Malakai (Stone Society #13) - Faith Gibson Page 0,49

I can’t remember the last concert I went to. It was… hmm. I think it was my senior year of high school.”

“Then I’d say it’s past time you saw another one. What else is on your bucket list?”

“I have no idea. My life has been nothing but work these last eight years, and I didn’t see that changing anytime soon, so I didn’t bother to think about things I couldn’t have. This is exciting! Except…”

“Except what? If you’re worried about the threat with Drago, don’t be. We can’t put our lives on hold because of him and what might happen. We just have to remain cautious to our surroundings.”

“It’s not that. You’re making plans to open your business soon, and we need to focus on that.”

“Don’t worry, Sunshine. Yes, I want to open my training center, but you come first. I don’t want you to ever hold back from telling me your dreams or desires. Besides, my business is now your business. Everything I own is yours. If I know Julian, and I do, he has already prepared documentation to that effect.”

“Then what I have is yours, too.”

“You know, I’ll be focused on training, and I’m going to need someone good with computers to run the business side of things.”

Josie cocked her head and stared at the gorgeous landscaping. If she wanted it, this could be hers. “Who takes care of all this?” She waved her arm out, indicating the pool and all the vegetation. Kai frowned, and it took a second for Josie to realize she’d changed the subject. “Oh, I’d be happy to work with you at the training center, but I admit I know nothing about boxing, fighting stuff. I’ve never used software for things like memberships or dues or paying invoices, but I’d be willing to learn. If that’s what you were hinting at. I mean, if it’s my gym too, then I need to be involved, right? Because I seriously don’t want you hiring some sexy female with mad fighting skills to help out. You aren’t going to be training women, are you? If so, I know what my next hobby is going to be. Do they make gloves in pink? Not that pink’s my favorite color. It’s not. I prefer blue. Or green. Do you have a pool boy? Because that water is really clear.”

Kai’s eyes were alit with mirth. Josie ducked her chin and mumbled, “Sorry.”

Kai pulled Josie onto his lap and tucked her head beneath his chin. “Gods, you’re cute. Let’s see. Yes, there is a pool boy and gardener. There is also a housekeeper who cleans twice a month. I would prefer you helping out in the office, if that’s something you wouldn’t mind doing. I have no doubt you’re smart enough to figure out the software, but if you need help, Julian can assist. As for training women, I never thought about it, really, but if one were serious about it, I would rather not turn them away. I will gladly teach you anything that has to do with martial arts as long as it’s something you’re really interested in and not something you think you have to do. If there are women in our club, they will be introduced to you as both co-owner and mate. But I think we need to say you’re my wife instead because humans tend to frown on the term mate. You are the only female I want, and you never have to worry about me straying. I’ve not looked at another female sexually in a very long time. I’m talking a couple hundred years. I’m not built for one-night stands.

“The same goes for any men who come in to train. They will know you are mine, and as such, will never disrespect you. One strike and they’re out. It will be a place to hone their skills, and I expect their behavior to match their sincerity to become the best they can be. And yes, they make pink gloves.”

“You’re good at that. Keeping up with my rambling. I’m trying to get past my insecurities, but I need you to be patient. I know you care about me. I can sense how much through our bond. But years of feeling less than are going to take a while to go away. I trust you. With my heart and my life. I never expected to have what we do. It’s scary how intense it all is after just a few days, but I can’t dismiss