Free Possession by Jennifer Lyon Page A

her stilettos. “It’s amazing. I can’t thank you enough for all your help.”
    “Happy to do it. Enjoy your evening.” Sloane guided Kat toward a door. “Let’s get dinner and the obligations over with so I can have you to myself.”
    She barely noticed the cool air as they went outside. “Paloma was your plus-one.” Kat winced as soon as the words left her mouth. Damn it, it didn’t matter.
    “For a while, yes.”
    So matter-of-fact. “You helped her with her career.”
    “It’s what she wanted from me.”
    Not the only thing. The image of Sloane naked with Paloma, with any other woman, touching her like he touched Kat—her stomach burned at the thought. Oh crap, this was a bad sign. Jealousy sucked, and it indicated ownership when no one owned Sloane. Steeling herself against the unwelcome streak of possessiveness, she focused on Ethan holding open the door to the limo. Once seated, she asked, “Where are we going?”
    “Thunder Cage Stadium is set apart from the actual Rolling Thunder Winery. We’re having dinner in the wine-tasting room there. It’s just a minute drive.”
    Still reeling from the emotions Paloma had stirred in her, Kat cast around for another subject to talk about. Finally she settled on what Sloane had mentioned when in the cage. “What is Fighters to Mentors?”
    “Just what it sounds like. An organization where fighters, a lot of them retired, mentor kids.”
    Kat stared at him, thinking of his growing-up years, many of them in foster homes. “You’re a mentor?”
    “I do some mentoring. When I have time, I hang out with two boys, Robert and Kevin. Help out a little bit with some other kids. But some of these guys do a hell of lot more, like Drake…” He trailed off and turned away. His fingers dug into his thighs.
    Sloane was an island, allowing so few people in and never letting his pain out. She wrapped her fingers around his rigid hand and tugged it until she cradled it between her palms.
    “You’re doing it again, aren’t you?”
    She faced him. “Comforting you? Being your friend? Yeah.”
    He twined his fingers with hers. “You keep doing shit like this and I might not be able to let you go. Ever.”

 

     
    Chapter Six
     
    To keep her nerves under control, Kat took in the Rolling Thunder Winery tasting room. The large room boasted custom racks trimmed with wrought iron lining the walls to display wines. Marble floors, beamed ceilings and rich cherry wood accents added to the sophistication. Waitstaff moved efficiently between the round tables draped in snowy white tablecloths and laden with delicate china.
    Every person in the room was staring at their table, more specifically, at Sloane and Ronnie T. Devonshire, the real estate mogul turned reality TV star.
    “It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?” The blonde woman next to Kat said.
    Turning to her, she smiled. “That obvious?”
    “Nope, I just happen to have inside information. I’m Sherry Moreno. John…” she elbowed the big man with the close-shaved head next to her, “…is my husband. He and Sloane have been friends since their UFC days.”
    “Hi there, Kat.” John looked over his wife’s head. “I’ve seen you in the gym, but haven’t had a chance to say hello.”
    Kat nodded at him. “Nice to meet you both.”
    Sloane leaned over. “Sherry is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I’ve asked her to spar with you this week while I’m gone.”
    Startled by that announcement, Kat blurted, “You did?” She wasn’t sure she liked that idea.
    His eyes warmed, and he toyed with her hair. “I’ll miss working out with you, but I’m traveling all week. Sherry is good.”
    “I could wait.”
    He shook his head. “Do this for me. You need to stay consistent with training to be ready to handle anything.”
    He meant her panic attacks and David. Just thinking of David fired her determination. “Okay.”
    The corners of his lips kicked up. “There’s my fighter.”
    “You might end up