3 I Could Teach You

Lisa's P.O.V.

The abandoned warehouse came into view as I drove in, causing me to doubt I was in the right place. It made sense though, since according to Liv, this was all very secretive. I got out of the car, feeling a little too exposed as I walked up to the large man at the door. I recognized him as one of Liv's friends and immediately felt better.

I think his name was Carter.

"Hello Lisa, so happy you could join us. Liv and Lucas are inside already. Hurry down. Her fight is about to start," he said as he opened the door behind him for me to enter.

"Thanks," I barely muttered as I walked past him into the poorly lit warehouse.

I was almost tempted to extend my hands out to make sure I hit nothing, but decided I'd look too much like an idiot in a place like this. I followed the thunderous sound of the crowd, and booming music, to some steps that led down. When I reached the top, I could see the door being held open by none other than the Viking himself.

Davis looked hot as hell as he leaned against the door with his arms, and ankles crossed. Those arms were so big, I wondered what it would be like to be wrapped in them. When our eyes met, everything went still. It was like the world stopped, and all I could hear was the thundering of my heart. I froze for a moment under the gaze of those blue eyes.

"Glad you could make it. She's starting now. We better hurry, so you don't miss it." His extended hand made me pause, wondering if touching him was the best idea.

I stared at it for a moment before slowly placing my hand in his. His hand was powerful, callused, and large, but what I loved about it was how gently he held mine with it. With muscles like his, you would think he wouldn't know the definition of gentle. The heat that radiated off his hand warmed my numb, skinny fingers in an instant. I was sad when he let go of me, tempted to reach out and grab it again.

I stood beside him as I watched Liv dancing around the ring. Davis' eyes were boring into the side of my face as he stared at me, but Liv captivated my attention fully.

Liv was like a dancing fire as she spun and twirled around her opponent. She dodged every punch like she knew it was coming and where it would hit. Her fists were small, but caused enough damage to make her opponent fall at her feet. It was only a matter of minutes before they announced her the winner. All I could do was stare at her in awe. She was what I aspired to be—strong and powerful.

"Pretty amazing, isn't she?" Davis asked me, causing me to turn and look at him.

"She really is. I wish I knew how to fight like that."

"I could teach you if you like," he offered, catching me off guard.

"Really?"

"Yeah, give me your phone. I'll put my number in and you can text me when you're free, or when you want to start." He held his large hand out as I fished my phone out, letting him save his number.

I had lost the card he gave me with his contact information the last time I saw him. I felt bad about it, but I knew if I really needed it, I could have asked Liv for it.

"Let's go congratulate our winner." He smiled at me as he handed me my phone back. He had a really kind smile, one that made you forget his intimidating physique. His hand grabbed mine again as he led me towards the back.

I locked my eyes on his broad shoulders, which parted the crowd as if he was Moses and they were the Red Sea. Everyone moved for him the moment they saw him—oozing respect for the man. Lucas wrapped Liv in his arms as they tenderly kissed. The sight brought both happiness and envy for what they have to my heart. Mostly I was happy for them, happy that my little brother could finally find joy in his life again.

I did envy what they had, knowing I would never get that. Chris was a nice guy, and I was sure he would make a nice husband. It was just weird. It felt as if we were having to do everything backwards since we would marry one another without knowing each other. The fact I was only doing this to protect Lucas from dad, didn't help the feeling.

"You were so great, Liv. I see why Lucas enjoys watching you fight," I said with a smile, having let go of Davis' hand the moment we were in front of them.

"Thanks." Her lips stretched into a bright smile, somehow swooning my heart despite never being attracted to a woman. She was absolutely beautiful when she smiled like that. "I wasn't sure how you would feel after you saw me. I was worried you wouldn't like it."

"Are you kidding? I fucking loved it. I want to be you when I grow up, Liv."

She laughed like I said the most absurd thing, even though all I did was speak the truth. Liv was strong, physically and emotionally. She stood up to her abusive father, beat the shit out of him as she spoke her truth.

Maybe one day I could do the same. Sadly, Dad was a proud man and a powerful one at that. If I ever beat him up, he'd throw me in jail in a heartbeat. With my dad, I'd have to use a different approach to beat him.

"You're older than me, Lisa." She giggled.

"Yet, you're more accomplished."

She blushed at my words. Liv was so modest. It was as if she didn't know just how amazing she was. We all saw it but her. I think that was what made her even better. Maybe one day I could be just as special.

"I wouldn't say that," she said, shaking her head in disagreement.

"Of course you wouldn't. That's why you're so great, Liv."

