Page 298 of The Heart You Kept

“Okay, Freya.” I smile. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”

“Really?” She seems surprised.

“Yes. I could use the help, but you must know that maybe I will steal you away from Mr. Prescott permanently.” I throw her a playful wink.

Jonty walks around the corner and stops dead on the spot as he sees Freya, her eyes light up when she sees him and they stare at each other in awe.

Aww, cute.

Her eyes flick back to me, embarrassed that she just ogled my worker. “That could work out well.”

“Great.” I smile, my eyes flick to Jonty, who looks like he just saw a ghost. “Jonty, this is Freya, she’s going to be working with us from now on.”

“She is?” He smiles goofily.

Oh god.

“Can you start tomorrow, Freya?” I ask her.

“Of course.” She gives an awkward wave to me and Jonty. “See you tomorrow. Thank you for the opportunity.”

She disappears out the door and Jonty smiles after her. “Well, isn’t she just the most perfect thing to have ever stepped foot in here.”

“Behave, Jonty.” I air quote the word. “Work friend.”

EDWARD

“Throw the rope,” he yells.

I whip the heavy rope as it lies along the deck.

“Harder,” he yells. “Move it.”

My two arms scissoring, I whip the rope as hard as I can. It’s heavy, cumbersome, and fucking hard work. I started fully dressed, shorts, shirt, and sweater, but as the training heated up, so did I.

I’m now in shorts only, wet with perspiration, and gasping for air; my personal trainer, Marko, is kicking my ass.

Fuck this guy.

“Edward,” Marcel calls as he leans over the balcony from the floor above. “You have a visitor.”

I pant in search of air and unable to reply. I walk around in circles with my hands on my hips, trying to catch my breath. “Who?”

“Miss Anant.”

“Who?” I yell.

“Miss Anant.” His voice is muffled.

“Who?” I screw up my face. “I can’t fucking hear you.”

Isadora walks around the corner and I roll my eyes. Fucking great.

“Give me five,” I tell Marko.

He leaves us alone and disappears upstairs.

“What do you want?” I snap, annoyed.