Page 41 of Hate It with You

The text makes me smile, calming my heart rate for a beat. Alex might have the strength to overpower me, but he proved last time that he wouldn’t. After tonight, he’s proven that I can trust him to train me.

I just hope I won’t need to use his training anytime soon.

17

BETH

Back at Alex’s gym, I’m heavy into another training session. My body aches from the effort I expend as Alex guides me through various exercises. After last night's note, I feel I have no choice but to be back here. Even if it means risking another flashback of my childhood.

I still have moments when my body freezes up whenever Alex shows his real strength. Each time I do, he whispers one simple word in my ear, pulling me back from my memories.

“Breathe,” he says to me.

Each time the word leaves his mouth, I do what I’m told and take a deep breath, exhaling out the uncomfortable feelings and refocusing my attention.

My determination must show because he’s pushing me harder this session than the last. Teaching me more difficult moves he insists I can handle. After our third round of chokehold exercises, I’m breathing hard and Alex motions to the bench near the sparring mat, allowing us to take a break. I’ve learned he rarely likes to take those during lessons.

When we both take a seat, Alex hands me my water, asking, “Weekly sessions work for you?” His words come out steady, no sign of him being as out of breath as I am. The bastard.

“I don’t think that’s something I can affor⁠—”

“Your membership is free, remember? That extends to personal training sessions.”

“Thank you,” I say solemnly, taking another sip of my water. “Is this typically a slow time for you?” I motion to the gym around us.

I hadn’t wanted to say anything before, but each time I’ve come to visit, there are only one or two other people in the gym. Given that Alex has offered me a consistent place on his training schedule, I’m starting to wonder whether he’s made special arrangements for me or if he has the opening due to a lack of business.

If Alex’s business isn’t doing well, I’m not sure what that means for my bookstore.

“Business has been in a lull lately.” He shrugs. “Nothing that won’t pick up soon.”

“I’m surprised you don’t offer group classes for self-defense. I would think that’d be huge revenue for you.”

He shrugs again. “I prefer our one-on-one sessions.” His eyes darken when he looks at me, and I do my best to ignore the reminder of just how dark his eyes got last night when he was⁠—

“It was just an idea,” I say, hoping I haven’t offended him.

He hums his understanding, then takes a sip of his water. I watch as a small bead of sweat drips down the side of his face, inching toward his sharp jawline. A dark strand of hair falls onto his forehead when he finishes his drink. The sight makes it hard to catch my breath.

“So how’d you sleep last night?” He nudges my arm with his elbow like an old friend with an inside joke would.

I know he’s hinting at the fact that we had sex, which is probably something we should discuss as two responsible adults would, but I don’t particularly want to right now. The note that was left in my apartment has made it nearly impossible to think about anything else. Even if I wanted to discuss last night with Alex, I’m not sure I could find the words.

My grip tightens on the water bottle as the words written on the small piece of paper repeat in my mind.

“That bad, huh?” Alex says, wincing at whatever look is on my face.

Stammering, I do what I can to save face. “The garbage truck woke me up earlier than I wanted. But it’s fine, I’m just grateful it wasn’t your god-awful Mustang.”

I change the subject, hoping he buys my lies.

“Give it time, you’ll love the car eventually.” He winks at me, pulling a smile from my lips.

“Never.” I scrunch my nose up at him. “I’m not sure how you could love something so loud.”

“Says the woman who blasts music in her apartment late at night.” He scoffs.

“At least I have taste,” I say, jutting up my nose, refusing to believe he doesn’t enjoy my music as much as I do.