Page 92 of My Vigilante Valentine

As her bedroom door opened and as she made her way into the living room, I noticed her footsteps were lighter than usual.

Probably trying to be stealthy.

I didn’t turn around. Just waited to see what she’d do.

But then, impatience got the better of me, and I whispered, “I can hear you.”

“Dang it.” She appeared at my side, full-on pouting. “I was testing my ninja walk.”

“Your… what?”

“You know, like in the movies.” She tiptoed dramatically across the room. “Silent but deadly.”

I blinked. “That’s not what that phrase means.”

She stuck her tongue out at me, completely unfazed.

I almost told her she wasn’t silent, either—but then I actually got a good look at her.

Hair pulled back in that messy bun. Black leggings that hugged her curves. Loose tank top that was cut low enough for the sports bra she wore under it to ruin my day.

Nothing extravagant, but somehow, on her, it was… too much.

Or not enough?

Apparently, it was incredibly confusing.

I exhaled sharply. Not going there.

“Earth to Jax,” she sang, waving a hand in front of my face. “Are you checking me out or plotting escape routes?”

I blinked. “Can it be both?”

Her breezy laugh hit me square in the chest. “So, what’s first? Knife throwing? That thing where you flip someone over your shoulder? Ooh, or maybe that move you did at the warehouse where you basically turned into The Flash?”

I shook my head, smirking. “How about we start with the basics?”

She groaned like I’d suggested we read the dictionary. “Ugh. Boring.”

“Essential,” I corrected.

She flopped onto the couch, throwing herself into the cushions. “Fine. But I reserve the right to complain. Or, I’d settle for making coffee first?”

“Time for stretching.”

She pointed at me. “You’re a tyrant.”

“A tyrant you asked to train you, remember?”

Her expression softened—just enough to knock me off balance. And then, without another word, she pushed off the couch and moved into the open space. “I know. And I appreciate it. Even if you are denying me caffeine.”

“I’m the worst.”

“You really are.” But she was smiling as she started to stretch.

I rolled my shoulders, exhaling through my nose as I watched her.

This was fine.

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