Page 22 of Retrograde

6

Sagan

I had just started doing pull-ups with weights when he came strutting into the gym with purpose. I didn’t want to notice or react, but Eloise practically purred inside of me and my gaze couldn’t leave his.

Fine, I did as a woman too. I couldn’t always blame things on my dragons.

“You have something for me?” I asked as I kept going, noting how breathy my voice came out.

So did he from the way he chuffed… And several of the other prospects who were working out had varying reactions. A few had offered to spot for me, but Belinda had shut that down saying there was no way they could keep up.

They had scoffed at her and looked at me to defend them, but I politely told them there was a reason I was queen and they might want to see my routine.ButI appreciated their offers to help.

“Baby girl, what I have for you others shouldn’t see,” he said under his breath.

“Oh gods, young love,” Belinda drawled. “Though good training for her to stay focused.”

“When do I not?” I countered and kept going.

“I heard something about a video—”

“I will cut your pay,” I threatened her.

Belinda snorted. “You don’t pay me.”

I frowned. Shouldn’t I?

“I do this out of love, child. My duty to help Thovudin.” She snorted again. “Besides, I’m ridiculously spoiled. If I need anything, I will ask.”

“You also enjoy bossing me and so many others around,” I mumbled, completely busting her.

“Seriously, how much weight does she have strapped to her?” one of the candidates whispered. “I can’t tell.”

“I don’t think we’re supposed to know, and the ancient is using extra magic,” another replied.

“Well, someone’s smarter than the others,” Belinda chuckled. “Five more.” She glanced at Onyx. “This is the one with the master’s in fitness or whatever?”

“Yes, Ancient,” he answered, his gaze still never leaving mine. “I don’t want to interrupt your workout—”

“Fibber,” Belinda coughed.

“But you made it clear to come right back to you and you wanted my report. I hoped more.” He moved closer, his nostrils flaring as he took in my scent since I’d been working out a while. “I came back to you as you ordered.”

Even Iris like that… And he knew that from the twinkle in his eyes.

“Send them all out? Or can we—”

“All right, let’s give them the room,” Belinda said loudly to everyone. “I can’t focus with his hormones, and I don’t want—”

“Belinda,” I growled.

“I tease, I tease,” she chuckled but then made it clear for everyone to get the fuck out.

I really did love her. Crazy ancient.

“Unhook me?” I asked when I finished, giving him a challenging look. Not only that I’d trust him to see how much it all weighed, but if he could handle it.

Barely. He had to do it in two parts and almost fell over.