Page 39 of Resist

“No! No, you’re not. You had no idea.”

She lowered her head in shame. “That’s no excuse.”

“Maybe, maybe not. I just wanted to explain my reaction, because I normally control it better than I did.”

Tilted her head up, she found my eyes again. “What do you say we head inside and grab a coffee or better yet, a scotch, while these kids play, huh?”

I glanced over her shoulder at where they were all standing in front of the giant pineapple, Cori taking a photograph. “Coffeesounds like a great idea.”

She laughed. “Can’t blame a lesbian for trying.”

By the time we arrivedat the Novotel, my back was aching almost as bad as when I’d been eight-months pregnant. Bertha was old and uncomfortable, and she certainly wasn’t big enough to transport the towering beasts in my revue. I would have to replace her, but first I needed to crunch some numbers.

“It’s definitely doable,” I said to myself, smiling as I closed the QuickBooks app on my iPad. I had a friend in the automotive industry who I was sure could pull a few strings sooner rather than later. Plus, it didn’t hurt to throw a few dollars around, of which I had plenty thanks to my divorce settlement.

Placing the tablet on the table in my hotel room, I picked up my mug of coffee and took a sip just as my mobile chimed an incoming text message.

Helena, it’s Lucas. I’m in the gymnasium

Pop in if you’d like to start working on my routine.

Josh is here too.

I told him about the nerd idea.

He likes it and says I’m already a nerd so he won’t have to do much.

I scoffed at what he’d written but felt ill that he’d somehow been able to get hold of my number. No one but Jason, my lawyer, my accountant, mother, and best friend knew it, and for good reason. I took my security and privacy seriously. I had to. Mistakes were only acceptable when we learned from them, and I’d learned… the hard way.

Feeling my body tremble, I willed every emotion pouring out to come back in by breathing deep and remaining still.

I was safe. Jason was safe. Everything was fine.

“Breathe, Helena, breathe.”

How the fuck did he get my number?

Anger bubbled to boiling point, so I snatched up my phone and door card and stormed out of my room, my destination: the gym. Lucas had crossed the line, big time. He’d sought information he wasn’t entitled to.Myinformation. And for what reason … to send me pointless texts?

I’d been stupid. Very stupid.

The ding of the elevator sounded, and the doors slid open. I stepped out of the cart and followed the signs that led to the gym, frosted glass walls and a door greeting me when I turned the corner. Two silhouettes moved on the other side, music blaring. It was louder than the ringing in my ears, which pissed me off even more.

Pushing on the door, I shoved it open to find Lucas and Josh hanging side-by-side on chin-up bars, their backs to me, their bodies dripping in sweat.

I swallowed heavily and paused. Or more so froze to my spot, my legs unfunctional.

“How badly do you want this?” Josh shouted to Lucas as Lucas struggled to lift his body to Josh’s quicker tempo.

“A lot.”

“Then push harder.”

Lucas growled and sped up, every muscle in his back, arms, shoulders, and neck red andalive.

“Good. Thatta boy. You gotta dig deep. Push your limits. Focus on your goal.”

“My goal … is to nail … this new routine.”