by S. M. Dapelo
I kicked my flats off and ducked under the ropes, “What about Ethan?”
“Ethan’s more about restraining people in case you haven’t noticed. My style, and yours, has always been about inflicting enough damage that it takes someone down. Doesn’t matter, because right now we’re going to work on just some basic things. For example, when I do this,” he reached out quickly, lightly swatting me on the nose, “I want you to stop me. And I want you to try to do the same.”
“We’re getting into a slap fight. And you accuse Berto of being girly,” I rolled my eyes at him.
“I’m trying to make sure you don’t get hurt,” he growled as three guys walked in. He quickly took note of them and dismissed any danger they might pose. While his eyes were on the other men, I swung around and swept his legs out from under him.
“I win,” I shrugged, stepping back a few feet. He quickly flipped himself back onto his feet.
“Can we trust them?” I looked back at the men who were watching us.
“Yeah, the worst they’ll do is call Xavier. Don’t take your eye off your opponent.” I saw him reaching his hand out in my peripheral vision. I grabbed it, twisting his arm, flipping myself in the air the lock my legs around his neck and let gravity and momentum do the rest. He flipped onto his back with me landing on my side. The three guys started laughing and texting. I quickly got to my feet.
Tanner flipped himself back up again. “You okay?” he looked at me.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I scrunched my nose.
“Because while I hit the ground, so did you.”
“I’m fine. Not even a headache,” I smiled. “Want to just call me the winner?”
He glanced thoughtfully to the side, “Um, no. But it’s good to know you still remember something.”
“Yep, straight from a movie,” I gave a forced smile.
“I knew it,” he sighed.
“Wait until you see what I pull out of Deadpool,” I smiled.
“I already told you, you can’t do that. He heals at an accelerated rate,” Tanner growled out. “He got stabbed in the head and lived. He jumped off an overpass bridge and lived.”
“I meant the cussing,” I smiled sweetly at him.
He reached out to hit slowly, I blocked. Then I reciprocated, with him blocking. We slowly sped up, not realizing how quick we were getting. Finally, Tanner reached out and started to put me in an arm lock. Recognizing what was about to happen, I broke the hold, and swung to sweep his feet out from under him. He evaded, and started to grab at me when he paused, glancing out the window. “We’re out of here,” he pulled at my arm and took me out the opposite way we came.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Nothing. I want to show you the next building. We have a course set up in it.” he was rushing me to the next building, which looked like a large aluminum building that held vehicles. He didn’t even give me a chance to grab my shoes.
“This is one of Lyssa’s favorites.” Tanner said as he opened the door and pushed me through, then turned on the lights. It looked like a room filled with boxes, walls, rails, and steps that was two stories high.
“What is this place?” I looked around.
“It’s a parkour course,” he smiled. “It’s like an urban obstacle course, but since we’re pretty deep in the county, we had to build one inside.”
I tried to access what I’d seen, and a small headache started, “I think I remember seeing something like this in one of the videos.”
“Yeah, they put you through everything. Only yours was urban and thank God no one got hurt. The video of the roof running in France was a bit much.” He walked over to the first box and jumped up, “So we’re gonna play tag. You remember tag?” I rolled my eyes at him and nodded, “Good. You’re it, and if you get close enough to catch me, you’re gonna have to tag me while I block.”
“So we’re sparring, but while we’re running through this thing?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
Tanner smiled, “Exactly. Ready, set, go,” he got out as quick as he could, taking off.
“Son-of-a …” I started after him, vaulting over a rail, and running toward a high wall, then jumping and pushing off the wall with a foot to reach to the top of it. It took about three minutes until I dropped off a wall, rolling to absorb the fall, but I had put myself in front of Tanner.
He gave a wicked smile, then tried to dodge. I dropped, tangling my feet in his, causing him to fall. Both of us flipped ourselves to standing. “Still have to tag me. Tripping doesn’t count,” he grinned. I slapped out at him, but he blocked. We kept it up, swinging, kicking, and blocking until we heard a throat cleared. Tanner swung around and I hit him upside the head. “I win,” I said as I glanced around him.
