I smiled, letting out a relieved breath. “Actually, you were the major wild card here so, soon I guess.”
“Let me know if you want me there when you tell them,” he added with a dramatic eye roll. “I’ll back you up if you need it.”
“Thank you.” Stepping forward, I gave him a tight hug. I’d trusted him to come through for me in the end but hearing him say it was so much better.
When we parted, Law took a step closer. “Frank,” he said, waiting for the other man to look at him. “Are we okay?”
Frank shook his head. “I don’t fucking know, man. You’re screwing my sister and another guy at the same time. I mean, I know this is what you’re into and I know it’s the real deal for you but… she’s mysister. I feel like I’m supposed to be doing something to stop this.”
“I tried to stop it, at first,” Connor piped up. “Didn’t work. This is where we’re all meant to be.”
With a sigh, Frank nodded. “Just don’t hurt her,” he said, his gaze still on Law. “I’m not sure I can forgive you a second time.”
Law lifted his chin. “You have my word.”
I touched Frank’s arm, drawing his attention. “Now do you want a cup of coffee?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m going home to my wife. My one wife. Singular,” he added as he started for the door. “How the hell any of you can deal with two people is beyond me.” The door closed behind him.
We all stood there for a while, staring at each other, until Law broke the silence. “That went well.”
Connor and I stared at him, and the blossoming bruise on his jaw, and broke down laughing.
TWENTY-FIVE
______
CONNOR
The sun felt good on my face as I completed my last set up of chin-ups. Dropping back to the ground, I rolled my shoulders, enjoying the burn that lingered there.
“Maybe it wasn’t a good idea for you to join my group,” Law murmured as he stopped beside me. “Watching you sweat makes me horny.”
I shrugged a shoulder, offering him an unapologetic grin. “You were the one who invited me to come, and how could I say no when it’s such a beautiful day to be outside.” I licked my lips for good measure, before adding. “Maybe I’ll do one more set.” Lifting my arms, I held on to the bar and raised myself off the ground in a slow, smooth motion that showed off the muscles in my arms and shoulders.
Law tilted his head as he watched, before muttering something about me being a sexy fucker and moving on to his other clients.
Chuckling, I eased back down, releasing the bar. I’d been getting ready to hit the gym that morning when Law suggested I join his circuit training group instead. He held it several times a week in one of the local parks, using static equipment installed by the City Council. I’d known such equipment existed, but it had never occurred to me to make use of it. Over the years, I’d become accustomed to exercising indoors, using expensive equipment recommended by expensive trainers in expensive gyms. When I returned home, I’d joined a regular gym without a second thought. But Brisbane’s temperate climate was ideal for working out in the open year-round and I’d enjoyed the simplicity of using the park equipment.
Finishing up, I grabbed my water bottle and took a long swallow while I waited for the others to complete their sets. Four clients made up the group, and all seemed like regulars—there to work hard and leave sweaty.
One guy in particular had caught my attention from the start. He couldn’t have been more than eighteen. Stunningly beautiful, he had large green eyes that stood out from olive skin, and a shock of jet-black hair. Fine facial features were paired with a full, pouting mouth and high, slanted cheekbones. The almost feminine look gave emphasis to his Adam’s apple, which was visible, but not pronounced.
He’d worked harder than anyone else in the group, putting in more reps for each set, but without sacrificing form. I recognised the hunger in his movements, the almost desperate need to be something more than he was. I knew the feeling too well, and not at all fondly.
“Alright everyone,” Law called. “Let’s have a good stretch and we’re done for the day.”
I joined the small group forming in front of Law, but the kid continued banging out dips as if his life depended on it.
“Trent,” Law called. “Time to finish up.”
The green eyes flashed in his direction. “Just a couple more.” He shook as he kept going, his arms close to failure.
Law directed the group to start with some hamstring stretches before walking over to stand in front of Trent, his voice calm but firm. “You’ve done enough for today. It’s time to stop.”
Trent stopped, but not until he’d managed another five reps. “Done.” Shoulders sagging with exhaustion, he ambled over to join the rest of us. When he saw me watching him, his gaze narrowed. “Keep your eyes in your head, mate. You’re not my type.”
My brows lifted, a smirk forming on my lips. “Good to know.”
