by E. L. Todd
“But you shouldn’t.” He dropped his hands then stepped away.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Silke, we’re done. I mean it this time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Every time we get close, you push me away.”
“There’s a reason for that,” he said darkly.
“Then tell me. You say you aren’t good enough for me. Instead of repeating that over and over, just change the parts of you that you dislike.”
“It’s more complicated than that…”
“Arsen, knock it off. I’m sick of hearing this speech.”
“Then I’ll make sure it’s the last time you hear it.” He looked me in the eye before he stepped away. “I’m sure Hunter will take you home…”
I gripped his arm and held him in place. “Don’t do this. You hurt me every time you do.”
He breathed hard then pulled his arm away. “Then forget about me.”
“But I don’t want to. Why don’t you understand that?”
He clenched his jaw, the anger coming out. “Why don’t you understand I’m not right for you? I keep telling you this, but you don’t believe me. I can never be a boyfriend to—to anyone. Stop trying to get me to do things that aren’t possible.”
“But they are,” I said firmly.
“No, they aren’t.” He gave me a final look. “Goodbye, Silke.”
I couldn’t count the number of times we’d had this conversation. He left so many times, only to come back at some ungodly hour. He kept doing it over and over again. I was sick of the pain and torture, but I continued the cycle with him, hoping one day he would break it. “Fine. Whatever.” I turned around and headed back to the table, not looking at him again.
I sat at the table and talked to my friends like nothing had transpired. If Arsen wanted to act like this, fine. But I wasn’t going to let him hurt me, let him disappoint me like he had all the other times. Arsen had unusual needs. At random times when we got too close, he needed to push me away. If that was what he needed, I would give it to him.
“Thanks for giving me a ride home.” I reached the door then pulled my keys out of my clutch.
“No problem.” Hunter put his hands in his pockets and shifted his weight from side to side. Something was obviously on his mind.
“Well, goodnight.” I turned away.
“So, are you with Arsen?” he asked. “Because he was there…then he wasn’t there.” He raised an eyebrow.
I sighed as I looked at him. “Um, it’s complicated…”
He nodded slowly. “I know how those go.”
“Yeah.”
“So, can I ask you out or should I not ask you out?” he asked hesitantly. “Because I really can’t tell.”
Now I felt terrible for leading Hunter on. “No. Arsen and I are complicated and confusing, but we’re together and we’re going to stay together.”
“It didn’t seem like that at the bar.”
“Like I said, it’s complicated.”
“Well, he’s a lucky guy.”
“He is, since I put up with his bullshit all the time.”
He chuckled. “Apparently.”
“I’m sorry, Hunter. Nothing is going to happen between us. But I do think you’re a wonderful guy.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “And thanks for the compliment.”
“Anytime.”
“Well, goodnight.” He stepped away and headed to the stairs.
“Goodnight.” I unlocked my door then walked inside. Once I was alone, I kicked off my heels then leaned against my door, exhausted from the night out. Arsen gave me whiplash sometimes, so I rubbed the back of my neck like I was sore.
Then I heard the distant sound of a muffler. I would recognize that noise anywhere.
I opened the door then peeked outside.
In the distance, a man in a black helmet took off on his motorcycle. I only caught a glimpse of him, but he was wearing a black leather jacket.
And a pink helmet was attached to the back of the seat.
93
Theo
I added weights to the bar then lay underneath it. “You spotting me?”
Conrad moved over me. “I got you. Are you sure you can do it?”
I rolled my eyes. “Just keep your hands under the bar.” I grabbed it then did a few presses. It was more weight than I was used to, and I immediately felt the strain in my muscles.
Conrad kept count. “Eight…nine…one more.”
I did the final press and felt my arms shake. Then I moved the bar back to the rack. Conrad guided it down.
“Switch,” Conrad said like the blond host at that speed-dating thing.
I shook my head. “Don’t ever say that word again.”
He laughed. “Bad memories, huh?”
“One chick told me about all the stuffed animals she had and what their names were.”
“How many did she have?” Conrad lay on the bench then slid under the bar.
“Twelve.”
He gripped the bar and laughed. “Twelve? How do they all fit on her bed?”
“You think I asked?” I kept my hands under the bar while he did his reps. “I just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.”
“Yeah, there’re better ways to find chicks.”
“Like the internet,” I said. “What are you doing about Beatrice?”
“I don’t have a damn clue.” He did the set then racked the bar. “She’s different. I can tell.”
“Different how?”
“She doesn’t like to be hit on. I need to spend time with her without her realizing I’m interested. You know, play it cool.”
“You’re really going to make that much effort?” I asked incredulously.
“Did you see how hot she was?”
I shrugged. “She was, but no chick is worth that much time.”
He sat up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I have a feeling she is.”
“You really like her that much?”
“Definitely.”
I changed the weights on the bar.
