Page 34 of Fractured Fear

And Rio has been to the studio only a handful of times. So why am I breathless at the sight of them?

They have that effortless hot guy look. Zane with his faded jeans, plain black shirt, and classically beautiful face; Rio with his black jeans, heathered red tee, and bad boy countenance. They’re polar opposites in appearance, but they both make me feel alive and wanted.

That doesn’t mean I should feel secure around them, right? And why do they both have to have muscles like that? My lady bits cannot handle this much sex appeal in one room.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Zane says.

I can’t believe Iris invited them. This is going to be a disaster, I just know it. I’m going to do something dumb, or worse, watch them flirt their way through the bar. Not that I would blame another woman for noticing. I mean really, I’ve already clocked three women checking them out.

The green monster that reared its head a second ago needs to stay away.

“Hey, guys. Sorry if Iris made you feel like you had to come out here. You really didn’t.”

“We wanted to,” Zane says that as if it’s a given.

The fuck it is.

“Can we get you something to drink?” Rio asks.

“No, I’m good. I normally have a one drink limit. Tonight might be the exception with this extra one here, and after what happened over there I think I need this.” I knock back a large gulp and allow the burn to calm my nerves.

“You’re safe now.” Zane emphasizes his statement by rubbing his hand in calming circles on my bare upper back. Unfortunately, his touch has the opposite effect and my body heats at his touch.

“Really, it was nothing. My fault entirely. He touched me and I freaked out. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.”

“Where exactly did he touch you?” Rio asks through gritted teeth.

“I’m fine. He’s the one who walked away with a bloody nose.”

“Don’t make me ask again, Mama. Where did he touch you?” That authority from the first day makes a reappearance with his demand. Firm but not scary.

“Just my hips. Honestly, it’s okay.”

Zane leans back but doesn’t remove his hand and watches as Rio leans in close.

“He never should’ve touched what isn’t his.” Rio’s fingertips trail down my arm. His tone is menacing, but it’s not me he’sthreatening. Instead of retreating back to his space, he continues to invade mine. His large hand fits perfectly over my thigh and moves with me as I squirm in place.

Zane leans in next and says, “Don’t make excuses for that sad specimen of a man. He doesn’t deserve your kindness. No other man should ever touch you.” He tucks my hair behind my ear and then settles back in his seat.

Did I just get a pep talk in consent? And why did he say, “other man?”

Jerry approaches and asks for the guys’ drink orders. They each order a Corona and silence settles in. I cannot handle this pregnant silence. They’re sitting here as if we hang out every Saturday doing just this, but I need words. So, of course, in classic Spencer fashion, I make it awkward.

“How is work going, Zane? Not that you have to tell me. Or we can talk about something else? This isn’t an interview. Not that I’m interviewing you to be my boyfriend or anything,” my eyes go wide and I try to backpedal as fast as possible. “Oh my God. I’m not holding boyfriend interviews. I don’t want you to be my boyfriend. Not that you wouldn’t make a great boyfriend if you wanted to be one. I’m sure you’re amazing,” heat washes over my face and I snap my attention forward, avoiding all eye contact. “Y’all can go sit somewhere else now and pretend not to know me.”

I dare myself to peek at Rio. He’s holding a perfectly tattooed hand over his mouth trying not to laugh.

“She’s cute when she’s nervous.” Zane volleys over my head to Rio.

“I’m going to die of embarrassment,” I whisper to myself and rest my head in my hands.

“I love how she blushes at everything.” Rio tosses back.

Covering my eyes, I plan my escape. I can say I’m not feeling well and call an Uber. I can claim I have work to catch up on.

Before I can get a word out, Zane answers my incredibly humiliating question. “Work is good. Same old, same old.”

If they can ignore my word vomit, I can too. I can be normal for one night.

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