Zach gives me an intense look. At least I think it’s intense. Maybe he’s just annoyed. See why this is dangerous? “I look forward to teaching you. All the stances and moves.”
“All the positions,” I murmur. “All the moves.”
Oh yeah. Zachary Ashford is dangerous. Every male’s and female’s eye in the area was fixed on him as he strutted our way and they haven’t stopped looking.
I mean, obviously. They aren’t blind. Only a blind person would ignore him and only because they wouldn’t know what they’d be missing.
He lets out a low huff of a laugh, resonant and sexy. “I’ll be waiting for you, then.”
“Yeah,” I breathe as he nods at June and turns to get back to work. “Yeah…”
What did I just get myself into?
3
COCO
“You’re acting weird today,” June mutters as we make our rounds at the gym, glaring at me instead of staring at the sexy booties on display.
“Don’t I know it?” I huff. “Sorry.”
“Is everything okay?”
“I need to get another job,” I lie. Okay, not entirely a lie. This matter does worry me. Maybe I’ve hit the nail on the head. I don’t do well under stress.
“Oh no. What happened with the old lady you were working for? Did she?—?”
“She’s fine. Her daughter has financial difficulties and decided to find cheaper help.” I shrug. “I get it. I couldn’t ask for less, though, or I wouldn’t have enough to live on.”
“That sucks,” June whispers. By mutual understanding, we’re heading out of the gym. “Can’t you find anything in the arts? That’s what you like.”
“I doubt it. Don’t worry, I’ll find something else.”
I don’t have a degree in art or any other qualification. I’ve done all sorts of jobs, from cleaning maid to dog sitter to cashier. My family isn’t poor, but Dad’s investments didn’t pay off and I don’t want to ask for money.
I like being independent, being able to afford my own little apartment and the simple joys in life like frothy cappuccinos and chocolate cakes, fun nights out and vintage clothes.
And I’d hate to return home with my tail between my legs and admit I failed.
Failed to study, failed to make enough to live on, and failed to find a pack.
“Are you really going through with it?” June asks and I blink, not following. “Taking a martial arts class with Zach?”
“Oh. Nah.” I laugh and wave a dismissive hand. “Of course not. Can you imagine me attacking people? Hai-yah!”
She snickers. “The Pink Ninja. Terribly scary. So were you joking?”
Was I?
“I wasn’t thinking,” I say. “That’s all.”
“I mean, Zach is hot. Like, off-the-charts hot.” She’s giving me a thoughtful look. “Coco, are you falling in l?—?”
“No.” I shake my head for emphasis. “Nope.”
“—in lust,” she finishes. “Look, I get it. He’s damn pretty. And he’s an alpha.”
“With a big cock, I know.” I sigh. “Dammit.”