Xavier was standing there, his arms crossed, and he wasn’t alone. At least five other guys were there as well, grinning and clapping. “Tanner finally lost,” one of them yelled.
“She cheated,” Tanner frowned.
“That’s not what you told me last week, when that dog barked and blew my concentration,” a tall blond man smiled. “Don’t let anything pull your attention away from combat. Isn’t that what you told me?”
“You brought Blitz in here,” I stared at Tanner.
“He stayed by the door,” Tanner rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t like he was gonna do the course himself. Hell, I had to carry the dog here. He only walked half-way before he laid down and refused to move.”
“Would you care to tell me why the person I’m supposed to be guarding is running a parkour course and fighting with our heaviest hitter?” Xavier huffed, “If Ethan finds out, we’re toast.”
“If Ethan finds out what?” Ethan walked in looking at his tablet, “If I find out my wife, who’s supposed to be on minimal exercise, is running around an obstacle course having a slap fest with her brother? Or if I find out my wife, who’s supposed to be on limited media contact, has somehow hacked into a secure server to watch her brother’s MMA videos?”
“How about if you find out your head of security deemed it essential to give a member of the team a limited and controlled fitness test?” Tanner crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side, “You know I’m the only one who has the control to make sure she doesn’t actually get hurt.”
“She jumped off a second story platform to get in front of you,” Ethan frowned at the tablet.
“I’m competitive,” I shrugged. “Who knew?”
Every man’s hand in the building went up, minus Ethan’s who just looked up and raised a brow. “It’s a family trait,” whispered Tanner.
Ethan held my gaze for a moment. “How’d her fitness test go?” he glanced over at Tanner who shrugged.
“She’s still weaker on her one side, favors the other. She tires easier than she used to, but that’s to be expected. And I’m worried about her balance.”
“What course of action do you suggest?” asked Ethan.
“She said she’s doing yoga, I’d say she needs to keep it up, but supervised. Limited inversions or anything that puts pressure on the head. Her cardio needs to be upped. Maybe switch up the walking to running. We need to check in with Rich to see if the weakness needs to be dealt with by PT or with weights, or a combo of the two. We also need to put her through this course a minimum of once a week,” Tanner held his gaze.
Ethan stared at the wall for a moment, thoughts going through his head, then nodded, “Agreed. Who’s best at yoga? Do we even have anyone certified?”
“I am,” Xavier said. Everyone stared at him, “What? It’s not my main form of fitness but being limber helps in many situations.”
“Okay,” Ethan’s brows were up, and he gave a small shake of his head. “I’ll work with Sam on weights and running. What about sparring?” he asked Tanner.
“You’re not going to argue about that?” Tanner blinked at him.
“In the long run, it keeps her safer. My specialty is closer to Judo and wrestling,” shrugged Ethan.
“
I’m the only one I trust to spar with her.” Tanner was looking at the floor, “You won’t hit her, cause she’s your wife. I get it, but I’m the only one who can do what she does, and I have focus so that she won’t get hurt.”
“Her follow up appointment’s tomorrow, but I’m switching the time.” Ethan swiped at the tablet, “I’ll let you know what it’s changed to later.”
I crossed my arms, “Oh good, everyone’s controlling my life again. I have a whole other schedule now.”
Ethan glanced at me, “Samantha everyone has a schedule, even if they don’t acknowledge it. Every man in here is supposed to be somewhere at a certain time, and because of the nature of their jobs, they also have to fit in working out and they are constantly upgrading their skills. I can promise you that right now Berto is on a working treadmill, both walking and running algorithms and Lyssa is taking apart the latest upgraded safe, so she knows how it works.” He gave a soft smile, “So can we go to the other barn, grab your shoes that you left there, and go eat lunch? You wanted to be more active. I believe it was just offered to you.”
“Do I get to watch more than Mork and Mindy? Cause it sucks?” I asked.
