One hundred and twenty-nine

Nicholas's POV:

With my parents out of the house, I decided to start Talia's training that afternoon, after I caught up on a few business emails. For some reason, I liked the idea of teaching her self-defense. I didn't intend for her to ever be in a dangerous situation, but I still wanted her to know how to protect herself if the need arose.

The irony of what I was doing didn't escape me. Most people would say I was the one she needed protection from, and they would probably be right. I didn't give a fuck, though. Talia was mine now, and I will do whatever it took to keep her safe—even if it involved teaching her how to kill someone like me.

When I was done with my emails, I went searching for her back at the house. This time I found her in the house gym, running on the treadmill at full speed. Judging by the sweat trickling down her slender back, she has been going at this pace for a while. Making sure not to startle her, I came up to her from the side.