I’m aggravated ten minutes into my morning. My night was fraught with visions of bodies strewn across the dead foliage of the plantation’s pastures. Amongst the dead lay an angel whose golden hair was bathed in red. A weeping hole oozed from her chest, her essence dripping onto the greedy earth.
Yes, my night fucking sucked.
Running ten miles in the humid air did nothing to relieve the tension. Even the cold shower was lacking. Tired of the stress-relieving techniques, I hustle to the gym in search of Von Bremen. Information came back on the sheriff that’s wrapped up with Lou and this sex trafficking ordeal.
Security measures need to be taken. Of course, these measures will have to be taken in secret as Commander will not take kindly to our meddling in her life.
The house is quiet since the guys have been volunteering at the Veterans Association, most of them gone before sunrise. Only Lawson and Vic stay behind. It’s too soon to allow Lawson free reign again. Yeah, we’re keeping his ass here for now just in case he decides to go after Lou on his own. Which is not so muchifhe decides but when.
Vic isn’t so much a flight risk like Lawson but he has trouble being around children. And children are everywhere in the small town of Madison. Vic lost his son a few years back and hasn’t been able to overcome the grief that came along with it. I understand more than anyone how that feels. The guilt that you lived and they didn’t. It breaks a person.
Music wails from behind the door to the gym. What the hell is Theo listening to? His musical taste is straight-up garbage. Every single time I catch a little of what blares through his headphones, I’m disappointed. For a pro ballplayer, I’d expect him to listen to some kick-ass rock or rap. Hell, even someQueenwould suffice. Anything to inspire a win. But nope, Theo listens to wailing, crying blues rock. It’s annoying.
Undeterred by the obnoxious sounds, I push through the door and freeze. In a backbend, the middle of Anniston’s back balances on the soles of Theo’s feet. He’s on his back, his legs bent as he holds still, allowing Anniston to reach for his outstretched arms. Her eyes are closed as their bodies move in sync to the music. It’s an incredible sight, I might even call it beautiful.
The heavy bass of the guitar picks up pace, and Anniston and Theo bend with it like they are doing a secret dance. His hands grip her wrists as he propels her body over his, allowing her to flip over him, coming to rest on her knees with her head bowed over his.
Theo’s fingers catch the wayward strand of hair that falls from her bun, rolling it between his fingers. And when she smooths both hands along his cheeks, caressing the day-old stubble there, he grips the back of her head, his abs flexing with the motion and pulls her down. She doesn’t put up a fight, lowering closer to his face as the tip of her nose brushes his. Her eyes close, his don’t. Theo closes the space between them, tilting his head to capture her mouth in an affectionate kiss. It’s not his usual this-girl-is-mine kiss, but a real one. One that clearly shows his love for her runs deeper than he lets on. Anniston makes a soft noise that sounds a lot like a hum of contentment.
The scene is so intimate that I feel like a creeper hiding in the bushes. You would think that common sense would kick in and I’d step out, but common sense must still be in bed because I remain steadfast in my gawking.
With one final kiss to the inside of her arm, Theo pulls Anniston all the way down, flush against his shoulder, biting alongside her arms and side. She squeals, trying to move away from his fun-loving attack.
Now seems like as good a time as any to make my intrusion known. I clear my throat. It’s awkward and comes out between a cough and a gag.
Theo cranes his neck my way and smirks up from the floor. “Bout time. I was wondering if you planned on staying for the shower.”
This asshole.
With lead feet and a good morning smile from Commander, I inch forward and clear my throat once again. “Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint. I know how you love an audience, but I have some urgent business to discuss with you.”
His eyes jump at my tone. He understands the underlying meaning in my gruff remark. With another peck to Anniston’s forehead, he eases her to the mat.
“Cade requires my expertise.” He flashes me a cocky look. “You know he can’t tie his shoes without assistance.”
I want to kill him. Every. Single. Day. Lord, give me strength.
“I’ll be back for strength training,” he promises as he springs to his feet. Anniston attempts to mask her giggle in the mat and fails, her raspy laugh reverberating through the gym.
A smile tugs at my lips but I don’t let it go. I remain stoic and irritated so I can get through these next few minutes with the pain in my ass.
When Theo reaches my side, I snarl like a deranged animal to relay my feelings about his idiotic comments. How is he the only person who brings this out in me? For goodness sake, I have led hundreds of guys in horrific conditions. At times, it was just us for weeks. And at no point did I ever think, I hate this fucker and hope a sniper picks him off. But Theo tests my religion every damn day. I pray for patience. So far, he’s still alive, so the prayers have been effective.
I shove him against the doorjamb as soon as we are out of the Commander’s sight. It only makes him laugh. Outside, where Anniston’s perceptive ears aren’t listening, I ask a question that I’m definitely going to regret. “What was that you were doing in there?”
Theo’s brow arches in an I’m-going-to-enjoy-explaining-this-to-you type of way. “Curious, are you?”
Never mind. It’s not worth listening to his mouth. I start to walk away before I hit him.
His chuckle follows me as he jogs to catch up. “It was yoga.” His shoulders shrug, like it’s no big deal for a man to be doing yoga.
I guess it isn’t. I hear it’s getting more and more popular for men. Hayes goes to a class occasionally but I thought it was to check out the downward dog of some young hottie he met.
I continue the pace, not looking directly at him. “I have never seen yoga done like that before. It looked like one of those Cirque de Soleil shows I saw in Vegas once.”
His lips purse in thought. “I guess, but it’s just couple’s yoga to us. Yoga is encouraged for athletes. And Anniston really enjoys it. It’s something we’ve done for years.”
It shows.
