Page 20 of Serpent & Saviors

“Yeah, and what is the right question, Ivan?” I asked, exasperated.

“What are your true motivations here?”

He issued his question as a fucking personal challenge, cutting straight to the heart of shit.

“I don’t know anymore,” I admitted, my voice tinged with frustration. “All I know is it wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

Ivan’s gaze pierced me, and I looked away. “Then I suggest you figure it out and quickly, mate. This isn’t about you. It never was. It’s about her, and she deserves better than to be caught up in this vendetta. Get your motivations straight, or I’ll bring it to a vote with the guys.”

At the end of the day, he was right. I knew having him meet me this morning was the right thing to do. I didn’t want to dwell on the fuck-up anymore. I’d already made plans with Victoria for today and would see them through, regardless of how last night ended.

The machines slowed, and we began the cool-down phase of the course. Sensing the need to discuss something else, Ivan changed the subject.

“What’s on your agenda for the day?” he asked.

We stepped down and wiped the sweat from our brows. “A couple of different things, actually, one I need your help with if you’re available.”

“I’m not taking your place,” he offered with a smirk.

“I wouldn’t let you if you tried.”

“Well then, I’d say it depends on how well you do today.”

I groaned, as if the treadmill wasn’t torture enough. But this was Ivan. There was no way a little light cardio was enough of a workout for the lug. Nah, he’d ensure that by the end of this I’d resemble a wet noodle. I shook my head, clearing it, and nodded my agreement to the unspoken terms.

“Hmm, well, today’s activities involve Nan. She asked me to stop by and move some furniture. You know you’re her favorite King,” I said.

Knowing Nan, the piece she’d need moved would be large and heavy. It wouldn’t just be a table. Despite her saying so.

“I bet you say that to all of us, ‘you’re her favorite King,’” he mimicked and then smirked. “Let’s see your form. Squat, Brother, let me see those thigh muscles.”

Rolling my eyes, I dropped into a perfect squat, pulling my shorts up as I flexed. Ivan laughed loudly. After three reps, we moved to lunges. Ivan had the nerve to look startled as my knees popped.

“Damn, maybe we’ll need all the guys to help at Nan’s. You sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies with all that crackling,” Ivan joked as I switched to the other leg and more popping sounds filled the air. The immense burn in my legs and glutes made me grunt.

“Fuck you. I’m getting old. What can I say? These knees aren’t what they used to be, but as long as my cock is working, I’m good,” I replied, while he shook his head.

“Yes, well, I’m going to need you to watch that. If there’s any pain or discomfort, you’ll let me know,” Ivan said with concern.

“With my cock or just the knees, Coach?” I asked, trying to keep a straight face. He immediately moved into the role, offering advice I couldn’t help myself.

“You’re on your own with your cock, not my department. Although I did text Marcus and asked him to pick up a morning-after pill. You’re welcome.”

Ivan shot me a look, and I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He saw it too and asked, “So what are we moving at Nan’s?” He stood and moved over to the weights.

“She mentioned a table but probably something else. If I’m being honest, my mind was elsewhere.”

We worked out for another forty minutes, and Ivan finally gave the signal to wrap it up. I swiped a towel across my face, my muscles burning from the weightlifting session. I shot Ivan a tired glare.

“You get off on torturing me, don’t you?”

He smirked, unfazed. “Builds character. What time are we meeting up at Nan’s?”

I rolled my shoulders, feeling the strain. “What are you doing now?”

Ivan exhaled, lifted a brow, and waited.

“Alright, fucker, I’m avoiding Victoria. Sue me. If we head over now though, your day will free up a lot quicker. I’m sure Kinsley would appreciate that.”