“Do you have to? I mean can’t we just try and throw crap at each other? Doesn’t that sound so much better?”
Brody let the smile fall from his face. His eyebrows drew together, and he took on stern look. “I’m serious.”
“For once.”
“I know I’m the goofball, the flirt, and not your Romeo, but I want you to hear me out.”
Lydia let out a sigh. “You have five seconds before I toss the next thing at your head.”
Brody took her hand and squeezed. “I’m serious, Lydia.” He dragged her over to a bench and pulled her down to sit next to him. “It’s not easy for us. If anyone understands what you’re going though, it’s me. What we have is a gift, not a curse, and it’s not something that many people understand or even think is possible.”
Lydia let her head drop. She knew he was right, but at this moment, it was the only reason and excuse she could come up with for why she would never get her happy ending.
“The only choice we have in the entire situation is to learn to control our gifts the best we can and to use it for good to protect the things we love. We might never know why we were gifted with telekinesis, and to be honest, I quit trying to figure it out. What I want you to understand is that I am here for you. I’ll always be here for you if and when you ever need to talk. Because your gift is tied to your emotions, it’s not a good idea to stew about things. There’s no telling what might happen if you do, and to be honest, I’m not willing to chance it with the other people here at the compound. Just like you have family, these people are my family, and I won’t let you or anyone else hurt them.” Brody grinned. “So, if I have to take you outside in the forest away from prying eyes and spank that delectable ass of yours, you better believe I will.”
Lydia swatted his arm and stood. “You almost had me convinced you were a normal human being until you had to go and blow it.” Lydia held out her hand to pull him up. “Nevertheless, I got the message, and as much as I hate to admit it…you’re right.”
Lydia walked to the middle of the mat. “There’s a first time for everything.” Lydia eyed her teacher. “You know I had a dream last night that included us in a forest?”
Brody threw his head back and laughed before he sauntered closer to her. “Tell me… was I giving you a spanking? Was it hot?
Lydia chuckled. “No, nothing like that. There was a group of us, and I was trying to dismantle an alarm.”
Gone was the flirting man. Standing in front of her was a man who looked concerned. Deep lines creased in his forehead, and the lines around his frown deepened. “Have you told the general?”
Lydia shook her head. “No, I thought it was just a weird dream, maybe brought on from our training.”
Brody looked anything but convinced. “Well, I guess that tells me what we need to work on today.”
Chapter 10
Lydia and Brody spent hours working on perfecting her skills. He’d made her focus on the tiniest of objects with nothing but her mind, willing things to move, and she’d been shocked that it had worked. Jonah hadn’t been happy at her toying with his security system and the lights, but it was worth it. She felt more in control, even if it might have been short lived. The mental workout had put things in perspective, reminding her of why she was here and the rewards she would gain from conquering the biggest problem that had plagued her all her life.
Lydia made it back to her room with what little amount of energy she could muster. She needed caffeine in the worst way. She fixed a pot of coffee and plopped down on her couch, sipping her coffee and resting her feet on the coffee table. An alarm ran through the compound, becoming a constant blaring noise before Rick came busting in her door with a black bag in his hand.
“I’m glad you weren’t napping. You’re up, doll. They’ve just received Intel that Floyd is holed up in a warehouse on the other side of town.”
Lydia pushed to her feet. “What do they think I can do? I’m not ready. I might blow the whole mission.”
Rick pulled her into his arms and briefly pressed his lips to hers. “I believe in you.” He nipped her bottom lip but kept her pulled close. “And if this is the guy who’s after you, then let’s go take his ass out so we can get you back home.” He patted her on the butt.
He was right. Lydia didn’t even take time to savor his lips pressed to hers or the fact that he thought everything was okay enough with them for him to do it. She’d let it slide…for now. The thought of her freedom from running and her family were her first thoughts; and she’d be damned if she missed this chance. She drained the remainder of her coffee. “It’s now or never.”