Chapter 312: Chapter 312: No Matter What Happens

"Thank you so much, everyone." Jill wrapped up the class with a hearty hug for Matt who grinned sheepish delight at the embrace while we all cheered his good humor. "You all did amazingly well, and I'm proud of your efforts to learn how to defend yourselves. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to take this guy home," she winked at him while giggles broke out, "and tend to his bruises."

Matt seemed suddenly happy he'd said yes to being a punching bag.

I lingered in the gym, helping Jill return the floor mats to the stacks against the walls, hearing the excited, happy chatter of the gathered women dissipate as they left in small groups. I grinned at the deputy while she hefted the final mat onto the pile.

"That was awesome," I said. "We really need to do this regularly."

Jill winced and laughed. "I don't think Matt will go for it."