“I probably will,” I admit. “Unless it’s exam time.”
I kiss and hug both my parents, and as Dad slides in behind the wheel, he says, “If you need anything, just call, and I’ll take care of it.”
“I know. Love you both.”
“Love you most, Bean,” Dad says tenderly.
Mom leans over Dad so she can see me. “Love you.”
I watch my parents drive off, then begin to walk back to the dorms, but instead of heading to my room, I decide to go see what the gym is like.
The campus is luxurious and modern, with a touch of history. Students pass by me, their eyes focused on their phones. Dressed in only the top brands, I get the impression my fellow students are all competing with each other to look the most fashionable.
I’ll definitely end last in that competition. I’ve never been one to follow the latest fashion trends.
Reaching the gym, high-paced music thumps in the air. Various machines are already occupied, and an aerobics class is just about to start. I search for a punching bag and find a couple hanging at the back of the building.
The beat pulsing around me, and the vibe of energy bouncing off the walls makes me eager to start.
Tomorrow morning first thing I’ll be back to beat the ever-loving shit out of the bag.
Grinning and feeling pleased with my discovery, I make my way back to the suite I share with my friends.
Chapter 4
HUNTER
Since my first day at the academy, I’ve always started my mornings at the gym, and this year will be no different.
I make my way to the upper floor and stepping on a treadmill, I start at a slow jog to warm up. I can still hear the gym’s generic music and turn up the volume on my own playlist. Focusing on my breaths, I look down below at the meager amount of students who braved the early hours to get some exercise in before class.
A flash of red draws my attention, and for a moment, I check out the sexy ass swaying across the lower floor.
Damn, the girl looks good in tights.
Then my eyes land on her face, and seeing that it’s Jade, the attraction I felt a second ago fizzles a little.
The speed on the treadmill increases, and I have to switch from jogging to running. Jade makes her way over to a row of punching bags, and after putting on a pair of gloves, she begins to lightly bounce around while taking jabs at the bag.
I watch as her blows grow harder and faster. By the time I’m done running and sweat is pouring down my back, I’m not sure if my heart is pounding from the exercise, or from watching Jade beat the shit out of the bag.
I wipe my face and neck before taking a swig from my water bottle, then head down to the ground floor. Jade’s so focused that she doesn’t see me coming, and it allows me another couple of minutes to watch her.
I’d be a robot not to admit that all sweaty and flushed, Jade looks fucking hot. Glancing around the gym, I notice I’m not the only guy staring at her. One of the juniors stopped training altogether. The weights are forgotten at his feet while he watches Jade with drool practically dripping from his open mouth.
Fucker. He better not get any ideas.
I take a couple of steps forward to catch the junior’s gaze, and the moment his eyes focus on me, I shake my head.
All the guys on campus know not to fuck with me. With a light shrug, he resumes his workout.
That’s one down.
I turn my attention back to Jade. She’s stopped punching, and with her chin raised, her eyes bore into me.
Feeling annoyed that my morning routine has been interrupted, a frown forms on my brow. “Is that seriously what you’re going to wear for your workouts?”
A puzzled expression crosses her features then she glances down at the tights and sports bra. “What’s wrong with my outfit?”
“It fits like a second skin, Little Bean.”
She gives me a skeptical look. “Seriously, Hunter? That’s the damn point of exercise clothes, so the fabric doesn’t get in the way.”
“Yeah, but it… it’s too tight. It leaves very little to the imagination.” I glance around and scowl at the first guy I catch staring. Flustered, he swings around and rushes to the other side of the building.
You better run, fucker!
Jade shakes her head and lets out an aggravated huff. “Get lost, Chargill.” She punches the bag once then glares at me. “Before I forego the bag and lay into you.”
That reminds me.
“Great idea. Let’s spar.”
Jade’s body stills, and she looks at me with surprise widening her eyes. “Now you want to fight me? Wasn’t the last time enough?”
