Balance (Off Balance Book 1)

by Lucia Franco

  My eyes snapped back up, locking with his. “Dick. I want your dick.”

  He grinned, and God, was he gorgeous when he did. The kind of grin that soaked panties and made them drop—like mine. It made me wonder if he actually had stayed away from mothers and gymnasts like he said. He squeezed my hand in his again, and I could feel him growing harder.

  Kova’s head tilted to the side, his eyes flitted across my flesh. Leaning down, he placed his tongue on my collarbone and worked it up the curve of my neck. He pulled my skin into his mouth and continued until he hit my ear. God, what he was capable of making me feel.

  “I want your tongue stroking me the way your hand is. Tell me, where is your hand, Ria?”

  My lips parted. It was getting harder to breathe. There was no way to stop the shiver that racked my body from the feel of him on me, the way his words pulsated every vein in me.

  He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, the hot air trickling along my skin. “Try one more time.” He whispered it ever so slowly right next to my ear and my legs almost gave out. I felt silly saying the word I knew he was waiting for. I hardly ever said it, and not many of my girlfriends back home had either, but then again none of them were in pursuit of an older man.

  However, the reaction I drew from him topped it all.

  Breathing in, I stood on my tiptoes and boldly whispered in his ear. “Cock. I want your cock, Coach.”

  He groaned hoarsely in my ear and it made my heart stammer. What was it about him that made me react the way I did to him? Kova’s body tightened, his strength felt under the tips of my fingers as he internally struggled with the words I spoke.

  A low growl rumbled in his chest, and I loved that I caused it. Being in the grips of a man compared to a teenage boy is something all together different. It was an awakening.

  “Exactly. It is my cock. And if you want it, you will have to learn to prove it to me. Do you want my cock?”

  “Yes,” I answered breathlessly.

  “Say it again.”

  “I want your cock,” I purred.

  He pushed into me with his cock. “Again. And this time look me square in the eyes.”

  “Cock. I. Want. It.”

  “Adrianna…” he groaned, and then straightened. “Do you really think you are ready for a relationship of this magnitude if you cannot even use the word?”

  I shook my head contradictorily and used the same line he used on me. “Tell me to stop.”

  He said nothing, but by the harsh look in his eyes, I knew exactly what his silence meant.

  I stroked his cock, adding pressure to the head and said again, “Tell me to stop, Coach.”

  “Do not…”

  My stomach tightened and I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I didn’t want him to end this after we only just started, but I also didn’t want him to do anything he was opposed to either.

  We stood inches apart, staring into each other’s eyes, desiring so much more but not taking what we craved. I may only be sixteen, but I could read his internal battle knowing what he should do as my coach, as opposed to what he longed to do to me as a man. One glance at his hard body coiled with restraint and the greedy look in his eyes said everything.

  I let go of his length and my shoulders sagged. Fearing I made a huge mistake, my eyes dropped to the ground unable to look at him any longer. I let out an exasperated sigh. I thought I’d read the craving cloaked in the indecision in his eyes correctly. Apparently, I hadn’t, and it stung. This was my first real taste of rejection and I didn’t know how to handle the onslaught of emotions it came with.

  His decision was clear and I needed to get away so I could think straight, but before I could take another step from the invisible cage his presence held me in, Kova wrapped his fingers around my wrist, stilling me instantly.

  Snapping my eyes to his face, I was confused when I saw his jaw grind down. He pulled my hand slowly back toward his body and placed it where it was before. On his cock.

  “You did not let me finish before. Do not…stop is what I was going to say.”

  Leaning in, Kova was just inches from my mouth when a knock sounded at the door. We both jumped apart, equal parts of fear and shock matched both of our faces.

  “Go to the table,” he whispered ever so quietly. I ran, lied down, and crossed my arms over my chest staring at the ceiling. My heart was in my throat, the beat drumming in my ears so loud it was all I could hear. Nausea swirled the knots in my stomach and I fought shaking from panic. My mouth was as dry as the desert. There was no way I could make eye contact with whoever was on the other side of the door. Doing anything in the gym was careless and stupid.

