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“I need to let Bo, Papa, and the rest of the guys know,” she says, grabbing her phone and leaving my office without another word.
“Maybe Anya’s right, we should cancel the wedding,” I say to my brother.
“No, we don’t want to raise any suspicions. Security will be handled,” he says.
Chapter Eleven
ANYA
It’s early evening when I pull up to the boxing gym Grayson trains at after chatting through my plan with Bo and getting his stamp of approval. Not that I technically need it, but my peace of mind does. These changes aren’t going to happen right away, but at least we have something to move toward.
My godfather shared with me that he was also my father’s lieutenant before he was the vanguard. And it proves more that Andrew was not fit to rule, since he never held the position himself. How anyone let him get away with breaking our customs is beyond me.
But the hunger for power does that to people. It gives you the ability to see outside of reason.
“Thanks, Tao. Wait around the corner, and I’ll message you when I’m ready.”
I walk into the gym and feel as though I’m in my element. The space is clean and well-kept with a navy, white, and gold color scheme. There are three rings, all occupied with sparring partners. Along the right wall is cardio equipment, and the back wall is a variety of setups for lifting.
As I approach the front desk, a tall, lean man stands to greet me. He doesn’t look like much of a fighter, but neither do I, so who am I to make assumptions?
“Can I help you, ma’am?” He greets me with a smile.
“Yes, my name is Anya. I’m looking for Grayson. I’m supposed to meet him here for training.” I flash him my sweetest smile, exposing my dimple.
A blush creeps up his neck to his cheeks.
“Of course!” He laughs nervously. “He has Station 3 reserved. It’s the one in the very back. He just went to get changed in the locker room, but you can wait for him over there. Here’s a day pass so you can work out.”
He hands me a plastic keycard that saysGueston it.
I make my way over to the back wall where the machines are lined up to do a quick warm-up and set myself up on the Smith machine. As I’m finishing my third rep of squats, my new brother makes his way out into the sparring station.
He smiles and makes small talk with other members before entering the ring with his partners. I can tell he feels just at home, since he doesn’t notice I’m here. You’d think with him being a former marine, he would be a little more vigilant.
I set myself up for hip thrusts as he takes on his partner. He’s not only quick but strong and disciplined. It’s not long before he gets the guy on the ground and has him tapping out. Grayson laughs and helps him up. His smile is free and relaxed.
“My turn!” another man yells as he climbs into the ring.
Without warning, they both start. Each hit echoing throughout the gym. Just when his opponent gets the upper hand, Grayson fakes to the left before ducking to the right, sending the guy forward as he goes in for the attack. Grayson manages to corner his opponent and lands hit after hit until he taps out.
The first guy jokingly puts Grayson in a headlock before handing him a water bottle and patting him on the back. For a second, I can’t imagine he has any sinister motives but then my mind crosses to Dante. If he can fool anyone, why can’t Grayson?
“Come on, I can’t train like this. You guys make it too easy on me!” he jokes freely.
I use it as my opening.
“I’ll take you!” I yell as I walk up to the ring.
Grayson’s eyebrows shoot up, but he quickly recovers and smiles as he nods for me to enter. He rubs the back of his head.
“Guys. This is my, uh—Anya. These two losers are Mikey and Yousef.”
I shake each of their hands.
“Nice to meet you. Ready to see how it’s done?” I challenge Grayson.
“Oh, this’ll be good,” the man called Yousef taunts, and the men back up to give us room.
