Chapter Ten

Graceona

I could imagine it fluttering if I could have a living, beating heart. My proposal to the man who exercised across from me, his taut muscles, the sweater he wore up to this point didn't do him justice, a bare torso, glistening with sweat, the body of these Greek gods; I grinned, looking away once our eyes met. Leonard chuckled. "Should I put on a shirt? It seems I'm the only one devoted to this." He teased as I looked at him, causing him to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Your face." I sighed, returning my gaze to the floor.

"Shut up," I said, finding it difficult to have any harsh meanings behind the words, causing Leonard to laugh more. "Whatever you say, girl, whatever you say." He turned away from me to retrieve the black towel that hung on the handle of the bike, wiping his sweat-covered face; as the last remnant of laughter left from him, I looked at him, "You said I was fit enough; you failed to mention your physic?" I took a drink of ice-cold water from my cup that Edgar had prepared, looking at Leonard, who shrugged.

"You didn't ask me. We were talking about you hitting the gym, not me. I went to the gym a lot after running from people. Having muscles and fighting move under my belt felt comforting—a lot changes with a man on the run for his life. I felt I could hold my own against them. However, I had always hoped it wouldn't come to that, but if it had, I was ready." I looked at the clock overhead.

"You want to call it a day? We've been at this for an hour. We can come back later. I'm interested in seeing your fighting skills and perhaps introducing you to more. We've got the time if you have the energy." He looked at me.

"Grace, you're a vampire, and I'm not, so how would that work? I've never fought against a vampire."

"You trust me enough for marriage and knowing everything I have done, yet you have trouble trusting me and my abilities to fight you? Leonard, we agree on my age, right? You're not the first human I have fought. I can handle you; think of fighting another human. You're safe with me, love. I promise I'll be gentle. Do you want to train in here or in the arena?" He looked around, then back at me. I could tell by his hesitation, though he had gone to great lengths to hide his discomfort.

"Do you think Darin could train me?" I looked at him.

"Darin? Why him? Darin is a vampire as well." He opened his mouth to speak, however. He sighed as I shook my head. "This has nothing to do with trust, does it, Leonard? You want to fight Darin because he is a male?" He looked at me as though he spoke no words. His expression answered my question, causing me to lay my head back with a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I respect the fact you don't hit women, but I don't feel that I can trust Darin; he hasn't fought against humans; he is more brute, still struggling to control his strength, and having him fight you would be a train wreck on my nerves. I don't have many vampires who have dealt with human combat. Do you want to go to a human training ground? Because if you don't want to spar with me, another human is your best bet; however, how can your average human teach you methods to defend yourself against a vampire? You're in a battle with a vampire. Rather, the teacher be a woman or man, training with a vampire for a vampire brawl would help save your life, or at least give others time to come to your aid; you feel comfortable with me training you and giving you a glimpse into your future would make me feel better, knowing that should the two of us get separated, you could have some moves instead of falling pray like a helpless child." He looked at me as a sigh came from his lips.

"You can make me a promise that I can fight a vampire if I let you train me?" He continued to look at me as I sighed. "I can't promise you that you could take a vampire on in your human state, but I can promise that I can teach you the basics of getting away from one if you encounter one. Vampires come in different skills; this vampire we know little about him. That is why we are on high alert. So, I can't promise you will go head-to-head with a vampire. Just escaping him would be easier; however, not guaranteed." He continued to look at me with a sigh, opening his mouth to speak. "I know, Leonard. I have you in my corner until the end, and then I lose you. I understand, I know." He smiled a little.

"Well, at least you are aware of the fact. It saves me from having to say it." He sighed. "So then, what would be the point of training with you? What would be the point if you can't guarantee me safety in the end?"

"No. I just want to fight someone new and teach someone new. My last pupil was Darin, and now I just sit and wait for gossiping hags to grow up and stop the gossip. It is a bore, even though I enjoy some action, too. Come on, let's have a friendly bout. Lovers spar. What is the worst that could happen?"

"Do all vampires want to brawl with their soon-to-be husbands, or is that just you? And if so, then why?"

"It's not just me. I do it because it is fun, and having fun isn't a crime. At least, I don't think it is. So, are you in, or are you going to chicken out? If you want to chicken out and prove I am better, then."

"Oh, chicken? I don't run from a fight, and you're on. I hope you're ready for a challenge." He grinned.

"Bring it on, human."

2 hours later

I looked at Leonard, who was now doubled over, catching his breath. With a smile, I walked over to him and gently touched his shoulder. "You did good, Leonard. How about we go out for ice cream, my treat, you deserve it." He looked at me, standing upright.

"We're stopping already; it was just getting good." He collected his breath and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"You want to keep going?" I asked, looking at him as he looked at me. I shook my head.

"Sorry, but I'm cutting you off from any further activities. We're going to enjoy this day." I chuckled.

"Fine. What do you want to do?"

"I offered to take you out for ice cream. Surely, you've worked up an appetite after all this. I could use a steak and potatoes; I've worked up an appetite, and I'm not even human. But first, I want to take another shower. We both could probably use that and some fresh clothes."

Leonard nodded. "Steak and potatoes sound good right now. I'm in." He laughed. "I suppose the shower doesn't seem like a bad idea. It seems like a relaxing day you have planned out. Once again, I'm in."

"You want to go see a movie later? Or go shopping for clothes other than those from Goodwill. We still need to notify your landlord that you've moved or taken her eviction notice. You should at least tell Christian you're well."

"Christian?" he laughed. "I forgot about him. I was enjoying my life and forgot all about him, whoops." Leonard scratched the back of his head with a laugh, causing me to laugh as well. "

It's not that hard to forget him, I assume. I hadn't thought of the boy since I saw him last; I've had fun hanging out with you and spending time together. The boy and his laziness had left my thoughts, so there was no need to worry. It doesn't make you a horrible person forgetting him. I had as well."

"You don't like children, do you? I know why you don't have any."

"I'm not fond of children, no. But Christian is a fourteen-year-old boy who is more than able to get a job and work. I don't like Christian because he has everything handed down and never gives back. He takes more than he gives and is lazy; only a few people put up with laziness. I am a person who doesn't tolerate a lazy person. That is why I dislike Christian. He isn't a child. He is a young man who lives a free world lifestyle, while those around him have to work for what they get." Leonard sighed. "Am I wrong? If so, correct me, and I will apologize for anything I have stated falsely."

"No, you're not wrong, sadly. Christian is the main reason for my eviction, sneaking in women and asking me to take the fall for it. Everything you have said about him up to this point has been facts. I will not defend him any longer."

I looked at him. "I figured as much, but you're the one who won in the end. He's out of your hair. You're living in the best house in the city. You have money in your pocket. Good things take time." I smiled. "Enough of this meddling teen drama. Let's go out and enjoy ourselves. Have some fun." He smiled as the two of us walked from the exercise room.