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“Cain,” she groans, embarrassed, pressing onto her tiptoes only to find it empty, “you’re not funny.” She ducks her head to hide her pink cheeks.
I kiss her hair, smirking. “Pass me that bag,” I load my arms up, take her hand, and then walk her back towards the door, not giving anyone else the time of day, not when some of them are scowling at my girl like she just fed their favourite pet to the wolves. “Anyone you want to say goodbye to?”
“Albert in maintenance and Beryl.”
* * *
As soon as she’s said goodbye, we head across town for Lauren’s induction at Magnitude, Perry’s gym. She swaps out her heels for some flat white pumps and pulls her hair into a long plait. I packed my gym bag because the thought of leaving her to the mercy of all those men has my hands gripping the steering wheel extra hard. I pull up in one of the private parking spots, and we head to the main reception. Lauren falters when a few members stop what they are doing to look our way. “Head high, pretty girl. They only wish they could land someone like you.” I wink, straightening my jacket.
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” She smirks.
“Alien!” Perry rounds the desk and scoops Lauren up. “Buzzing to have you as part of the team.” As far as bosses go, Perry is going to be a breeze compared to me. Lauren flicks a pointed look my way, and we share a smile as he puts her down. “Here, this is your new uniform. Waist down, wear what you want.” He hands her a stack of packaged polo shirts.
“Okay. I know I’ve already said it, but thank you. I really appreciate you doing this.”
“I wanted you here weeks ago. I was already in two minds about offering you a job when this idiot fired you the first time.” He thumbs at me, and Lauren’s throaty laugh radiates around the reception.
A beefed-up bloke saunters past, and he eyes my girl. “How's it going?” He gives her a flirty wink, and her cheeks heat for all the wrong reasons.
“Hello,” she responds and then chuckles when she catches me glaring after him. “No cavemen allowed.” She points at me.
“Not even big cactus ones?”
“What is it with you two and cactuses?” Perry shakes his head, then moves behind the reception. “I’ll give you a tour, and then we can go over the basics with Faye when she comes back from the bank—she’s running some errands.”
“Okay, great,” Lauren says breezily, slipping her bag off and moving to stand behind the desk.
“I thought you got rid of Faye?” I turn to Perry, suppressing a growl.
“I was going to, but Becky went on maternity,” he says flippantly.
Lauren frowns, and I drop my bag, lift her onto the desk and edge between her thighs. “Faye can be a little handsy,” I say, pinched. “But nothing happened,” I assure her. Realisation dawns, and her mouth pops open. I dive in, taking advantage, and kiss her.
“Jesus, stop manhandling my staff,” my friend snaps, moving some files out of the way. The woman in question bounces into the gym. Her eyes light up when they see me, but dim when I turn back to Lauren. I fist her plait and kiss her possessively, making a huge fucking point to anyone who is in viewing distance that Lauren is off limits. “Don’t take any attitude,” I plead to her, searching her eyes.
Nodding, she smiles and tugs at my suit. “Does that extend to you?”
I drop my mouth to her ear. “No, you love me and the attitude I give you.” With that, I peck her pouty mouth, slide her off the desk, and grab my bag, leaving her with Perry to go and work out some of the tension threaded through my muscles.
Mikael is already set up at the far side of the weight room, so I stroll over and tape my hand. “Hey, man. How're things?” he greets.
“Well, my ass is all over the internet, so there's that.” I grin. I’ve long since learnt how to set the tone for a conversation if I want the upper hand or when to sit back and observe if I need them to show theirs. Mikael is a decent guy, and making light of the situation will not only put him at ease but keep it on a foundation of my choosing. “Not too happy about my girl being photographed,” I quip, pulling the tape taut and flexing my fingers to give it a little movement.
“Not too happy that you’re going to pretend my face belongs to said photographer?” he jokes back.
“Just here to clear my head.” I work my neck and close the distance.
“It’s Lauren, right? Perry mentioned she’s starting here today.” He lifts his hands and moves his feet to try to throw me off guard.
“She’s currently on the grand tour.” I mimic his movements, circling the mat.
“So that's why you look like you want to crush a skull.” He grins, and I snatch my fist out and clip his ear. “You know there are some real meatheads here who won’t care about your big bank account,” he taunts. Jabbing rapidly and catching my shoulder.
“I train here. I’m aware,” I enunciate, rolling my neck.
“So if I tell you that your girl is getting hit on right now, you won’t care?” He nods over my shoulder, and I whip around. His arm snags my waist, and he lifts me off the ground and throws me down with athunk. The air huffs out of me, and he laughs. “You gonna invite me to the wedding, lover boy?”
I flip him and swing, connecting my fist with his jaw. “Best ask mummy if you can come out and play. I heard you moved back home,” I grunt, rolling and securing him in a headlock.
