slowly turning around.
“Not sure Turner would be okay with that.” I roll my eyes. If Sebastian wanted to train me exclusively, then he should have made sure he showed up to do it. But since he hasn’t, I’m going to continue without him whether he likes it or not. And there may be a little part of me that wants him to find out I trained with someone else.
“You’re like his right-hand man. Plus Sebastian ditched me.” Ouch. It sounds worse when I say it out loud. I’m probably overreacting. He’s probably stuck doing work or something, and I’m pouting about it. “Please,” I push.
I don’t know if I’m begging out of spite or if I actually want to be trained. The past two days have made me more confident. Not that I’m going to do anything with that confidence but still. I enjoyed that feeling.
Saunders rubs the top of his shaved head.
“You’re here to protect me, right? I should know a few things to protect myself. Don’t you think?”
“You said it yourself. We’re here to protect you. You shouldn’t need training.”
“I can’t be shadowed for the rest of my life.”
“I think Turner and your brother would beg to differ.”
“You haven't said no,” I point out.
“All right. I’ll show you a few things.” We both head over to the giant mat. I start to show him what Sebastian has taught me already.
“If I can flip him then I can flip you.” He’s a bit smaller than Sebastian. No one is as big as him. I spin around, giving him my back to grab me.
A moment later his arms wrap around me, locking me to his body. I freeze as my heart starts to pound quickly. I close my eyes, trying to get a hold of myself as panic starts to rise up my throat. I yank and pull at his arm, but it does nothing. Everything Sebastian taught me goes right out the window. I gasp for air. Suddenly Saunders releases his hold on me. I stumble away.
“The fuck you think you’re doing?” Sebastian bellows at Saunders, who’s now on the floor.
“What she asked me to do,” Saunders throws back. He makes no effort to come to his feet. I rush over, grabbing Sebastian by his arm.
“I did. He didn’t do anything wrong.” Sebastian turns his head, his eyes locking with mine. The cold, deadly look in his eyes has me releasing his arm. I’ve never seen that look from him before.