“Does this have something to do with the potion?” Benson asked when we were alone.
Damn, I would have to tell him.
I let out a slow breath and focused on the bench instead of him. “He used a potion and he didn’t remember what happened. It’s what he said in the morning that made me have him go to a hotel, okay? Can you please just leave it alone?”
He was quiet several moments, and I was about to just get back to lifting, but then he rubbed my shoulder. “I would give anything for you not to have to suffer through this bullshit and let them all hurt you.”
I flinched away, something toxic on my tongue in reply. I shook my head and stepped away. “I’ll see you in the meeting.”
“Sagan, please,” he sighed.
“I guess you’re done here,” Onyx interjected as he rejoined us… And moved in between Benson and me.
“We’re done when the queen says so, and I don’t appreciate you acting like you need to protect her from me when my job is to protecther,” Benson snapped.
Now it was really difficult to keep my mouth shut, but I chastised myself, remembering I used to be amazing at holding myself back. What happened to me that I was so all over the place?
Right, I’d lost my parents, found the mess they left me, and become queen.
“Cut yourself a break. Even we’re not this hard on you,”Eloise said in my mind.
I sighed and lay down on the bench, gripping the bar and making it clear the conversation was over.
“Right, let’s get you going so you can get your energy out,” Onyx said as he moved to spot me.
I wasn’t the only one who looked at him likewhat the fuck?
He cleared his throat. “That came out wrong. Sorry, been dealing with—I apologize.”
Fair enough, but his tone worried me. “Are you okay? You don’t have to stay here. You’re allowed to leave and like—it’s not even your turn yet.”
Something I didn’t understand filled his eyes. “It’s fine, thank you for caring. I can handle my family, and while I feel bad about leaving the dig down a teacher—life happens. It was a summer extra, not me abandoning a full load of classes mid-semester. People are just too…” He shook his head and I knew exactly what he meant.
Benson left after I did another set.
“Do you mind if I do what I need to while you’re resting?” Onyx checked.
“Of course, please, I can do it alone,” I said as I got up.
He moved into my space close enough so he was whispering in my ear. “You’re not a bother, baby girl. I want to show off for you.”
I wasn’t sure how to even reply to that, but he moved away and over to a different machine close by. He adjusted the weight and then kept my gaze as he pulled it down so he was on his knees. Heat was in his eyes as he did cable rope crunches.
I practically licked my fucking lips as I walked over and watched him. “Those are lovingly called ‘I’m sorry, my princess,’ but I’m not a princess anymore. I’m your queen.”
He looked up at me. “That’s why it’s not a set of just ten, but until I fail and the max weight I can handle.”
Fuckkkkkkkkkkkkk, that was hot.
What else was there to really say? “Show me.”
“Yes, baby girl,” he groaned and then got back to it… And I was impressed. Onyx kept in shape and I lost count of how many he did at that high weight.
“I guess that’s a good start,” I said when he couldn’t do any more. “But if you wear yourself out, you can’t spot me.” I smirked as I turned away and he let out a deep groan.
Well, at least that helped my mood.
He focused on me after that and I thanked him when we were done. He moved in closer after checking no one else was around. “I don’t know what he did that you sent him away, but I’m here if you want to talk. I’m here for whatever you want or need, Sagan.”
