Page 38 of Resist

“Good, because I want to get started on the routine straight away. Obviously we can’t implement it now, but I’m thinking if we work on it every day, it could be ready by our first show in Darwin.”

Lucas did the math. “Three weeks?”

“Yes.”

He gave me a sceptical look.

“You don’t think you can pull it off by then?”

His dubious expression morphed into something explicit. “I can definitely pull it off.”Oh, I know. I’ve seen you.

Memories of him in the stairwell, his cock in his hand, his muscles hard and rigid hit me like a wave, and I stumbled.

“You alright?” His hand shot out for support.

I subtly brushed it away and stepped back, aware of the many sets of eyes upon us. “Yes, I’m fine. But would you please excuse me? I need to speak with Patsy.”

He gave an upward nod. “Sure. Just let me know when you want to get started on the routine.”

“I will. It’ll probably be later today, perhaps after dinner.”

“Nice. Gives me time to stock up on molluscs so I’m raring to go.”

Facepalming, I shook my head while peeking at him through my spread fingers. He was such a walking, talking paradox: geeky, buff and sexy as fuck, but far too smart for his own boots.

I waggled my fingers. “Goodbye, Lucas.”

He winked. “Later, Helena.”

Studying his arse as it moved away from me, I almost missed Patsy as she walked by. “Patsy, do you have a moment?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I … uh … I want to apologise for before.”

“Honestly, I shouldn’t have—”

I placed my arm on hers. “No, please hear me out. I want to explain.”

“Okay. But, Helena, you really don’t have to explain anything.”

“No, I do. You see …” I paused and took in a deep breath. “Wow! This is always hard no matter how many times I do it.”

Concern swept across her face, and she waited.

“My ex-husband used to … he used to abuse me, mentally and physically. It went on for years.”

My legs began to tremble, the way they always did when I spoke abouthim.

Patsy took my hand from her arm and held it between her own. “I’m so sorry, lov.”

“Thank you. I’m okay now but, sometimes, certain things trigger my terror and rage.”

She nodded her understanding yet said nothing so that I would continue.

“I know you meant no harm, but when you punched me in the shoulder, I—”

“Fuck the stars, I’m an idiot.”