Joe rolled his eyes, fishing out a key from his pocket and turning his attention to the cabinet while the boys strode over to the gym equipment on the other side of the room. Where Dean dropped his bag and peeled off his shirt.
I suddenly found the metal cabinet very interesting.
Joe unlocked it and pulled open both doors, revealing shelf upon shelf of medical supplies. Bandages, tweezers, slings, surgical tools, painkillers, a first aid kit, and the sewing kit.
“What is all this?” Stupid question.
“This is a gift from Tony to you,” Joe said.
My role as the basement nurse had suddenly become just a little more permanent.
“Where did he get it from?” I asked as I took in every inch of the cabinet. It looked like the type of thing only hospitals had.
“He has his sources,” was all Joe said.
“Right…”
“Try and remember the layout before you head back up. And keep this with you always.” He handed me the key as he spoke. “The last thing we need is one of the fighters getting in and loading up on painkillers.”
I nodded once, curling my fingers tightly around the key. “Noted.”
“Good,” he said. His lips formed a tight line in an attempt at a smile before he left via the back stairs, stopping at the top to catch his breath before he heaved open the door and stepped outside into the night.
I looked over the cabinet as Joe instructed, cautiously picking up some of the items and hoping I never had to use them. One of those items was a plastic box full of separately packaged needles.
“Dear lord,” I muttered as I put the box back and locked the doors shut.
I rattled the handle to make sure it was secure, pocketed the key, and began the walk back through the basement. As I did, I glanced over at the gym area on the other side of the room. Not entirely sure if the glance was involuntary or if I had subconsciously wanted to say goodbye to the two men there. Soon enough, I forgot the reason, as my train of thought floated away from me and I slowed my steps. Unable to look away from what I saw.
Dean pulled himself up and down on a tall, horizontal bar with his ankles crossed beneath him. Shirtless with his back to me, working every muscle in his upper back, shoulders, and arms, he moved like it was barely an effort. Sweat gleamed on his skin, making his tattoos look dense and new. Especially the wings across his shoulders and down his biceps. It almost looked like they came to life with his movements, fanning out with every flex of his arms.
He did at least two dozen pull-ups before lowering himself to the ground, doing so slowly with one arm before he moved to the nearby punching bag. He grabbed a pair of boxing gloves and was fitting them on his hands when he looked straight at me.
In a rush to look like I hadn’t been gawking like an idiot, I turned quickly and walked headfirst into one of the thick, wooden beams supporting the basement roof. The thud that echoed around the room, and the thrumming pain that radiated through my skull, wasn’t nearly as bad as the knock to my pride. I could feel my face burning up as I rubbed at my head.
“You okay?” Dean asked.
I reluctantly looked to where he stood by the punching bag. He was trying not to smile as he pulled on the second glove, using his teeth to tighten the straps around his wrist but keeping his amused eyes on me.
Seb was completely oblivious to the entire thing as he did crunches on the floor with earphones in.
“I’m fine,” I said quickly, averting my gaze as I clutched my forehead. I was certain I could already feel the beginnings of an egg size bump growing just under my hairline.
“You sure?” His smile grew just a little.
“Yep— I should go.” I pressed my lips together, barely giving him a second look before I left.
Chapter 22
Lily
Police officers and detectives milled about the waterside venue, dressed in full uniform, and drinking ceremonial champagne. Congratulations poured throughout the spacious room wherever newly promoted Detective Sergeant Mark Whitmore went. He stood proudly at the center of the venue, surrounded by his closest colleagues, deep in conversation about their finest moments on the force. Including the recent arrest of several gang members.
Biker gang members.
No word of any arrests concerning The Den.
“Hello? Earth to Lily,” Jane said, snapping her fingers in front of my face.
