Chapter 43
Every day, for about an hour or two, after the other fighters have already left, he takes his time and walks me through scenarios of what to do when someone attacks.
He isn’t showing me that I can overpower someone bigger than me, but he is showing me how to be smart, use my mind to my advantage, spot someone’s weakness, and defend myself.
Every day, I learn something new. I learn something different.
I don’t sleep in Rey’s house every night despite the heartfelt note he gave me as a birthday present. Because he gave me a raise, I bought a more comfortable bed.
I try to stay in my apartment at least twice weekly because I still want independence. I need time to think about what I want, even if a man promises the world. I have to eliminate doubt and insecurities.
Rey never asked me to leave and get my own place, but I couldn’t stay and take advantage. I needed to know that I could take care of myself.
I’m in the office catching up on some paperwork. Chase strolls in after I’ve sent out the bill payments and knocks on the door to get my attention.
I look up, and I smile. “Hey, Chase, how’s it going?”
“I miss seeing you around. I always find you in here or out there,” he says brightly. “You look good. He takes his time with you. I think the guys are jealous. He doesn’t push on your shoulder to get your attention or snort when you fuck up.”
I laugh through my nose and say, “I’m learning for different reasons than what you guys come here for. He is teaching me to defend myself if he isn’t around to save me.”
I look through the window; Rey is watching me. I give him a reassuring wave.
Chase looks behind me and then at me. “Should I go before he comes in here like a caveman?”
I laugh. “You don’t have to, but maybe I’ll go over there.”
“I think you should, Ari, or I’ll be on the speed bag for a week straight.”
I give him a grin. “He wouldn’t.”
He snorts. “For you, there is nothing he wouldn’t do.”
I walk over to where Rey is in the corner by the bell. Two fighters are in the middle of the ring and have just finished sparring. He turns his head when he spots me walking over and gives me a panty-melting smile.
I reach over when Chase catches up and give him a fist bump.
Rey smiles at me. I give him one hand, then the other so he can pull me up. I wrap my arms around him. He bends and presses our foreheads together. Our noses touch. He looks at me like I’m the fire to his soul. The symphony to his heart.
I would never leave him.
I could never abandon him .
But I need time, like a flower in the garden waiting to bloom to become something beautiful.