Page 43 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“Yes, sir,” Jarom and Easton said together.

“Thank you,” Autumn whispered to Papa, grateful he’d interrupted. Jarom wouldn’t have lasted much longer, and as it was, he’d proven how tough and fast he was. He had reason to feel better than when he had come into the barn.

The older man nodded to her and then pivoted. She heard him mutter something about, “Boy needs to get over Cassie,” before he stomped out of the workout area and through the barn. Cassie? She could’ve sworn she’d heard Millie mention that name in regards to Easton. Did Easton love a Cassie at some point?

Easton and Jarom quietly unwrapped their hands and took off their headgear. There was no taunting or talk at all. Autumn’s stomach twisted with nerves. Jarom loved her. He’d fought for her. She loved him back. She’d prayed for him.

What was she going to do about all these new, unexpected, and maybe not unwelcome feelings?

Her iron heart was soft, moldable, and open to him. All the work she’d done over years, decades, to protect herself was at risk.

That was more terrifying than facing a dozen mafia henchmen.

Chapter

Sixteen

Jarom’sentire body ached from being Easton’s punching bag. It had taken a superhuman effort for him to pretend he wasn’t about to collapse the last couple minutes of the fight. He might have a dislocated rib and a concussion, but it was his heart that worried him. He’d repeatedly told Autumn the depth of his interest for her in different ways, but to proclaim he loved her like he had was scary. She could and probably would reject him.

Where would that leave him? He’d never met anyone like her. She was his match. He was sure of it. If she didn’t agree, he’d be a mess. He could plead for her to give him time to win her heart. It would be easier to woo her back in his real world—on his turf, with his own clothes and his vast resources. He didn’t know that any of that mattered to Autumn, but fighting this battle on unfamiliar ground was getting to him.

What if she refused him and walked away after this job was over? He was a gentleman, so he’d have to let her go if shedidn’t want him. The vision of her leaving made his head pound harder.

She didn’t say anything as they returned to the house and she waited for him while he showered and got dressed for dinner. Mama offered him some ibuprofen. He downed it with sincere thanks.

Everyone was quiet at dinner. Autumn was the one he worried about. What was she thinking? Marci and Walker weren’t there to make it a lively affair. Usually Easton or Jarom would be the ones teasing, but they were both withdrawn. He didn’t think they were at odds. They’d said their piece through the fight and Easton had even apologized to him. He was too worried about Autumn’s reaction to win with charisma and kindness like usual. Mama seemed concerned about the somber mood, but Papa must’ve said something as she didn’t try to draw any of them out.

After dinner, they all pitched in to clean up. He loved that. At his own home, he usually cleaned up after himself when he ate alone, despite his housekeeper Tasia giving him a hard time about it. He didn’t eat at home much besides breakfast; he was often busy hosting, being the guest at parties or dinners, having food delivered in to meetings, or taking clients or employees to lunch or dinner.

Easton left after cleanup to do the nightly feeding of his bulls and horses. Mama and Papa asked if Jarom and Autumn wanted to go on a walk. Autumn agreed quickly. She must not want to be alone with him. Was she distancing herself or simply reflecting?

They walked slowly through the deepening evening air. Mama and Papa led the way, holding hands. Jarom wished he felt confident enough to hold Autumn’s hand.This tough female bodyguard was the most puzzling, challenging, and mesmerizing woman in the world. Jarom always flirted and teased with women, but Autumn was the first and only woman he’d ever fallen in love with, and admitted it out loud. Had he scared her?

They didn’t say much as they strolled, but it was nice to be outside and be by her side. His imprisonment at the Coleville Ranch was eons better than imprisonment at home. Though he felt off not working and badly about all the work he was heaping on his people, he had Autumn by his side. Autumn made even being hunted by Benjamin Oliver feel like a vacation from his always busy workload and social schedule.

They said goodnight and thank you to Mama and Papa, then walked up the stairs to the second level. Finally alone. Would he get some answers from her? Would he get a goodnight kiss?

Stopping outside her door, Autumn peered up at him. “This is quite the cramp in your lifestyle, eh? Going to bed at nine p.m. and no adoring female groupies chasing you or swanky parties to attend.”

He rested a hand on the wall next to her and gave her his patented smirk. She’d said something similar a few times; what was she hoping for him to say? “Autumn. Being around you is better than any party, and I don’t want any fan besides you.”

She pulled in a quick breath, her pulse racing. Instead of answering him, she said in a throaty voice, “Where did you learn to spar?”

He smiled, trying for cocky. “My friend Eli is a retired Navy SEAL captain. He taught me to defend myself after Benjamin put a target on my back. Pretty sure Eli would approve of the fight.”

“I was impressed.” She looked down as if the compliment had cost her.

Jarom appreciated her approval. He’d sacrificed his body to prove he was manly and now he wanted to wrap her up tight and prove it even more. Yet he’d shown his intentions far too many times with her. Was he scaring her? Moving too fast?

“Can you work with me more on self-defense but also teach me some offensive attacks?” he asked.

“I would love to.” She grinned up at him. “Let’s do it tomorrow after we work out.”

“Perfect.”

She showed no indication of slipping into her room. Could he give her a kiss goodnight? Maybe not a replication of all they’d experienced with those kisses at the lake but a tender, sweet kiss with a promise of more to come?

He leaned in.

---