“Subterfugeisusing deceit to achieve a goal.”
I stretched my arm across my chest. “Well, he certainly lied about how he felt and ran off. So, I learned something after all.”
He kissed the top of my head before copying my stretch. “You’ll find a way to get through to him.”
“Thanks, Buns.” I worried my lip, glancing to where Max would be. “I just want to help him through whatever this is. The way I want to help all of you.”
“I know you do.”
Despite needing more reassurance about Max, I wanted to at leasttrynot to be distracted during my time with Landon, especially since it was so limited. Releasing a deep breath, I put Max out of my mind until later, when I could do something.
Landon sensed the shift in my thoughts and refocused with me. “We need to work on your breathing.”
I waggled my eyebrows, and his lips quirked into a half-smile that made me want to jump him all over again.
“I already know you can do physical activity for an extended period of time.” He winked. “But your asthma and breathing will be your biggest challenge through the Final Trial.”
I was inclined to agree.
Between the Scavenger Hunt and Obstacle Course at the end of the Nobility Challenge, the latter concerned me most.
“There are twelve obstacles,” Landon explained. “Each meant to test you. With limited time allowed for completion, you won’t get much of a break between to catch your breath.”
“I’ll be able to use my inhaler, though, right?”
He nodded, bending his knee back and holding onto his ankle to stretch his quad. I got distracted by the way his muscles bulged, and he cleared his throat to refocus me.
“Hey, it’s not my fault you’re hot.”
“You’re deflecting because you’re nervous.” He gave me a pointed look. “But you can do this, and I want you as prepared as possible, so keep it in your pants, Lady.”
“All I’m saying is there’s one activity that can increase my breathing endurance.” I teased to avoid admitting that he was right. “I suggest it strictly for efficiency reasons.”
He didn’t buy it. “We can practicethatlater. First, we run.”
“You’re no fun,” I grumbled.
He swatted my ass.
I yelped, the sharp sting only amplifying my libido, especially when he started jogging in place ahead of me and the outline of his cock teased me through his track pants.
“You want it?” He taunted, biting his lower lip when I dragged my eyes up, and flicking his gaze back down. “Come and get me, then.”
He took off,definitelynot at his regular speed until I pulled myself together and tore after him.
As soon as I started to catch up, he went faster, slowing down only when he pulled too far ahead before letting me get close again.Then, right when I thought I might catch him, he shot off like a rocket.
I growled, hauling ass to keep pace, and torn between frustrated and eased by his playfulness. I didn’t catch him. And eventually, my breathing betrayed me.
My crossbody bounced against my back as I ran. A reminder, as I pushed myself harder, that I needed what it contained.But I didn’t want to stop and use it, so I kept going.
I finally grabbed onto Landon’s back with a wheeze, and I coughed as I bent forward, struggling to drag air into my lungs.
Landon reached for my bag and pulled the rescue inhaler out. He popped the cap off and put it to my lips, easing me upright.“Breathe, Quinn.”
Inhaling as he pressed down, I drew in as big a breath as I could. Gratitude for Dr. Barrow and the added relief filtered through my chest as the medication did. My lungs expanded, and I coughed more as they cleared.
When I was ready, I took the inhaler from Landon and breathed in a second puff.
