She nodded and tensed slightly, "You're gonna move, right? You're not going to let me hurt you, are you?"
I couldn't help but chuckle slightly, "I'll move. I promise."
She nodded again, and as soon as I tightened my arms around her, she shouted, “No!” and stepped back causing us both to trip and fall to the mats. I rolled to the side, but still kept my arms wrapped around her. She tensed when she felt me press into her back.
If I had any sense, I would have released her immediately, but she felt so good pressed against me that I just wanted it to last a little longer. I reached up and ran my palm along her arm lightly. "Relax," I murmured as I watched her face get whiter and whiter. "You're ok."
“Please let go of me,” she whispered in a frightened tone.
I sighed and released my hands from where they gripped her body. Watching the realization that she was free wash over her face was like watching her melt. She’d gone from stiff and ashen, to pliable in a matter of seconds. The relief that filled her shaking body was somewhat disconcerting to me. What had I done that upset her so much other that touch her? What had happened to her that she was so afraid of anyone being anywhere near her?
"You wanna try something else?" I smiled as I pushed myself to my feet and offered her a hand to stand.
She glanced around the now empty gym before looking back at me, "Are you guys closed?"
I scanned the room until my eyes met the clock hanging on the front wall, "Yeah…but like I said. We can stay as late as we want. Wes won't care."
"Um…I really should get home," she was shuffling her feet at this point and looking at everything but me.
"I'll make sure you get home all right," I lifted a shoulder. I really wanted her to stay. I still hadn't figured her out, and with us being here alone I was hoping that she would open up a little more for me.
"Well…" she twisted her fingers together. "I guess I can stay a little longer. What's next?"
"How about we have some fun?" I wiggled my brows.
"Fun?" she swallowed. "What kinda fun?"
"Wanna learn how to punch?" I began walking over to a box that held all sorts of equipment. I leaned over and began digging through it looking for some boxing gloves that would fit my little fairy.
"Like fight?" her eyes flashed with a nervousness that I thought we'd gotten past.
“Sure,” I shrugged before I held up a pair of gloves.
Her head slowly began to shake as she began backing up towards where her bag was tossed on the floor. "I don't think that's a good idea," she murmured.
“Why not?” I cocked my head to the side. “I know someone hurt you. I know you’re keeping it hidden from the world. You think no one gets you, and no one cares,” I continued to advance towards her as she slowly backed away. “I’ve been there. I might not know your story,” I tossed my head back and blew out a breath, “but I know you need to let it out.” I had finally reached her at this point, and I handed her the gloves. “Put these on, and wale on me. Take out whatever you’re holding back, and release it. You’ll feel so much better when do, and maybe then you can finally trust me. I promise…I’m not gonna get mad, or hurt you.”
She looked up at me with a sadness that I recognized and sucked her lip into her mouth, “That’s what they all say."
It was so quiet that I'd almost missed it. "All?" I crept closer.
She nodded as a tear slipped down her cheek, “Bet you didn’t think I was this damaged huh?”
"You're not damaged. You just have a past…we all do. I'm trying to help you stand up against it. Now," I handed her the boxing gloves and pushed her towards the mat. "Put those on, and I'll help you tighten them."
Once I had her all set, I grabbed the pads for my arms and made my way over to stand in front of her.
“What do I do,” she raised her hands out to the side before letting them drop again.
"Well," I smirked at her. "There's a correct form for all this, but tonight I want you to get all the aggression out. So… hit me!"
"What?" she gasped as her mouth dropped open in shock.
"Hit me!" I growled as held up a pad for protection. "As hard as you can…hit me!"
She pulled back her right arm, and then brought it across her body in a right cross, but when it hit the pads it was a little more than a gentle flick. She shook her head and sighed to herself.
"I'm sorry…that was lame."
"Not lame…but put your weight behind it," I nodded. "Again!"
"Ahhh!" she screamed as she pulled back and swung again. This time when her fist connected with the pad I had to brace myself.
“Better…again!” I nodded and prepared for the assault. Once she was ready, she rocked back and swung her entire body into it. As soon as her right fist made contact, she swung the left. In a quick succession, she managed to land a good ten punches before stopping to take a break.
“Where did that come from?” I smiled at her as she hunched over and placed her fists on her knees. She was breathing hard, and her hair had slipped out of her ponytail and was sticking to her sweaty face.
"I don't know," she panted as she tried to catch her breath. "It felt good though," she tipped her face up to stare at me and a grin broke out across it.
"Wanna go again?" I teased.
“Can we?” her excitement was contagious as she stood and wiped her hair off her brow.
“Sure…I can go all night,” I smirked at her. I liked this side of Maddie. It was fun and playful, and I'd never seen it before. When she was like this, I was willing to do just about anything.
We spent the next hour going back and forth between punching and kicking. I’d gotten her to get her feet involved, and now she was giving me quite a workout.
“That was amazing,” I grinned at her as I watched her pace back-and-forth on the mats. “There's more in you than you thought huh?"
“I can’t believe I just did all that,” she gasped for air as she began loosening the gloves and tossing them to the ground. “I need some water,” she panted as she began to walk towards her bag and grab a water bottle.
