Page 79 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

First, I want to warm up with some boxing, so I start throwing punches at the pads. I can see Alex tensing his muscles so it's at least taking him some effort to keep me in check. I really let loose and throw in a few kicks, which he catches with ease.

It feels so good to completely exhaust yourself! Wonderful. I haven't had this much fun in ages.

"You've got more in you! Come on. Harder!" he urges me on.

Easy for him to say! I'm running out of breath and my muscles are aching. I feel good and strong, pumped full of endorphins, but my lungs are burning intensely.

"Okay. Break. Drink something."

I stagger back and stand still, catching my breath, then take a few steps.

"Here. Drink." Alex followed his pads set aside. He holds out the water bottle to me. "Is there at least some electrolytes in there?"

"Yeah."

"And did you eat well before working out?"

"Chicken, skyr, and a banana."

"Perfect. I can tell you got more strength. If we train together in the upcoming weeks, you'll get better."

"Can I have the PIN now?" I ask again, draining half the bottle in one go.

"Are you sure you want to earn it already?"

Earn it?

"Or should we train for another half hour? These punching bags need a proper workout."

They hang from the ceiling. I look at them and take a deep breath.

"I think if I imagine they're you, it'll be easier for me to beat the hell out of them."

"Strong words from a woman who's already gasping for air," he teases with a laugh.

This guy...

We keep going. Sometimes he holds the punching bag, sometimes another guy helps us, since I could never catchAlexander's punches and kicks. We both work up a good sweat, and more and more members gather around us. Word must have gotten around that I'm here and someone is getting closer to me than any other guy. That doesn't seem to sit well with everyone. Whenever someone tries to make a move, though, I brush them off.

Is Alex counting on this? Does it turn him on that I only have eyes for him?

"I think that's enough for today," he tell me in front of everyone else.

About twenty men stand around us, having enjoyed the show of him making me sweat properly. Some are training, others just watching while taking a break. A very long break.

"Can't keep up anymore?" I challenge him, even though I'm completely exhausted myself.

"You want another duel?" he asks and a murmur runs through the crowd. "What’ll it be?"

"You pick. I'll take on any challenge!"

"Anything?"

"Yes!"

I’ll lose, of course, and by a mile, but he would be competing against a woman and would therefore lose face. So, I wouldemerge as the real winner. I stand there proudly while the crowd laughs and jeers. Alex, however, looks far from intimidated.

"Okay. I accept the challenge."