Page 17 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Kaden

I’m a weak man. A lying, selfish, poor excuse of a man.

I gave in to temptation and went back to my mistress after I vowed to stay away for a while.

But ever since Lucia’s little performance in my bedroom the other night, my control has been slipping and I’ve been craving the chance to see her again.

The desire’s been eating away at me, and with Sky likely out for most of the night, I’ll have more than enough time to spend with Lucia and finish what she started—to get properly reacquainted.

When Sky casually mentioned she’d be meeting Kirstin and her sister, Mila, for drinks at Hawkins tonight, I’ll admit—I was a little annoyed at first. But as soon as she said Lucia wouldn’t be joining them this time because she and Kirstin didn’t exactly see eye to eye, I barely heard the rest of the conversation.

My mind was already elsewhere, fixated on the fact that Lucia and I didn’t have any other plans and would likely be alone at home.

It was the perfect opportunity to spend time with her—without the risk of getting caught.

So, I told Sky to go and have fun. After all, I know how much she values her girl time. Who am I to stand in the way?

Now here I am, at the gym on a Thursday evening, guiding my mistress through the new workout plan I put together for her—for real this time. I figured it would save me the trouble of having to lie to my wife again if she ever decided to bring it up.

I’m standing behind her, watching the way her toned thighs and arse tighten as she lowers herself into a squat position while holding a kettlebell. Our eyes meet in the full-length mirror, and the air between us grows thick with sensual charge.

I clear my throat and subtly adjust myself, praying no one notices the growing bulge beneath my shorts. “Thanks for not causing a scene at dinner the other night.”

She drops the kettlebell on the ground and begins stretching. “That was never my intention, Kaden. I was only there to see you. I’ve missed you.”

I stroll over to the bench behind her and ease myself down, angling my body just enough to hide the now obvious erection in my shorts. “I know, baby. I’ve missed you too. More than you can imagine. I’m just glad we have tonight all to ourselves.”

As soon as she finishes stretching, she joins me on the bench, grabs her water bottle from the floor, and takes a long, thirst-quenching sip.

Once she’s completely hydrated, she glances over at me with a small smile.

“I knew there had to be a reason why you were avoiding me. And I had a feeling it had something to do with that night at the bar. You were right. We’ve been so reckless lately, not considering the consequences if we got caught.

I understand now why you had to keep your distance.

But next time, Kaden, please don’t shut me out, okay? ”

My hands ache to reach for hers, but with the gym so crowded tonight, it’s too much of a risk. Instead, I offer a silent nod of agreement.

Lucia twists open the lid of her bottle and gazes at me. “I need a refill, and to use the ladies room. I’ll be right back.” She rises and strides briskly towards the filtered tap just outside the locker rooms. Meanwhile, I use this time to send Sky a quick message.

Me: Hi baby, how’s your night with the girls going?

Several minutes pass by before a ping from my phone alerts me of a new message.

Sky: It’s going great. Mila wants to get super drunk tonight, so I’ll most likely be on babysitting duties. It’s going to be a late evening for us. How’s training?

Me: Don’t forget to have fun too, baby. Training is going well. I’m doing my own thing, while Lucy works on her program. She’s picked it up fairly quickly, and her form is getting better.

I was upfront with Sky, telling her I’d be helping Lucia with her new training program tonight. She didn’t say much—just stared at me with what looked like a sceptical gaze. For a split second, I thought she could see right through my lie. But in the end, she simply nodded and wished me luck.

Sky: Okay, then. I should be back by midnight. So, I’ll see you then?

I’m about to type out a reply when an unfamiliar voice catches my attention. It’s a woman’s voice, and it’s directed at me.

“Are you still using this?”

I glance up to see a stunning blonde pointing at the kettlebell Lucia was using earlier. I tuck my phone away and smile at her. “No, go ahead,” I say, gesturing to the eight-kilo weight resting on the floor.

She offers a kind smile and picks up the kettlebell, then positions herself in front of the mirror.

With legs slightly apart, she begins to do kettlebell raises with impressive form while she carefully observes herself in the mirror.

After completing two sets on each arm, she pauses just before starting the next set.

“You’re staring,” she points out, our eyes meeting in the mirror’s reflection.

