Chapter Ten
Giana
“Ireallydon’tthinkyoushould be doing this today,” I panted, trying to keep up with Merrick’s long strides. We’d been walking the trail daily for the last week, needing to get out to do some exercise. Merrick had increased the pace to a run shortly after we crossed the line of trees delineating the backyard from the forested section of the property.
“I have to stay in shape,” he said, barely breathing heavily. Because of course he wasn’t.
I grumbled a few curses under my breath and focused on steadying my breathing, not wanting to be left behind. Who knew what he’d get up to next if he got out of my line of sight? Pull-ups on a tree branch? Weightlifting with a boulder? I wouldn’t put anything past him right now.
The fallen leaves crunching under our feet, our heavy breaths, and the pound of my pulse were the only sounds as the path looped around, depositing us back onto the damp grass, still glistening with the morning dew.
“I did not sleep enough last night for a run like that.” I braced myself on my knees as I doubled over.
“I tried to get you to stay in bed.” He pulled in ragged breaths too, at least. “You didn’t have to come out with me.”
I narrowed my eyes on him until a smile tilted his lips up. I knew it. He was going to throw the doctor’s orders out the window today.
He rolled his shoulders back, and I didn’t miss the wince he attempted to hide. “It’s nothing.”
“It doesn’t look likenothing.” I pulled myself up to my full height, grateful that my lungs weren’t burning anymore.
“It’s actually a lot better today.” He wrapped his good arm around me, directing me to the sliding glass back door we’d left out of. “Besides, if I spend any more time lounging in bed, I won’t be able to maintain these muscles you love to ogle, will I?”
I pushed his chest lightly, but he didn’t budge a single inch. “I do notoglethem.” I definitely did, but he didn’t need to call me out for it.
“You do.” He chuckled and opened the door for us. “Don’t worry, I like it.”
“Get your ass down the stairs.” I glared up at him. “I’m suddenly in the mood to kick your ass back into shape.”
“You can dream, little devil. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of dirty thoughts about my ass before.”
“That’s it. You’ve done it now.” I leaped onto his back, careful not to hit his shoulder as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “You’re going down.”
“I’ll go down on you, babe.” He caught my legs, turning my attack into a piggyback.
I gasped, but before I could say anything or take him up on his offer, Sophia cut in. “I really don’t need to hear that first thing in the morning.” She picked up her mug of coffee from the counter and strolled out of the kitchen.
Damn, I hadn’t even seen her there.
“Get your boyfriends to find you a new hideout then,” Merrick grumbled, and Sophia paused in the living room.
“They aren’t my boyfriends.” She spun on her heel, coffee nearly sloshing out of her mug. “Besides, I helped save your life; you really shouldn’t piss me off.”
“Fine, I’ll repay your generous act of kindness by starting your training again. Get changed and meet us in the basement.”
Sophia’s eyes went wide, looking to me for some backup. “We really should get you some more training.”
Her mouth gaped open. “Really? You’re supposed to have my back. Chicks before dicks.”
“I do have your back.” I giggled. “That’s why I want you to be able to defend yourself. Besides, those guys won’t let you out of their sight unless they’re confident you can handle yourself in a fight.”
She pursed her lips, seemingly debating it. “Fine,” she said over her shoulder and stomped upstairs.
“I think she secretly likes them following her around.”
“Agreed.” I choked on my laugh before slapping Merrick’s ass. “Don’t think you’re going to get out of your training by torturing her.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” He carried me to the basement door and down the stairs to the gym.
