Page 17 of Bound By Valor

I hesitated. “I–uh–only have the regular 16oz. Are you sure you’re okay, though? Yesterday was—”

“That Logan guy can spar with me,” she said curtly, ignoring my concerns.

“I can spar with you, too?” I asked gently, knowing I’d be shut down.

“No. I’d rather spar with someone who isn’t a coward.”

I managed a nod.

“Just tell him to keep his thoughts to himself,” she added sharply.

I nodded again, still confused at her random request and left her in the room. Once downstairs, I sought out Amelia for some gym clothes. She handed them over with a knowing smirk.

Returning to my room, I found Leora had put the T-shirt back on and was waiting.

“Here,” I handed her the clothes. “These are Amelia’s.”

“Is that her alias?”

“No. It’s her real name… I think. Maybe she lied to us, who knows,” I said with a light smile.

“What is this place? You’re clearly not a cop,” she asked, pulling the T-shirt over her head to change into the gym clothes. I turned around, playing the role of a gentleman, giving her privacy.

“It’s a safe house and the headquarters of an intelligence division of law enforcement.” I told her half the truth.

“So, you’re like the FBI?”

“Sort of.”

“And is stalking civilians part of your job description?”

“Only the ones that are in danger.” I replied, turning back to face her just as she finished slipping into the shorts. “And don’t ever show that body to anyone else like you did with me.”

“Why?” she said defiantly.

My gaze hardened, unable to tear away from her, “Because not everyone will be as unaffected by it.”

“So you were unaffected by it?”

“I’m trained not to get distracted by mere breasts, Leora.”

Her face fell but kept her chin up.

“Understood. Now, tell your little Logan to bringhis best in the ring,” she challenged, her tone light yet determined.

I forced a smile, “There’s no ring. It’s just a matted gym.”

She nodded, then headed to the door, poised and ready, leaving me to stew in my stupidity.

???

Thirty minutes later, I entered the gym to find Logan and Leora sparring. Logan was clearly holding back, his punches pulled and combinations far from lethal. Leora, on the other hand, displayed competent skills, though her punches seemed more like extensions of her arms rather than powerful blows originating from her core. When she attempted a body kick, I noticed the lack of protection on her shins. Grabbing the smallest shin guards that Amelia used, I walked over to intervene.

“Here. You need these before you injure yourself,” I handed them over.

“Thanks,” Leora said, panting.

I nodded at them to continue and walked back to a buzzing phone.

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