"He is a pretty great kid," I admitted, a rare smile tilting my lips. Levi was the only good thing to come from their union. Changing the topic, I focused back on the other part of his statement. "You can hit some bags in the gym. I have my last session anyway."
"Thanks, man. You know you can ask for help if you need it."
"I know." I shook my head. I couldn't ask him for anything. I would never forgive myself if he became caught up in my mess. Monroe had made it out of the life we'd been brought up in. I wouldn't be the one to pull him back into it. "I'm good, man."
"Uh-huh."
Rolling his eyes, he walked over to the locker he used and started to undress. I caught myself watching as he slowly pulled his tie from his collar. Grumbling to myself, I focused on my breathing and slowly stood. The pain in my ribs was excruciating, but it was an effective boner killer, so at least there was that.
Heading out into the gym, I made it over to the water cooler when Loren walked in. Something about her was different today, but I couldn't place it. She regarded me closely, almost like she didn't know how to proceed either.
"Get started, kitten. Don't waste my time."
Rolling her eyes, she began her jog around the gym. At least I'd been consistent in earning eye rolls today. On her third lap, Monroe exited the other locker room. When he took in who was running, he gave me a funny look before moving over to the bags. I guess I hadn't made it evident she was my client. Oh well, not like he'd asked either. Rolling my own eyes this time, I ignored them both.
After ten minutes, I called out to Loren. "Enough."
She stopped and slowly walked over to her towel to dab at the light sheen to her forehead. Loren was in good shape and had barely broken a sweat, much less appeared winded after doing a two-mile run. As she headed to the bags, she finally noticed we weren't alone.
"Monroe?"
Her voice had him stopping and grabbing the bag he'd been pounding into. He smiled at her, a look of desire in his eyes, and I squelched the jealousy I felt.
"Hey, Lo. You don't mind if I crash your lesson, do you?"
"No, I don't mind at all."
Their smiles at one another made my insides burn. Shoving it down with all the things I couldn't have, I used my pain to mask my hidden desires. "This isn't chit-chat hour."
Sticking her tongue out at me, she skipped the rest of the way over. I tried not to take her happiness and change in mood personally, but yeah, it stung. It was what I'd wanted. What I needed even, but it still sucked. Loren began to wrap her hands like I'd taught her, and Monroe returned to his drills. The rhythm of his punches soothed me, a familiar sound to the backdrop of all the things I ignored.
Moving over to Loren, I held her bag, but when she didn't start her rounds, I looked up to find her scowling at me. My twisted soul took pleasure in it, and my dick wanted to wipe it off her face.
"What now, kitten?"
"You shouldn't be holding the bag for me."
"Yeah, well, it's my job, and you're not my boss."
"Maybe I should be," she sassed.
"What does that even mean, kitten?"
Flustered now, she blinked, "I don't know, okay!" Throwing her hands up, she started pacing before she finally turned, hands on her hips and a determined look on her face.
"I want to spar today instead."
"Fine."
"Good."
Picking up the mitts, I walked back out onto the mat, bracing my feet to steady myself. It was probably the more intelligent move as it would require less strength or movement on my part, but I didn't want her to know I was appreciative of her thoughtfulness. If I allowed myself an inch of space with her, I'd fall into her quicker than I could blink. I was a user, and I wouldn't use Loren or Monroe. I would shield them from me. Loren started her jabs, and I could see her improvements.
"Good. Now, faster."
Nodding, she started again as I counted off the rhythm. Increasing the tempo, she kept up with my counts until her arms began to fatigue.
"Okay, how do you feel about moving to leg kicks?"