I let out a soft chuckle and shake my head. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to. I was just admiring your technique. You execute that better than most people I know.”

She grins as she sets the kettlebell down, then spins around to face me. “I’m Gemma,” she says, extending her hand.

I take it without hesitation. “It’s nice to meet you, Gemma. I’m Kaden. Are you new here? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around.”

“Yeah, I am actually. I moved here from the Gold Coast two weeks ago and just joined the gym this week. It’s been quite an adjustment settling into a new city without knowing anyone,” she admits.

“I’m sure someone like you will have no trouble making new friends here.” A soft blush colours her cheeks as I offer her my signature grin. Just then, I feel the weight of someone’s eyes on me—heat crawling up the back of my neck like their gaze is searing into my skin.

When I turn around, I spot Lucia a few feet away, her expression blazing with fury.

She storms over and drops beside me on the bench, looping her arm possessively around my neck before pressing a hard, claiming kiss to my lips. “Sorry, baby. Took me a little longer than I thought—did I miss anything?” She looks over at Gemma, surveying her from head to toe.

“Lucy, this is Gemma. She’s new here in the city and just recently joined the gym.”

She throws her a fake smile—one that barely masks her jealousy. “So, Gemma? Are you done flirting with my man, or do you need a little more time with him?” she snaps, her tone cold and bitter.

Gemma’s eyes widen, and her mouth falls open in shock.

“Lucia! First of all, we were only just talking, and secondly, you don’t need to be so rude!” I snap.

“Well, I don’t appreciate some bitch trying to make a move on my boyfriend the minute I leave him alone!” she barks.

Gemma shifts awkwardly on the spot, clearly caught off guard by Lucia’s outburst. Her cheeks are flushed, and unease radiates from her as she glances nervously between the two of us.

“I wasn’t trying to make any move, other than to introduce myself.

But I hear your message loud and clear. I’m sorry you got the wrong impression of me.

I’m going to go. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

” Without missing a beat, she rushes away from us, her departure far more graceful than Lucia’s arrival.

Frustration boils inside me as I shake my head in disappointment. Without giving her a chance to speak, I rise and head towards the locker room, deliberately ignoring her as I pass by. I can sense her trailing behind me, silent but persistent.

A few minutes later, I exit the locker room and spot Lucia leaning against the wall, her bag slung over her shoulder, eyes focused on her phone. I purposely ignore her again, walking straight past her and towards the carpark.

“Are you seriously going to ignore me all night?” she bites out once we’re outside.

I stop and turn to face her, my anger threatening to break free. “Are you fucking kidding me, Lucia! You acted like a complete child in there, throwing a tantrum because you were feeling jealous and insecure. Do you honestly think you deserve my attention right now?”

She quickly steps back, clearly taken aback by my furious tone.

For once, I’m thankful we decided to drive separately—I can’t bring myself to look at her right now.

I keep walking towards my car, only stopping when I feel her hand clutch my elbow.

With a heavy sigh, I turn to face her, and as soon as I do, I watch as her expression crumbles.

“I’m sorry, okay. I didn’t mean to be rude. I thought she was flirting with you and I immediately saw red. I’m already competing with one woman; I don’t have the energy to compete with another.” She sobs.

“Why would you think I was flirting with someone else when it’s obvious I’m here with you? I thought you trusted me more than that. Clearly, I was fucking wrong,” I snap.

Her eyebrow arches, and the look on her face shifts from sadness to anger.

“Trust, Kaden? You want to talk about trust?” she hisses.

“You’re cheating on your goddamn wife, for crying out loud!

Or have you conveniently forgotten that you’re fucking her best friend?

” She jabs a finger hard into my chest as she says the last words.

I move in closer, positioning myself directly in front of her, my gaze dark and penetrating.

“And what does that say about you, Lucia ? You lose it over another woman simply talking to me, yet here you are—screwing around with someone else’s husband.

You, my darling mistress, are the very definition of a hypocritical homewrecker. ”

I’m so consumed by anger that I barely register the slap at first. But when the burning trail sears my cheek, I fix her with a dumbfounded look—like I’m staring at a complete stranger.

She squares her shoulders, doing her best to appear strong and unfazed. “You know what? Fuck you, Kaden! Fuck you for being a lousy husband and lover,” she yells, shoving me hard in the chest.