And for the first time in a long time, I close my eyes and let go, knowing these two guys will be here to support me.
Chapter 13
Someone wakes me by running their fingers gently through my hair, the motion soothing enough that I almost fall back asleep.
“Hey, honey.”
I crack an eye open to find Johnny crouched beside my bed, his palm drifting over my scalp.
“Rise and shine. Time to kick some ass!”
I let out a small whine in protest the second he stops petting me.
“Nope,” he chuckles. “Come on. Time to get up.”
“Five more minutes,” I plead, burrowing deeper into the pillow.
He sighs dramatically, but leaves me be.
What feels like two seconds later, the thump of returning footsteps has my eyes flying open.
Johnny strolls back in, fully dressed for our workout, a blue toothbrush hanging from his mouth.
“Up. Now,” he demands, ripping the covers clean off.
I squeal, more from shock than cold. I’m sprawled on my stomach, wearing only an oversized t-shirt and a pair of cheeky black panties. The shirt has ridden up around my waist, and my butt isright there.
Johnny freezes. His eyes widen. His mouth drops open and his toothbrush hits the floor with a dullclack.
It would be comical if I wasn’t turning fifty shades of red. I scramble to tug the shirt down, but it’s too late. His eyes have already swept down my legs and back up again, lingering just a moment too long.
Snapping out of it, he grabs his toothbrush off the floor and bolts.
So. Training is going to besuper fun.
∞∞∞
Johnny and Axel end up sparring today, which I’ve learned is just a polite word for trying to beat the crap out of each other. They trade blows with an intensity I feel in my bones, but I stay on the sidelines, cheering and heckling like it’s a paid event.
Somehow, it actually helps. The awkwardness fades, and things start to feel normal again.
Johnny upgrades me to the punching bag, and for once, I’m grateful for the outlet. I throw myself into it, each punch carrying anger, fear, grief. Each hit makes me feel a little lighter.
Ben gives me a fist bump when we’re done, and it’s silly, but it makes me proud.
After a quick shower and the fastest getting-ready routine known to man, I head downstairs, stomach growling. I somehow manage to beat Axel to breakfast and find Johnny alone in the kitchen.
Awesome.
I remind myself not to be awkward. Not to be embarrassed. It’s just a butt. He’s seen plenty. Probably.
I walk to the coffee pot with as much confidence as I can muster.
“Hey,” I say, grabbing a mug and filling it like I haven’tbeen replaying this morning on a loop in my head.
Johnny glances at me, does a double take, and slams his own cup down a little too hard. His eyes rake over me once, and then he exhales, dragging a hand over his stubbled face.
“Christ, Lina. Are you trying to kill me?”
