"Kisses. Hugs. Make out all you want."
"Getting permission feels weird."
"It’s not when one day that might save your life."
Jenna stood up from her stool. She walked slowly around the kitchen island, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor, until she was standing right beside my chair.
She reached down, gently but firmly catching my chin between her thumb and index finger, tilting my head up so I had to look directly into her eyes.
"You can be cutesy with her all you want," she whispered, her gaze dropping to my lips before locking back onto my eyes.
"You can train with her. You can even flirt to keep her motivated. But I brought you here. I took the risk. You’re mine first."
She looked hot saying that.
Dangerous, possessive, and demanding. It sent a sudden spike of heat straight to my chest.
Memories of last night flooded in. If only there weren’t a barrier by the system, she wouldn’t be walking right now.
"I know."
She smiled, the edge softening just a fraction. Releasing my chin, she turned away, walking gracefully toward the front door to grab her coat.
"Better hurry up," she called back over her shoulder, checking her expensive watch.
"She will be on time. And she hates waiting."
The front door clicked shut, leaving me alone in the quiet apartment.
I stood up from the chair, gathering the empty plates and mugs. The water from the sink felt soothing as I rinsed off the dishes, my mind going over everything Jenna just told me.
’No pushing boundaries with Gianna.’
It made perfect sense. If Jenna, a guild master, was worried about a power overload, I didn’t want to risk frying her daughter’s mana circuits.
I dried my hands on a towel and headed back into the bedroom to get dressed.
We bought a few clothes yesterday.
But Jenna also stocked the closet with a row of new clothes.
I grabbed a pair of loose grey track pants and a black shirt. Stretching my arms, I tested the new strength.
My muscles felt tighter, more responsive. I wasn’t a powerhouse by any means, but I didn’t feel like a piece of glass anymore.
Right on cue, the front door chimed.
The lock slid open with a beep.
I walked out into the living room just as Gianna stepped inside, dropping a duffel bag onto the floor.
She looked stunning. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail.
She wore a pair of high-waisted training leggings and a cropped tactical top, showing off a toned stomach.
"You aren’t hiding under the bed," she noted, crossing her arms.
"That is a start."
"Good morning to you too, Gia."
"Don’t call me that."
"Alright, Gianna. You want some breakfast?"
"I already ate."
"Your stomach says otherwise."
She narrowed her eyes, stepping away from the door.
"I don’t have time for this. Mother said to pick you up at eight sharp. We are going to the guild."
"I know. But you can’t train on an empty stomach." I walked back into the kitchen, pulling a small plate out of the warming drawer.
"I saved you some pastries. Your mom bought them fresh."
"I don’t need your charity."
"It isn’t charity. It’s breakfast. Just eat it so you don’t pass out when I run laps around you."
"You? Run laps around me?"
She let out a sharp laugh, tossing her keys onto the counter.
"You got lucky yesterday. Don’t let it go to your head."
Despite the tough talk, she sat down on the barstool, eyeing the warm pastry.
I slid the plate across the marble surface.
She hesitated for a second, looking at me suspiciously, before taking a cautious bite.
"I poisoned it."
"Fuck you."
The tough exterior melted just a fraction as she chewed.
’Tsunderes are always hungry.’
"The blue edges look good, by the way," I said casually.
She froze mid-bite, a faint dusting of pink creeping up her neck.
"What?"
"Your hair. The blue tips. It suits you."
"You saw me yesterday."
"I waited for the right time."
"You are just saying that to distract me."
"Distract you from what? Eating a pastry?"
"From the fact that I am going to beat you into the floor today." She pointed the half-eaten pastry at me.
"Mother might treat you like a pet, but the training basement is my territory. I don’t hold back."
"I wouldn’t expect you to."
"Do you even know how to throw a punch?"
"I know enough."
"We will see about that."
She took another bite, chewing faster now, clearly trying to avoid eye contact after the compliment.
"Mother told me I have to supervise you. Which means you follow my orders once we step foot in the facility."
"Are you usually this bossy, or am I getting special treatment?"
"You are getting the standard treatment for a liability."
"Ouch. That hurts my feelings."
"You don’t have feelings. You are a stray."
She reached for a napkin, wiping her mouth.
"You better not cry when you get bruised."
"I’ll try to hold back the tears."
She scoffed, finishing the food.
"You are arrogant for someone who has zero combat history."
"And you are pretty chatty for someone who hates me."
She stood up abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor.
"I am not chatty. I am just warning you."
"Warning appreciated. Should I bring a medical kit, or do they have those at the guild?"
"They have medics on standby for idiots who don’t know when to quit."
She grabbed her duffel bag, slinging it over her shoulder with an easy display of strength.
"Grab your things. We are leaving."
"I’m ready right now."
She looked me up and down, pausing for a second longer than necessary.
My ninety charm stat was definitely doing some heavy lifting in the background, drawing her focus to my shoulders and chest.
"Like the view?"
She swallowed hard, quickly shifting her gaze toward the hallway.
"Let’s go."
"Lead the way, Captain."
"I am not a Captain yet. And stop smirking."
*************
(A/N: Liked it? Donate powerstones, leave a comment, and add it to your library:)