Chapter 14 Caught

She patted the gun again, noticing an unreadable, longing expression in Richard's eyes. She wondered if he had the urge to practice shooting too until he looked down and turned away, organizing the targets into a folder.

"I'll show these to your father when he returns," Richard said. "It should balance out Timothy's less favorable review of your self-defense skills, don't you think?"

Jenny laughed, shaking her head.

Jenny adjusted the latch on her holster, remarking, "There's no such thing as canceling out. Father won't care about my shooting skills if I can't defend myself without a weapon. He'll say, 'You can't take a gun to school, Jenny! What if you're attacked by a bear at school?' No matter how much I argue, he won't be happy until I can roundhouse kick a grizzly in the jaw."

Richard's shadow fell over her hands, gently prying them away from the holster before removing it adeptly from her waist.

"Oh," Jenny whispered, glancing up at him. "Thank you."

"I bet you could kick a grizzly in the chin," Richard said with a twinkle in his eye. "It just takes practice. I kicked my first grizzly when I was twelve."

"Well, grizzlies were a lot smaller back in the 1800s," Jenny replied, laughing as she dodged his playful nudge. "But maybe you could help me if you're such a self-defense master."

"Alright," he agreed without hesitation. "I'll speak to your father about it first, of course. Perhaps my approach can help you feel more like a weapon and less like a rag doll."

Jenny tried to conceal how much his words lifted her spirits. Timothy wasn't a bad trainer, but his harsh methods often made her feel defeated. It seemed impossible to feel strong around someone so unforgiving. Unlike Timothy, Richard always believed in her potential.

"Yes," she nodded, "that would be wonderful. If you can help me improve my shooting this much, I'm sure you can help me with kicking, ducking, and rolling."

She playfully moved toward him, chopping the air as if to attack, but he gently captured her hand, his touch soft.

"Easy," he said, lowering her hand. "That's your recovering wrist."

As they packed up and headed to the car, Jenny ran her fingers over the spot where he had touched her, reflecting on how he described her wrist as "recovering" rather than weak. On the drive home, she considered confessing the truth to Richard.

For a moment, she imagined telling him everything Julius had done and expressing her feelings for Richard. Perhaps they could leave together, kicking any bears that dared to block their path.

"The kitchen staff is preparing ratatouille tonight," Richard mentioned, smiling at her from the driver's seat. He knew it was her favorite dish. Although the moment to reveal her secrets had passed, Jenny smiled back, warmed by his thoughtfulness.

......

Despite being grounded, the next few weeks became some of the best times for Jenny. Julius mostly left her alone, content that their father had restricted her movements. School remained the same: she'd dress, avoid everyone, and rush home—not to escape Julius and Jessica, but to get to her training sooner. Richard had taken on the role of her personal trainer, in addition to being her bodyguard. He guided her on proper stance, where to strike, and how to move quickly. He even told her she was a natural shooter, warming her heart and pleasing her father. With only a week left of her grounding, she had no plans to alter her schedule and was delighted when her father seemed pleased with her desire to continue training.

"Good work, Jenny," he said with minimal praise, showing how much he truly valued it.

Jenny was sparring with Richard again, but her once labored panting had turned into steady breaths. Her steps were light and quick. Richard faced her, as relentless as ever.

She loved not only the training but also spending time with him. As they sparred, the light caught his golden hair, enhancing his attractiveness. His skin glowed, his cheeks flushed, and his blue eyes shone with vitality. He loved these moments as much, if not more, than she did. This was his life, and now he was sharing it with her.

Jenny dodged another swipe from Richard, countering with a punch that elicited a grunt from him—a satisfying sound to her.

She had grown accustomed to the aches and almost craved them; they made her feel alive and healthy, like she was doing something more than just running away.

Richard and Jenny circled each other, his muscles flexing and releasing as he skillfully dodged and attacked. He kept his shirt on, which was surely for the best. It was better than risking her father discovering it and accusing Richard of unprofessional conduct—or worse, having Julius find out.

Jenny delivered a swift kick to Richard's shin. He stumbled, and she couldn't help but grin. Could she finally win a match? Brimming with confidence, she pressed forward with a series of punches. Richard blocked them, allowing none to hit. Attempting another kick, he seized the opportunity. One second her foot was poised to strike, the next she found herself flat on her back with Richard on top of her.

"No!" she groaned as Richard breathed heavily above her.

"Maybe next time," he said with a teasing smile. Jenny didn't respond, too busy savoring the warmth of his body against hers. The overhead lights gave him an angelic aura, his hair plastered to his forehead and his shirt clinging to his defined abs.

Then he stood, helping her to her feet and handing her a water bottle. She took a big gulp.

"I think you just say that so you can keep winning," she teased. Richard looked at her, grinning widely.

"You think I enjoy beating up girls?" he laughed.

"Yes! Maybe you're just picking fights with helpless opponents like me to feel strong," she laughed back.

"Helpless? That kick to my shin says otherwise," he feigned a wince. Now it was her turn to grin.

"So, you admit I'm getting better?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

"I didn't say that," he replied, trying to retract his words.

"No, you did! Admit it! Say I'm doing well!" She poked him lightly, trying to coax the admission she wanted. He backed away, but she followed, laughing as she continued to tease him.

"Alright, alright!" he said, surrendering with raised hands. "You've improved greatly over the past few weeks. You'll be kicking grizzlies soon enough." A warm smile appeared on his face. "I'm proud of you, Jenny."

Pride swelled within her. This time, she didn't hold back or wait for his invitation. She threw herself into his arms.

Richard stepped back in surprise but then enveloped her in a hug. Time paused, leaving only the two of them. She felt his heart thunder in sync with hers. Though they both needed a shower, she didn't care. She inhaled his scent, allowing it to envelop her completely.

Then she pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. His eyes were a deeper blue than hers, reminiscent of the ocean. His expression was gentle, filled with wonder, and he breathed a bit heavier, with parted lips. They seemed so inviting. She leaned in closer, her own lips parting.

"Jenny." Her heart nearly melted as he spoke her name like honey.

"Jenny, there's something I've wanted to tell you for some time." Her heart leaped into her throat. Could he possibly feel the same way? She silently urged him to continue. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he averted his gaze.

"What is it?" she asked. His lips finally parted.

The door slammed open. "What the hell is going on here?" Richard and Jenny separated instantly.