Page 8 of Reverence

“Yeah. The two of you going to join?”

“The day I decline the opportunity to eat, everyone needs to investigate my disappearance because I can assure you that wouldn’t be me,” Vaanya answered, making us laugh.

ARES

My wrapped fists collided with the punching bag, over and over.

The sound of my knuckles making contact with the synthetic leather eased my mind and helped with my frustration.

This week tested my limits and if I didn’t release this pent-up energy, I’d explode.

In the past I would’ve resorted to a rough fucking to clear my mind but that hadn’t interested me in the slightest.

Hadn’t interested me for the past few years.

The chain holding the bag rattled as the item moved back and forth, a sickening, repetitive thud filling the air.

Sweat dripped down my forehead and back, my muscles tensing with each movement.

I heard the gym room door open and then close, soft footsteps following before completely stopping.

When I looked to see who entered, of course she stood there.

Scrutinising me with that judgmental stare covered in disdain. I panted softly, continuing with my punches and jabs.

I’d been going at it for the past twenty minutes but the tension in my shoulders still hadn’t dissipated, if anything it felt worse—especially with her a few feet away from me.

“Is that a snake tattooed on your back?”

Sarcasm. “Seems fitting given how conniving you can be.”

With one more hard punch, I turned to face her. “I’m not in the mood, Rivera.”

For the first time, I acknowledged her attire, the workout clothing revealing every dip and curve.

I held eye contact, refusing to focus on her fucking figure.

“I couldn’t care less.” She shook her head, dropping her gym bag onto the floor.

I swallowed hard, watching her perform basic stretches. My blood boiled, her attitude grating at my nerves.

I released a breath, willing myself to remain calm. “I’ve never told you this before,” She looked at me with a curious expression. “But you’re honestly the biggest bitch I’ve ever met.”

She placed her hand on her chest, pouting. “I’m honored, truly I am.”

Normally the nonchalance would upset me but today I’d finally get a reaction out of her and I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when I did.

Even if it turned out to be subtle, I’d spot it.

“I’ve been trying to figure out why you behave like this. The defiance, the stubborn nature, the urge to taunt people.”

She crossed her legs, cocking her head sideways like a child who heard a fascinating story for the first time. “Then it clicked.” I snapped my fingers. “You’ve got daddy issues.”

Bingo.

There was a brief crack in her stone-cold demeanor.

A flicker of emotion other than annoyance, anger, or cockiness. This meant I successfully clawed under her skin.