Redemption (Bennett Sisters Book 5) by Kate Allenton Read Free Book Online

taken that threatened to spew out of her mouth. Brody’s twin, Ridge, chuckled and nudged Brody with his elbow. “Brother, it seems she’s got your number.”
    Brody’s eyes darkened in response. Lydia ’s cheeks reddened even more. She’d been presumptuous, although it seemed as though her suspicions had been correct. Even if her comment was appropriate, she shouldn’t have verbalized it. Not at their first meeting. “I apologize; I was out of line.”
    The general cleared his throat. “Yes, well, you’ve met Marlaina.” The blonde’s hazel gaze was unreadable. The general now gestured to his right toward the brunette who had scowled at her and Rick when they’d first entered the conference room. “And this is Jaime Bloom.”
    The general sat back down. “Everyone’s already met Briggs.” The general gestured in her direction. “This is Ms. Lydia Stevens and FBI Agent Rick Thompson. They are our guests and will be treated accordingly.” The general gave her a conspiratorial wink before he turned his gaze on Brody. “Do I make myself clear?”
    Brody grinned. “Oh yes, sir. I’ll make sure she feels right at home.”
    Ridge elbowed his twin harder in the arm, eliciting a wince from Brody. “Grow up already.”
    Brody dropped the grin from his face and cut his gaze back to the general. “Yes, sir.”
    The general nodded. “Good. Since you and Lydia share the same special skill of telekinesis, you’ll be training her starting first thing in the morning.” The general looked around the table. “Talk of her abilities does not leave this room, and I expect daily updates on her progress.”
    “Jaime, you’re in charge of combat training. Show her how to protect herself if she’s ever in a situation where she can’t use her gift.”
    Jaime nodded.
    The general motioned toward the blonde. “Marlaina, I want you to teach her how to block her thoughts and mental attacks.”
    Lydia was rendered speechless that the possibility even existed. If she could learn to control herself and not hurt anyone along with keeping herself safe, if these soldiers could actually help her, if it was at all possible, she’d be in a much better place mentally and physically. Lydia sat up straighter in her chair and finally found her voice. “Great, when do we start?”
    The general leaned forward. “Don’t be too excited, Lydia . I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Your days are going to be mentally and physically exhausting. You’ll be begging for a day off before your two weeks are up. They won’t go easy on you. You just have to trust and remember that we’re doing all of this to help you.” He pushed from the table and rose to his regal height. “Since you’re so eager, Lydia . Your first taste of training starts now. Brody, you’re up.”
    They all stood, and Brody rounded the table. “With pleasure, general. Right this way.”
    Rick took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Are you sure about this?”
    His gentle touch was reassuring because a flicker of apprehension had crossed through her body. It was her decision, and he wasn’t trying to talk her into it. She could do this, she needed to do this, and she would conquer this so she could go back home. The fear knotted inside of her was pushed to the recess of her mind. “There’s no time like the present. Besides, the quicker I get the hang of this, the faster you’ll be rid of me.”
    Lydia left Rick standing there and followed Brody out of the conference room. She hadn’t meant to be so cold toward Rick, but she didn’t see any other option. He wasn’t in this for the long haul, no matter how he made her feel. He deserved better than what she could give him. Her life had been on a downhill slide for so long, and now the threats against her were bigger. She wasn’t going to drag him into her world. A world he was just cutting his teeth into. A place he didn’t belong.
    Lydia followed behind Brody toward her