“Anyone new in your life?”
“No,” I said with a laugh. “There’s never anyone new.”
He wiped his hands on the towel. “How’s work?”
“Good. It’s been busy.”
“A lot of people are learning martial arts?” he asked incredulously.
“You’d be surprised. It’s a really good workout and it’s not boring.”
Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Why would you be here if you were getting such a good workout?”
I rolled my eyes. “I still need to push myself.”
“Breaking a stack of wood with your forehead doesn’t suffice?”
“Why don’t you stop talking and just come in and give it a shot?”
He shook his head. “And wear one of those white robes? Nah, I’ll pass.”
“The chicks dig it.” I waggled my eyebrows.
“Buff chicks, maybe.”
I rolled my eyes. “Martial arts isn’t body building, idiot.”
“I still like my girls lean.”
“We’re looking for a new instructor, actually. We’re holding interviews.”
He grabbed his protein shake and took a drink. “How do you interview someone for a job like that?”
“Fight them.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“Yep. How else do you assess their skill set?”
“So, if they lose, they don’t get the job?” Conrad asked.
“I wouldn’t say that,” I said with a laugh. “But we take everything into consideration.”
“I guess that’s cool.” He finished the shake then put the bottle on the floor. “Should we do legs next?”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
After I got to work, I headed into the training room and set up the table. We had three people applying for the new martial arts position. Our last guy moved to be closer to his fiancée,
so we were shorthanded.
“Any of these guys promising?” I asked as I looked through the resumes.
“They all seem the same.” Chan sat beside me then opened his notebook. “Their skill in battle will define their worthiness.”
He always talked like a fortune cookie. “Okay.”
“I want you to fight them so I can watch.”
“Make sure they sign a waiver.”
“They already did.” He tapped the pile of papers on the desk.
“Then we’re ready to go.”
At four o’clock, Cindy brought in the first candidate.
He was a burly man with tattoos all over his body. They were on his arms and legs. I assumed they were also in places we couldn’t see. After he shook hands with us, he took a seat across from us.
“Name?” I asked.
“John.”
Chan interviewed him, asking him about his previous work history and what he’d learned from each place. He seemed more interested in the jobs that weren’t related to martial arts. I wasn’t sure why. When the conversation was over, I stood up.
“You and I will spar,” I announced. I pulled off my shirt, just standing in my sweatpants.
“I wasn’t expecting to…”
“It’s part of the interview,” Chan said plainly. “Fight or walk out.”
“I just didn’t dress for the occasion,” John said hesitantly.
“Take off your shirt,” I said. I stood across from him then took a defensive stance.
He shed his shirt then stood across from me.
We battled on the mat, and I immediately knew he wasn’t right for the position. He was slow and nervous. His confidence was questionable, and he seemed to think too long before he acted. Since this was an interview, it was understandable he wasn’t on his best game. But how would he act teaching a class? I overpowered him easily and left him on the mat.
“That’s enough,” Chan said.
I extended my hand and helped him to his feet.
“Thanks,” he mumbled. He pulled on his shirt and thanked us before he left.
I looked at Chan, the question in my eyes.
All he did was shake his head.
The next guy came in.
“I’m Zavier,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”
Chan interviewed him and seemed impressed with his years of experience. Before applying for this job, Zavier had worked as an instructor for ten years. But people always sounded better on paper than in real life.
Then I moved to the mat and faced him. “You and I will spar.”
He didn’t seem surprised by the request. “Okay.”
He looked like he knew what he was doing.
We sparred on the mat, dancing around each other as we gave and received hits. He was good, but I was better. I rarely met anyone who met my strength and dexterity. My speed was unrivaled. I quickly took him to the floor and stood as the victor.
“Thank you for coming in Zavier,” Chan said. “You’ll be hearing from us.”
Zavier bowed before he walked out.
I returned to the table. “He seems promising.”
“Yes, he does. But we have one more person. Alex.”
I glanced at the last resume. It looked similar to Zavier’s. “Let’s get this over with.”
We waited until the final candidate came inside.
“He’s late.” That was all Chan said.
“Maybe we shouldn’t bother interviewing him.”
He raised his hand. “Be patient. Things happen.”
I’d never been late to a job interview in my life. But whatever.
Finally, the door opened and a woman walked in. She was wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans. She had brown hair that was pulled from her face. She had prominent cheekbones and crystal-blue eyes. Her lips were full and red, looking soft. She was skinny, but she had curves. Her stomach was tight but packed with muscle. Her legs were just as thick.
What was she doing here?
“You can sign up for classes at the front desk,” I blurted.
She stopped at the table and narrowed her eyes at me. “I’m here for the interview.” A light twinge of annoyance was in her voice.
I glanced at the resume. “We’re waiting for Alex. You aren’t Alex.”
