Page 63 of Exile and Embrace

“So.” She stands up with a wicked smile and steps into the steaming shower. “Still got enough energy for another round?”

I groan and follow her into the shower, knowing that we’re going to be in there until the water runs cold.

Ava sits on the couch a couple of hours later, our thick duvet wrapped around her shoulders. She stretches her legs out, her feet kicked up on the coffee table in front of her while I take a seat in one of the armchairs.

I don’t know how to broach the conversation I need to have with her.

How do you tell someone that because of the shit you’re getting into, they need to know how to protect themselves?

I promised that I would protect her while we’re here, but that call with Declan a while ago only proved that I can’t protect her from everything.

It’s been eating away at me ever since.

Ava grabs the remote and turns on the television, flicking through the list of movies and shows. “What do you want to watch tonight? There’s a show about people finding their lost families. Or tracing back their family histories. Those are both pretty interesting shows.”

“Actually, I need to talk to you about something.” The words on my tongue are like trying to juggle a mouthful of hot coals.

She sets the remote to the side, twisting to face me. “What’s going on?”

Guilt wracks through me, tearing at my conscience.

I should be able to protect her. I shouldn’t have to tell her that I might not be able to hold up my end of the bargain.

I lace my fingers together, leaning forward to brace my forearms on my knees. “There are some things going on with Cillian and his men. I’m not going to tell you everything, but you should know that I’m starting to make his enemies my own. Tonight was a rough night, and I think that sooner or later, someone is going to be coming after me.”

Her lips press together, but she nods, waiting for me to continue. Those piercing eyes seem to stare right through me, cutting through the layers that I use to protect myself and heading straight to my soul.

When she looks at me like that, I feel even worse.

Ava arches an eyebrow, the message clear.

Start talking.

“Tonight, before I got home, I had to go on a run that didn’t end well. A couple men were killed, and I’m sure that there is going to be someone coming after me. And if they’re coming after me, they might be coming after you, and I need you to know how to defend yourself.” I take a deep breath. “So, I want to teach you to shoot.”

The corner of her mouth twitches. “I already know how to shoot.”

My mouth hangs open.

But why am I so surprised? I should have known that someone would’ve made sure that she could handle herself.

Her father was the Head of State. He wouldn’t have left her entirely defenseless.

Although, knowing what to do if someone breaks through a security team is different than knowing what to do against a member of a rival mafia.

But she sounds confident in her abilities.

She’s hinted at her brother-in-law having connections. Hell, she pulled out enough weapons to stock a small armory when we moved out here. She said that he was the one who got them for her.

Who the hell is her brother-in-law?

I clear my throat, wishing the heat in my cheeks would dissipate. “I’d like to see you shoot. I don’t know how much you know or how confident you are in shooting someone that’s coming at you.”

That little smirk turns into a short laugh. “I appreciate that you worried about me being the target of whoever you pissed off, but I can take care of myself.”

“This isn’t just about being able to take care of yourself. This is about killing a person to save your own life if you have to. Are you able to do that?”

Ava’s glare turns cold as she nods. “I can. If it means my life or someone else’s, I’m going to save my own life. You don’t need to worry about that. My brother-in-law has drilled it into my head more than enough.”

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