Raising my eyebrow in a dare, I ask, “I’m offering you the chance to beat me up, and you’re asking questions?”
She gestures to the headgear and gloves. “Well, get ready, so I can kick your ass.”
After putting on the gear, I hold a head guard out to Jade. “You too. I won’t be holding back today.”
Jade smirks as she swipes the thing from my hands. “I hope you’re ready to have your arrogant, lying ass handed to you.”
Stepping onto a mat, I begin to jump lightly. “Give it your best shot, Little Bean.”
Jade watches me jump around, and I probably look like an idiot. Let’s face it, I’m no professional.
I move forward and jab her shoulder lightly. “Come on. Let’s do this before class starts.”
Another minute passes, then Jade darts forward. She lands a punch against the side of my head and twisting her body around me, she disappears behind my back. Turning to see where she is, I’m not fast enough and take another blow to the head before she does that thing where she sweeps my legs from under me. Landing hard on my ass, Jade quickly follows. When she straddles me, I try to throw her off by turning onto my front and pushing myself up on my hands and knees. Jade’s like a damn spider monkey, and I can’t get her off. Wrapping her arm around my neck in a chokehold, she begins to squeeze. “Tap out.”
I shake my head, which only makes her tighten her grip. “Tap out, Chargill. The girls are watching, and it will be disastrous for your dating game if you were to faint like a pussy.”
I swear I’m beginning to see stars and giving up for the moment, I reluctantly tap out.
Jade lets go and bouncing to her feet, she gives me a triumphant grin. “You know, for someone who’s so damn protective of his friends, you can’t fight worth shit.”
Climbing to my feet, I grumble, “My grandfather isn’t a retired Navy Seal.”
“Excuses, excuses,” she taunts as she begins to circle me. “You’re twice my size. You’re stronger, but I still overpower you, pussy.”
That’s the third time she’s called me that. Wanting to take her down a peg or two, I dart forward, and with the element of surprise on my side, I pin her arms to her sides and copying the move she’s used on me, I take her down. Once I’ve straddled her, I restrain her arms down on the mat.
Leaning closer to her, I smirk, “You were saying?”
She squirms under me. “You just had a lucky break. I wasn't paying attention.”
“Excuses, excuses,” I mock her. Closing the distance between us even more, I can feel her quick breaths fanning my face. “And stop calling me a pussy. It’s the last thing you want me thinking of when I’m around you.”
She actually looks confused. “Huh?”
“Little Bean,” I drop my voice to a low timbre, “You have one, and I have them for breakfast. Let’s not go there.”
“What. The. Fuck,” Jade exclaims while two red spots bloom on her cheeks. “Get off!” Using all her strength, she bucks her hips up, and it only makes me slide forward until my ass is almost over her breasts.
“Damn woman, we’re in a public place. I think it would be frowned upon if you were to blow me here.”
“I swear to God, Hunter, I’m going to rip your nutsack off and shove it down your throat if you don’t get off me right now.”
Chuck
ling, I let go of her and climb back to my feet. “That’s one point each. Bring it on, Little Bean.”
She attacks me with a rapid succession of punches, finishing with a hard one to my side, which forces the air from my lungs. I let out another breathless chuckle as I try my best to block her quick blows. “You’re like a little kitten. Ffttt…ffttt.”
Jade stops and gives me a cynical look. “Yeah? Wait until my claws come out. Then you’ll have to explain more than just a busted lip to your parents.”
“Is that a promise?” I tease, a grin pulling at the corner of my mouth.
“Dude, is that all you can think about?” Jade shakes her head and begins to remove the head guard.
“What?”
She tosses it in a bin so it can be cleaned before the next use. “Sex. Every damn comment you make is somehow related to it.”
I follow her and remove the gear. Picking up my towel, I wipe the sweat from my face and the back of my neck. With my eyes on Jade, I take a sip of water, then say, “Seems you bring out that side of me.”
Jade grabs her towel and water bottle then begins to walk toward the exit.
