The colors!
She twisted herself around, wrenching her shoulder and nearly turning them both over in the sand. The man’s aura surged all around him, but there was no yellow, no black.
Where the hell is the fear?!
He wasn’t afraid at all. He was homeless, had attacked her on the beach, and yet he was perfectly calm. Why wasn’t he scared? She was fucking terrified.
He needed to feel fear.
The man fell back, his eyes darting back and forth, then rolling back in his head as he dropped her ankle. Lainey took her chance, scrambling away and pushing to her feet. She could do it—one shaky step, then another, her legs almost collapsing out from under her. She moved one trembling foot, then another.
Faster now—or he’ll kill you.
With every step, she became stronger, walking, then sprinting, until she burst out back onto the main beach. Her whole body was trembling and her throat was still clogged with cloying fear, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t stop.
She ran.
14
Aaron
Aaron sat on the steps outside the juice bar, looking out on the ocean. He’d come back to the gym after catching up with Cole, hoping to see Lainey, but she must have closed and left in his absence, the juice bar dark and quiet. He’d called around while he sat there on the steps, spoken to some old contacts from the underground flight clubs, but no one had heard any rumors. Not a whisper about him or his gym.
Maybe Mike was just full of shit. The man had always been a little paranoid, but would he really have tracked Aaron down and contacted him personally if his suspicions were baseless? No, he had to assume Mike was telling the truth. Thumbing through his contact list, he glanced up and smiled. Lainey was in the distance, running along the beach. He hadn’t missed her after all.
Lainey. Running.
Aaron frowned. Payton practically had to drag her into the gym just a week ago. There was no way his girl went running on the beach and everything was okay, especially after dark.
He stood and sprinted down the steps, catching her as she threw herself into his arms. He hugged her close, feeling her shudder in his arms, then pulled back and almost lost his shit at what he saw. Her cheeks were wet with tears and her eyes bloodshot. Her hair was a complete mess, falling out of the neat ponytail she always wore, like something had tousled her about.
“Lainey?”
The sound of her name just made her burst into tears again, and he panicked, pulling her back into his arms. She placed her hands on his chest and he got a look at her palms. They were grazed, one still bleeding.
Motherfucker.
“Are you okay?”
Idiot!
“No. I—I . . .”
“Were you hurt?”
She snuffled and pushed her face into his chest. “Almost.” Her tears ran down her face, soaking his shirt. He didn’t care.
“It’s okay. Whatever happened, it’s okay.” She brought her arms around him, trembling in his hold. “Lainey? Look at me.”
She didn’t. Her eyes kept darting out to the ocean, unfocused. This was bad.
“I didn’t want to go with him, Aaron. But then there was this man,” she sobbed into his shoulder again. “I—I’m sorry, I’m just so upset.”
“It’s okay. I’m here now. Just tell me what happened.” She didn’t answer, shaking her heard. “Lainey, if someone hurt you, I want to know. I always want to know.”
“It’s over now. It doesn’t matter.”
“Bullshit it doesn’t.” Taking her hand, he led her slowly into his office at the gym and gently guided her to a chair. Resisting the urge to carry her off and hide her, he sat in another chair next to hers and took her hand. “Lainey, I want to help you.”
She snuffled. “I know.”
“You’re amazing, I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
She looked up at him, wiping away her tears. “I was so scared.”
“Why, Sweetheart?”
Lainey ground the palms of her hands into her eyes, wincing when the grazes made contact. She dropped her hands into her lap and stared at them, as if she hadn’t noticed until now that she was bleeding.
“There was this man. He grabbed me.”
“Where? Who was it?”
“I was walking, on the beach. Trying to clear my head.”
Shit. What was bothering her? Had someone approached her too? Would he know who it was? Aaron took a deep breath. “Baby, did you know him?”
“No,” her voice cracked. “Well, I mean . . .”
“Who was it, Lainey?”
“There was this man, lying in the sand. I wanted to make sure he was okay, but he grabbed me and I fell. Aaron, he had a knife!” Fire blasted through his bones at her words. “He had a knife and I couldn’t get away.” Her voice dropped away and she started silently sobbing. His arms wrapped around her shaking form.
“Did he hurt you anywhere? How did you get away?”
“I don’t know. He just collapsed and I ran.”
Thank God.
He tightened his hold. She’d been lucky—this time. But there’d be a next, even with him by her side.
“I want you safe, Lainey. You need to know how to defend yourself.”
She paused, looking away. “Josh said he didn’t want me to. Said it’s too dangerous for a girl like me.”
“Fuck him.”
A smile crept across her lips through the tears. It was as if she was seeing the sun rise.
“I’ll teach you everything I know. I’m not going to leave you again without something you can use to keep yourself safe.”
Lainey touched his hand, pulling his fingers into hers and looking him straight in the eye. “Aaron, thank you. I mean it.”
He returned her smile, grabbing her hand tighter and pulling her up. “Now, what’d’ you say I feed you before I take you home?” He guided her through the gym and over to the juice bar, switching on the lights as he entered and locking the door behind him. “What sounds good?”
