Solo lifted his head, pinning me with a fierce stare. “You seem like you’re feeling better now.”
“You’re a good distraction.”
“Thanks for reminding me that I could be an even better one if not for doctor’s orders. You better make it up to me soon.”
“Oh, so your greedy cock is my fault. Got it.”
“No, myhardcock is.” Solo shook his head and began to move off the bed. “And on that note, I think we should go to sleep.”
Before he slipped away completely, I squeezed his hand, tugging him back. “Where you going?”
“I’m not leaving.”
“I know, but…maybe you should stay. With me.” I patted the bed. “Here.”
Solo raised an eyebrow but didn’t say a word to protest, slipping beneath the covers beside me so we were almost touching. As he adjusted his pillow, I reached for his hand again, drawing it flat against my chest, and then I closed my eyes.
He’d chased the nightmares away for now, and maybe with him sleeping beside me, they’d stay gone for good.
14Solo
“YOU SURE YOU’RE up for this?” I locked the door to the convertible as Panther rounded the car, somehow making even gym clothes look sexy. His bruises were slowly beginning to fade, and the whites of his eyes were back to normal—no more possessed red to be seen.
“The doctor said I’m cleared for it.”
“It’s only been a week.”
“And classes start back next week. If I can’t make it through a workout, they’re sure as hell not gonna let me back in.”
“If you wanted a workout, I could’ve helped you with that privately.” I grinned and pulled open the door to the gym on base, and as Panther passed by me, he said, “Who said I won’t need a private session later?”
Ah, shit. I wanted to respond to that, really I did, but leave it to Houdini to cock-block by sidling up to Panther as we walked inside.
“My man. Look at you. Back from the dead.” Houdini bumped fists with Panther and then noticed me bringing up the rear. “Aw hell. If you needed a ride, you could've asked. No need to slum it with this guy.”
“He’s already had one major accident. No need to make it an even two.” I bumped Houdini’s shoulder hard and headed onto the floor, where it seemed like the other trainees had gotten a memo that we were coming, because they were all there.
“What the fuck is this. A party?” I growled. All that was missing were balloons tied to the equipment.
Gucci looked up from where he sat on the rowing machine, catching his breath. “What are you grumbling about?”
“Everyone’s here.”
“Where the hell else are we supposed to go?” When he caught sight of Panther over my shoulder, a knowing look crossed his face. “Ahh. Sorry, did you have reservations for two? Need us all to leave?”
“Fuck off.”
“Nah, I’ve got a few more rounds to do.” Then to Panther he said, “Good to see you back.”
“Does he know?” Panther whispered.
“Nah, he’s just screwing around.” I gestured toward the cardio equipment. “Let’s start on the treads.”
We each took a treadmill, slowly picking the pace up every couple of minutes, and I kept one eye on Panther and the other on everyone else stealing glances our way. Some of them stopped by to see how Panther was doing and to throw a dig my way—which I returned, naturally—and I didn’t miss the questions in their eyes at why we’d come in together when we were usually at each other’s throats.
“Shit.” He’d been steadily running for a few minutes, but Panther hit the decelerate button repeatedly, slowing down the pace to a walk. When he looked my way, I saw the frustration. “Everyone is gonna see.”
I slowed down to match his pace. “See what?”
