Page 24 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“Let’s be clear.” I thrust my chin. “No one tells me what to do.”

Kody releases another growl that has Monty smirking.

“But…” I sigh. “I agree with you on this, which is why I asked about jobs around here.”

“You’ll have plenty to keep you busy.” Monty looks me up and down. Then he gives Kody and Leo a cursory perusal. “You need to rebuild your strength, eat a healthy diet, exercise, get good sleep. We all do.”

“He has a home gym,” I say to Kody and Leo, heating at the thought of their sculpted bodies straining beneath weights. “I can show you how to—”

“I’ll show them.” Monty turns to them. “When you’re ready, we can start training together.”

“Where?” Leo heads toward the hallway that leads to the garage, den, and gym.

“That way.” Monty directs him with a flick of his finger.

The air changes as we enter the exercise room, charged with something different. Curiosity. Fascination. Awe.

Leo and Kody sweep their gazes over the sleek, modern equipment, whose purposes are a mystery to them.

Monty steps in, turning on his charming host demeanor. “This is the treadmill.” He gestures at the machine. “It simulates walking or running. You can adjust the speed here.” He powers on the digital panel.

“Why would anyone run on this,” Leo asks, “when there are running trails on the island?”

Monty chuckles, his too-familiar eyes imprisoning me.

“Exactly.” I cross my arms and lean against the wall of mirrors. “I’ve never used that thing.”

Moving on to the rack of weights, Monty lifts a dumbbell and hands it to Kody. “This is the best way to build strength and endurance.”

Kody thrusts it over his head like it weighs nothing. “Feels lighter than the logs we lifted back home.”

“There are different sizes for different exercises.” Monty offers him a heavier one.

Eyes widening, Kody grunts as he lifts it. “Fuck.” He sets it back on the rack and grabs another. And another.

Monty tests his strength, too, while showing him some curling techniques.

“Great. Maybe I should leave you alone to bond with your new best friends.” I can’t help but smile at their boyish competitiveness. “They seem pretty heavy.”

Leo circles the punching bag, grinning and bouncing on his toes.

“This is where it’s at.” He throws a few experimental punches, the bag swinging wildly.

Monty nods, watching him. “Use any of this whenever you like. It’s here to help you guys get back in shape.”

Kody puts the weights away and steps onto the large mat where I used to spend hours doing Pilates and yoga.

He exchanges a look with Leo, and I know they’re thinking about self-defense training.

“We’ll start this week.” Leo strides toward me, his steps lighter, clearly impressed with the gym. “That includes you, love.”

“I prefer the running trails in the fresh air.” I follow him into the hall and up the stairs to the second floor.

“And the rain?”

“Maybe not the rain.”

Upstairs, he gives all the guest bedrooms the same thorough search. Kody joins him, speeding things along.

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