At the same time, I block Justin’s strikes from behind me. I hit both of them so rapidly, it stuns them. In a final swipe of thebroom handle, I take Justin’s legs out from under him. Wasting no time, I put Jeremy down seconds after.
Stepping from between them, in case they try to grab my legs, I spin the handle of the broom, smiling jubilantly. Groaning and clutching at body parts, they make no further movement to fight. Pumping my fist in the air, I scream, “Yeah!”, pumping the broom with my other hand.
Suddenly, Luke grabs the broom midair, tosses it across the room, and dives, pinning me to the ground. Damnit, I took my eyes off the other enemy. Shit! He yells to the twins, “Find whatever it is you need! I have her.”
I squirm, buck, and kick my legs. He maneuvers, pinning both of my arms and trapping my legs with his own. The twins run out of the room, laughing.
“Nooo, don’t! That isn’t for you!” I shout. I narrow my eyes at Luke. “You idiot! I made those brownies for the Whitemore pack.”
He laughs. “I hope you made a lot. Those two will probably eat two pans by themselves.”
“Ugh, get off me!” I demand, but I know it’s pointless because he’s twice my size. I don’t give up, though. In my pathetic effort, I continue to squirm and grumble.
Luke looks down at me, his expression serious. “Can we talk?”
“No. I don’t want to talk to you, traitor! I have to stop the twins!” I spit. He leans his face closer, as if he is going to kiss me. My eyes widen. What the hell is he doing? I turn my head.
He whispers in my ear, “Stop doing that. You’re turning me on, and I really need to talk to you.”
What the hell did he just say?
He pushes his hips into me, and I feel his hardening cock. Freezing in place, I keep my head turned, refusing to look at him. “If I let you up, will you stay and talk to me?” he asks.
I nod my head, but I don’t intend to stay.
“Jessica,” he growls. “This is important to me. Please.”
I turn my head slowly. With those emerald green eyes, blond hair, and dimples, I see why women have such a hard time resisting him. Still, his expression shows sincerity. “I can’t,” I reply softly.
“You can’t, or you won’t?” He searches my eyes for the answer. His brow furrows, perhaps with pain, with remorse. My gut twists. “When will you be back?” he asks.
“I won’t. I plan to head straight to the city after I am done at the Whittemore’s. I promised Akiyo I would help her with the show.”
He groans. “Jessica, you just got home last night.” He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “It’s been a long time since you and I talked. There are some things I need to say to you. For starters, I owe you an apology.”
I frown. Where is this coming from and why? I shake my head. “Luke, I really need to get going. I don’t want to be late.”
He sighs. “You make it so hard to talk. Look, I don’t want to fight. I want to make things right between us. I want… I want to talk, but I need you to listen first. Can we please meet after the show?”
I shake my head. “I’m not trying to be difficult. I just have obligations, and I promised Akiyo I would stay for the afterparty.”
He gazes down at me intently. His jaw clenches, and he closes his eyes. “Tomorrow then?” Before I can hesitate or offer more excuses, he leans down and whispers, “Please, Jess. This is important to me.” His face transforms with sadness.
I nod and softly comply, “Tomorrow.”
He gives me a small smile before moving to help me to my feet. I hurry to the training room door before the twins demolishall the brownies. I almost reach the door when Luke says, “Jess, I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
What the hell? What is going on with him today? I toss a glance over my shoulder. Frowning, I reply, “What are you talking about?”
He hangs his head. “It hurt you when I said that I always have the twins’ back.” I shake my head to dismiss him, but he continues, “You may not think I do, but I will always have your back, too.”
I don’t know how to respond. I want to respond, but my words are not nice. I’m still deeply hurt by him, and I don’t know if I will ever get over what he did. I take a deep breath and leave the room.
Chapter 9
Full Circle
JESSICA
