by Shell, C.
I have two things in this world that help me relax and drown out the stress in my life. One being music and the other being kickboxing. Combine the two and I am in a world of my own where nothing can touch me.
Swinging my gym bag, which I keep in my car for just this occasion, over my shoulder, I walk into the large metal building and take a moment to take in all the activity going on around me. I will never forget the first time I came here. I had a client who frequented here during his off time and requested that I meet him here during his lunch break to have a few papers signed so we could begin re-decorating his wife's new office. I was instantly drawn to the musky smell of sweat, the sound of loud music blaring loud from all corners, and the energetic hum of the punching bag being pounded on.
From the outside the place is nothing special to look at. Just an old looking warehouse set in the middle of industrial factories and businesses. Driving by you would never know that inside this exclusive gym holds top of the line equipment, the best trainers around, and a waiting list to join. This place is like my own version of crack.
Storing away my bag, I take a long pull from my water bottle, and then head back into the main room in search for Mark. Mark is my trainer and sometimes life coach. He is what I would call an old soul. At the young ripe age of thirty-seven he has accomplished more in his life than all my friends combined. He has established everything from marriage, two tours of duty in the Army, traveling the world, three beautiful daughters, owning his own successful business, to training celebrities and well known athletes. He one of the few people I know who actually have their shit together and doesn't stress the little things in life. He is always happy and appreciates life. I envy him in so many ways.
After searching the office and upstairs cardio rooms, I finally find him downstairs sparring with a newbie in the big ring. Not wanting to interrupt I head upstairs and hit the treadmill, with the intention to get warmed-up. I am so lost in the energetic beat of Miley Cypress singing about partying in the U.S.A. that I never notice that someone has taken up the treadmill beside me.
Feeling a warm hand running down the outside of my arm I jump and turn all at once, causing me to lose my momentum and footing. Before I can catch myself my feet fly out under me and I fly backwards, landing ungracefully on my ass with a loud thump.
It takes me a moment to comprehend what the hell just happened. I am not sure what is bruised more, my ass or my pride. Dragging my eyes up I search out the culprit. What the hell?
A loud audible gasp leaves my lips at the sight of a slack jawed and wide eyed Mr. Scott staring down at me. Not Daemon Scott, the other Mr. Scott. Trey Scott, Daemon's handsome brother, newly founded business partner, and Sasha's latest crush.
Raking a hand through his disheveled hair he crouches down next to me and begins profusely apologizing for startling me and causing my fall. "Are you okay?" he asks raking his eyes over my body looking for any cuts or injuries that may be hidden.
"I am fine," I say batting his hands away. Placing a hand on the wall behind me for support, I pull myself up into a standing position and bite back a yelp, as the pain on my backside intensifies.
"You don't look fine," he scowls giving me another once over. "Daemon is going to kick my ass once he hears about this," he curses beneath his breath.
My head snaps up at the mention of my magically fingered one night fling. "First off," I say pointing my finger in his face so he knows I mean business. "What the hell are you doing at my gym?" Not giving him a chance to answer I continue," And second, you are not telling Daemon about any of this. He doesn't need to know what does or does not happen to me or my bruised ass outside of work. Understand?"
He gives me the same glare his brother has used on me more than once. I never knew glares could be hereditary, but obviously for these two they are. "Sorry princess, but I have to tell him. We don't keep secrets from each other. And to answer your first question, Sasha told me about his place and suggested I try it out."
I am going to kill her when I see her! She knows this is my special place. Remembering that Trey just said that he and Daemon don't keep secrets from each other, I turn back to him feeling heat traveling up my chest and tainting my cheeks red. Does that mean that he knows what I did with Daemon last night?
"What just caused you to turn all red, princess?" He asks, narrowing his eyes on me and tilting his head to the side as though he is trying to figure me out.
I don't respond. I think this is one of those times when it is best that I keep quiet and not say anything that might reveal more than is needed. Too bad Trey does not follow those same rules.
Clucking his tongue he smirks at me before adding, "Did you just figure out that I know all about how you tortured and teased my brother to an inch of his life last night? I hope you know he spent the remainder of the night drinking himself into a stupid stupor after you left. Never seen him lose it over a girl before. It was quite a sight."
I bark out a very un-lady like laugh. Rolling my eyes, I let him know I think he is full of himself. "Thanks for the ego boost, but I don't believe for a minute that Daemon did any of those things on my account. He might have gotten lit, but it was just to dull his aching blue balls until he could find another willing victim."
"Wow! You are everything he said you were and more. I am not sure if I envy or pity the bastard for wanting you so bad." Although his words are crass, his tone is appreciative, which completely throws me off. I swear all the Scott men are mad. Totally and crazily mad.
I shake my head and smile. He might be full of himself, but at the end of the day I must remember he is still a client of mine and I need to be nice...well, at least nicer.
"It was great seeing you again Trey," I say gathering a towel from the cart beside the door. "I hope you enjoy the gym and give my best to your brother." Turning on my heel I begin a quick walk downstairs in hopes that Mark is done with his newbie and ready to whip my butt into shape.
