Her eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by my response. I ask, “So, what’s on the agenda for today, Miss Quinn?” before she has the chance to get a word in.
Her glare softens a little. “Offerings, Carter. Kneel on the carriage, facing toward those mirrors.” She points toward the front of the reformer before continuing, “Ass resting down on your feet.”
I take my shoes off and amble onto the machine, hoping I look somewhat co-ordinated and don’t resemble a baby deer. It really is so difficult to get on and off this thing in a graceful manner.
I’m in position when she starts again, “We’re just focusing on gaining a little strength and mobility back in that right shoulder of yours, yeah?”
“Yes, Princess.” Her head snaps toward me, eyes glaring into mine through the mirror as she stands slightly behind me. And if I’m not mistaken, she tenses slightly as well. I wonder why.
“Stop calling me that,” she hisses through clenched teeth.
My head rears back. Did I hit a nerve or something?
I don’t have the chance to analyse it, as she recovers instantly. “Alright, Carter. Before anything else, engage that core of yours, yeah? Since you seem to be incapable, let me explain it to you.”
My jaw drops slightly at her condescending tone before she continues, “Breathe in deeply.” She waits until I inhale, “Good. From here, place one hand on your belly.” Moving behind me, she lifts my right hand into position with a featherlight touch. “Good,” she breathes out. Holy shit. “Now, with your other hand, place it on your ribs.” Once again, with a light grip, she moves my left hand into position. “Really nice, Levi. Now, breathe out,” I exhale through my mouth, “Now, Levi, breathe in again. Deeply, from your diaphragm. This time, feel your ribs and belly expand sideways.” I do as she says.
“Amazing, Levi. One last thing. Close your eyes,” I raptly follow her command, feeling her warm body brushing against me. “Now, envision pulling your belly button gently toward your spine. Not sucking in, just nice and soft.” I do as she says, “Now, open your eyes. Grab onto that short loop with that right hand. Core engaged the whole time.”
My eyes slowly adjust to the light as I open them, before reaching for the strap as instructed with my right hand.
“From here, we start with our offerings. Arm nice and tight into our side, elbow bent at about a ninety-degree angle.” Scarlett demonstrates the position with her arm which I mimic, and she nods slightly. “Inhale to prepare,” I breathe in through my nose. “And as you exhale, slowly extend your arm out toward that front mirror. Keep extending until your hand is up in line with your shoulder.” I follow the pace Scarlett set, my eyes locked onto her in the mirror.
“Good, Levi. Really nice. Remember, nice and slow. Think control, not power.” Scarlett explains, her voice soft.
This girl gives me whiplash. I can’t decide whether she likes me or hates me. Come to think of it, it’s probably the latter.
“Quinn, come on. This is too easy. Give me a level up or something.” I complain. It really is too easy.
She rolls her eyes at me and scoffs. “Levi, absolutely not. After the last session, you seriously think you’re ready for that? You’re kidding yourself, mate.”
God, that accent is so strong. “Mate?” I say on a light laugh. The retort tumbles from my mouth before I can stop it. I don’t want her to know that her accent intrigues me, but I have to know. “Where are you from? England, right?”
The horrified expression on her face is a clear giveaway that I’ve offended her.
“England?” She deadpans. “Levi, we don’t even sound similar.”
“Come on. Forgive me. But answer the question.”
She rolls her eyes, “Australia. Stop distracting me now, Levi. Back to those offerings,” she demands.
Australia.
Fuck, that’s hot.
Scarlett clicks her fingers at me, “Levi. We don’t have all day. Hurry up.”
I concede, “Fine, fine.”
I turn back towards the mirror, then Scarlett pipes up again.
“Are you prepared for movement, Levi?”
Rolling my eyes, I mutter, “Yes, princess.”
I extend my arm out toward the mirror and… Shit.
Before I know it, I’m falling again. This time forward into the springs, careful to avoid hitting my shoulder.
