Page 127 of Lumi
“Who?”
“His superiors in the army. Or anyone who thought he couldn’t do it. The way he pushes his body to set new records. It’s insane. Did ye know that he’s thinking about fighting in the MMA?”
“What’s the MMA?”
“Mixed Martial Arts.”
Lumi chewed on her lips.
“He asked me if I would spar with him and teach him.”
“Why? Isn’t he already a black belt in several martial arts?”
“He is, but our training is different. Training for us isn’t a sport; it’s survival. We incorporate elements that you wouldn’t see in the MMA, and Nathan is interested in mastering as wide a range of techniques as possible.”
“Liv says that his obsession with sports is his way to numb his pain.”
I shrugged. “Could be. It’s better than alcohol or drugs if ye ask me.”
We were quiet for a moment, and then Lumi asked, “Do you think he can get Serena to kiss him?”
“I don’t know. I’m still reeling from the shock that all you polished Robertsons are such revengeful plotters.”
Lumi raised her eyebrows with a mischievous smile. “As I recall it, the plot came from the O’Rourke family.”
I groaned. “Aye, ye don’t want to mess with Kit. She’ll fock ye up.”
“That’s why we consider her family. And as I told you, if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. Don’t forget that we might look normal on the outside, but a psychopath raised us.” Lumi took the last turn and rolled down the narrow street to stop in front of my front door.
“Ye’re not comin’ up with me?” I knew Lumi needed some alone time, but I was in the mood to make love to her, and so, I gave her a hopeful smile.
“Sweet dreams, Damian.”
“When will I see ye again?”
“Maybe we could have dinner Tuesday.”
“Tuesday!” I frowned. “Why not Monday?”
Lumi brushed the steering wheel and looked ahead. “Give me a few days to catch up on my work. It’s not that I don’t want to see you, but I need time to process what’s happening between us.” She paused before meeting my eyes and admitting in a soft voice. “I’m a little overwhelmed.”
My jaw tensed up and, pushing my hands through my hair, I looked away. Words were burning on my tongue, but I knew I shouldn’t push Lumi too far. I leaned over and kissed her on the chin before opening the car door to get out.
“You’re angry.”
“I’m not angry. Lumi, go take some time to think this through.” I stepped out of the car and closed the door. I’d only made it a few steps to the entrance of my apartment building when Lumi called after me.
“Damian.”
Turning on my heel, I stopped and saw that she’d stepped out of the car and stood watching me.
“You were the one who asked that we make a vow to communicate with honesty, and I can tell you’re upset, so talk to me.”
In a few long strides, I walked around the car and spoke in a firm tone. “If being with me overwhelms ye, then we have no business having unprotected sex. A child is a full-time commitment, and ye don’t get days off to process it.”
“I told you that I wanted Sunday to myself.”
“Then take it and use it to consider if ye’re ready for the whole package.”
