Chapter 18

Chapter

Eighteen

Jarom didn’t sleep much. His body, especially his head and rib cage, ached from the fight. His mind sped through each interaction with Autumn and wondered how to ensure she’d never leave his side. She’d basically kicked him out after he asked about prayer. She seemed to trust him, but complete trust took time to build. Would she ever fully let down her guard with him? Love him like he loved her?

The workout the next morning was fun, and Easton seemed reconciled to teasing with both of them and not overly flirting with Autumn. After the workout, Autumn and Easton both instructed him on fighting techniques. It was similar to the training Eli had given him but more focused on being the aggressor instead of defense. He wished he was alone with Autumn, but he feared he’d ask too many questions or push her too fast. Easton was a good buffer this morning.

“Okay.” Autumn had a glint in her dark eyes that didn’t bode well for his already bruised body but was too appealing to cause him alarm. “Has Eli taught you what you do if someone does this?”

She sprang around behind him and leaped onto his back. Wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his abdomen, she yanked her forearm hard against his neck, securing it with her other hand. He couldn’t breathe or speak to respond to her question. Eli had taught him what to do, but no way was he dropping onto his back and injuring Autumn with his much heavier weight.

“Come on, bruh,” Easton called. “Show her what you got.”

The discomfort increased and his oxygen supply was growing low. He dropped to his knees and rolled onto his back, lying on top of her but not doing the move that would break her hold and surely hurt her.

Autumn released her grip. Jarom flipped over, his chest pressed against hers but not his full weight. “Are you all right?” he gasped out, relieved to pull in deep breaths of air.

Autumn stared up at him, her dark eyes warm and her lips soft. “Am I all right? You’re the one who was being choked out.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you by flinging back and smashing you with my bodyweight like Eli taught me,” he admitted.

“Ah.” She reached up and ran her fingertips through his hair, making his scalp tingle. “So you know the right move but you couldn’t do it to me?”

“Yes, love. I could never hurt you.”

Autumn studied him and then she swallowed. Her golden eyes looked suspiciously bright.

Suddenly she flipped him over onto his back and pinned him with her body. He could probably get free as she weighed at least a hundred pounds less than him, but he didn’t want to.

“Never let your kindness and emotions come into play when you’re fighting for your life,” she said, her gaze too serious now.

He wrapped his arms around her. “I’d risk being beat up or killed to hold you close.”

Her eyes softened and she leaned down toward him.

“Do I need to leave?” Easton asked drily.

“No.” Autumn sprang to her feet and offered Jarom a hand up.

The moment was broken, but he wondered about her getting so serious. She was afraid he’d be knifed by Benjamin Oliver. That wouldn’t happen. Not with the likes of Autumn and Easton protecting him and the safe retreat of Coleville Ranch surrounding them.