Page 109 of Branded Hearts

Mark looks at her, then back at me, his smile widening. “She’s more than welcome to give it a go if she wants. I trust you, Bradley.”

Amelia’s eyes widen. “Really? I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“No pressure,” I say, squeezing her hand. “You can just watch if you’re not comfortable.”

“It’s a safe environment here. Bradley knows what he’s doing, and I’ll be here to help, too,” Mark says.

Amelia nods, her curiosity clearly piqued. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot—no pun intended.”

We all chuckle, and a surge of pride runs through me. This might not be the most conventional date, but it’s something special to me, and sharing it with Amelia feels right. We walk over to the range, and I pick up my pistol, placing it on the tray in front of me. Grabbing two sets of earmuffs, I put one on my head and then gently place the other on Amelia. Next, I hand her a pair of protective glasses and put mine on as well. I get myself sorted, checking my glock, making sure everything is in order.

“I’m just going to warm up,” I say, giving a thumbs up to Mark behind the counter. A board appears with a round target about twenty-five metres away.

I take a moment to focus, feeling the weight of the gun in my hand. I glance at Amelia and warn, “It’s going to get very loud.”

She nods, giving me a thumbs up, her eyes wide and filled with awe.

I position myself, holding up the gun, my grip firm but relaxed. Turning my head slightly to the side, I focus my eye through the iron sights. I take a deep breath, steadying my aim. The first shot rings out, a loud crack echoing through the range. The bullet hits the target around the middle, somewhere in the eight ring. It’s not always about hitting the ten ring; it’s about the grouping. Keeping the bullets within the same area is what matters.

That’s what I was taught. I pride myself on the consistency of my shots, a skill honed over the years, with both training at the academy and lessons from my father. I know I can confidently shoot and hold my aim. But I also know that under dire circumstances, this canchange.

At the academy, we’re drilled on never pulling out our gun unless it’s a life-or-death situation. Our tasers are for stopping someone, preventing things escalating further. We only draw our guns if we or others are in immediate danger. Each shot I take sends a powerful jolt up my arm, the recoil controlled and expected. My breathing is steady, my heartbeat a steady drum in my ears. Each shot hammers into the target, the paper puncturing and tearing with every hit.

The satisfaction of accuracy, the control, the power—it all feels incredible.

Once I’ve fired my round of fifteen, smoke trails from the small barrel. I flick the safety on and place the gun flat on the counter. Removing my earmuffs and glasses, I turn to find Amelia staring at me, open-mouthed. I shoot her a confused look.

“What?”

“I’m not going to lie to you... that wassooohot,” she says, fanning her face. I can’t help but chuckle, a full-on hearty laugh. When I finish, she’s smiling from ear to ear, a blush staining her round cheeks.

“I’m being serious,” she says, clearing her throat, and my smile drops before turning into a smirk.

“Yeah?” I say, moving closer, tilting her chin up to face me. “You know, you can’t be saying these things to me in public, Mills.”

“Why not?” she counters.

Hm, she’s feeling frisky now, huh? I make a humming noise, deep in my chest. “Hm. Don’t tempt me, sunshine.” I press my hardeningcock into her stomach so she can feel what she does to me. She gasps, her breathing quickening. “That’s why.”

I step away, needing to regain composure before I throw her over my shoulder, take her back to my car, and fuck her senseless. But nevertheless, I digress.

I shoot her a wink before readjusting myself and clearing my throat. “Alright, you’re up.”

Amelia

“Uh... there is no way I can do what you just did.”

He laughs. “I’m not asking you to. I’ll just teach you a few things.”

Am I really about to do this? The most uncoordinated person, attempting to shoot a gun. Yeah, this is gonna be fun. I nod slowly, walking over to where he’s standing at the range. “Okay, show me.”

He places his muffs back on before guiding me through the basics, explaining each step carefully. I watch as he reloads the gun, his muscular, veiny hands pushing the slide back with practised ease. Holy crap, that’s hot. I could have literally moaned out loud.

If I could, I’d put that moment on replay. I’m just watching him like a dog in heat,pantingfor him. I clear my throat, trying to focus, before moving to stand in front of him.

“First, grip the gun firmly, but don’t squeeze too tight. It’s all about control and balance. Now, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward.”

I follow his instructions, my hands trembling slightly. He places his hands over mine, his touch warm and steady, helping me hold the gun properly.

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