Once she reached it, and she threw her head back and gulped the water down before letting a small amount run over her face. I stood there just watching her. She was amazing, and nothing like what I ever expected. I knew I needed her in my life, and I just wasn't sure how to go about it. Having her here at the gym was great, but I wanted more.
"Wanna go another round," I asked from directly behind her. I'd moved to get closer, but I don't think she'd heard me. She jumped almost instantly when I'd started talking.
"I really should be getting home. I've got to work early tomorrow," she dropped the water bottle onto of her bag.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she stiffened slightly. "I'd really like to spend some more time with you," I murmured.
"Here?" she squeaked.
"Here, or dinner maybe?" I let my hands trail lightly down her arms and watched as goose bump rose in their wake.
"I don't know…" she shook her head as her voice changed from the happy, confident woman that had stood before me mere moments ago into the sad scared one I'd met in the park.
"Please Maddie? I want a chance…that's all I'm asking. A chance to show you we're not all bad," I stepped back as she started to turn.
“How do you know about him?" she narrowed her eyes at me. "How do you know it was a man? You don't know anything about me!" anger spread through her features as she spat the words at me.
"I don't," shook my head and sighed. "I don't know who did this to you, but I do know you're afraid of me. I know whatever happened to you was at the hands of a man. I know he broke your trust. I know you think that we're all like him. I know that it's going to be an uphill battle for me or any other man in your life…" I let the silence build between us as I dropped my gaze from hers.
She stood there for the longest time just chewing on her lip and fidgeting with a loose piece of hair. “I’m sorry,” she muttered. “Than
k you for this, but I don’t think I can give you more yet. I’m sorry,” she continued to mumble as she backed away from me, grabbed her gym bag, and scurried for the door.
“I’m here every day," I shouted at her back. "Come by anytime, and I'll help you!"
"Thanks!" she called over her shoulder as she pushed through the door, and out into the night.
ooooooooo
Maddie
What just happened? As I climbed into my car, I glanced back at the door to McKay’s. My heart was racing, and my hands were still trembling. Did he just ask me out? He did, and I turned him down. I cranked the car and began pulling out of the parking lot to head for home. Why did I turn him down? He’s so hot, and he seems like a nice guy.
I couldn’t stop my inner monologue the entire way home. Cole had put me on edge, and at the moment I couldn’t remember why I told him no. Maybe it was that feeling that he caused in me. That had to be it. He made my insides come alive, and feel things that had been absent in my life for years. That tingling that you get when you’re near someone? That heat that surges through your system telling you that your body wants whatever it’s near? Cole brought that out in me. Whenever he was nearby, my body seemed to call to him. It wanted to be wrapped in his arms, and as much as that idea scared me it also turned me on.
I cursed myself as I pulled into my parking spot and yanked my car door open. I couldn’t be with him no matter what my traitorous body wanted. He was a man. He was dangerous. He'd never want me if he knew the whole story, he just thought he did.
I grabbed my gym bag out of the back seat as I made my way into my apartment building and headed for the elevators. I needed a cool shower to rid myself of thoughts of Cole. I needed to wash them away just like the salty sweat that now coated my body.
ooooooooo
After stripping out of my clothes, I stepped into the spray and sighed in relief. The cool water felt heavenly, and I knew I’d be sore in the morning from the punishing workout I’d given myself. True, it felt good to release all the tension I’d had built up the last several days, but I wasn’t used to working out like that…ever.
I don’t know what it was about Cole, but my initial feelings about him had changed. The danger that I’d felt at that first meeting at the park had morphed into understanding. I let the water run over my face, and I closed my eyes. Pictures of Cole flashed through my mind as I stood there letting the evening wash away. I silently wondered what his story was. Why did he want to help so badly? What had happened to him that he felt the need to protect me? Essentially, that’s what he was doing. He was giving me the courage to fight back…to take back my life…but why?
Visions of his scarred back floated through my mind, and my eyes flashed open. Who had done that to him, and why? What had he ever done to deserve that? Surely it wasn’t something that he had allowed. He had said that he understood me…did he really?
My head was spinning, and the more I thought about it, the worse I felt. Should I have said yes when he asked me out? No, I’m glad I didn’t. I wasn’t ready for something like that, but… there was still something about him that made me want to know more.
I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower still shaking my head at my thoughts. I needed to go back. Back to the gym, and back to Cole. I needed to go back and see where this went. If anything…he could help me build my confidence up and finally take control of my life.
As I dressed myself in a pair of sleep shorts and a tank, I climbed into bed yawning as I flicked off the light. Tomorrow I would go back. I'd let him teach me how to fight back. I needed this, and by the sad look that Cole had had on his face tonight…he needed it too.
Chapter 11
Cole
After Maddie had raced out of the gym last night, I’d spent an extra hour on the speed bag. Now, I was regretting it as I stood in the boxing ring with my best friend while he kicked my ass.
"What's with you today?" Wes shook his head at me as he dropped his hands to his side.
"Nothing!" I growled as I grabbed my mouth guard and slipped it in my mouth. "Let's go!"
