Page 20 of Rescuing Sophia

I hesitate, then decide honesty is the best policy. “The guards I’m used to… There was never any warmth between them.”

Walt’s expression softens with understanding, his eyes gentle. “Yeah, we’re a different breed here. More like family than co-workers.”

Family. The word lodges a lump in my throat, stirring memories and long-buried emotions.

“Hey, wanna learn some moves?” Walt’s voice is gentle and inviting.

The scent of sweat and mat cleaner fills the air, mingling with the distant hum of voices and the faint clang of metal weights. The place feels alive, charged with energy and camaraderie, a polar opposite to the cold, sterile environments I’m used to.

Family.

It’s been so long since I’ve had anything like that.

“Sure.”

“Nothing too fancy.” Walt guides me onto a nearby mat. The rubber surface is firm yet forgiving under my bare feet. “Just some basic self-defense.”

We start with simple blocks and strikes. Walt’s a patient teacher. His hands are warm and steady as he guides me through each movement. His touch is gentle but firm, ensuring I understand the mechanics of each move.

He positions himself behind me, his chest lightly pressing against my back as he helps me perfect a defensive stance.

The closeness is steady and professional, lacking the spark that ignites when Blake is near. It doesn’t send heat coursing through my veins like Blake’s does.

“Like this.” His hands are on my hips, adjusting my positionslightly. “You want to keep your center of gravity low.” Walt’s hands move to my arms, guiding them into the proper blocking position. He knocks the back of my knee, forcing me to lower my center of gravity.

“Keep your elbows in tight.” His voice is low and encouraging. His fingers brush my skin as he corrects my form.

“Now try a strike.” He steps back, watching as I execute the move.

When I falter, he steps in close again, his body aligning with mine as he demonstrates the technique. The solid strength of his frame presses against me, providing both support and a sense of safety.

“Hey, Walt, getting a bit handsy with my girl, aren’t you?” Blake’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and cold.

I startle, turning to see Blake standing there, his presence commanding and tense.

Walt steps back immediately, hands raised in a placating gesture. A sheepish grin spreads across his face, but the tension in the air thickens as the powerful men square off.

“Just teaching her some moves. She shouldn’t have to sit on a bench and watch us fight. Gotta learn some self-defense skills, brother.” Walt’s voice carries a hint of challenge, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“That may be, but there’s no need to get all touchy-feely.” Blake steps closer, his eyes narrowing.

Walt chuckles, shaking his head. “Why’d you bring a woman to practice and force her to watch from the sidelines like a second-string player? I just thought I’d teach her some moves. She needs to learn.”

The other guys stop their activities and turn to watch the interaction. A few snickers and whistles break the silence, adding a layer of camaraderie to the scene.

“Don’t be such a caveman, Blake,” one of them calls out. I’m not sure which one.

“She’s got spirit,” another one adds with approval. “Let her learn.”

“Blake’s getting protective of his girl,” Gabe calls out, earning a round of laughter.

Blake’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t deny it. Instead, he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

“Alright, fine. But keep it professional.”

“Professional it is.” Walt straightens and gives a mock salute. “Alright, Sophia, ready to try again?”

“Yes, let’s do it.” I glance at Blake, noting his protectiveness and the irritation in his eyes.

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