Now she looked like she hated me. “Alex is short for Alexandria.”
It was? I scanned through her resume again. I hadn’t realized she was a girl. I didn’t have a problem with women learning martial arts, but I’d never known one that was good at it, at least to the point where they were considered a master. I guess I was a little incredulous to the idea. “I see…”
“Our apologies,” Chan said. “Take a seat.”
She did as he asked.
I put her resume down then faced her. “Why are you late?”
“Why are you sexist?”
I let the insult wash over me. “You think that’s the best attitude to have in a job interview?”
“I don’t care what it’s for. If you’re rude to me, I’ll be rude back.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but Chan held up his hand.
“A warrior doesn’t back down from a fight. Nor do they let insults go. It invites the tormentor to continue their behavior.”
“Tormentor?” I asked incredulously. “That’s a little extreme.”
Chan gave me a look that said, “Be quiet.”
I shut my mouth and crossed my arms over my chest.
“Alexandria, it’s nice to meet you,” Chan said politely. “I’m Chan and this is Theo.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” She only looked at Chan when she said it.
Chan held her resume. “I see that you worked as a trainer for five years. What can you tell me about that experience?”
“You only learn a small amount of what is taught to you. But you learn everything you teach to someone else.” She crossed her legs and rested her hands in her lap. “And I learned more from that experience than I did from my own masters.”
Chan nodded, pleased by that response. “It says you were the national champion in martial arts for the women’s league three years in a row.”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“Why didn’t you compete in the fourth year?”
She clearly didn’t expect this question. “I was physically unable to due to an accident.”
“Is that why you have no work history for two years?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said quietly.
“What happened?” Chan asked bluntly.
“I broke my legs, four ribs, and my right arm.” She said it plainly and with no emotion. But she didn’t explain how it happened.
“Do those injuries still bother you?”
“No.” She held his gaze as she said it.
“Not at all?” I asked. If my body had been demolished like that, I’d have a hard time getting up in the morning. Her joints must hurt, and her body probably wasn’t the same as it used to be. A career in self-defense sounded like a bad idea.
She turned her gaze on me. “Whether it does or not is irrelevant. It doesn’t interfere with my work. So, no.”
She refused to show any sign of weakness. From the moment she walked through the door, she held herself with respect and grace. If she was provoked, she didn’t cower and hide. She attacked with everything she had. She had my respect. “Why do you want to work here?” I asked bluntly.
“It’s closer to home and I’m a fan of Chan’s expertise.”
I nodded slowly. “What can you do for our students?”
“More than just skills and abilities, I can motivate them to keep going, to never give up, and make them feel safe,” she said. “I’ve wanted to give up several times, but I never did. I understand how a new student could feel.”
Chan nodded in agreement.
I did nothing, just staring at her. She’d rubbed me the wrong way from the moment she walked into the building. She was arrogant and snooty. But she was also strong and unforgiving.
She was a living yin-yang, exemplifying the best and worst of herself at the same time. I hadn’t met a woman so confident and sturdy. She looked like she was impossible to break. She had the resilience of someone who just wouldn’t quit. And she was also stunning. Not only did she have a gorgeous body with muscle, not weak and thin, but her face was flawless. She had the looks of a model, but she acted like she didn’t possess any vanity. Her face was free of makeup, and her hair was pulled back like she didn’t spend time making herself look nice.
Chan turned to me. “Theo will fight you. I’d like to see what you can do.”
I expected her to argue or say she wasn’t prepared.
But she didn’t. She stood up then moved to the center of the mat, waiting for me to join her.
I came around the table and walked to her, trying to appear as nonthreatening as possible. My entire torso was chiseled and hard. Lines of muscle covered my ribs and back. It was understandable for her to be scared of me. Since she was a girl and a stranger, I decided to go easy on her. I didn’t fight women, so it was weird to take a swing at her. This was just to see what she could do, so I wouldn’t give her everything I had. Even though I was going to be gentle with her, I still wasn’t sexist. It was just hard for me to hurt a woman.
She looked at me with a stoic expression, almost like she was bored. She took a defensive stance, her eyes glued to my face. Her posture was perfect, like she’d been sparring for years.
“Begin,” Chan said.
I struck first with a slow movement, but she danced out of the way before I could land the hit. I didn’t back down. I kept going, kicking her in the stomach then smashing my fist into her side. She blocked the second hit and didn’t react to the kick in her stomach, probably because it was light. Then she jumped in the air and kicked me right in the face.
I stumbled back, shocked she could jump that high and elicit that much force.
I came back and moved in again, bouncing on my feet. She was on the offense this time and moved in quickly. She hit me in the ear then kicked me savagely in the stomach. She didn’t go easy on me and gave me everything she had.
I grabbed her leg then flipped her to the floor to avoid hurting her, but she rolled in the fall then tripped my feet from under me.