"Alright Twinkle Toes, don't forget to collect your money and let me know when you're able to fight again. I know with Abi you're going to have a harder time getting into the ring, but don't get rusty on me. Got it?" Davis pointed his finger at her playfully.

"Got it," she said with a nod and a smile.

"Are you coming back to our place?" Liv asked me as she grabbed Lucas' hand.

"No," I shook my head. "I'm going to stay a little while longer. I want to watch how people fight."

Liv's eyes widened in surprise before they wrinkled at the corners with a smile. It was as if she was excited that I wanted to see other matches.

"Have fun. Davis, take care of her." She pointed at him with narrowed eyes as she backed away with Lucas.

"Don't worry. I'll take great care of her." Davis eased her worries, but his words had my stomach swirling with need.

Am I developing a crush on the Viking?

"I'll see you tomorrow to take my niece shopping," I reminded her.

"Oh, trust me, I haven't forgotten."

I watched them leave, unable to keep their hands to themselves as they walked away. Lucas clasped her hips as he guided her past the crowd. I could see the hunger in both their eyes. Abi would have a little sibling soon if they weren't careful.

"Can you teach me now?" I turned and asked Davis, ready to learn how to fight right this instant.

"Now?"

I just nodded my head. I want to get stronger.

I woke up with every part of my body screaming at me. Davis wouldn't teach me how to fight until I toned my muscles, having me workout and lift last night. He said we'd be working out every day for at least an hour whenever we were able. He also told me we'd be having a seven o'clock run together every morning.

It was currently six and my body only hated me further for getting only four hours of sleep last night. My mind wouldn't stop racing with thoughts of Davis, then Chris, and finally Dad. It was a torturous run around. Yesterday afternoon had been great with Chris, but yesterday evening with Davis was so much more.

I need to be careful. I couldn't catch feelings for Davis.

I got dressed in a sports bra, mid calf leggings, and my running shoes. I wore a high ponytail, feeling the ends of my hair graze along the back of my neck. The stream of coffee pouring into my cup kept my gaze, causing me to doze off again. I kept thinking about Chris and then Davis. The vibration of my phone against the counter had me snapping out of my thoughts.

Chris: Can we meet for lunch?

Lisa: Sure, I'm free. Let me know when and where.

Dad clarified I had to be available to Chris whenever he asked. If he asked to meet, I had to be sure to say yes. If he asked me on a date, the answer had to be yes. Everything had to be yes, because we had to appear madly in love to the world when they announced our engagement. I was just glad Chris isn't poor company, even if he only makes me feel a fraction of the intensity I feel around Davis.

Chris: I'll come get you at 12:30, if that's okay? I want to take you somewhere that's a little hard to find if you've never been before.

His response actually got me excited. I was curious about the place he was talking about. It sounded nice.

Lisa: Sounds good to me. I can't wait!

Chris: Neither can I ;)

I smirked at his text, feeling giddy.

This was good. I should feel giddy about him.

I heard a heavy knock on the door then, frowning as I knew I wouldn't have time to drink my coffee now. Davis was more than likely on the other side of that door—early, I might add. I peered through the peephole, seeing his hair in a high bun rather than its usual braid. It was crazy how different someone could look by just changing the way they style their hair. I opened the door, meeting those blue eyes again.

"Good morning," he greeted me with a sweet smile.

"Is it though?" I asked, seeing his brows furrowed in confusion. "A good morning, I mean. Is it a good morning?"

"I think it is, and if it's not, we still have time to change that." He stepped inside the apartment as he spoke.

My heart raced as his body neared my own. I felt my muscles stiffen with anticipation, but nothing happened. He just walked past me into the apartment without a second glance. I suddenly felt freezing inside and out.

"I brought you a smoothie," he said, holding out the cup I hadn't noticed in his hand. He had one for himself, too.

"Oh, thank you."

I wasn't expecting him to have gotten me anything. It was a sweet surprise. I took the cup with a childlike grin, taking the first sip of the fruity goodness. Hints of mango, orange, pineapple and mixed berries hit my tongue with an explosion.

"I love sunrise smoothies." I said excitedly.

"I do too," he admitted, holding my gaze while he sucked on the straw. "Ready for our run?"

"Not really, but I don't think my answer will ever be yes, so let's just go."

He smirked, finding my response amusing, before nodding his head. He led the way outside, and we jogged at a steady pace around the city. Davis led me through the not so crowded streets at this time of day. Of course, the streets of New York were never empty, but right now they weren't as populated, either. It was oddly tranquil, and even though it felt like my lungs would burst at any moment, I was enjoying myself.

