A Warrior Still by M.C. Thomas

Author:M.C. Thomas [Thomas, M.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

19

Carson hated recalling the scorching heat of the jungle, the agonizing pain in his nerve endings when his hands were shot, and the pain in his heart when he watched Jane die. But he wanted Karina to know. He told her about Jane saving his life, leaving out the classified details as he’d done with Shoji, and she listened without interrupting.

She put her hand over her mouth as he finished. Her heated eyes softened, and her calm demeanor returned. “I didn’t know any of that,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“You’ve got nothing to apologize for. I’m the one who failed—as a Marine and as a future husband. I just don’t want to love and lose again. It’s more painful than getting shot.”

“You didn’t fail. It was a tragic thing that happened, but knowing you, I’m sure you did everything you possibly could.” She tilted her head. “Is losing Jane why you were worried about joining my security team at first?”

“Yes. But I hope you know that you’re the reason I’m getting my confidence back. I’ll never forget the faith you put in me from the start.”

“It’s a level of faith I hope you have in yourself now.”

“I’m getting there.”

They gazed at each other silently until she cleared her throat and pulled her hair behind her right ear. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and she gave a sheepish grin. “So…are things gonna be weird between us now?”

Carson shook his head and gave a reassuring smile. “Not unless we make it weird.”

“Good.” Karina patted his arm. “Let’s go watch this fight now, shall we?”

***

Carson, Christine, Terrence, Ryan, and Karina all sat in front of the TV. Christine passed bottles of beer to everyone.

“Do we have any sweeter drinks?” Karina asked.

“I may have some juice boxes in the fridge,” Ryan said, earning him a swift punch to the arm.

Carson was more nervous than he thought he’d be. As Shoji appeared on the screen, he popped open the cap and held his drink up toward the TV, toasting him. “You got this, buddy.”

An announcer stood in the middle of the stage and bellowed into the microphone. “Fighting out of the blue corner, weighing in at 185 pounds and standing at six feet and two inches!” He motioned to a man who looked to be ten years older than Shoji. From his neck down to his torso, he was almost completely covered with tattoos. “We have a 5-year veteran with a UFC record of twelve wins and three losses! Ten of his wins were by knockout and two by submission! From Phoenix, Arizona, I present Luis ‘The Sidewinder’ Chavez!”

The announcer paused as applause rained throughout the arena. He motioned toward Shoji. “And fighting out of the red corner, standing six feet tall and weighing 183 pounds, he is making his UFC debut! He has black belts in karate and Jiu-Jitsu, and has a professional record of eleven wins and one loss! From Atlanta, Georgia, we have Shoji ‘Showtime’ Sasaki!”

Carson couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

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