Page 52 of Locke

I groaned and leaned my head back on the seat. “Did that really happen?”

Of course it happened. It was one of the best orgasms you’ve ever had.

“Duh, we all saw it and boy, that was hot. I think all the paired couples went home and got off on it. Maybe even some singletons.” Delilah snickered into the phone.

“Dios Mio.” I rubbed my forehead.

“Yeah. Anyway, a lot of us are getting together at the gym to do some sparring. You said you liked kickboxing and I thought you might want to join.”

I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. With a gentle motion, I began to rub Fenrir’s head, his soft fur gliding beneath my fingertips. As I did, I could hear his purrs resonating in the room, a soothing melody. His snout brushed against my thigh, leaving a warm sensation. The faint scent of his fur filled my lungs, comforting and familiar.

It crossed my mind again this morning; I could take my belongings and leave, but with Fenrir right here in my lap I don’t think my heart could do it.

Maybe beating the shit out of someone would help me get rid of my frustration, instead of fucking it out of someone.

“Yeah, sure. Is it just guys or can the women join, too?”

Delilah’s laugh echoed through the phone. “The women can join too, alright. They can even mix and match. Nadia’s kicked some tail before.”

I huffed out a laugh and bent down to kiss Fenrir on the snout. “Alright, count me in.”

Delilah squealed on the other end and hung up promptly. My hand still clutched the burner phone with my family’s number.

One more time.

It rang only two more times before it went to voicemail, and instead a text message came onto the screen.

Elena:“We’re okay. Abuela and Luis have a cold and are sleeping. Try calling later.”

I wrinkled my nose in distaste and sent a quick message back.

Emm:“I expect you to pick up next time. I need to know you are okay.”

Instead of breaking the phone, I put it in my bag with me. I’d just make sure to keep the phone with me. Fenrir stood up with me as I changed my clothes, watching every move I made.

“I’m heading out. Do you need something to eat?”

Fenrir stood by the door, with his tail wagging. I shrugged my shoulders, and he stepped out of the RV with me and strode to my truck. He watched me with piercing eyes as I stepped up into Marlow and started the engine.

“Going to guard the fort?” I shouted at him as I rolled the window down.

He didn’t reply, just stood there, watching.

As I tore my gaze away and began to drive, a heavy pressure gripped my heart, compressing it within my chest. Through the rearview mirror, I observed the campsite fading into the distance, my eyes fixated until a sharp turn beckoned me towards the rugged path I’d forged. When I stole another glance behind, Fenrir had vanished from the site, causing my shoulders to droop in disappointment. With a sigh, I navigated my way back to town, feeling a sense of deflation settle upon me.

Once I pulled up to the gym, I shut the door with a slam and was immediately greeted by Delilah with a mischievous giggle. “So, how did last night go? You left in such a rush, I didn’t get to ask you.”

I thought the look on my face was enough, but apparently, it wasn’t.

“Not as well as I had hoped,” I admitted.

Delilah frowned. “Did he not fulfill what you wanted? The chemistry was freaking—”

I cleared my throat, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Ah yes, he was great. Just maybe it was a bit much.”An information overload.Was what I wanted to say, but I kept that to myself. What could I say?

While he’s fucking hot as hell, knows all the right buttons to push, he’s the guy I originally came to this town for, so I can free my family from poverty, get them citizenship in the US and live free from constantly looking over their backs?

“It’s complicated.” I finally sighed, and pushed the door into the gym.