Page 32 of Knight’s Salvation

Chapter 8

James stoodat Mia’s back as they ran through her relaxation and control techniques. They’d tried several different ways to unlock her power, but the result was always the same: her doubled over, gasping and crying out in pain. In her current state, she was no better than a walking, talking cigarette lighter.

“It’s all right, Mia. You’ll get this.”

His tone was gentle, kind. He hadn’t tried to kiss her again, and as pleased as she was about that fact, she was equally disappointed that she didn’t feel anything for James. A kind, good-natured male was exactly what she needed. Why wasn’t it James she couldn’t get out of her head? Someone uncomplicated. Well, as uncomplicated as a half human, half demon could be.

“Thanks, James. You’ve been great. Really.”

“We’ll get there. I know how much you want to join your sister.”

Tears clogged the back of her throat. God, he was so nice. “You’re a really great guy, you know that?”

He gave her a bewildered half smile. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just feeling a little lost, I guess.”

“How’s the new place?” He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Beautiful…lonely.” The tears she’s tried to swallow overflowed and tracked down her cheeks.

James dragged her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “This is a bump in the road, nothing more.” He pulled back and wiped her tears away. “If you’re lonely, I’m here. No strings.” His mouth twisted up on one side and he let a small amount of heat slip past.

“I’m sorry…I can’t.”

He shook his head. “Look, I won’t lie. I’m attracted to you, Mia. But I can control myself when I have to.” He smiled, a full, wide smile that made her wish again that she had some control over her stupid emotions. “Seriously, though, I’m here if you need a friend.”

She couldn’t help but smile back. “I think I’ll need one of those.”

He gave her another squeeze. “Look, I wish I could stay and keep you company, but I have another session in ten minutes. You gonna be okay?”

No.“Absolutely.”

“Good girl.” He headed for the door. “I’ll see you in a couple of days. And if you need to talk before then, call me, yeah?”

She nodded, and once he was gone, gathered her bag and headed out as well. After pounding the pavement the day before, she’d finally found herself a job waitressing at a bar not far from her apartment. For once something had gone right. This training thing sapped her energy levels, and she wanted to get home and relax for a few hours before her first night tonight.

As she headed down the hall toward the elevator, a loud grunt followed by the unmistakable sound of flesh smacking flesh carried out from the gym. Without thought, she pushed the door open and jerked to a stop.

In the center of the room, on the sparring mats, Gunner and Zenon went at each other. She’d never seen anything like it. Both males were huge, had rippling, straining muscles, and they weren’t pulling any of those powerful punches. No, it looked like they were trying to beat the crap out of each other.

Right then, Zenon turned sharply toward her, spotted her standing there, and Gunner was able to land a solid strike to his square jaw.

She cried out, unable to hold it in, and Gunner spun to face her as well. Zenon dragged the back of his hand across his now split lip, but kept his eyes locked on her. Both males were looking at her like she’d lost her mind.

It was Gunner who spoke first. “You okay?”

All she could manage was a nod. The fear she’d felt when Zenon had been struck was extreme and her heart hadn’t returned to its normal speed. Zenon looked magnificent, his beautiful inked body glistening with a fine coating of sweat, and his big chest heaving from exertion. So beautiful.

She hadn’t seen him since that first night at her new place, watching her from a distance. It felt too long to her, and she couldn’t drag her gaze away from his. Which was ridiculous and humiliating. He’d made his feelings for her more than clear.

But then he was in motion, closing the gap between them, a determined look on his face like the day he’d kissed her. A whirlpool of emotions rose as he ate up the floor with those long strides: excitement, fear, need, apprehension. They twisted and turned inside her, building until they had the power to knock her feet out from under her.

He didn’t stop until he was a foot in front of her, and she focused on his chest, suddenly afraid. She couldn’t handle any more rejection from this male, not now. He continued to heave in those deep breaths, and his big chest rose and fell in a way that was almost mesmerizing.

“Mia?”

The way he said her name, so rough, hit her low in her belly. She had no choice but to look up, and instantly felt trapped under the heat of his volcanic stare. Her heart skipped a beat then stuttered back to life, fluttering behind her ribs.