Brave

by Natalie Gayle

  Dane nodded and moved off to warm up; at least he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut.

  Reed turned back to me. “Right. Let’s keep going for another five minutes while he warms up.”

  I’d noticed during the last couple of weeks that something was going on with Dane and I needed to have a chat to him. If he had a problem, then I’d be there for him regardless of the fight. I had no doubt he was solid. No way would he have blown me off unless he had a really good reason.

  Chapter 17

  Eden

  My Intermediate Accounting class was dragging. I was sitting in the same seat I sat in every time I was in this lecture theatre. Top row, furthest right. From here I had the option of making a quick get away or I could wait quietly until everyone else had left. Normally I could focus, but not today. Today I just wanted it done. I liked the lecturer. Kevin was middle aged and very “average”. Average looking with brown hair, glasses that were fashionable, but not hipster and clothes that were more serviceable than fashionable. His voice was pleasant and normally I appreciated that, but today my heart just wasn’t in it. I was counting the time down.

  This week we’d managed to carve out a little time together. Xander had been adamant about continuing my training and we’d managed to squeeze in another couple of sessions between his training. I also had assignments to finish and exams to study for. Finals were only a few weeks away and I wanted to do well. So all in all, we hadn’t really had anytime to spend together. But that hadn’t stopped us from texting or calling late at night when we could.

  Poor Xander had been so exhausted last night he fell asleep part way through our call. When he’d told me what Reed had put him through during the day, I’d begged him to go to bed and sleep but instead he’d wanted to talk to me. About ten minutes into the call exhaustion won the battle, and I’d hung up realising what had happened.

  One thing I had got better at was texting! No more agonising over a text for me!

  I discretely took my phone out and placed it beside my notebook. I flicked the screen and immediately saw a text message from Xander.

  Xander: Hey gorgeous, hope your day is going well. Reed’s slowly killing me. Can’t wait to see you later tonight. :)

  Me: I’m bored out of my brain. Can’t wait to see you either.

  I really wanted to put a little heart emoticon at the end of my text, but I wasn’t brave enough. Was it too soon for that? I know lots of other girls did that sort of thing all the time but I felt weird doing it unless I meant it.

  Xander had been busy. As well as the text, I also had a friend request on Facebook. Social media wasn’t really my thing anymore. There was a time before the fire that I lived on it. I’d been actively trying to build my model profile on Facebook and Twitter. Instagram was just starting to get popular when the fire happened. I hadn’t updated my fan pages since the fire. Sophia had begged me to keep going with them, but I couldn’t bear it. What was I going to do or say? Models were supposed to be beautiful. That was no longer me. For months Soph tried to convince me. Eventually she gave up. In fact I couldn’t remember the last time she’d even asked me about it.

  Since the fire I’d mostly refused to have my photo taken—but sometimes I couldn’t get out of a family snap. However, I absolutely couldn’t stand looking at photos of myself. Now I just made posts that contained text or pictures of something else. I didn’t need the constant reminders. I lived with that everyday—every time I looked in the mirror.

  Eventually my attention returned back to the lecture as Kevin started to run through what the last assignment was going to be and a bit about what would be in the final exam. I jotted down a few notes, and was pleased to see I’d just about finished all the work I needed for the assignment. That would give me more time to study.

  Just as I was packing up my things another text came through.

  Xander: Don’t forget to have Sophia pick you up from the front. Wait inside until she’s there. I’m sorry I can’t come get you myself.

  He was a worry wart! But it was kind of nice to know he cared. I knew he had another couple of sessions this afternoon to get through before he would be finished, so I’d asked Sophia to come pick me up today. I could have caught the bus but I wanted to call past the mall and grab a couple of things and Sophia was always up for a little shopping. I just hoped it wasn’t busy. The mall made me uneasy at the best of times. It wasn’t too bad with Xander last weekend but that was a whole other story.

  Me: Stop worrying. It’s all sorted. Soph is picking me up then we’re going to the mall and hopefully we can meet up with Tori.

  Xander: I like worrying about you ;)

  Me: Well then you’re a nut and obviously not training hard enough! But thanks anyway

  Xander: Breaks over. I’ll pick you up from your place as soon as I’m free from here. Pack a bag. XX

  Now I was wondering if they were kisses or whether he was signing off his text. I was going to go with kisses. I guess I was also staying over again. That made my heart beat faster and my stomach get even more butterflies. Oh my God, just how far would it go?

  Me: See you then XX

  My heart was beating quicker and I suddenly felt hot as I thought of being back in that big bed with Xander.

  Sophia had been waiting when I walked to the front of campus.

  As soon as I got in, she was off. “Hey Soph. What’s the hurry?”

  “The hurry is I’m getting you to the mall before you change your mind. You never want to go there.” Was I really that bad? I didn’t even have to think about it. Yeah, I was. Probably worse.

  “Sorry. It freaks me out but online shopping only goes so far,” I used as an excuse.

  “Well, it works just fine if you don’t care if things actually fit. To me, internet shopping is about settling. When it comes to clothes I don’t settle.”

