Page 65 of Savage Desires

"We're going to the firing range, then to the gym. I want to see what a fierce little warrior you are."

She rolls her eyes. "You already saw me in action."

I tap her nose. "Don't be sassy. You know you weren't at your best. Now that you're not starving and are well-rested, I want to assess your strengths and help with your weak points."

"Fair enough. It's been a long time since I've done any kind of sparring. My muscle memory isn't what it used to be. Still, I mentally ran through my training every day to make sure I never forgot how to defend myself if the chance ever arose."

I pull her into my arms. "Good girl. You're so damn strong."

She shrugs. "My dad always said I was too stubborn for my own good, but that it's what made me such a good fighter. I didn't let my fears limit my success. I pushed past my limits because they are merely a barrier that keeps you from reaching your full potential."

"Very wise."

"I had a good role model," she says wistfully.

I want to dig deeper into why she doesn't want to look into her father. There's too much going on right now for us to lose focus to deal with any emotional fallout or distraction looking for him could bring. I don't know how she will react if her fears are confirmed. I'll be there for her when she decides it's time to find him, but I won't push for now.

"Come with me," I say, leading Willow back to my bedroom and into my closet. "My safe is in here. I want you to know how to get into it in case you ever need anything."

She looks at me, confused. "What could I possibly need from your safe?"

I show her how to access the security panel by pushing on a particular spot on the wall. I put my palm on the reader, and it clicks open. She gasps when the whole wall opens. It's actually a steel and concrete reinforced door leading to my armory/saferoom.

"That's some crazy James Bond shit…"

I chuckle. "Definitely not James Bond, beauty."

"No, I suppose not. I'd rather have a dark knight anyway. I don't want a hero that wants to save the world… I want someone that'll burn it down to save me."

I pull her against my chest and cup her face. "You got him, love. I'll let the whole goddamned world burn to keep you safe. You're my priority now and always."

She sighs happily, turns her head, and kisses my palm. "I feel the same. I would burn down the world for you, too."

"We'll burn it together if we have to," I promise.

I release her and walk to the desk where my computer equipment is set up. There are several screens. Multiple camera feeds from security cameras here in the building fill two screens. The others are left for when I don't want my tech people involved in what I'm doing. I open the security program and set up a second profile for Willow.

"Put your hand here," I say, pointing to the palm reader. It takes a few seconds to scan her into the system. "Okay, you have access to this room if you ever need it. My brothers are the only people that know it exists other than myself. If anything happens while you're here, I want you to come to this room and stay until I come for you."

"I'm not the kind of person who backs down from a fight," she says, a stubborn jut to her chin.

"I'm not saying you should back down from a fight, but the people we're going after won't fight fair. It's not a weakness to retreat and regroup. Don't take stupid risks with your safety." My tone brokers no argument, and she seems to realize that because she simply nods her agreement.

"Let me show you my toys…"

I walk her through the room, showing her my stash of cash, the keys to my vehicles, and finally, my vast collection of firearms, knives, and explosives.

"A rocket launcher? Why on earth would you need a rocket launcher?" she asks, looking at me like I'm crazy.

I smirk. "It was a birthday present from a friend."

"Some friend. All I ever got was Target gift cards," she says deadpan.

I bark a laugh. "Don't be jealous, love. I'll make sure you get fun toys for all your birthdays."

She shakes her head. "You're a menace."

I kiss her hard and fast. "Your menace, beauty. Only yours."

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