I cried myself to sleep last night. I wake, though, feeling lighter, the sun even seems brighter. Liam felt so good last night, I can’t help thinking of him. He was patient and yet took charge when he knew I couldn’t. He made me almost feel whole. I never knew I could feel something sexual again. Being captured then raped was disgusting, it had nothing to do with the way Liam made me feel. Those men were nothing but weak, scared little boys trying to find their sick thrills. I almost feel sorry for them. I wonder if they ever felt anything like what I felt last night. If they ever enjoyed the pleasure of having a connection with someone. You know what? I don’t even care. I hope they never did. Liam opened my eyes to so much more, and now I’m never closing them again. Watch out, life, here I come.

I shower and change into workout gear. Today I have an appointment with Zander, but beforehand I want to find Catherine and let her know I’ve decided to do the shoot for the restaurant.

I walk into the dining room. Only Catherine and Fallon are there. I grab a quick bagel and say, “Catherine, I wanted to let you know I’ll do the shoot. When do you want me and where?”

“Wow, someone has a pep in her step this morning,” Catherine notices.

Fallon gives me a knowing look. “Yes, she does, doesn’t she? I wonder why?”

I give her the shut-up look, which she completely understands.

“Well, Avery, I think tomorrow I can get everything set up. I will have Bridgette’s crew to come back and get you ready. I think the photo shoot will be here. You should feel more comfortable with that.”

“Okay, thank you. I have to run, I’m meeting Zander in the gym. Bye.”

As scheduled, Zander is already waiting for me.

“Hey, big boy, you ready for me?”

“Hey, kid, bring it on.”

He helps me with my gloves, then helps me in the ring. We start with a little one on one hitting; well, I hit and he takes them or blocks them. There’s not really any damage I can cause to a man his size. Mainly, he just laughs at me.

I keep throwing punches, and not one lands on him. He even picks me up a few times. This time I’m over his shoulders, and I start punching his back.

“All right, All right. You’re like a little chihuahua; all bark, and no bite. You sure don’t know when to quit. I’ll put you down when you stop.”

“Okay, fine, put me down.”

He does, but the laughter continues. “You look different today, what’s going on?”

“Nothing’s going on. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Well, you look happier and lighter. You just blushed...wait a minute, did you get laid?”

I start shaking my head. “What? No, don’t be silly. Besides, who would I do that with?”

“You did, Avery. You little fucking liar, you had sex. Oh my God, it was Liam, wasn’t it? Oh shit, I can’t wait to rag his ass out. I knew he couldn’t hold out much longer.” He lays his arm over my shoulder. “This is going to be good. Man, was it that good? You’re glowing.”

Zander won’t shut up, so I take a cheap shot and knee his privates. My knee starts throbbing, and Zander stands and laughs more.

“Shit, Zander, is your dick made of steel?”

He bangs his chest with his fist and says, “I strong like bull,” then pulls out a protective guard from his shorts.

“You really didn’t think I knew that was eventually going to happen? My mother always taught me to protect the family jewels, especially because I plan on having lots of sons.”

“What’s wrong with daughters?”

He looks at me, baffled. “Are you crazy? I can’t have daughters. Have you seen me? I’m built to have sons. Plus, girls would just put me in prison, and I can’t go to prison. I’m to be shared and looked at. But seriously, I really can’t have girls. I would kill anyone who looked at them, and I mean anyone.”

He removes his gloves then tells me. “Come on, chihuahua, let’s go. I’m getting tired of you looking so happy in front of me. Oh, and kid, I won’t say anything to Mom. If she knew, you two would already be married. It won’t be long anyway, though.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Sure, it’s not.”

“I’m starting to hate you. I hope you know that?”

“No, you don’t. You love me; you hate Liam, remember?”

He walks out of the gym, laughing all the way. It’s not like that. Liam just helped me, and it’s done now. I can move on now, maybe with Phil?