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“Focus on the nerves. Got it,” Jake said with another nod.
“Oh, no, dear boy. There’s more than nerves to play with.” I took Jake by the shoulder and steered him around to Russ’s backside. “There’s muscles, joints, body mechanics. A whole realm of painful possibilities. Let me see your thumb.” Snagging Jake’s hand, I curled it into a fist, making sure his thumb was sturdy. I maneuvered him into position behind our test dummy and snaked Jake’s other arm around Russ’s throat in a headlock. “Ok. Now take your thumb and drive it right there. Yep, right under the ear.”
Jake did as instructed, resulting in another bellow from Russ. He stepped back with raised brows and a small smile. “Like that?”
I guess I could finally see why Leander liked the little pain in the ass. He was a quick study and eager to please. People like that were useful to people like me. This was officially one of the best ideas I’d had in a while.
I returned Jake’s smile with an approving wink. “Just like that.”
* * *
My cell phone rang unexpectedly,bringing a halt to the lecture on veins and arteries.
Despite the blood coating my hand, I pulled my phone out of my pocket. It was Leander, which meant I answered immediately. I wasn’t planning on talking to him until later, so seeing his name on my screen sent my heart into full-on spasms. “My love? Is everything alright?”
“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice pleasant and completely unperturbed.
I glanced around the pole barn with a small shrug. “Oh you know. Just catching up on work. How is Minnesota?”
“Dull. I wish you were here. Olivia isn’t half as much fun as you are.”
Russ groaned and his head lolled backward, rattling the chains.
I shot a glare behind me. “I wish I was there too.”
“What was that?” Leander asked.
“The TV. Hold on.” I strode over to Russ and muted the phone before punching him squarely in the side of the jaw. He fell limp, his head flopping forward on his chest. Unmuting the phone, I forced a smile to my lips. Lies were always more convincing with a smile. “Sorry about that. It’s that movie Cole recommended.”
“I thought you said you were working?”
“I am. I’m multitasking.”
Thankfully he let it go. “Unfortunately, we have to stay another couple of days…”
“Problems?”
He sighed. “Nothing I can’t handle. It’s just irritating. Anyway, is there anything in particular you would like for dinner on Friday?”
“You know I’m not picky. Everything you make is amazing.”
“Yes, I know… but sometimes it’s helpful when you throw out suggestions.”
Nora started whimpering, her chains clinking with each tiny jerk of her body. Perhaps she mistakenly thought the person on the other end of the line would save her. If she only knew.
“Chicken Marsala,” I said quickly, hoping he didn’t hear her too. “It’s been a while. Is that ok? Kind of in the mood for something heartier. Seasons changing, whatnot. Summer’s almost over... that sort of thing.”
“It sounds perfect.” I could practically hear him brighten.
“I love you.”
“I love you. Don’t work too hard.”
Laughing, I disconnected and tossed my phone on the table. The levity faded into a growl as I turned toward my captives, marching over to them in quick strides.
Fishing a capsule of smelling salts out of my pocket, I broke it beneath Russ’s nose. As soon as he stirred, I slapped him for good measure. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to interrupt a conversation?”
Jake uncovered Nora’s mouth and stalked away from her with a disgusted look.
