Page 72 of Fractured Fear

“Your logic is flawed. A pussy is not a wuss. A pussy can take a fucking beating. A set of balls cannot.” I end my argument by glancing at the lower half of his body and forming a fist. He immediately takes a step back and covers my target with his hands.

“No need to test your theory. It’s fact, but I’m not taking it back.”

If looks could kill he’d be dead ten times over from my glare. “Fuck you, big guy.”

He just rolls his eyes at me as if I’m a cranky hormonal woman about to start her period. Yeah, definitely fuck him even if he looks sexy as hell with a light sheen of sweat covering his body.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

I whirl around and see Joey in his usual spot. I approach him with guarded steps as if I’m being reprimanded by a parent, but I pray my voice and body language seem normal and at ease. “I know you missed me.”

“I told you not to come back for a week,” Joey states unrelenting.

Once I’m at the desk, I lean towards him and lower my voice. “I came to say goodbye.”

Joey keeps his expression schooled, proving he picks up on more than most. “Call me when you get where you’re going, kid,” then louder so the men behind me can hear, he asks, “You good to train today?”

“Yep. Doc signed off on it and everything.” I give him a grateful smile.

“You’re a shit liar,” he leans to the side and eyes the guys. “You killed two of them and brought an extra.”

Loud enough for Asher to hear I say, “That’s Asher. He’s not one for pleasantries. He’s a caveman and only communicates with grunts and hand gestures.”

“Whatever he is, he still has to pay. You know I don’t give discounts for recruitment, right?”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny old man.”

“By the way, you look like shit.” The corner of his mouth twitches. My heart warms because again, Joey knows what I need.

“And you look like a shriveled up dick.”

CHAPTER 28

SPENCER

Asher did indeed sign up for a gym membership which is inconvenient, but at least Joey is getting more business. That’s probably the only upside of being attacked.

Maybe not the only upside.

Inner Spencer is in full sass mode today.

Okay, fine. I admit that maybe there are other positive things. Specifically three things. Or three persons who will remain forever nameless, but nothing can come of it. I’m leaving. I have my plan drawn out. I just hope I don’t fuck up the execution.

With our workouts complete, we make a pitstop at the Starry Night Smoothies. Surprisingly, Asher ordered a green smoothie. Unsurprisingly, Rio ordered a peanut butter chocolate smoothie. Zane got the same as I did, a fruit smoothie, to which Rio called Zane a suck up while pretending to cough. I smacked his back while sipping his smoothie causing him to actually cough from choking.

My phone rings when I’m halfway done with my fruit-filled deliciousness. As I tap the answer button, I lower my voice and prepare myself for the conversation.

“Mom, is everything okay?”

Her concern pours from her tone. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard from you. I was worried. Are you okay?”

“It’s only been a couple weeks.” I sigh.

“I’m your mother, I'm allowed to worry,” she raises her voice as she continues and I wince. “You left three years ago without giving me an explanation as to why, and now all I get are these short phone calls.”

“I know, Mom. I’m sorry.” I deflate.

“Tell me where you are, so I can come be with you.”

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