I roll my eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips. Of course he runs. A body like his doesn’t just happen by accident. Would he have a problem if I don’t exercise? The thought nags at me, but then I consider something else—maybe he could help me. It’s not like I hate exercising; I just feel so self-conscious. But Rage has never made me feel judged, only supported.
Maybe today I’ll buy some gym clothes. Spending time with him might encourage me to make smarter choices, like exercising. I need to focus on myself. I’ve spent so much time and energy on a relationship that was never meant to be.
Running, though? That’s not happening anytime soon. If I tried, I’d probably keel over and have a heart attack. But I can start small. My health is important, and it’s time I made it a priority.
I grab my phone from the nightstand. It’s 9:30 a.m. Not late, but I must have been exhausted to sleep this long.
Missed calls from both Tyler and Kayla was not what I wanted to see, but I can’t hide away from them forever. I’m going to have to talk to them at some point, but today is not that day. I imagine Tyler probably has a bruise on his face by now.
I’ve been acting like Rage is a god—well, he is—but while he seems perfect, he has demons too. He has anger issues, which are a concern, considering what I’ve been through. But I hold on to the fact that he stopped when I asked him to and didn’t keep hurting Tyler, even though I could see it written all over him that he wanted to keep going.
Another message from Tyler pops up, but I ignore it. My home screen stares back at me—a photo of us. I remember that moment vividly. I’m smiling in the picture, but I wasn’t happy. I had to beg him to take that photo with me. He agreed only after I promised him a blow job.
Everything with Tyler was one-sided. He couldn’t do something nice for me without expecting something in return. A rotten love ate away at me until I was just a shell of a person. I was so desperate to be happy that I settled for scraps. I thought I couldn’t do better. Now I know I was wrong.
God himself walks into the room, and I audibly gasp. He’s wearing just shorts. Drips of sweat bead down his skin. I watch adroplet run down his chiseled chest, then down each ab, kissing his skin as it goes. My mouth is dry. I am a very thirsty woman.
“Good morning,” he says, grinning indecently, seeing that I’m practically drooling over him. He leans down and kisses my cheek. I’m like putty in his hands. He’s a bit cocky, but with a body like that he has every right to be.
“I have nicknamed you God.”
He laughs. “You’re hilarious. I think I’m closer to the Devil than God himself.”
I take in his glorious body. “You’re wrong.”
He wipes the sweat from his forehead, and the simple movement is sexy. “Have you grabbed anything to eat yet?” he asks.
I see something delicious right now, and it ain’t food. “Not yet.”
“Neither have I. Come down and grab some with me while it’s warm and there’s still some left. The men here eat shitloads. Ava has everything down there. Pancakes, bacon and eggs, hashbrowns.”
I frown and shake my head. “This is embarrassing to say...”
His brows pull in. “What is?”
I glance at the ground before peering up at him. “I want to start looking after myself. I do eat fairly well, but I can do better, and I’d also like to exercise more. You’ve already done so much for me, but could you help or point me in the right direction?” I was always too embarrassed to ask for guidance.
He sits on the bed next to me and pulls me into him for a tight embrace. “I’m happy to help. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone’s got to start somewhere. There’s fruit downstairs, and me, Viper, and Sophie have protein powder to make protein shakes. Protein helps you stay fuller for longer.”
I give him a smile. Where was he all those years ago? I’ve always needed just that bit of encouragement from someone.Oh yeah, he was a teenager. I flinch. I forgot about that for a moment. Even though I have a small problem with the age gap, he’s still a better man than my ex ever was.
He stands. “I can make you a smoothie with some added protein powder. What flavor do you like? We have heaps of different types downstairs.”
I shrug. “Maybe chocolate or strawberry?”
He nods. “I know just the one.”
I take his hand and we head downstairs. The sound of voices fills the air as we enter the dining room. A long wooden table is packed with people talking and eating.
Zara spots me and waves. “Come sit next to me,” she says.
“We’re just going to grab something in the kitchen and then I’ll be back,” I reply.
Axle wolfs whistles and stares at our joined hands. “Look at this sexy couple!”
“Don’t embarrass her,” Elena scolds, shooting him a stern look.
I glance at Rage, and he gives me a reassuring smile. We go to the kitchen, and I sit on a stool while he starts getting the ingredients ready.