To my surprise and disappointment, Mark is nowhere to be found. I know it sounds stupid, but I am super picky about who I spar with. Which is why not having Mark around right now is testing my frazzled patience. Sitting down on the side of the ring, I decide to enjoy at least one more song while I wait for him. If he does not show up by then, I will head on home and try again tomorrow.
My eyes are closed and I am halfway through the verses of Hot n'Cold by Katy Perry when I feel a distinctive shiver race down my spine. Not the kind you get when you are scared or in danger, but the kind that alerts you when something is off. Opening my eyes I scan the large area around me and that is when I spot him. Leaning against the door on the opposite side of the room, arms crossed against his chest, stands the man who has turned my life upside down, Daemon Scott.
I am not sure how long we just stare at each other. I am sure it is only minutes, but it feels more like hours and days before he uncrosses his large arms and strides towards me. He looks disheveled, dangerous, and sexier than ever. My internal shameless hussy wakes up, takes notice, and gives her approval all the while begging for me to let loose. Not going to happen!
When he is within touching distance I finally allow my eyes to slide over him as I take in his dark blue gym shorts, white wife beater tank, and running shoes. I lick my lips in hunger at the sight of him. His shorts dip low on his hips showcasing a sexy V, like you see on most men models and athletes. I clasp my fingers together in front of me to stop myself from reaching out and tracing it. He is all hard muscle, I muse while forcing myself to stop drooling and focus on something else.
"So, I guess Trey was correct. You two actually do tell each other everything. I will keep that bit of information in mind in the future."
Tilting my head up I search his eyes, looking for answers to what he might be up to. His eyes and face remains stoic, not giving anything away. "Why are you here Damon?" I ask with more bite then needed.
Side stepping my question he reaches out a hand to help me up. Not wanting to seem scared or nervou
s around him, I put my hand in his. The moment we touch, that familiar tingling and electricity, courses through me once again. Irritated over my body's reaction, I ask him once again," Why are you here?"
Smirking he reveals those damn lick-able dimples and my eyes are immediately drawn to his luscious lips." Spar with me," he challenges.
"No," I say without hesitation.
"Why?"
"I only spar with Mark. You are not Mark." The air around us changes. It is not longer light and airy, but thick and suffocating. Daemon takes a step towards me so he is now standing tall and hovering above me. His height and muscular stature make me feel tiny. Holding my stance I refuse to crumble and back down.
"Who the fuck is Mark?" His deep voice vibrates with anger, causing me to flinch. Bending down he speaks low so only I can hear. "Has Mark also had the privilege of playing with that pretty pussy of yours, or did you reserve that just for me?"
His words hit me hard and a small gasp escapes me. I should have known last night was nothing more than a mistake that would continue to haunt me. I am such an idiot. For some stupid reason I actually wanted to believe it meant something to him. My hurt quickly turns to anger and before I have a chance to change my mind, I accept his challenge.
"You can find gloves in the bin behind you," I spit out. "Two rounds and don't go easy on me because I am a girl or your forfeit and I win. I can hold my own"
Nodding he turns and gets prepared as I climb into the ring and do the same. As I squeeze my hands into the gloves, I notice Trey off to the side watching us. He seems amused and once our eyes clash, he gives me a wink before turning and heading off towards the pool area. At least that is one less Mr. Scott I have to worry about for a while.
Daemon finishes up and joins me on the mat. We square off and the game begins. I side step several times, studying his movements and trying to get a read on him. He is quick and after a few jabs and kicks, I realize he is quite good. Is there anything he is not good at?
Faking a right, I go left and plant a jab directly onto his right cheek. Before I have a chance to safely retreat, he swipes my feet out from under me and I go down hard. A startled cry rips out as my already sore and bruised ass takes another hit. Damn, these Scott men are going to be the death of me.
As I lay on the mat, trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of me, Daemon clambers to the side of me. "Kelly, I am such an ass. Please tell me you are okay," he mutters over and over while pulling me up into his arms and positioning me against his chest. I know I should move away from him...but I don't. I lay there and listen the frantic beating of his heart while replaying his hurtful words in my head. Like a bad record they just keep going round and round.
"Why did you say that," I whisper, surprised by how weak and soft my voice sounds. "Do you really think that little of me?"
Kissing the top of my head, he slowly begins rubbing slow circles up and down my arms. As much as I want to hate his touch, it calms me. Makes me feel special and wish for things that I will never be able to have with him.
"No, I was just pissed off and hated the thought of another man touching you," he admits."You drive me completely insane and make me want to do really stupid things. Things a man like me should never think of," he says with a heavy sigh.
"Mark, is my trainer. If you had asked nicely I would have told you, but no. You chose to be a royal dick." I say breathlessly.
Remembering his previous words, I ask. "A man like you? What does that mean?"
"Don't play stupid, Tulip," he sighs, running a hand through his sweat streaked hair. "I am sure you have read all the media reports and the many titles they have attached me with."
Scooping me up in his arms, as though I weigh nothing, he carries me out of the ring and over to one of the benches on the side of the wall. Sitting down he makes haste rearranging me so that I am sitting beside him with my legs resting on his lap. Ignoring the intimate vibe surrounding us, I take the opportunity granted and ask some of the questions that have been driving me crazy.
