AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t know about you guys, but I need a damn break. Who’s up for some sparring?”
Libby bounced, delicately landing on the tips of her toes before padding the small distance to Derik and yanking him up from the floor. She twirled, her hand still cupping his as she led him to the sparring mat next to the lifting equipment.
I bent down, elbows propped on my knees. “Need some help, Snow?” She groaned, pushing herself onto her knees.
She slid her hand in mine, and I pulled her up with me as I stood. Erin arched her back, stretching her arms above her head before swooping them back down to her ankles, getting the kinks out of her back. Erin may have been in sweats, but her physique was still noticeably beautiful. Her arms toned, her legs strong and defined by all the strength training we’ve done together. Her curves peaked through the fabric of her clothes; sweatpants hugged her hips while her sweatshirt dipped inward at her waist. Even covered in dried Demon gunk, she was breath-taking.
Wait.
Has she been covered in it this whole ass time?
I glared at Josh.
What the hell happened when she was with him?
She righted herself, standing up. I quickly averted my eyes to Derik and Libby dancing around each other, waiting to see who would strike first. Libby flinched. Derik shot his arm out, anticipating catching and locking her arm. She smirked and took in his movement, swinging her leg behind his and pulling it out from under him. Derik realized his mistake and reached to grabher. Libby dodged and spun around him, her fist slammed into his shoulder blades, sending Derik sprawling on the floor, face first. She pranced backwards a step and blew nonexistent dust from her nails. “Awe, Ricky, you went easy on me. How sweet.”
I stifled a laugh. The prickling irritation towards Josh eased.
I’ll find out soon enough. Erin will tell me.
Erin snorted, looking to me for an explanation. “Ricky?”
I quirked a smile. “He hates that nickname. It’s a sure-fire thing to get under his skin and get him riled up when his head isn’t fully in the game. Or when he’s going easy during sparring.” Erin’s eyes twinkled, filled with mischief.
She batted her lashes up at me. “So, who doIget to spar with?” Blood rushed south and I imagined the two of us going head to head. Her landing underneath me, chest heaving, sweat glistening on her forehead. Her cheeks flushed; lips formed into a perfect pout as I bend down to kiss her, her chest pressed against mine.
I shifted, thankful as all hell for the invention of compression boxers. And that I had a long enough T-shirt on. I cleared my throat, realizing Erin was still waiting on a response.
“You get either me or Josh. Take your pick,” I rasped.
Erin clicked her tongue, briefly mulling it over. “I think I’ll take you on. I’ve had enough of working with Josh for the day.”
I raised an eyebrow at her. “What work did the two of you do together today? I thought he was just tagging along, playing chauffeur.”
Erin side eyed me, locking her jaw before saying, “Nothing too important.”
“And just so you know, Rin, I didn’t put him up to it. I swear.” I searched for any hints of what conspired between the two of them. She gave nothing away.
What’s she hiding?
No. She’ll probably tell me later, when it’s just the two of us.
“Okay.” Her lips pursed. She strode to the mat, watching Derik take Libby down with a final blow. I had a feeling she’d let him win that round.
Derik held his hand out to Libby and yanked her off her back. They both wore a thick coat of sweat. “Nice effort, Lib,” he flashed a grin that most of the ladies went wild for. “But next time, don’t spare my ego.” She blushed and feigned innocence. They walked off the mat, aiming for the fridge to grab a few water bottles.
“After you, Rin.” I made a show of swooping my arm towards the mat, causing Erin to roll her eyes and her smile returned, even if it didn’t fully reach her eyes. Instead they lit with a flame, determined to do everything in her power to hand my muscular ass right to me. I kicked off my shoes. “Ladies first.” The fire within her ignited further.
Erin darted forward, aiming for my abdomen. I clasped my hand around her wrist, stopping her in her tracks and spun her around. I pinned her against my chest before sliding my hand to her neck. “Fatality.” Her chest heaved and she drove her heel backward into my shin, I cursed under my breath but held her firm. She needed to learn how to get out of it.
You need to be able to keep yourself safe, Rin.
Erin wiggled under my strength, attempting to drive the top of her head into my chin—failing. She shoved her elbows back, pointing to my ribs. I swiped her legs from beneath her and she fell. The wind knocked out of her.
She glared up at me. “Again.”
We got into position and fought. Over and over again. Her frustration increased with each lost round. An hour later, Erin plopped down onto the mat, waving her discarded sweatshirt in the air in defeat. We were both slicked in sweat. She’d stripped down to her sports bra and sweatpants and I’d tossed my shirt to the floor. Libby and Derik watched onward from the island whileJosh played spectator from the couch. Each analyzed her every move.