  Nervous sweat coated my body when the door opened.

  “Madeline,” he stated.

  Fuck.

  “Everything okay in here?” she asked, her eyes landing on me. “Why is the door locked?”

  I froze.

  “Forgive me. I did not realize it was locked. I have been meaning to replace the knob for that reason alone.” The lie rolled swiftly off his delicious lips.

  “Kova, Reagan’s looking for you.”

  Kova rubbed his jaw before he spoke. “Ah, I will be out soon. I was just telling Adrianna she has to see a doctor before she can return to train. It seems she has been hiding an injury from us.”

  It wasn’t far from the truth, but I needed to follow his lead so nothing looked out of the ordinary. I continued to stare at the ceiling as I spat, “I don’t need to see a doctor. I just need some ice and a wrap.”

  Madeline turned to Kova and asked, “What’s wrong with her?” He gave her a quick rundown.

  She walked over to me. “You know, Adrianna, Coach Kova is right. If you don’t seek medical attention now, you risk tearing your Achilles tendon completely and putting you out for weeks. I’d hate to see that after how far you’ve come.”

  I took in Madeline’s heartfelt words and her concerned tone. For some odd reason, tears formed in my eyes. She was right, and in the back of my mind, I knew she had a valid point. I just didn’t want to accept it.

  Agreeing, I said, “I’ll call my dad and let him know.”

  She brushed my hair back from my forehead. “If they don’t want to come all the way over for just one appointment, I’ll gladly go with you,” Madeline offered.

  I looked up at her and smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

  “Of course. Just let me know and I’ll be there,” she returned the smile before she left the room. I may be stubborn, but I wasn’t stupid enough to risk everything I’ve worked for. Being checked out by a doctor was the responsible thing to do, it just took a few moments to accept it. Downplaying an injury wasn’t really the best idea. I was better than that.

  Kova made sure the door was shut and then walked back over to me. He placed his hand on the table and peered down at me, looking almost nice and calm.

  “Now, let me put some ice on you.”

  It was no surprise Madeline accompanied me to the doctor. Dad had been out of the state on business, and when I told my mom Madeline offered, she quickly agreed to let her. She said Madeline would be better off anyway because she’d know what to do with the injury and treatment that would follow. She did, however, find a reputable doctor for me, one well-known on this side of Florida who could see me at the drop of a hat.

  Which was where Madeline and I were at the present moment. Dr. DeLang was a fairly young looking Asian doctor only a little taller than me. Her petite frame contradicted her stature and poise. After giving her a brief rundown of my injury, she ordered me to lie on my stomach across the exam table with my legs hanging off. It was an odd position for sure, but who was I to question her.

  Holding my foot, she rotated and turned it gently around. I held my breath, nervous about her diagnosis. “Your ankle is a little swollen. How does this feel?”

  “Fine. It doesn’t hurt too much.” She pinched the spot above my heel. “Well, it doesn’t seem like you tore your Achilles tendon, I
’d be able to feel it.” Then she squeezed my calf muscle. “And you have good reflex. When does the pain start to set in? Any specific time?” She patted me to sit up.

  “Sometimes in the beginning when I start practice, but after a little while, the pain goes away. I’ll feel it come back once I’m home. Or sometimes when I’m running it will hurt.”

  “And your gymnastics training,” she said, writing in the file, “is this a new schedule you started, maybe where your body wasn’t used to this type of pressure?”

  “I started earlier this year…I went from twenty-five hours a week to nearly fifty hours a week of training. What do you think caused it?”

  She looked up. “Hmmm…I’m going to bring in the ultrasound tech to make sure the tendon isn’t ruptured. Medically speaking, I’d say your injury is due to overuse, doing things too fast and too soon. However, it could be from landing wrong, the impact, or not warming up enough first. It’s a common injury among athletes.”

  “Is it treatable where I won’t have to take time off?”

  “Let’s see what the scan shows first.” Dr. DeLang smiled, and left the room.

