Page 13 of Renascence

He gives me a two-fingered salute, and I return a small wave. The minute I close the door, I hear his bike thundering back the way we came.

Staying away from that man just became a hell of a lot harder.

CHAPTER 3

***Venom***

My workout tonight has been very strategic.

Every machine I’ve used has been perfectly positioned to ensure I’ve been in Emily’s direct line of vision for the last thirty minutes. This isn’t even my regular time, but since Kurt told me it’s hers, here I am. This is what my life has become—basically stalking.

It’s working, though. She hasn’t taken her eyes off me. I’ve pretended to ignore her, but I’ve never been more aware of anyone or anything in my life. Having her body pressed against me last night had me running every possible scenario through my mind of what I could do to it. To her. I got zero sleep.

I’d love nothing more than to walk over and rip her ridiculously large T-shirt off and see exactly what she’s hiding under there. Give her a real workout.

I grab some weights, taking them to a bench directly in front of her. I can almost hear the gulp as she swallows. Her step falters and she grabs the bars on the treadmill, trying to play it off. I know I’m a little conceited, but I’ve worked hard to get my body where it is; I’m entitled to a big ego.

After my third curl, she reaches for her water. I finally meet her stare, smirking as her eyes widen.I’m tired of this game.I drop the weights, making my way toward her. She removes her earbuds, watching expectantly.

“Hi, Em.”

“He—” She clears her throat. “Hello.”

“You almost done?”

She glances down at the treadmill’s display, then nods.

“Cool. I’m gonna grab a shower and wait for you out front.”

I walk away, not giving her the opportunity to brush me off. She’s a “good girl.” I know that now. She isn’t playing games or being a tease; it’s just the way she is. I’m not looking to corrupt her, nor do I want her to save me from anything. I don’t need to be saved. What I need is soft, wet, tight, and hidden between her thick thighs. Emily is probably used to men wooing her with flowers and candy, not telling her how many positions they want to fuck her in. There’s no way in Hell she’ll get that from me, but if she wants to know more about me before I can get my dick inside her, I’ll play along. I want her that much. A few nights—days, too—of her in my bed should satisfy my craving.

I don’t know what it is about her that’s calling to me. It definitely isn’t the innocent thing; I like my women with experience—ones who give as good as they get. Then again, the quiet ones sometimes turn out to be the biggest freaks.Fuck, I can’t wait to get my hands on her.

After my shower, I grab us some drinks and wait for her at the juice bar. Surprisingly, she shows up not much later. The leggings and oversized T-shirt are gone, replaced by jeans and a tee. Her hair is wet and up in a ponytail. The woman isn’t even trying to be sexy and still the situation in my jeans is getting uncomfortable.

“Hi.” She approaches nervously, rubbing her palms on her thighs.

“Hey.” I hand her one of the cups. “This is for you.”

She takes a sip, her lips wrapping around the straw in a way that makes me wish she were doing it to my dick. Fuck, I’m gone. As much as I’m a horny motherfucker, I can’t remember a woman ever having this strong of an effect on me.

Dropping her bag on the floor, she takes the stool next to me, brows knitted.

“Mmm… this tastes like… chocolate milk.” She takes another sip. “With a hint of banana?”

“Very good.” I nod, smiling at her confusion.

“That seems a bit counterproductive after a workout.”

“It’s low fat, with the banana for additional carbs. It helps to replenish muscle tissue and reduces recovery time.”

“If you say so. I mean, who am I to argue with someone who looks like you?”

“I do say so. And now that I’ve seen the way you suck on that straw, I’ll make sure I’m waiting here with one for you every night.”

“What do you mean?”

I place my hand on her knee, leaning closer. She gasps but doesn’t move. “Think about it, darlin’.”