Lainey slumped into a booth. “I think blueberry smoothie and some strawberries.”
He grabbed the container of strawberries and piled a bowl high, grabbing some whipped cream from the fridge and handing her the bowl. “You didn’t recognize the man?” He hated to make her keep talking about it, but he needed to know.
“No. He was badly off. I think he was homeless. He was babbling and moving funny, not making any sense.”
“You think he had a mental illness then maybe?”
“Maybe,” she didn’t sound too sure. “Maybe substance abuse too.” She shuddered, but he didn’t ask why. She’d been through enough for now.
Aaron switched on the blender and grabbed a bag of kale chips. When he poured out the drink, Lainey was giving him a strange look. “What?”
She smiled. “Nothing, really. It’s just weird seeing you back there while I sit on my butt and do nothing.”
He laughed at that. “You need some taking care of tonight.” He pushed the bowl of strawberries over her. “Cream?”
“Because fuck it, why not.” Lainey laughed too. She dipped a strawberry and took it between her lips, biting off the tip, and his dick hardened. Aaron reached down, trying to adjust himself subtly. That was the last thing she needed tonight.
“Technically,” she said, “it’s healthy.” Grinning, she swiped a large berry through the cream until it was completely covered and held it out for him. He ate it straight from her hand and her hand darted out to wipe away the cream on his upper lip, licking it off her finger. Shit, he was going to come in his pants.
“So Payton told me about Krav Maga class. Apparently you don’t have to be that strong to still be effective?”
He nodded. “You don’t. There’s so many things you can do with your body. Brute force can actually be a disadvantage if you came up against a skilled fighter.”
“That’s my only hope I think.”
“That’s not true. You can defini
tely raise your strength level if you work at it. Anyone can.”
“I just don’t want to ever be scared again like I was tonight.”
“You won’t have to.”
He basked in her company, drawing the time out as long as he could. It felt like forever since they’d just sat down and talked like this. It felt almost sacred, something he would always cherish. But eventually, the real world crept in. Every time she smiled, he wondered if she smiled for Josh. Every time she laughed, he worried how many times he’d hear that sound before the assholes hunting her caught up with them. If he could never hear her laugh, never see her smile again, it would kill him.
Lainey caught his gaze, looking unsettled. Shit, had she noticed his mood turning dark again? She’d always been able to tell exactly when he was pissed. He smiled, despite his black mood. He could never hide from her. He caught her gaze and forced himself back to the moment. He couldn’t let his moods push her away, not now when so much was at stake.
15
Lainey
When Lainey got to work the next morning, she was a mess of muddled emotions. Aaron had driven her car home and waited for her to go inside and lock the door before he’d jogged off back down the street. When she’d stepped out onto her front stoop that morning, he’d been leaning up against her front fence, waiting for her. Why he hadn’t just knocked on the front door and let her know he was there, she didn’t know, but the company was still more than welcome. Last night had scared the life out of her, nearly literally, and it had been Aaron who’d found her, helped her. An image of Josh filtered through her mind. No, she wasn’t going to feel guilty about that. If he truly was high last night, he wouldn’t have been any help anyway. She’d needed help, and Aaron had been there. That’s what counted. It was all that counted.
They walked into the juice bar together, and by the time she’d stowed her bag, Aaron appeared in front of her with another bowl of strawberries. It was a sweet gesture. Whatever was going on with him, he was still willing to be there for her. “How did you know this would cheer me up?”
“Please.” He grinned. “Every single time you chop them, at least three end up in your mouth. Did you think I didn’t notice?”
Lainey blushed. “You saw that, huh?”
Aaron laughed. “You do it with the blueberries, too.”
“I won’t say anything if you won’t.” She grinned back and grabbed a strawberry, feeding him again. “What made you start this place?” She’d known Aaron for years, but his near-constant presence that week had her realizing she didn’t really know much about him outside of work. Maybe if she did, then whatever was going on between him and Josh would make more sense.
“I think it’s the same reason you work here. I like healthy food and helping people feel better about themselves. I’m really glad I did it, too.”
“How come?”
“Sometimes you’ll see people walk in here their first time. They look so tired, run down. I know that if I can keep them coming back, each morning after that they’ll look better, happier.” His eyes brightened as he talked—this was his passion.
“You’re right,” Lainey said. “That’s exactly why I work here. Being able to improve someone’s day in such a simple way is the best part.”
He smiled again, and picked up her hand. “I think we make a good team. I know I’ve been difficult to be around lately. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Aaron.” Lainey wished he’d talk to her, let her help him as he’d been there for her last night. Maybe that would come in time. She resolved to sit down and just chat with him more often, get to know more about the man behind the professional image that everyone thought they knew.
“Hey”—he stood, standing to pack up their breakfast—“we’ve got a little while before the doors open. How about we head into the gym and I’ll show you a few things?”
