Page 64 of A Twisted Arrangement

Dressed in shorts, a sports bra, and a tight-fitting tank top, I come out of the room to a waiting Matthias. He’s changed into a pair of deep blue gym shorts and a crisp white T-shirt that pulls over his wide chest.

He smirks at me, catching me checking him out, and I look away.

“Don’t get cocky. You know you’re hot.”

He comes closer until his shoes brush against my sneakers. “You think I’m hot?”

“Only on the outside.”

He places a hand to his heart. “Rough.”

I chuckle under my breath and force myself not to stare at his chest. “Are we leaving?”

He hums. “Yes. I think a little outing will be good for you.”

A thrill goes down my spine. This is likely the best shot I have of escaping him. There’s no way he’ll bring all these guards with us. I shudder at the idea of digging the tracker out of my arm, but there’s nothing to be done about that.

“Don’t even think about it.” There’s a clanging sound, and cool metal snaps around my wrist.

I hold up my arm and let the two-foot chain dangle between us. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He wraps a blindfold around my eyes, blocking out the light.

A low laugh rumbles in his throat. “When are you going to learn? I’ll never underestimate you.”

“I’m sorry about this.” The car stops, and his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me over the console.

“You could have uncuffed me.” I roll my eyes, not that he can see them under the fabric.

“Not a chance.” He grips my hand, entwining our fingers, and leads me forward.

There’s the creak of a door opening, and then his heavy palm presses against my back. “There’s a step here.”

I lift my foot and move forward, and I’m immediately hit with the citrusy scent of cleaner. It’s completely silent, so wherever we are, we’re alone. Damn, he’s not going to kill me, right?

“You know, everything you think is written on your face.” His front is to my back when he lifts the blindfold from my eyes.

I suck in a breath. Every type of gym equipment fills the space. Squat rack, pull-up, a range of weights. The three walls are painted a dark gray, and the other is lined with mirrors. It’s the prettiest gym I’ve ever been in. Nicer than the one I’ve been training at, and that’s saying a lot.

“You like it? It’s our private gym. I’ll take you here whenever you want.” Matthias steps up beside me, a gleam in his eyes.

His offer doesn’t make any sense. Why would he be the one to take me? “What if I want to go during the day? Can’t Oliver just take me?”

“Like I said, I will take you whenever you want,” he deadpans.

“Are you going to just leave a meeting because I ask?”

“Yes.” There’s no humor there—he’s completely serious.

My neck heats, and I swear I can feel my ears turn pink. “You’re being ridiculous.”

He gives me a knowing smile. “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Tingles travel down my spine, and my tongue glues to the top of my mouth. How does he just say things like that?

He points at the ring located in the center of the gym, saving me from my embarrassment. “Ready to kick my ass?”

“Wait. You’re going to fight me?” A bubbly sensation fills my chest, and I hop from foot to foot. My smile grows, knowing he’s going to regret this.

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