“That’s why we’re going to practice every chance we get. Twice a week with Lior. The more we practice, the more confident you’ll become. This is supposed to be hard, to take you to the brink. But you’ve got this, and you’ve got me.” He wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

“You won’t always be here. You told me you might not stay.”

His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing. “It’d take someone ripping my fucking heart out for me to leave you.”

Was she delirious? Had she heard him wrong? “Diesel…?”

“I protect what’s mine.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s get back to work.”

How was she supposed to fight when he’d just romanced the hell out of her…Diesel style.

Chapter Twelve

THERE WERE MORE than a hundred exhibitors in the ballroom of the hotel overlooking the harbor at the bridal expo. Tracey replenished a tray of gingerbread cookies, taking it all in. She’d never seen so many bridal gowns, wedding cakes, or wedding planners. It seemed everyone who had anything to do with weddings was there representing destination venues, travel agents, limousine services, photographers, and dozens of other bridal services. Josie and Finlay’s booth was decorated to perfection in white, yellow, and pink, with touches of lace, greenery, and fresh flowers. Tracey had never dreamed about white weddings or fancy honeymoons, but being surrounded by all this wedding fanfare and excited brides-to-be and their giddy friends could make anyone dream of magical moments and happily ever afters.

Especially after the last several weeks.

Tracey could hardly believe she and Diesel had been together for almost a month. The two and a half weeks since he’d started teaching her to fight had passed in a blur. Busy days blended into intimate nights, sometimes spent at his place, sometimes at hers, but always in each other’s arms. He’d carved out time every Wednesday and Saturday to work with her, Lior, and Eliani, making sure Tracey was getting stronger and more confident, pushing her until she believed in herself as viscerally as he did. They’d seen Adrian last weekend, and he’d been thrilled to hear that she was Diesel’s girlfriend. She’d had fun listening to them chat about all things Tolkien, and Adrian insisted that she start reading The Hobbit, so she could watch the movies with them after he finished reading all the books.