“Same time tomorrow?” I call after her.
She doesn’t stop walking away from me, but calls out, “Prepare yourself for a world of pain, Chargill.”
JADE
I’m still in a flat spin after this morning.
What… ugh… what was that?
I was so caught off guard by Hunter, I even forgot to be angry with him.
Deep in thought, I walk into my room and quickly shower so I can get dressed for class.
When I’m ready and walk to the kitchen to grab a bottle of juice, I find Mila checking her bag.
“Are you prepared for your first day?” I ask.
“Yeah, I just double-checked whether I have enough pens and pencils.”
“Girl, I’m pretty sure you have half the stationery department in that bag,” I tease her. Mila loves anything stationery related. She has a dozen unused diaries every year just because she thinks the picture on the cover is pretty.
“Are you ready? Then we can walk together,” she says as she hoists her bag’s strap to her shoulder.
“Sure.” I grab my own bag and follow Mila out of the suite. Once we’re outside the dorm, I ask, “What’s going on with the group?”
“What do you mean?” Mila asks as she glances at a bunch of students passing us by.
“Everyone was either flirting or taking a swing at each other yesterday.”
“Oh, that.” Mila waves her hand carelessly. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing serious.” Then she gives me a questioning look. “Things seem better between you and Hunter. Do I dare hope there won’t be a repeat of the fight?”
“Yeah, about that,” I pull a regretful face, “I’m sorry you all got dragged into it. I’m not calling a truce, but I’ll try to be civil with Hunter, seeing as we have to live in the same suite.”
A smile spreads over Mila’s face. “It’s a start.”
Jase walks toward us, and I notice Mila’s smile fade.
Yeah, right. Nothing serious, my ass.
“How are my favorite girls this morning?” Jase throws his arm around Mila’s shoulder, but she only shakes it off. “Damn, someone’s moody.’
“Nope, I just don’t want you touching me with your slut infested paws,” Mila scowls.
Jase throws his hands up with anger flashing across his attractive features. “Fine.”
As Jase walks away from us, I turn to my friend. “What the hell, Mila? Where did that come from?”
She lets out a frustrated huff. “A while ago, Jase asked me out on a date, and I said no. He’s not the type to commit, and us having a quick fling would only jeopardize our friendship. Since then, he’s been seen with a different girl every weekend. Lord only knows what he’s doing with them. I don’t want him touching me.”
My eyes widen as she rambles, and for a moment there’s silence before I can find my voice. “Jase asked you out?”
“Yeah.” Mila’s shoulders slump as she starts to walk again.
I’m pretty sure Mila has the hots for Jase, and the frustration is causing her to act out. I fall in step beside her. “Do you want to date Jase?”
Although she nods, she says, “We can’t date. If things go wrong, it will only cause tension in the group, like with you and Hunter.”
“Hunter and I never dated. Our situation is different from yours. Besides, how do you know it won’t work out?”
Mila rolls her eyes and lets out a heavy breath. “He’s a player, Jade. There’s no way Jase will ever commit to just one woman.”
“You don’t know what Jase will do once he falls in love. He might surprise you.”
“Yeah, right,” she chuckles. We enter the business building and walking into our Strategic Management class, we find seats in the middle of the auditorium. She gives me a reassuring smile, then says, “Don’t worry about us. Our little spats are harmless.”
“Okay, but I’m here if you need to talk about it.” With my thoughts running circles around my two friends, I remove my laptop from my bag and open it up.
Chapter 5
JADE
I haven’t been able to focus on my classes because my thoughts have been swamped with the sparring session I had with Hunter this morning.
It was so damn weird and almost like things used to be between us. It only made me realize how much I miss our friendship, but at the same time, I’m filled with guilt. I can’t forget about Brady and the part Hunter played in his death.
I’m in two minds about meeting Hunter tomorrow for another sparring session. On the one side, I’ll get to beat him up without upsetting our friends. On the other… ugh, I don’t know… it feels like I’m betraying Brady in some way.
