Page 78

He laughs as I intend, and the sound is a deep, rumbly chuckle that makes me think of a grizzly bear. You know, as if I actually knew what a laughing grizzly sounds like.

He nods to someone behind me, and I turn to see Decoy moving to lean against a wall behind us. Which means Ranger is keeping an eye on the outside.

Sully has indeed called in the Saints for my protection detail, but I notice the first two to guard me are married and wear their rings proudly. I can't help but wonder if Sully chose them deliberately and frown. Because that's something Thad would've done. As though I couldn't be trusted when he was the one who cheated throughout our marriage.

"I'm glad you came. I heard about what happened to you," the man says. "It's a sad day when men are no longer men."

I'm not sure what to say to that, so I wait.

"I'm guessing you're here because you want to see how I can help you?"

I nod and clear my throat in an attempt to grow a backbone and find my voice. "I want to be able to protect myself. Not rely on other people."

The man studies me for a long moment, flicks his gaze to my guard and then shifts his eyes back to me as he holds out his hand. "My name's Lawson Pike. That's Chopper," he says.

I follow his thumb to a corner where a large English bulldog snores loudly on a thickly cushioned dog bed, looking every bit the epitome of a house hippo.

"And the one eyeing us is Havoc," he adds.

I see another, much larger and more fit American bulldog who watches us with an unnerving alertness and intensity.

"Come on, I'll give you a tour. The cross-training session starts in a bit, but we can work around them."

I fall into step beside the man, liking the fact that he's keeping up the conversation despite my lack of verbal responses. I'm nervous, and I'm sure it shows.

"I'm surprised Sully didn't make you wait until he could come along with you."

I stop walking. Lawson takes one more step before he pauses and turns, eyeing me up.

"You think I need Sully's permission to be here?" I ask. Because if the man says yes—I'm out.

Lawson stares me down, and after a long moment, he cocks a grin and chuckles. The sound reminds me of that grizzly bear once more.

"It's always the quiet ones. That boy doesn't have a clue how feisty you really are, does he?"

I shrug. "He's learning." And so am I. Still. To this day, finding my inner fighter, willing to stand up for myself, is a daily battle after so many years.

Lawson nods, his green eyes sparkling.

"So I see. Come on, you didn't come here to stand around and talk. Let me show you the place while I tell you how I can help you. Then we'll get you set up for some training."

"I want to start today."

He turns to face me again, gaze narrowing. "You were just in the hospital."

"I was. But I've been cleared. I'm good. And I want to start today."

I can practically see the wheels cranking in his head.

"Why the rush?"

I could lie or make up an excuse, but it's not like word won't spread when Thad is caught. And if Lawson Pike is a Saint—which I'm pretty sure he is—he already knows and is asking as a formality. Or a test to see if I'll be honest with him. "My ex is stalking me."

And with those five words I get a nod.

"No time to waste then. Let's get started."

Chapter 36