By the time we made it back to my apartment, I felt like I would die. My legs felt like jello beneath me, barely able to walk right. I wanted to just crash on my bed and not get back up for a few days. Davis followed behind me into my apartment, going straight into my kitchen and handed me a glass of water as if this was his place. I didn't mind though, as I was dying of thirst. We both chugged our waters as we stared at one another.

We were a sweaty mess. I would say sweat has never looked sexier than it had against his lightly tanned skin. Davis was a god damn sexy motherfucker, and I think he knew it. If he didn't, then it was by some miracle.

"What next Mr. Miagi?" I asked condescendingly, causing him to laugh. I liked his deep laugh. It made me smile every time.

"Now you get some rest until your workout session later in the day. Don't think you can skip it either. I'll come find you." He arched his brow, as if challenging me to miss it.

"Don't worry, I'll be there."

He nodded his head once before lifting his cup. "Thanks for the water."

"No problem."

"I found this place randomly one day, and it's become my favorite," Chris explained as he walked me through a beautiful garden into a bed-and-breakfast.

Apparently, this place had the best cook in town, at least, according to him. When we stepped onto the property, I could smell the delicious scents of various foods cooking. It was like nothing I'd smelled before. It was better than the restaurant where we had dinner the day before last.

"It smells wonderful," I said as we entered the cozy B&B.

"Chris!" a larger—older—woman greeted him. She looked to be in her late sixties with a round face and a kind smile. She hugged him tightly before kissing both his cheeks. "It's so nice to see you again. Are you here for lunch?"

"Yes, Gran. I wanted to introduce someone special to this place," he said, looking my way. The woman's attention turned to me in an instant.

"Bella bambina," she said in what I was pretty sure was Italian. She placed both her hands over my cheeks, squeezing them as if I was a small child she found adorable.

"Um, hello," I greeted her back, feeling so out of place, and culturally shocked.

"Please come. Eat. Eat." She pushed me towards a table on the left, excitedly. "I'll bring you the bread." She hurried away, leaving me baffled as I took my seat.

"Sorry about her. She gets excited when she meets someone new."

"Is she your grandma?" I asked, remembering he called her gran.

"No, not at all. She asked me to call her Gran after I started appearing here so often. I think she adopted me without consent, but I don't mind." He chuckled, looking devilishly handsome as his lips stretched into a smile.

"She seems sweet."

"She is. She's going to stuff you full until you feel like you're going to explode. At that point, she's going to feed you dessert. Stay strong because she doesn't like to take no for an answer," Chris warned me.

"Oh boy, I definitely can't wait for all the food."

There was a deep love in me for all kinds of food and drinks. I hoped the food here lived up to the expectations that Chris set inside of me.

About fifteen minutes later, our food appeared before us. Chris wasn't kidding. Gran's cooking was immaculate. It was like I had stepped into a restaurant in Italy itself. She checked on us repeatedly as we ate, asking how the food was. She wouldn't stop asking us if we wanted dessert, either. Gran was really growing on me. Chris and I spoke all throughout lunch, not finding a lull in the conversation for a second.

"Thank you for this. It was delicious and beautiful," I told him with a smile as we stood by my car door now.

Chris had walked me to my BMW, not wanting to let me go. He played with my hand as he held it. His skin felt so different from Davis', soft, smooth and cold, just like mine. His fingers were long and wrapped around my hand. He had what I like to call piano fingers, long and skinny.

"Where are you off to after this?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around my lower waist.

He was being seductive, I could hear it in his tone. He was hungry, and not for food this time. I felt a small spark of light inside me, calling to be ignited by him. I leaned towards him, allowing my hands to rest on his chest as I stared up at him. He was only four inches taller than me, but only because I was tall for a woman at five-feet- eight-inches where he was six-feet flat.

"I am going to pick up my niece and take her shopping," I answered him, letting my fingers tap his chest.

"Can I come too?" He asked with big puppy eyes.

"Really? You want to go shopping with us? You won't mind?"

Most guys I've dated have always hated shopping with me, let alone with Abi. I was sure it was worse when Abi was with me. My wallet always took a hit when I brought her.

"If it means spending more time with you, then yes. I don't mind at all." He answered, nuzzling his nose into the nape of my neck. It sent goosebumps down my arms and a warmth pooling in my stomach.

"Okay, you're welcome to join Abi and I, but I must warn you, there's going to be a lot of shopping. There will be a lot of cooing, browsing at many stores and carrying many bags. Are you sure you're up for that?"

"I am sure," he quickly responded, making me smile.

I liked that Chris wanted to spend more time with me. It was adorable to see, and it made me feel special. Plus, I wanted to spend more time with him, too.

"Okay then, let's go get my precious niece."