Page 37 of Beaten

“I guess I can understand that. Just remember I’m on your side, okay?”

“Okay.”

“If I seem over-protective, it’s because I never want to see you hurt like that again.”

More tears. “Thanks Chris, you’re the best big brother.”

“Damn right I am.” I could imagine him patting himself on the back. “And Em, if Jamie says it’ll be okay, then I’ll defer to his professional opinion. I’ll talk to Vicky tonight; I’m sure she’d love to go.”

Chapter 16

Jamie

I’d just relieved Dean, one of our part time security guys, on Tuesday evening when I saw Emily come out the front door in running gear. Jumping out of my truck and covering the distance to her front porch in a few long strides, I said “Emily, you can’t go for a run-”

Emily cut me off, anger oozing out with every word. “What do you mean, I can’t go for a run? I’m so sick and fucking tired of everyone telling me what I can and can’t do. You’re supposed to be my shadow, not my boss.”

I ran my hand through my hair. “Jesus Emily, will you let me finish?” I said when she stopped to take a breath. “You can’t go alone.”

“Then shadow me.” She spat back. Something, or someone, had pissed her right the fuck off, and I was getting the brunt of her anger.

“Emily,” I tried again, this time choosing my words more carefully, “if you’ll please give me a few minutes to change, I’d be happy to run with you.” I could have followed her in the car, but I liked the idea of running with her instead.

She stared at me with her mouth hanging open. I’d take the steam out of her fury.Thank God.

“You’d do that, run with me?”

“Yes. I have a gym bag in my truck. Would it be okay if I changed inside?” She nodded. “And will you please wait inside for me to change?”

She stared down at her shoes, but I’d seen the hint of shame in her eyes before she did. “Yes.”

I lifted my head towards the door. “Will you please wait inside while I go get my stuff?” I don’t think I’d ever tried so hard to be overly polite.

She laughed. “Yeah, and Jamie?” She made eye contact. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’ve been extra grumpy lately, which is why I want to run. It clears my head.”

I knew the feeling. “No worries, you’ve got a lot going on.” I’d already forgiven her. “I’ll be back in a second.”

It took me less than five minutes to grab my bag and change into my running shorts and shoes, and a t-shirt. I wondered if Emily was a hard runner or more of a jogger.I’ll find out soon enough. After securing my gun in my running belt, I put my clothes in my bag.

As I walked back towards the front door, I took a second to appreciate Emily’s outfit. Emily Taylor had grown into a beautiful woman, all traces of the awkward teenager I’d known growing up were gone. Her black leggings showedoff every curve of her hips and ass, and her tight blue tank top matched the blue in her eyes. There were no traces of the bruises left on her perfect, pale skin. If I pulled her head back by her long blond ponytail, I could easily kiss the hollow at the base of her neck.Shit! Where did that come from?I couldn’t even think about kissing Emily. Not only was it unprofessional, but her brother was my best friend. Emily was off-limits twice over.

I cleared my throat to break the silence. “Would you like for me to run with you, or follow behind?” I could easily do my job either way, so I figured I’d ask. Emily needed some opportunities to take back her power.Not to mention she just bit my head off when she thought I was telling her what to do.

“It’s fine if you run with me. It’ll be nice to have company, even if we don’t talk.”

“You got it. I’ll let you set the pace and adjust to it, so don’t worry about me. Okay?”

“What if I run a lot faster than you?” My heart softened when I noticed the sparkle in her eyes.She’s teasing me.She’d done a one-eighty in the attitude department since I first confronted her on the steps, and I wasn’t complaining.

“If you’re going too fast, I’ll swallow my pride and beg you to slow down for me.” She laughed and agreed. I didn’t think I’d have to, but hell, if it made her laugh, I could pretend to be winded.

I took a second on the porch to give her some quick self-defense advice, finishing with, “Keep your eyes up and your head on a swivel.”

Emily tilted her head back and looked up at the sky, then turned her head back and forth so fast she almost lost her balance. I held back my laugh, realizing I’d assumed she’d know what I meant. “Sorry, it means looking left and right, not staring at our feet, or phones. It also helps to keep the volume low, or only use one earbud, if you listen to music.”

She blushed. “Oh, that makes a lot more sense.”

Chapter 17

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