Warrior (Relentless #4)(93)

Westhorne had never been breached, but I wasn’t taking chances with Sara’s safety. Tristan hadn’t objected when I told him my plans, so I knew he had concerns too.

“You know what they say about all work and no play,” said a sultry voice from behind us.

Chris and I turned to face Celine, who looked as beautiful as always in a long, green dress that hugged her body. She tossed her black hair over her shoulder and gave me a warm smile.

“Nikolas, Chris, it’s so wonderful to see you again.”

“Hello, Celine.” I returned her smile. “Tristan said you were back for a few months.”

She laughed softly. “And what perfect timing. You’re always away when I come to visit. Maybe we can catch up while you’re here.”

I ignored Chris’s quiet snort. “I’m afraid I won’t have much free time. I’m going to be working with Tristan and Dax a lot.”

“But surely you can spare some time for an old friend,” she said suggestively.

It was the same game she and I played every time we saw each other. She tried to remind me that at one time we were more than friends, and I gently deflected her advances.

“I’m sure he’ll make time for you,” Chris told her with a note of amusement in his voice.

I had a strong urge to cuff my best friend in the head. If anyone knew how long I’d evaded Celine’s attempts to rekindle our brief affair, it was Chris. The look I gave him promised retribution.

“We’re on our way to the security center if you’d like to join us,” I said. I had no intention of getting involved with her, but we were longtime acquaintances. “What have you been up to since we last saw you?”

If I knew only one thing about Celine, it was how much she loved being the center of attention. She regaled us with stories about her travels in Europe for the last year and her short-lived liaison with a member of the Belgian royal family.

“I’m surprised you gave all that up to come here,” Chris said.

“America has its appeal,” she answered with a meaningful smile.

We’d been standing outside the security center for twenty minutes. The door opened and Dax came out carrying a laptop. He glanced at Celine then looked at me.

“Nikolas, I wondered if you’d forgotten our meeting. We can reschedule if you’re busy.”

I shook my head. “I’d rather get started tonight if you still have time.”

“Okay.” He held up the laptop. “I was going to run this to Claire’s office, but I can do that later.”

I turned to Celine. “I hope you’ll excuse me. Duty calls.”

“Of course.” She laid a hand on my arm. “I look forward to seeing more of you during my visit.”

My Mori shifted uneasily, its feelings clear. It didn’t want any female but our mate touching us. I felt the same way, but courtesy kept me from pulling away. Celine had no idea I had bonded with Sara. If she knew, she wouldn’t be coming on to me.

Celine smiled at Chris and Dax before sauntering down the hallway. When she was out of sight, Dax whistled softly.

“You lucky bastard. You know, this stuff can wait until tomorrow if you’d like.”

“No, this is too important to put off.”

He gave me a look that said he thought I was nuts. “Okay, if that’s what you want.”

I opened the door to the security center. “Let’s get to work.”





Chapter 17





I entered the dining hall, looking forward to spending time with Sara today. I didn’t expect her to feel the same way, but I planned to change that before the day was over. I was going to start with training and see where it went from there.

I thought she might respond better to me as a trainer, so I was all business when I reached the table where she sat with Jordan and another girl.

“Ready to start training?”

Sara nodded without speaking.

“Come with me then.” I turned away and left the room to wait for her in the main hall. She came out a minute later, looking nervous but resigned.

When I started for the main entrance, she said, “We’re not using a training room?”

I looked back at her. “I thought we’d go outdoors. Would you rather stay inside?”

“No,” she replied quickly and hurried to catch up.

Outside, we walked around the building and I steered us toward the woods.

“Where are we going?”

“For a walk,” I replied without looking at her. Seamus had told me about how many times he and Niall had caught Sara heading for the small lake on the property. I suspected she missed the ocean and was looking for a body of water to make her feel less homesick. I couldn’t think of a better place to start her training.

She harrumphed softly. “I think I should tell you that when I go for walks, I usually end up brought back in chains.”

Her wry tone made it hard to keep a straight face. “I think we’ll be fine.”

We walked in silence for a while before I tried to get her talking. “Other than the problem with your training, how are you doing here?”

“It’s not home,” she answered sharply, but I could hear the hurt in her voice.

I looked at her, and she stared straight ahead.