  That was certainly the truth and, at one time, it was very much me as well. Up until now I’d been quite content to wear things that provided maximum coverage of the scars. I was thinking of changing that, but I wasn’t sure I could do it.

  “What are we shopping for anyway?” Soph glanced across asking me.

  “Umm, I thought I might see if I can find a couple of tops that actually fit a bit better.” I tried to make it sound casual but we both knew that wasn’t the case.

  “Great idea. I’m sure Sensei will appreciate seeing you in something that actually enhances your rocking body.”

  “Soph!”

  “Oh stop it. I know you’ve still got a rocking body and I’d lay good money and keep it that he knows, too.”

  I felt myself blush. I hadn’t discussed what had happened between Xander and me with my sisters, but I’m sure Sophia could guess based on my blush and how uncomfortable I felt.

  I wanted to say something like “It’s really none of your business.” But Sophia was my sister and she was so close to me. It just didn’t feel right.

  “You would keep the money—he knows.” She could draw whatever conclusions she wanted from that comment.

  “Oh My God! Go Sensei! I wondered if he walked on water, now I know for sure he does. How he managed to get you naked in that space of time is a fricking miracle.”

  I felt my cheeks get even hotter.

  “I wasn’t naked, but yes, he has seen the extent of my scars.” Hopefully that would be enough information to keep her satisfied.

  “And he didn’t freak out?”

  “No, he didn’t. The scars don’t seem to bother him… I really don’t understand it.” And I didn’t. Why didn’t they act as a deterrent to him? That’s what happened with most people. Why not him?

  “Sensei’s not like a normal douche bag guy. He’s all about codes, respect, honour and stuff like that. I still can’t believe you’ve been hanging out with Sensei.”

  “I can’t either to be honest. He even referred to me as his girlfriend when he introduced me to Reed the other day.”

  “Shihan Reed is so scary.”r />
  I giggled a little. “Actually I found him quite nice once I got to know him a little better. His wife, Carmen is a complete sweetheart. We had a lovely time getting some lunch ready.”

  “You cooked as well?”

  “Let’s not be hasty here,” I joked. “I cut up salad ingredients from the safety of the other side of her kitchen while she handled the stove.”

  “I was going to say…”

  “Yeah. I know.”

  An hour later we were in the oversized fitting rooms of a department store. I was trying on long-sleeved tops that actually fitted and Sophia was helping me with sizes and giving me her opinion on what looked best.

  Finally, we decided on a long sleeved navy top that had a sharp, deep V neck. It was cut so that it hid most of my scars, but it emphasised my waist as well my bust.

  “Oh yeah, he’ll love that one!” Sophia gave me a big thumbs up. “Guys love tits and you have a great rack, Eden. Get that black shirt as well; it rocked.”

  “Sophia!” I chastised in mock horror. I knew she was only trying to boost my confidence and I appreciated her efforts.

  “Yeah, yeah whatever. Now we need to find you some sexy new underwear.”

  I gulped, but yes, new underwear had been on my private little mental shopping list.

  Another half and hour later and the lingerie was sorted as well. I owed Sophia a big one. She’d left me in the fitting room and had been doing my fetching. I really hoped Xander would like the end results.

  Finally satisfied with the underwear and the sexy little shorty pyjamas set, Sophia called it quits.

  “Let’s go find out if Tori really can get off work on time or whether it’s hearsay!”

  It would be interesting.

  I glanced at my watch and wondered what time Xander would finally make it. He’d said it would be after seven. I was counting down the minutes.

  * * *

  Xander

  Somehow my legs didn’t seem to ache as much as I climbed the stairs to the apartment behind Eden. I couldn’t take my eyes off her long slender legs or her tight rounded butt in those skinny jeans. I’m sure she’d worn those jeans before, but it was hard to tell. She’d always had a baggy shirt over the top. But not tonight.

  When I’d picked her up before, I’d almost done a double take. Her long elegant body was actually in clothes that fit—jeans that looked like they’d been painted on and a navy long-sleeved top that plunged low over her delectable breasts. As soon as I’d laid eyes on her, I’d wondered if it would be inappropriate to reach out and cup one of those beauties. I knew the answer, of course. But a guy could fantasise. I most definitely would have my hands on those breasts and whatever else she felt comfortable with tonight. But first I needed to feed us.

  I couldn’t wait any longer. As soon as we were inside and I had the door closed, I pulled her into my arms and locked my mouth to hers. That little brush of lips we’d had before when I’d picked her up, wasn’t cutting it at all. I wanted her mouth. I was exhausted but I felt raw and needy and the one thing I needed was Eden—against my body and every other way she felt comfortable. Yeah, I needed to rein it in a little. It would be so easy to get carried away.

  My tongue pushed into her mouth and I was rewarded with a little throaty whimper. That was definitely music to my ears. Then I stroked my tongue along hers, teasing as I pulled her body tighter into mine. I needed to feel her against me. Eden needed to know how much I wanted her.

  She pulled back a fraction and I let her move back—to come up for air, so to speak.

  “Oh Xan, that felt way intense.”