“Yeah, that didn’t age well,” Xavier shook his head. “Not like I Love Lucy.”
“Ohh, I love that,” the blond smiled at Xavier.
Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, still smiling. He opened them and looked at me, “We’ll work it out together, tonight. Okay?” then held his hand out to me.
I jumped off the last box and grabbed his hand, “That sounds fair.” I thought for a second, “Did you tell Tanner to give me a fitness test?”
“He suggested it. He noticed you were getting antsy.” He kissed my cheek, “I was hoping you’d rest for a couple more weeks, but it is what it is.” I heard a bark behind him.
“You brought Blitz?” I looked around him, noticing a lead was tied to his belt, the pudgy Corgi sitting at his feet.
“Someone had to walk the creature and get it away from the kitten. He thinks he’s it’s mother.” He untied the leash and tossed it to Tanner, “I also took the quiche out, since someone forgot about it.”
“Snowball got out?” I glanced at Ethan.
“It’s sharing the dog’s bed.” Ethan rolled his eyes, “I caught the kitten chasing a ball earlier.”
“How’s that weird?” asked Xavier.
“I threw it for the dog, the cat chased it and brought it back to me to throw again.” Ethan replied, taking my hand, and leading me out.
Chapter 31
We walked back to the house holding hands. I glanced at the horses. “How long before you think I can try to ride?”
Ethan looked over at them, “I don’t think Richard will clear you for that anytime soon. Don’t mention parkour to him, or the slap festival with your brother. He’ll blow a gasket. How did you get into the server?”
I shrugged, “I watched Berto a few times and realized how it was set-up. Once I knew what he did it was easy.”
“How’d you figure out how to log in?” He rubbed his thumb up and down the side of my hand.
“I didn’t have to. It was left open,” I bit my lip. I probably just got someone in trouble.
He turned me to look at me, “Even though we’re letting you exercise, you need to understand, you’re still on medical leave. You have to take it easy.” He stroked my cheek, “I don’t want to worry about you.” He leaned over and kissed me gently, “I know about the headaches. Why didn’t you mention anything?”
“Is that why you’re taking me into Richard?”
“No, it’s actually time for your follow-up, but we are mentioning them to him.” He pulled me back into the house, “The question is why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrugged, “Because you’ve all been so busy tracking down leads and working, I didn’t want to bother you. They’re controllable.”
He stopped and looked at me, “Is that what you call locking yourself in a dark room with the Schlitz and Highball?”
My brows came together, “Blitz and Snowball. Why do you have problems with names?”
Ethan shrugged, “Mine are better. You’re avoiding the question.”
“I’m dealing with them. We’ll talk to Richard tomorrow,” I ran a hand down his arm.
“And you didn’t tell me why?”
I sighed, “Because I might have had to admit to what I was doing.”
Ethan rolled his eyes, “I knew what you were doing. Berto knew what you were doing. Heck, Tanner knew what you were doing. You left a trace every time you touched something on the computer. If you’d have admitted to the headaches though, I might have gotten you in earlier.”
I looked at the floor. “I’ll let you know from now on.”
He grabbed my chin and had me meet his eye, “You do that. I told you before, you can’t hide anything from me. Don’t try.” He kissed me again, “Now let's get you fed. I think it’s time to end your torture.”
I raised a brow, “So you’re finally putting out?”
He gave me a look, “I feel so cheap. Like you only want me for my body.” He kissed me deeply that time, “But before that, I was thinking we could review how to tweak our wedding photo.”
I pulled back, “What?”
“Well, you said you hated the red dress, we need to find what you want Berto to switch it to.”
“Are you saying that’s more important than sex?” I looked sideways at him.
Ethan sighed, “No. I’m saying I have a meeting after lunch. I thought you could look at dresses while I’m on the phone.”
I put my head on his shoulder, “Oh, well that sounds fine. The sooner that monstrosity is gone, the better.”
