All the steam I’ve released returns as soon as I hear Cain’s whiny voice. “We’ve been looking for you all day.”
And it’s clear bywehe means Remy when I spot him across the gym talking to Greta. I don’t slow, keeping a steady pace of my fists pummeling the bag. “What do you want?”
Cain moves beside the bag, his hands steadying it as he looks to me. “Luca, what the fuck are you doing here?”
“Exactly what it looks like.” Picking up my speed, I let out my frustration and anger. Because I know the fuckers aren’t going away anytime soon.
“You have a whole-ass gym at home.” He waves around. “Why are you working out here?”
My annoyance level peaks and spills out in my movements as I slam harder against the torn imitation leather. Yeah, this place doesn’t have the best or newest equipment. The paint is peeling from the walls. The floor is bare pavement with worn mats and rusted equipment that looks like it’s older than me. The bag I’m punching has more tape and patches on it than original material.It’s hot as fuck, and the open bay doors letting in humid air doesn’t help in the least. The sticky air is blown around by industrial fans that feel like massive blow dryers, but it’s better than them being closed since the AC probably hasn’t operated in the last decade. But there’s something about this place that makes my workout feel authentic. Besides, it actually isn’t far from the grim conditions of Belgrave Academy’s abandoned building that I’ll actually be fighting in. “To be left the fuck alone.”
Once I’m on the threshold of collapsing from sheer exhaustion, I deliver one last punch to the bag before I finally step back and I heave in a deep breath. Once I grab my water bottle from my bag and turn it up, I see the blood trickling down my knuckles. It’s not the first time that the skin on my knuckles has given way and won’t be the last.
“Dude, tape up your hands so you don’t injure yourself before you even get to the fight. And please, stop stressing about it.” Cain leans against the bag. “You could win the matchup with your hands tied behind your back.”
Nothing will take me out of the competition. “I know.”
“Then why are you acting all”—he waves his hands around, shaking his head frantically before letting out a laugh—“‘Oh my God, I’m scared’?”
When I glare at him, he adds, “What’s going on with you? Even Remy knows something is off.”
“Remy is a dumbass.” I nod over to the fool who’s still attempting to talk to Greta even though it is clear as day she’s uninterested and just trying to work out. I can relate. I want to pound my fists into the bag without needless interruptions.
“Agreed,” Cain says. “Which is why it’s concerning when even thedumbasscan see that something is going on with you.”
“I’m ready.”
“Yeah. No doubt. But the Tomb isn’t a place you need to step into if you’re head isn’t on straight. Things can go bad fast.”
“You don’t need to remind me of that.”
Cain takes a step back, his eyes falling to the floor. “Just tell me if there’s something I can do to make your life easier.”
“Leave and let me train in peace.”
I hear a loud whack, then a squealed, “What the fuck?”
When I look over, Greta has Remy in a headlock, asking him, “Do I need to repeat myself?”
Remy yells, “No. I’m sorry. Damn.” Greta releases him with a good shove as he lurches back, his hand rubbing his throat as he stumbles our way. “That bitch is crazy,” he says once he gets to us, all the while keeping an eye in her direction.
“No, she just has a low bullshit tolerance.” As do most who work out here, which makes it even more appealing.
“Yeah. Whatever. I’m done with this trashy-ass place and trashy-ass angry little girls.” He turns as he waves me to follow, then hurries off. “Let’s go. Now.”
His speed picks up as he passes Greta, and I can’t help but laugh as she gives him an angry glower before resuming her workout. Seeing him flinch from her barely shifting in his direction was worth the interruption. But I need to get back in it; Cain is right. I can’t step foot in the ring if I’m not focused. And right now, my focus is dog shit.
“Seriously, Luca. Make sure you’re ready up here too.” Cain points to his temple before heading out.
I continue my hammering against the bag, but I’ve lost pace and what little concentration I had. Grabbing my bag, I wrap a towel over my hand then head out the door but not before approaching Greta. She gives me an annoyed stare before I hold up my fist, “Next time let me know ahead so I can have my phone ready.”
She taps her knuckles against mine. “Next timehe won’t walk out of here.”
“Even more reason to record it.” I smile at the thought of watching her hand Remy his ass again as I head to my car.
6
IVY
