Dahlia loaded the mag and slid it into the gun. We walked to the small range. After putting on our earmuffs, I pointed at the board, showing her how to fire. She stood uncomfortable, and I had to move closer to correct her stance. Once I felt she was in the right position, I stepped back.

After about an hour of practicing, Dahlia started hitting the target nicely. At least one in every three or four were body shots. I could see she needed a break. Her hands were lightly trembling. Taking the gun, I spoke gently. “Come, let’s take a break.”

Turning, she didn’t hesitate. She walked to the bench in the corner and sat down, rubbing her hands. Placing the gun down, I collected a bottle of muscle oil I always kept around. Sitting next to her, I poured some into my hand. “Here, let me,” I said, taking her hand.

I started slowly and softly massaging her hand. I stretched out her fingers and made sure they were loose. Moving to her shoulders I could feel the tension in her muscles. This was surely from the recoil of the gun. For an inexperienced person, it could strain the muscles even though it was minimal.

After a while, Dahlia glanced up at me. “So, what gun do you prefer to use?”

Smiling, I reached under my jacket, pulling my gun from its holster. Before handing it to her, I ensured the safety was on. “It’s a Desert Eagle, the gun that started my love for weapons.”

She looked at if fascinated, studying it as if she had never seen a gun before. “It is beautiful. But it weighs more than the other one,” she said, grinning.

“Would you like to fire it?” I asked, holding out my hand.

Dahlia nodded profusely. She handed me the gun and rose quickly. We walked back to the range, and she took her position. This time, her stance was perfect. Looking at me, she held out her hand.

“it’s got a kick, so hold firmly,” I said, giving her the gun. Moving in behind her, I stood close. I didn’t want her to lose balance or get frighted by the loudness and kick.

She aimed and took her first shot with a bigger gun. Her hands lifted a tab as the recoil kicked. Turning to me, her eyes were wide. “You call that a kick?” she asked, taking a deep breath.

Taking my gun, I placed it back in the holster. “Are you okay,” I asked as I removed the earmuffs.

She shook her hand but was smiling. “Wait here,” I said as I bounced back to the table. Coming to her I held out the gun she practiced with. “Shoot this one again,” I said.

Dahlia took the gun from me and turned back to the target. She took three quick shots. The third one hit the bullseye. She stared at it for a second before turning. Overflowing with excitement, she jumped up and down. Taking the gun from her, I placed it on the small stand.

She grabbed my face and kissed me. But it was over before it barely started, as she was still jumping from excitement. “Did you see,” she huffed, turning halfway and pointing at the target.

“I saw,” I replied, pouting my lips. I hope she will feel sorry for me and kiss me again. It didn’t work, though. All it did was make her laugh. Calming slightly, she took my face in her hands again. “Aww, sweety, did you want more?” she teased.

Pulling her into my arms, I kissed her neck. “Oh, my sweet woman,” I huffed. “You have no idea how much I want you right now.”

Dahlia burst out laughing. She was so sexy as she shook in my embrace. Giving me a quick kiss on the lips, she whispered. “Then why don’t you show me you stud?” Her tone was teasing, and her eyes sparkling. She turned out of my arms and stepped backward.

“No, you don’t,” I said pulling her back. Resting one hand on the small of her back, I gently took hold of her hair with my other one. Pulling softly, I leaned in and kissed her passionately.

Kissing her like there was no tomorrow, her sweet floral scent entered my nostrils. Closing my eyes, I allowed my mind to drift off. She filled me with a love I couldn’t explain. As our tongues met, it felt like they were dancing to music we couldn’t hear.

Dahlia pulled away, taking a deep breath. “Slow down, tiger,” she said as she gasped. Finding her breath, she licked her lips as she continued. “Let's go home.”

Once we got home, we decided to do a bit more training. We headed to the home gym. We went over everything I had taught her about hand-to-hand combat and practiced for about an hour.

Laying on the mats, breathing hard from the excursion, we stared up at the ceiling. “Want to go for a swim?” I asked after a bit of silence. Rising, I held out my hand and assisted her to her feet. “Meet me at the pool,” I said as we went to change.

“Sure,” Dahlia replied, entering her room.

After changing into my swim trunks, I went to the kitchen. Grabbing two juices and some fruit salad, I headed out. Dahlia was sitting on the edge of the pool with her feet dangling in the water.

“Is it cold?” I asked as I handed her a juice.

“It’s refreshing,” she replied.

Sitting down next to her, I lowered my feet in. The water was a tad cold. But she was right. It was refreshing. She was wearing a black and gold one-piece bathing suit. It was fitted with a short skirt that made it almost seem like she was wearing a dress. The hints of gold brought out the flecks in her eyes. It complimented her well.

Dahlia leaned forward and, with her hand, flung cold water at me. “Oh, you didn’t,” I breathed out. She giggled as she lowered herself into the water. “I’m coming for you,” I said, standing up.

She turned and started swimming away. Diving in, I swam forcefully underwater to her. Taking hold of her legs, I pulled her under with me. She turned and twisted in my hold. Coming up, we both laughed. “Now, that was fun, right?” I asked after catching my breath.