Lainey hesitated as memories of the night before flooded her mind. She wasn’t sure if she could handle anyone’s hands on her right now, even his. At least she knew Aaron wouldn’t hurt her. The next random weirdo she bumped into could be far, far worse. She nodded and they walked over to the gym. Aaron’s hand rested on the small of her back, just lightly, but she felt comforted by his touch. He guided her into a room at the back of the gym. It was smaller than the main room, intimate. He met her eyes and his steps faltered for just a moment before he caught himself and walked to the center of the mats.
He turned to her. “Alright, I want to begin by showing you some basic stances. These positions will give you the best balance and flexibility if you need to defend yourself.” He grabbed her hand again and guided her next to him on the mat. How many times had he touched her already this morning? They were all innocent, friendly, but her skin still warmed in every place his hand rested. “Okay, stand legs shoulder-width apart, and take one step forward with your non-dominant leg.” Lainey moved and Aaron touched her thigh to adjust her stance. A shiver ran through her. “Great—okay, lift your back heel off the ground, tuck your chin down, and hands up about six inches from your face.” Lainey moved as he asked. “Almost. You want to move your hands up a little higher to protect your head.” He took her hand gently in his and moved it, his fingers rough and warm.
“I don’t even know if I can punch,” Lainey replied, trying to pull her focus from the heat coming off his skin and the tingling in her hand where he touched. His aura was bright red like fire, and although his body was tense with potential, there was nothing but tenderness in his gaze.
“Let’s start with how to make the perfect fist. Krav Maga doesn’t use any equipment or weapons; we use what we have when we’re out on the streets.” He took her hand in his, manipulating her fingers gently. “Bend your middle knuckles first, then roll down into a fist, tucking your thumb over,” Aaron held her newly formed fist in his hands and his aura pulsed, almost like he wanted to reach down and kiss her. “Keep your wrist completely straight. I don’t want you to get hurt.” He let go of her hand and stepped back, standing near her in the same stance, showing her how to hold her fists ready. Every time he moved toward her, a fiery burst slammed out of him and nearly overwhelmed her. Lainey forced herself to ignore the lust rising out of him and concentrate. She needed to know this, and if Aaron could feel like that and still be a gentleman, she’d let him.
“You’ve been wanting to teach me this for awhile, haven’t you?”
“I’ll admit it.” He smirked. “I think it’s a good idea for everyone to learn how to defend themselves.”
There was something more there, something causing the heat in his eyes. “And?”
“I think you’re special, Lainey, and I don’t like the idea of anyone hurting you.”
“But I’m just a regular girl.”
Aaron snorted. “Do you have eyes?”
Huh. Lainey had never thought of herself that way. Sure, she knew she wasn’t ugly, but men’s eyes had a way of sticking in all the wrong places. She was no different than anyone else. Except it appeared Aaron felt differently. The idea was a bombshell. After all these years working side by side, he’d been attracted to her the entire time?
“Okay, first if you can at all, run away or block, but if not, here’s what you do next.” He walked her through a series of basic punches. “These can get you out of a lot if you know where to land them,” he grinned again. “Besides, there’s always the good old groin kick.”
Lainey burst out laughing. “Can we practice that one now?”
“Not on your life.” But his aura pulsed again. Pretending not to notice, Lainey moved again—block, punch, block—repeating the movement until she felt comfortable.
“That’s it, you’re doing great.”
“Thanks.”
“It’s nothing. The important part is whether or not you’re able to do this for real if you’re ever in trouble again.” He made eye contact and she nearly had to turn away from his gaze, his eyes burned so brightly. “I never, ever want you in situation like last night aga
in.” His aura pulsed worry, pain, and yet everything was still covered in a tinge of cherry blossom pink. “You don’t need to have a lot of strength behind you to land an effective blow. Sure it helps, but where you hit someone is more important than how. Remember how I wanted you to stand to protect your head?”
“Yep.”
“That’s because there’s so many vital targets there; the top of your head, forehead, temple, nose, chin, your neck, even your eyes and ears. A well placed strike there could cause severe damage, even unconsciousness or death.”
She smiled weakly as cold ran through her. “I’d like to avoid all of those if at all possible.”
Aaron’s shoulders dropped, and he took her hands in his again. “I’m not trying to scare you, Lainey. That’s the last thing I want to do.” His aura was almost as bright as Josh’s, exploding with everything at once. Heartache, regret, fear, and love.
Wow.
What the hell did she do with that?
“You okay?” Aaron’s question pulled her focus back.
“Yeah,” she laughed awkwardly. “I think this has all just taken a lot out of me. I didn’t sleep that well after, well you know.”
“I’m sorry, Lainey. You wanna take a break and maybe try again later?”
The feel of the man’s fingers digging into her ankle echoed across her skin. “No.” Waiting wasn’t an option. Not if she ever wanted to sleep again.
“Alright. Let’s move onto some basic kicks.”
Aaron moved back into position and Lainey mimicked him, watching closely. A knock at the door startled her, making her jump. Aaron eyed her closely for a moment before jogging over to open it. “Oh, hey,” he said to whoever was on the other side.
“Hey, uh, is Lainey with you?”
Lainey (Dreamcatchers Romantic Suspense Series Book 4) Page 9