He sighed and lifted his hands in front of his body to block my punches. As soon as he was ready, I pulled my fist back and swung. He rocked back slightly and grinned at me. “Come on pretty boy. That all you got?”
“Shut up!” I grunted as I swung again.
“You suck today,” he shook me off and tossed the pads to the side.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I rolled my eyes as I watched him.
"It means I'm done playing the punching bag. I'm gonna start hitting back," he smirked at me as he grabbed a pair of his own gloves. "You're going down Walker."
"Well see," I popped my neck and cracked my wrists as I watched him circle me.
I knew it was coming when he rounded on me, but my slow ass was tired tonight. So when Wes's fist connected with my jaw, I stumbled back slightly. I shook off the blow as I narrowed my eyes at him, "Fucker."
"Come on!" he taunted. "Show me what you got."
“You’re a dead man!” I growled as I advanced towards him.
While my right hand swung at his face, my left went for his ribs. He stepped back to try and keep his balance, but I swept my foot under him causing him to fall back. When his rear hit the mat, he glared up at me.
"This isn't MMA fucker," he spit his guard out as I grinned down out at him. "What the hell?"
“Shut up you pussy and fight like a man,” I turned my back on him and began to make my way over to where I’d left my water bottle.
I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was saying, but I could hear him shouting something behind me. When I stood and tossed my water back to the ground, my eyes connected with the last person I expected to see. Maddie. She was standing about twenty feet from the ring and staring at me wide-eyed. I winked at her, and turned ready to resume the ass beating that I'd been handing out. Wes must have seen that I was distracted because he took full advantage. As soon as I started to turn, his fist connected with the side of my head.
I rocked to the side slightly in a daze. I'd been completely unprepared for the blow, and seeing the shock on Maddie's face sent me over the edge. I rounded on him and growled, "What the fuck was that for?"
Wes thought I was joking, and lifted his arms out to the side as he smirked at me. I stormed up and pushed against his chest. Anger causing my entire body to vibrate. "You're an asshole," I leaned in close and shoved him. The smile he'd been wearing dropped from his face, and he sobered quickly.
“Dude, I’m sorry. I thought you were ready,” he glanced behind me, I’m assuming to see what had gotten me so worked up.
“You do that again, and I’ll kick your ass for real," I growled.
Wes tipped his chin up and darted his eyes between me and somewhere behind me before slowly shaking his head. When I turned around, I saw Maddie had turned a pale white and was slowly backing away from where she'd been standing.
“Wait Maddie!” I held my hand up and began stripping my gear off as fast I could. “It's not what you think…" I trailed off as I climbed through the side of the ring and chased after her.
She was walking as fast as she could towards the door, and I knew if I didn't stop her, I might never see her again. "Wait," I called again as I reached out and clamped my hand down on her shoulder.
She spun around so fast, and I had to take a step back. "I can do this," she shook her head frantically at me. "I promised myself I wouldn't do this again."
“Do what?” I gripped the back of my neck and scowled.
"This," she waved her arms in front of her.
"Wait, you mean that?" I pointed to the area I'd just come from. "What do you think was going on there?"
She shook her head slowly as she let her chin drop to her chest, "I don't know, but I do know that the look on your face said it all."
"What?" I stepped closer, so we were only a few inches apart. She swallowed before allowing her gaze to turn up to my face. "
That was nothing," I pointed to where Wes was putting away the gear. "We're friends…that's how we blow off steam."
She glanced at Wes and then back at me before her gaze returned to him, "Blow off steam?"
"Yeah…like we were doing last night?" I shrugged as I waited to see what she would do next.
"Ok," she mumbled.
"Ok?" I stared at her as I watched her body relax slightly. "So…what's up?"
"I wanted to come back," she chewed her lip nervously. "I…I want to practice what we did last night."
"Sure," I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. "Just don't be too hard on me," I chuckled. "Wes did a number on my jaw already."
"Doesn't look too bad," she smiled slightly.
"Well, I can't lose my good looks. How would I attract the ladies?" I smirked as I began walking to the back corner where we'd worked the night before.
“I think you look just fine,” the words slipped out of her lips so quietly that I almost missed them.
I turned to look over my shoulder, and came face-to-face with a bright red Maddie. She was embarrassed, and she looked so cute.
"You do huh?" I stepped back a little and nudged her with my elbow.
"Na," she shook her head as the blush began to creep down her neck.
"It's ok you know," I winked at her, "that you think I'm hot."
She shook her head again as she stumbled slightly.
"Go out with me," I leaned in close to her ear and watched her body quiver.
"No," she tossed her bag to the floor. "I can't."
"You will…you'll see," I lifted a shoulder and turned to make my way out onto the mat. She'd give in eventually. I just needed to get her to trust me.
ooooooooo
Maddie
After spending the day convincing myself that I should go back, I was now standing in the parking lot of McKay's staring up at the sky. I knew this was a good thing…coming back here. If anything, I was learning how to defend myself, and Cole seemed genuinely to care. I took one last deep breath before I forced myself to walk through the doors. The sight I was met with shocked the hell out of me.
Irreparably Broken (The Broken Series Book 1) Page 7