  Looking at Madeline, I said, “What do you think it is? I can’t take time off, I just can’t,” I pleaded.

  She rubbed my back. “Don’t get upset. We don’t even know what she’ll say.”

  The ultrasound was performed, and another twenty agonizing minutes went by before the doctor finally returned with the results.

  “All right,” she said, shutting the door behind her. “Good news. You didn’t rupture your Achilles.” She smiled. “The bad news is that you have a pretty bad strain. There are a few options we have that can heal your injury.”

  I prayed to God she wouldn’t suggest time off.

  “Lots of good stretching before and after practice, icing your muscles every few hours, maybe an ice bath to reduce inflammation. Since you have to be on your feet a lot, taping it could help aid protection. Massage therapy is another one that helps. I’ll get you in touch with a sports medicine therapist. You’ll need to see her before you go back to training so you don’t damage your injury any further. Until then, I can prescribe some medicine for inflammation.”

  Quickly, she scribbled something on a square piece of paper and handed it to me. “If you need anything or have any questions, just call and we’ll get you in.”

  “Thank you,” Madeline said.

  “Do you think I’ll be able to see the sports doctor soon?” I asked Dr. DeLang.

  “I’m not sure what her schedule is, you’ll have to call and find out.” Flattening my lips, I nodded and thanked her.

  Once we were in Madeline’s car, I expelled a loud sigh and called my mom.

  “Mom, it’s me. I just left the doctor’s.”

  “And how did it go?” she asked.

  “I strained my Achilles tendon and need therapy. The doctor gave me a number for a therapist. Can I give you the number and you set it up for me?”

  “No need. I’ll find a doctor for you.”

  I paused, my forehead cinching together in puzzlement as to why my mom would find her own doctor. “Mom, I can’t go back to training until I see the physical therapist. When do you think you’ll call and make an appointment?”

  “I’m pretty booked up today and—”

  My heart dropped, my head flopped back. She’d make time when she could for me and not any sooner. Tears sprung to my eyes. “Mom, this is really important,” I stressed.

  “Not everything is about you, Adrianna. The world doesn’t stop when you want it to. I said I will call, and I will when I get the chance.”

  Biting my tongue, I thanked her and hung up. Madeline drove toward World Cup. I stayed quiet while annoyance festered inside of me.

  Madeline looked at me with sympathy in her eyes. “It’ll all work out. Let’s see what Coach Kova has to say.”

  “Thank you, Madeline, for coming with me.”

  She patted my leg. “Of course.”

  Pulling into World Cup, Madeline parked her car and we stepped inside. “Go sit in Kova’s office and we’ll be there soon.”

  Nodding, I made my way to the back, running into Holly.

  “How’d it go,” Holly asked as she shut her locker and faced me.

  “Not good at all. I strained my Achilles tendon.”

  Her eyes widened. “Does that mean you’re out?”

  “No, luckily no. I have to do therapy though and just be careful not to tear it, I guess. That would put me out for sure.”

  Her mouth pulled up. “Be careful, with gymnastics that goes together like oil and water.”

  “Right? I gotta go to Kova’s office and wait for him and Madeline. I’ll see you later.”

  Brushing past me, Reagan flew in nudging my shoulder. “Going to the beach?” she asked, opening her locker. Her eyes scanned my attire with a scowl.

  I looked down at my hunter-green, Victoria’s Secret sundress and Tory Burch sandals. Not wanting to give her the satisfaction, I rolled my eyes, ignored her, and walked away. After my doctor’s appointment, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Reagan.

  Stepping into Kova’s office, I sat down and waited, thinking back on the conversation I had with my mom. Funny how in the span of a few minutes she could make me feel completely inconsequential. I’d asked her for help and she gave it to me. Asking her twice was a whole different story. Calling my dad would be a better alternative, and I decided I’d do it after I left here. I just hoped for once I took priority over whatever project he might have going on.

