Chapter 132
I try to yank my wrists free but it doesn’t work.
Zane’s grip tightens slightly, holding my hands firmly while we both catch our breath.
My chest rises and falls quickly, he’s too.
The room feels warmer now or maybe that’s just the adrenaline still rushing through me.
I shift my weight again, trying to break his hold, slightly trying to wriggle my way out of his hold which makes me unintentionally run my ass on his front pants and that’s when I notice it.
I freze then slowly look back over my shoulder.
Zane raises an eyebrow.
“What p>
I glare at him.
“You’re unbelievable p>
His expression turns mildly confused.
“What are you talking about p>
I huff out a breath, shaking my head.
“You’re literally restraining me during a fight and somehow you are getting a hard on p>
Understanding finally dawns on his face ad ththe bastard actually smirks.
“Not my fault, you are the one rubbing your ass on me.” he says lightly.
I stare at him like I might actually kill him.
“You’re disgusting p>
He shrugs slightly.
“I prefer the word honest p>
“Oh my God p>
I wrench my wrists again
“Let me go p>
He studies me for another second, then finally releases my hands.
The second he does, I shove his chest hard and step away from him.
My face is hot not from embarrassment though Definitely not embarrassment.
Just irritation Pure irritation.
“I’m done,” I say hotly.
Zane folds his arms.
“Already p>
“Yes p>
“That wasn’t even ten minutes p>
“Congratulations. You ruined it p>
I turn and start walking toward the exit of the training room.
“Elaine p>
I don’t stop.
“Elaine p>
“Goodnight, Zane p>
I push the door open and walk out before he can say anything else.
My heart is still beating too fast, my hands are still shaking slightly and I’m not entirely sure if I’m more angry at him… Or at myself.
Zane’s POV
The door shuts behind Elaine harder than necessary, the sound echoing across the training room.
For a few seconds, I just stand there.
Sweat runs slowly down the side of my ribs, and my chest rises and falls as my breathing settles back into something steady.
I rub a hand across the back of my neck, exhaling slowly.
She got a few hits in, more than I expected. Mt ribs still ache faintly where her fist landed earlier.
Lucas must’ve actually taught her something useful.
I glance toward the door again, she didn’t even look back when she left. Just stormed out with that stubborn set to her shoulders like the world owed her a fight.
Something twists faintly in my chest, I push the thought away immediately. Instead, I turn toward the far wall where the security cameras sit tucked high in the corners, remembering I have something to sort out p>
“Aaron.” I call knowing he is somewhere outside.
And true to my words a few seconds later the side door opens.
Aaron steps inside.
He must’ve been waiting just outside, which is Not surprising.
“You called p>
I nod toward the mat.
“Step on p>
Aaron pauses. Jusy a slight hesitation… then his brow furrows.
“On the mat p>
His shoulders stiffen a little.
“With respect,” he says carefully, “I don’t want to spar with you p>
“That wasn’t a request p>
The room goes quiet again.
Aaron exhales slowly through his nose and I can practically see the calculations running through his head.
How bad this could get, how badly he might lose and how refusing might be worse.
Eventually he steps forward.
The mat depresses under his weight as he walks toward the center. Rolling his shoulders once, loosening his arms.
“You’re serious p>
“Yes p>
Aaron glances at my bare torso, then at my hands.
“You want gloves p>
“No p>
His mouth tightens slightly.
“Right p>
I take two steps toward him.
“Come at me p>
Aaron huffs out a short breath.
“You sure about that p>
“Don’t hold back p>
“I wasn’t planning to p>
Good.
For a moment neither of us moves. Then Aaron lunges first and fast.
He’s bigger than most of the men I employ and faster than people expect someone his size to be. His fist cuts through the air toward my jaw.
I lean back just enough that it misses and his other hand comes immediately after.
I block it. The impact thudding against my forearm.
Aaron’s good, very good. That’s why I kept him in charge of Elaine. But I’m starting to rethink that decision, amd I’m not one to usually do that.
He swings again, this time lower.
I sidestep and drive my elbow toward his ribs. Be catches the movement halfway, twisting his body to take most of the force on his side instead of the center.
It stil hurts. I can tell from the way his breath catches.
“Fuck,” he mutters.
We circle each other again as Aaron wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Should I assume this has nothing to do with the last thirty minutes?” he asks.
I don’t answer and that’s answer enough cause he nods once.
“Thought so p>
Then he charges again and this time it’s not testing blows.
It’s a real fight
Aaron throws a heavy right hook, I duck under it and drive forward, shoulder slamming into his chest. We crash together, momentum carrying us two steps before he shoves back.
He tries to sweep my leg, I step over it and drive my fist into his stomach.
The impact folds him slightly but Aaron recovers fast, grabbing my arm and trying to twist me into a hold. I break it before he finishes the movement, my elbow catching his shoulder on the way out.
The crack of impact echoes off the walls as Aaron stumbles back two steps.
“Christ,” he mutters.
We circle again.
Sweat drips from his hairline now mine too.
He spits to the side of the mat and lifts his fists again.
“You’re in a mood today p>
“Focus p>
He grins slightly.
“Right p>