Letting out a huff, I head over to the restaurant for an early dinner. When I walk inside, I see Fallon and Kao sitting at a table and join them.
“Hey, guys.” Taking a seat next to Fallon, I pull a menu closer. “How’s your day so far?”
“Good,” Fallon answers. “I have to help with the preparations for the welcome ball. You want to help?”
“No, thanks,” I chuckle. “There’s no way I want to be a part of the decorating committee.”
“It’s fun,” Fallon defends.
“Yeah, but the other girls, not so much. I’ll end up punching one of them.”
Unfortunately, attending an exclusive academy also means I have to put up with the stuck-up snobs of the world. Some people think just because your daddy’s rich, you can walk over people.
“You’re way too violent,” Kao laughs.
I shrug. “Some people just bring out the bitch in me.” Grinning at Kao, I ask, “You said you have a date for the ball? Who is she?”
“Summer Clarke.”
Both Fallon and I just stare at Kao until I finally find my words. “Seriously? Why her?”
Summer Clarke and her friends have been our nemeses since we were freshmen in high school. They’re the opposite of us – high and mighty, thinking everyone should obey their every whim and order.
“Why not her?” Kao throws a question at me.
“Duh… she’s practically the queen bitch.”
Kao glances at Fallon, and she gestures to me. “What she said.”
“She seemed nice enough to me,” Kao states.
“That’s because she doesn’t consider you a threat to her social standing,” Fallon says, then shrugs indifferently. “But, hey, whatever floats your boat.”
A waiter approaches our table, and I order a chicken salad. Just then, my phone starts to ring, and seeing that it’s Miss Sebastian, a smile forms around my mouth.
“Hey, Mamma G.”
Miss Sebastian is my favorite person. She’s unique and doesn’t care what people think of her. She’s all sparkles and always says the funniest stuff to make me laugh.
“My angel-baby! How was your first day?”
�
��Good. We already got assignments to do.”
“I’ll call Kao, Noah, and Mila in a minute. I wanted to hear if the four of you would have lunch with me on Saturday?”
“Kao’s sitting right here. I can ask him quickly?”
“Great, saves my bedazzled ass the call.”
Looking at Kao, I ask, “Mamma G wants to meet us for lunch on Saturday.”
“Sure. Just say where.”
“He says yes. Where should we meet you?”
“I’ll come to Trinity. You can show me around and point out all the chunks of hunks you like.”
I let out a chuckle. “There aren’t any chunks of hunks, Mamma G. Besides, I’m focusing on my studies and don’t have time to date.”
She lets out a sigh. “There’s always time for a little hanky panky, just not third base. Your daddy will kick my bedazzled ass.”
Laughing, I shake my head because there’s no way Dad will ever do that. He loves Miss Sebastian way too much, and she gets away with murder, where he’s concerned. “Great, we’ll see you then.”
After ending the call, Kao murmurs, “Trinity is in for a treat and will never be the same again after Miss Sebastian is done with it.”
Fallon lets out a burst of laughter. “Yeah.” she glances mischievously at me. “We should introduce Summer and her friends to Miss Sebastian.”
Laughter explodes from me. “God, that would be priceless.”
The rest of the gang walks into the restaurant, and seeing Hunter, my good mood evaporates. As soon as my salad arrives, I spear a piece of chicken with my fork. I’m just about to take the bite when my eyes lock with Hunter’s.
A frown instantly forms on my forehead, and I drop the fork on the plate. Shoving my chair back, I mutter, “Lost my appetite.”
Before all my good intentions to not fight in front of our friends fly out the window, I quickly leave the restaurant.
I survived yesterday without getting into any fights. Walking into the gym, and seeing Hunter already waiting for me, I remind myself to keep my cool around him.
“Morning, Little Bean,” he says way too cheerfully at five in the morning.
Coldhearted Heir (The Heirs Book 1) Page 4