Savior In The Dark by Ana Torres Read Free Book Online Page B

“Nothing,” I said. “I was just thinking, that’s all, no harm. Your father is a great charmer, you should be proud to have him in your life.”
           “It’s getting late,” Victor told his dad. “Sophia and I have a dinner we have to go to.  I had this look on my face saying ‘what are you talking about’?
            “I don’t recall you mentioning dinner to me,” I said in a whisper to him. Then he gave his father a hug and a kiss. I did the same and he whispered in my ear, “Take care of him.” I promised him I would.
          Victor took my hand as we were walking out, which wasn’t strange normally, but what was strange was his silence. He was always chirper after seeing his father.  We walked to the car in silence. Then I asked him, if everything was okay. He assured me all was well. “If I had to work tonight,” I said. “I am scheduled to work, but I can call in if you need me.”
            “Just this once,” he said. “I really need to talk to you. I need your support okay.” I told him of course, that he always had my support. “Okay, let’s go,” he said. “I have something nice planned.” When he said that it made me feel better like he was trying to please me only, but I was excited by what he might have planned.
          Along the way, he stopped at the store. “Stay in the car,” he said. I did, but wondered what he could possibly be doing having me wait in the car. Then within ten minutes, he returned and had nothing with him.
              “What did you get?”
              “You will see in due time,” he replied. Boy, he was making me nervous. Then I thought he might have got me a ring. OMG, he is going to pop the question to me. I got all nervous and he said, “It’s okay, why are you so nervous and jumpy?” I didn’t answer him. Then he got it, saying to himself, Oh, she thinks I’m going to ask her to marry me. I’d love to, but I know she’s not ready for that sort of commitment. I just want to make her happy. I do have to tell her that I have a competition coming up in Seattle, Washington for my belt. I’m still a teacher and a businessman. I have to continue teaching what I love. Everyday these kids I am teaching are getting better, and they are working so hard on their moves for their next bout. I had completely forgotten my competition was coming up in a week’s time. I have to train, harder now to get back to my routine. Sophia was an unexpected bonus in my life and I don’t regret having her with me, but I know she will be a distraction.
        We made it to my house, which was more private than his. Victor was still thinking to himself. I know she’s been practicing the self-defense moves I have showed her. She is getting good at it. She talks about getting the rest of the girls to do it too. Since the Diner really has no security at all, it will help the girls to be safe if they know how to protect themselves. Since the night of the attack, Hugo has been walking the girls to their cars. But who is there to protect Hugo? Yes he is a big man, and very intimating looking, but just because you are tall does not mean anything. I should know. I have knocked out guys twice his size not in the ring but in the streets, where I fought others in an underground karate ring to get the money I needed to start my Karate Studio. He realized he had never told Sophia. This fight will be the last fight I will have to do if I win. It will give me enough money to keep the studio going. The prize money is $500,000. I have to give it a chance. These places are no joke. Peter heard about it and Dan did too. We, the three of us are going to try out for it. We have to, to save our kids and our studio.
         Once inside, I went to make some coffee. I said I was a bit cold and I knew I was just giving an excuse. “Okay, this surprise dinner, do I have to dress up?” I asked. It was a fair question and this dinner was with all