◆◆◆
Two hours later I was on the web with Berto over my shoulder, “Is that one black?” I asked.
“Yeah, my mother would have a fit if my bride wore that,” Berto replied.
“That one’s cut down to the navel.” I rubbed my forehead, “What is wrong with people today?”
“They get drunk before going dress shopping,” Berto shrugged. I narrowed my eyes at him. He quickly turned to the screen and pointed, “Oh, that one’s pretty. It looks like a mermaid coming from the water.”
“And is slit all the way up the thigh,” I sighed sitting back, “It’s great for the Met, not a wedding.”
Berto pointed at another one, “This one has a Great Gatsby look to it.”
“Because that book has such a happy ending,” I snarked. “Is it weird that my sister’s boyfriend is looking at dresses with me, and not my sister?” I glanced at him.
“Yes,” Tanner scooted next to me. “I like that one.” He pointed to a simple dress with asymmetrical pleating at the waist, an A-line silhouette, and an off the shoulder lace jacket with long sleeves.
I sat back, “I do too.” I smiled at Berto, “I think we found it. Can you switch the picture?”
“Easy peasy,” he cracked his knuckles. “But I want to point out that it’s even weirder that your brother chose your gown, instead of your sister’s boyfriend.”
I frowned at Berto, “I’m not sure that’s true.” I looked over at the office, “Is Ethan still on the phone?”
“Yeah, he said to start up that program you were watching on mindfulness. He’s gonna be a few more hours. Plus, he needs Berto and me in there,” Tanner said.
I sighed and threw the ball, watching the kitten chase it, bring it back and drop it on the floor. Is it weird the cat thinks it’s a dog? “I only have one more lecture on that series.”
“Why don’t you use meditation to try to access your memories?” Berto got up and stretched, “The mind’s just basically a computer. Maybe you could retrieve some of the data you lost.”
“Rich has told you a million times the brain is a lot more complex than a computer,” Tanner glared at him.
“Does it hurt to try?” Berto reasoned.
Tanner rolled his eyes, “Do what you want. Berto and I need to get in the
re now.”
“Let Ethan know I’ll watch everything upstairs,” I said to Tanner. “Schlitz and Highball are with me.”
“Blitz and Snowball,” Tanner sighed.
“Damn, now I’m doing it,” I muttered picking up the kitten, Blitz following us.
I settled down in the room and turned the TV on, starting the program. What Berto said kept going through my mind. If my brain was just a computer, shouldn’t I be able to access anything? The problem was, I didn’t even know where to begin. I had zero memories, and everyone pretty much kept everything to themselves. Or did they? Ethan mentioned how we met. Maybe with that story, I could remember.
I turned the TV off and settled myself on the bed, regulating my breathing. Trying to concentrate on what Ethan told me, trying to access something. Nothing. I worked harder, a slight headache starting. Harder still …
◆◆◆
I was furious. That ass almost killed me. Six months of work down the drain. Why am I stuck with an idiot as a partner? I work better alone. I stormed into Steve’s outer office. “He’s in a meeting Sammie,” Amber was doing her nails.
I slammed my hands on her desk, “I can take it out on him or you. Choose.” Her face turned pale. I was not the person to fuck with. I gave a cold smile and walked in.
“I’m killing him,” I announced to Steve, who glanced up in surprise. “I’m the best, and you put me with a moron who thinks his car needs two spaces and doesn’t know the difference between the red and green wires. If I ever work with him again, I’m quitting.”
“Samantha, I’m in a meeting,” Steve started when Brock rushed in.
“Whatever she’s telling you is a lie,” he screamed. “I had everything under control, and she messed up.”
I swung to face him. “I don’t mess up,” I growled at him. “I have more missions under my belt than you’ll ever have.”
“It’s obviously her time of the month,” Brock sneered at Steve, reaching out to pat my arm. “She …”
That’s as far as he got when I grabbed his hand forcing it up, swinging his arm around, and locking it behind his arm. “Touch me again and I’ll slit your throat,” I growled.