  Within minutes, both coaches were in the office, Kova sat behind his desk. Madeline gave him a detailed update as I stared off, upset over the news. Devastation hit me. Angry tears formed in the back of my eyes. I couldn’t believe this was happening after how hard I worked. Any injury, big or small, would hold back any athlete.

  “Well, it could be worse,” Kova said, gaining my attention after Madeline left, shutting the door behind her. His eyes stayed on my face as he spoke. “Good thing is you will not be out and it is treatable.”

  “You’re not making me stay out until I see the other doctor?” Hope bloomed inside my chest.

  “You cannot afford to be out, Adrianna. So you can do extra conditioning and light workouts for now. We will go from there. We may have to scale back some skills though.” I knew it was a reach around comment, but I didn’t care so long as he’d let me practice. “Since you are here, I should tell you that I signed you up for the Parkettes Invitational meet. We need to get you qualified as an elite, but first, you will compete as a level ten with your new elite skills and see how you do and go from there. This meet has some of the best level ten’s and elites in the country competing, so this should be a good test for you.”

  The smile that spread across my face was ear to ear. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, I wanted to qualify as an elite, but I’d take it since this was a step in the right direction. “When is it?”

  “A little less than three months from now—January. Which means we have a lot of work to do. Have you spoken to your parents yet about the injury?”

  I groaned. There went my happy mood. Slouching back, I looked away and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “My mom, and she said she’ll get in touch with a doctor when she has time.” My voice softened. “I’d give anything for her to put me first, to show she really cares. She said she was busy, days could go by before she calls anyone. I was going to call my dad when I left here because who knows how busy—”

  Kova picked up the phone and dialed away. “I will talk to him.”

  My eyes snapped back to Kova. We sat in silence, staring at each other with the phone pressed to his ear. I noticed he had a good day’s worth of growth on his jaw and his hair was disheveled. Dark circles were prominent under his eyes, and before I could think better of it, I said, “You look exhausted.”

  His eyes weakened. Kova opened his mouth to speak, but I heard my dad’s voice.

  “Frank, it is
Kova…Yes, she is okay.” He told my dad about the doctor visit and treatment. “Adrianna said she spoke to your wife and she would call and make the appointment when she had time. Frank, time is not on our side, and I cannot stress enough how important it is that your daughter be seen soon. ”

  Kova stared at me, listening to my dad. “That is good, you will call me back and let me know? She cannot be out of the gym too long.” He nodded. “Yes, she is right here.” Kova held the phone out to me. I stood, reaching for it, but his desk was too wide, so I stepped around and stood next to Kova. Taking the phone from his hand, I leaned against the edge of the desk comfortably and lifted the phone to my ear.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “My sweet pea, it’s good to hear your voice.”

  I smiled. “Yours too.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I feel fine, the pain isn’t so bad, and it’s not a bad strain at all. I can push through it but no one will listen to me. I know what I’m doing,” I said flippantly and he chuckled. “I talked to Mom… Do you think you can take care of everything for me please? I know she says she will, but this really can’t wait. Coach said that he signed me up for my first elite meet, so I want to be ready for it.”

  “Don’t worry your pretty little face. I’ve already got it under control. Kova will hear from me by the end of the day.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” I paused. “I miss you.”

  “Miss you too, sweetie. I need to get back to work, but I’ll talk to you soon. Put him back on.”

  I said my goodbye, and handed Kova the phone. I picked at my already chipped pale pink nail polish and stayed while he continued talking to my dad. I knew just as much as Kova did I couldn’t afford to take time off. After all the long, rigorous hours I put in to get ahead only to take ten steps back? Not going to happen.

  There weren’t enough hours in the day, but come hell or high water, I planned to be at practice bright and early tomorrow morning.

  Kova hung the phone up and angled his chair toward me, leaning back with his legs stretched open. He looked fucking sexy sitting back so casually with his head tilted to the side. His clandestine eyes were on my body. I wanted to know what he was thinking of for his lips to form a slow sexy twist and his eyes to sparkle when they met mine again. The air changed in the room. When we were alone, the intensity of his gaze always undid me, and I knew if I looked at him any longer I’d agree to anything he said.