Chapter Text
I stood there, speechless, because close up, “The Body” was even more formidable. His eyes were a deep, mesmerizing shade of onyx, framed by ridiculously long lashes — the type us girls spent time and a lot of money on.
But nothing about him was girlie. Oh no. There was a harshness to him, not least because of the faint, thin scar cutting across his left eyebrow.
He was beautiful in a menacing, utterly captivating sort of way.
A slow smile, more of a smirk, pulled at the corner of his perfect mouth.
What’s so funny?
Shit, I’d been caught ogling him.
He looked down, temporarily breaking the intense staring contest we had going on, though I’m sure I was more enamoured with him than he was with me. My pale skin, petite frame, and average features were nothing special. Compared to him, I was plain, just like my ex had often taunted.
“You’re Violet,” he stated, flicking through the paperwork Sloane handed him. Lifting his head from the clipboard, his eyes narrowed in on the hand I held out to him.
“Violet Sorrengail, pleased to meet you,” I managed to say with more confidence than I felt. Something about this man left me breathless and off-kilter.
He took my hand in his; his grip was firm, warm, and sent an immediate, dizzying jolt up my arm.
What the fuck?
Color flooded my cheeks instantly. My throat tightened, and all I could manage was a stiff nod before I drew my hand away sharply.
His expression held a hint of knowing amusement.
“I’m—”
“Garrick. I know.” I snapped, irritated by his casual cockiness, and embarrassed at my own pathetic reaction to a simple handshake.
I’ve seen hot guys before.
Not this hot.
“I can read,” I added, glancing pointedly at the simple white badge pinned low on his tight black T-shirt. In block letters, it read: GARRICK – INSTRUCTOR.
Interesting. He didn’t strike me as a Garrick, but so long as he could get me closer to his boss, I’d play along.
Speaking of which...
Sensing he was about to start my ‘torture’ session, I spoke up before he could distract me from my mission.
“Can’t Liam do it? He’s the one I want to speak to.”
He visibly stiffened, those gorgeous onyx eyes flashing with a sudden, dark anger. “What do you want from Liam?” he asked, his voice low and dangerously quiet.
“That’s none of your business,” I retorted quickly.
‘The Body’ stepped closer, his imposing physique overshadowing me. He sent me a teasing look, and my heart fluttered despite myself. His stare was so intense, the words flew out of my mouth before I could stop myself.
“There’s a matter I need to discuss with him. I need the gym to reconsider their participation in the Christmas contest.”
His frown turned into a full-on scowl.
Were Liam and Xaden such Grinches that they banned Christmas for their employees too?
How sad.
He shook his head, a muscle jumping in his jaw. “Liam’s gone for the day, so you’re stuck with me. And word of warning: I won’t go easy on you,” he said, a cold smirk gracing his lips that was far too sexy than it should have been.
Not the time, not the place.
Get yourself together, Violet.
“You’re not our usual clientele. I’d certainly remember you,” he purred, his voice dropping as he took a step closer. I instinctively took a step back.
Ice filled my veins at the tired, practiced compliment.
It was the same damn line Halden had used on me — and probably every other girl he was shagging while we were dating.
I bet ‘The Body’ pulled this on all the new sign-ups.
Pity.
I watched the fantasy of the "gorgeous trainer" deflate instantly and pulled back, creating some much-needed distance between us. I hadn't realized we had gotten so close in the first place, and I ignored the flash of surprise on his face as I did so.
He probably was not used to his charms failing.
I rolled my eyes slightly. “That line might usually work for you, but I’m not interested,” I announced, crossing my arms over my chest defensively.
His head tilted back slightly, a sharp bark of laughter escaped him — the sound unexpectedly rich and magnetic. It was followed instantly by Sloane’s muffled laughter behind the counter.
“I wasn’t hitting on you,” he sent me a dry, assessing look. “I was simply stating a fact. We tend to have more... specific clientele.”
“Sure you weren’t,” I countered, feeling a rush of my natural sass returning.
“Cocky much?” he shot back, a challenge gleaming in his dark eyes.
I blushed hotly. Shit, was he right? Had I misunderstood? I was so out of touch. Halden had done a real number on my confidence. I doubted my ability to read the opposite sex.
“How about we stick to the plan and get on with your induction?” He didn’t wait for me to respond as he tucked the clipboard under his arm, handed Sloane my paperwork, and walked through to the gym floor.
“Congratulations. You just talked yourself into a session on my personal favourite — the cross-trainer,” he called over his shoulder.
I blinked.
The... what?
What the fuck is that?
“That’s if you’re up to it, Bookworm,” he added, the casual, accurate nickname catching me off guard.
My spine stiffened, and my mission came flooding back.
This wasn’t about the hot but grumpy instructor.
It was about what I could find out from him. Insider knowledge to get through to the Grinch.
And what was a little torture to save my bestie's business?
“Lead the way, Garrick,” I replied, forcing a bright, false confidence into my voice. “I’m always up for a challenge.”
His smile bordered on predatory, his dark gaze locked on mine as he ordered, “Follow me, trainee.”