Page 30 of Protecting Talia

Talia was getting too used to having Zip around in the evenings. She wasn’t back at work yet, but she would have to go back soon. Her bills wouldn’t pay themselves, and she needed money.

It sucked that she did all that work as a teen and never got paid a dime. Since she was the one who earned the money to buy her sister’s bar, she should own part of it, but she feared telling authorities about her past. They didn’t like people who did porn, even if it had been forced on them.

Besides, her sister had threatened arrest if the cops ever found out. It seemed silly now, but when she could have sued her sister, she’d been too afraid. Now, she was sure whatever limitations on time would have passed.

“Hey, Talia, I’m home,” Zip called out as he entered the house. She liked that he called out when he came in. It made her feel safe.

She stepped out of the bedroom and froze. He had a bruise on the side of his face. “What happened?”

“Nothing much. We were doing training and I ended up getting hit. I’m okay.”

“Hit by what?”

“Just some stuff. Nothing big. It happens.”

She moved to him and lifted her hand but didn’t touch his face. “It looks bad.”

“I know. But it’s not awful. I’ll be fine.”

“You look worse than I did.”

He rolled his eyes, then looped his arm around her and pulled her close. “It’s not a competition. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. Just need to take it easy for a few days.”

“Caroline called today.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I was surprised she could get my number so easily. She asked if we were free on Saturday. I said yes since I won’t be back at work yet.”

“Good. I think you’ll enjoy getting together with them.”

“I’m sure I will. I also made us dinner. Nothing fancy, just some stew.”

“Nice. I’ll be out in a few. I just want to change.”

“Sure. And I think you should take it easy tonight.”

“We both can. How about we find a movie and stretch out on the couch?”

“That sounds nice.”

“Good. I’ll change clothes, and then we can eat and watch a movie.”

Talia checked on the stew and decided it was done. She unplugged the slow cooker and grabbed two bowls. She was about to serve dinner when Zip came back into the room. He looked amazing in his blue t-shirt and sweats. She couldn’t help but stare. It was difficult being around someone as good looking as Zip and not watch his every move.

She knew whatever they had wouldn’t last. He was nice for now, but after a few more run-ins with over-enthusiastic men, he would tire of the hassle. She might as well enjoy being with Zip while she had the chance.

On Saturday, they headed to Wolf and Caroline’s place. She was disappointed she and Zip hadn’t had sex, but both of them were still banged up. She worried about him and what had happened. One morning, when she’d been heading to the bathroom, she’d glanced into his room and saw his side, which looked fairly heavily bruised. She hoped he was okay. If she knew him better, she would know if it was safe to question him about it. He hadn’t divulged anything to her, so she kept the questions to herself.

Caroline had invited a few other people over, and they were outside on their patio. The weather was perfect, and everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

“Talia, this is Remi and Kevlar.”

She shook Kevlar’s hand first, then Remi’s. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

“And this is Safe and Wren.”

She turned to them and smiled, shaking their hands. “It’s good to meet you, too.”

---