"How much of what they say about you is true? In almost every picture taken at various events you have a different woman draped on your arm, so obviously there must be some truth to you being a playboy with a healthy appetite. Am I wrong?" I challenge, refusing to take my eyes off of his.
Daemon stiffens beside me. He does not answer me, but instead grabs the back of my head and crashes his lips down onto my own. He groans deeply in the back of his throat as the kiss deepens, turning intense and passionate. Just like everything in Daemon's life, he takes what he wants. I emit a small whimper before surrendering and kissing him back. I match his kiss with every ounce of energy and lust I have. Heat flushes through my body and my nipples harden to painful nubs. It is as if every part of my body has awakened and is now responding to his nearness.
As abruptly as the kiss started, it ends, leaving me panting and wondering what the hell just happened. Glancing around, I am shocked and thankful to see everyone still doing their own thing and not paying us any attention. Pulling my wide-eyed gaze back onto Daemon, I find him staring at me with a look of guilt and apprehension.
"Those women I was with have nothing to do with us. They were nothing but fillers for the evening and knew before going out with me what the score was. They were arm candy and nothing more."
I nod my understanding, not trusting my vocal chords at the moment. No matter how much of a dry spell I have been enduring, I will not sell myself out just to be a pretty piece of ass. Not even for Daemon. I should be grateful that we are now working together and I can continue to use that excuse to keep my heart guarded. My body might not agree, but it will just have to continue to have weekly dates with my vibrator until a real prince charming comes around.
I start to pull my feet back so I can stand. I need space and some time to think about all that has happened. Before I can fully stand upright he is on me and pulling me back down. He is so close I can feel the heat rolling off his body against mine and his scent teasing my nose. His body is tense and coiled as he holds me tight as though he is afraid I might run any moment. He is not completely wrong in that assumption. The thought is definitely on my mind.
"Fuck..." he spits out, raking a hand through his hair. "You tie me in knots, Tulip. I suck at all this heartfelt shit and am afraid I am going to say the wrong thing to you," he admits while spewing out a few more curse words. Staring at him in shock, I sit stock still not sure what to do next.
"What I was trying to say and messed up at conveying is that yes I have lived up to my reputation on more than once occasion, but that is not who I want to be with you. You are not some one night stand that I plan on fucking and then never seeing again. You are the real deal, babe."
I stare up at him more confused than before. Finally finding my voice I speak. "You're crazy. What does all that even mean?"
He gives me a wickedly sexy grin, showing me once again those damable dimples I am growing to love. "It means you are mine. It means you intrigue me and make me want to have more with you then just one night. The more I learn about you, the more I need to know. I want to know everything about you."
Leaning in close to my ear so only I can hear, he continues. "I want to know all the sounds you make when you cum, the way your body and mouth feels wrapped around my cock. And I am dying to find out how good you taste."
I think I have stopped breathing. Searching his eyes I see that he is being honest. There is no deceit or lies hiding beneath his gaze. His words move me and my body hums in delight. His determined self assurance is so sexy. How can a man who just met me a few days ago and knows almost nothing about me feel anything deep for me? Surely he is just speaking about lust. I know I have not had many relationships, but this all seems very surreal and fast.
With my mind caught up in a world wind, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. "Why do you call me Tulip?"
He looks deep in thought for a moment and then his emerald green eyes flick up to mine. With j
ust one look I am weak in the knees and jelly in his hands. The corners of his mouth turn up and he makes a sound of amusement.
"Every time I kiss you, you remind me of a tulip. My foster mother used to plant tulips when I was little. I loved how they were varied in color and how soft they felt and yet they stood strong and solid. You remind me of that. Your lips are soft and plaint and yet you stand tall and proud. You are my very own tulip.
My very own tulip?
That is the moment I knew nothing would ever be the same for me again. My world would forever be changed.
Chapter 6 - Daemon
"Trey, you better keep your promise. Keep your girl in check," I hiss through clenched teeth as I walk forward and pause before pushing ahead through the double glass door.
"I will do my best, but you know as well as I do that she can be a hot head. Just don't do anything to push her buttons and everything should go well." He chuckles.
I grunt knowing damn well that it won't take much to throw Sasha into a frenzy. She lives up to her reputation as a shark lawyer, which is the main reason I hired her. I just wish I had known what a pain in the ass she would be to work. I was more than happy to let Trey take over dealing with her when he offered.
Sasha briefly glances up as we enter and makes a quick walk over to give Trey a mega watt smile and kiss while keeping narrowed eyes darting my way the entire time. She really does not like me.
"Sasha, don't you look lovely today." I give her my best smile trying to flatter my way back into her good graces. Ever since she found out I was making a play for Kelly, she had been stand offish towards me. She even went as far as telling Trey that I was not good enough for her best friend.
I get her reluctance to trust me, but I need her on my side. Kelly listens to Sasha and I don't need her causing me trouble. I have not seen Kelly since I left her on Saturday, not that I don't want to, but I want to play this smart and not overwhelm her. That is one of the reasons I came to this meeting with Trey today. I need information about Kelly that I can't find out through background checks, which I already have.