  I nodded my head. Eden was right of course, but I couldn’t seem to form words at the moment. Finally, I managed to string a few together. “I missed you this week. A couple of hours here and there wasn’t enough for me. I like having you around, close to me.”

  I didn’t miss the coy little smile that formed on her lips. “I missed you, too. I enjoyed the time we had together but I think I know what you mean.” She ducked her head into my neck and kissed me just above my shirt.

  Right now I was at the point where my dick was throbbing and I could feel the ache there more than the rest of my battered body, which was saying something, but I needed to eat. In order to train as I was, I had to eat regularly and correctly.

  “Okay temptation, time you came and kept me company in the kitchen while I get dinner sorted out.” Eden giggled and took the hand I extended to her. I was pleased to see she was becoming much more comfortable with my casual flirting.

  She took the stool on the lounge room side of the bench and I took the kitchen side. It wasn’t a bad idea to have the bench between us until we got food out of the way. Four foot of timber and granite between us might just ensure that dinner actually got cooked.

  “You good with a beef and veggie stir fry? Please say yes because I’m really not feeling up to cooking much else tonight.” I wasn’t too proud to admit I was really feeling it this first week.

  “That’s fine. Can I help? I know you must be exhausted. If you want to pass me the veggies I’m happy to get started on them. It’s just hot things I have an issue with.”

  I pulled the pre-sliced beef from the fridge and a heap of veggies, which I pushed across the bench to Eden. A few seconds later, I had rice noodles cooking in the microwave and beef sizzling in a wok.

  “Um, I’m going to keep mine really bland. I can’t do sauces at the moment. But I can make yours more interesting with some Hoi Sin or Teriyaki or something,” I offered.

  “Whatever you’re eating is fine. It would hardly be fair if you’re sitting here struggling and I’m hoeing into something yummy. I don’t want to make it harder for you than it needs to be. Besides these veggies look great. They should add heaps of natural flavour.” She gave me a cheeky little look from under her eyelashes and I wondered if she’d meant to add the double entendre.

  “Thank you. Seems I’ve become more and more acquainted with hard this week.”

  “Tough week?”

  “Yeah, this sort of prep is always really hard. I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I’m aching all over. Well ache is probably not the right word. My limbs just feel heavy.” I took the mound of vegetables from her and threw them in the wok with a little stock, a dash of soy sauce and a few fragrant herbs.

  “If I’m not mistaken, you’ve got a bit of a gourmet streak?”

  I shrugged. “Well, it was a case of learn to cook or eat the boring stuff dad cooked up. It’s not that difficult. There’s three million cooking shows on television plus that thing called the interweb! Hey, there’s no shortage of places to learn without leaving home.”

  “I guess. One day I’ll give it a go again.” I could see Eden was giving herself a pep talk as much as she was talking to me.

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “It’s funny how things quickly become a habit and you don’t even bother trying. When I realised handling anything hot freaked me out, I quickly started doing everything cold. Now it’s a habit and I haven’t even thought about making a hot meal. I only eat hot food if someone else prepares it. Even then I can’t touch soup unless it’s just warm.”

  I chuckled a little at her choice of words. There was that double entrende again; or maybe it was just my dirty mind having a good time? So far she’d managed to innocently work hot and hard into our last couple of minutes of conversation. I was definitely feeling both of those things.

  “Well, I’m hoping we can get you past your fear of handling hot stuff real soon.” I turned and winked at her as I dumped the noodles I’d drained into the wok.

  Eden looked at me and I could tell she was a little nervous, but she gave me a cheeky grin and I realised she was a wake up to the subtle flirting. “I guess we’ll see just how far my fears extend real soon.”

  Oh yeah, maybe I wasn’t as tired as I felt?

  I served up great big helpings into the bowls I’d pulled out and pushed one across the bench to her with a
fork.

  “Don’t work yourself up Eden. It’ll be fine. We’ll just do whatever feels right. That might be nothing or a lot. But would you be terribly offended if we had this and headed to bed early, because I really need a good night’s sleep. I don’t have a lot of juice left in the tank.”

  “Sure. I didn’t need to be here tonight. I could have caught up tomorrow or Sunday.”

  “True. You didn’t need to be here, but I wanted you here. I needed you with me.”

  I think my words took her back a bit and I worried a little that maybe I’d come on a bit too strong, but I wasn’t one for hiding what I was feeling with people that mattered to me—and Eden mattered a lot.

  We ate in silence for a little while.

  “You’re training tomorrow morning aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t need to be in there until ten. So we can sleep in a little bit.”

  Eden ducked her head and I knew exactly what she was thinking, because it was the same as what I was. We were both thinking about last Sunday morning and my exploration of her breasts. This time I’d be exploring a lot more of her with any luck.

  A few minutes later we finished dinner and I loaded everything into the dishwasher and went around the side of the bench and pulled her into my arms. I ran my hands down her sides and dragged my thumbs over her nipples.

  “I don’t think I told you how much I love this top. It’s great to see you wear clothes that flatter your body. Not that you don’t look good all the time but Eden, you have an incredible body and you hide it.”