“Both.”
“Last night, yes. This morning, not really,” I maintain my pride.
He smirks with a shake of his head, but he stops short of forcing me to admit otherwise.
Last night, he certainly broke me, but in the process, he granted me the most intense orgasms I’ve ever experienced—yes, multiple.
I smear my sweat onto his equally damp tank top as he sensually rubs me through my Lycra pants. “If I may, I’d like exclusive access to your ass,” he hums.
“You already have.”
I take my medications and then check on our assistant coach, Quinton, who has been quiet all morning. We’ve been working out at the Red Mark gym. Being considerate of others, we always come at a quiet time. Bringing a baby along means things can be unpredictable. We ensure this kind of disturbance doesn’t bother anyone.
Seeing me, Quinton cries in his stroller. I wrinkle my nose and ask Jack, “Can you smell it?”
“I’ll take care of him,” he replies jovially, taking the baby out of the stroller. “Come on, Q-Bear. YourPaw Patrolclown is at your service.”
Jack heads to the bathroom to change Quinton, and his cries gradually fade as they leave the gym. Just in time, as a row of gorgeous strangers getting ready for their workouts start coming in. They politely nod and smile as they pass me by. I’m faithful to one man, but the tempting sight of these RedMark agents flaunting their toned physiques has caused me to sprout horns and a demon tail.
Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby” plays in the background. If I had control of the playlist, I would’ve chosen “It’s Raining Men.”
Among the beats, I hear my phone ringing inside my bag that’s hanging on Quinton’s stroller. An unknown number flashes on the screen. Dragging the empty stroller with me, I retreat to a quiet corner.
I press the device against my ear, chills forming at the nape of my neck. My fingertips tingle. My instincts tell me to hang up immediately, but part of me craves to hear what he has to say. And I’m desperate to say my piece.
“So you’ve been keeping busy,” I reply with a controlled tone. “But I guess nothing’s new there. How’s Mr. Branson?”
“Ava, Ava,” Willem says calmly. “When did you suddenly become interested in my business affairs?”
I know that tone all too well. It’s the one he adopts when he tries to mask his true emotions. In the past, more often than not, his anger would get the better of him, and he ended up taking it out on me. Thankfully, this time, distance is on my side. Plus, with the people I’m surrounded by, this wretched man wouldn’t stand a chance even if he were here.
Neither of us utters another word as if gauging each other’s position.
I restart, “What do you want, Willem?”
“Before you unleash whatever is on your mind, I called to tell you that I forgive you.”
“Forgive me for what?”
“The betrayal, and for running away.” If he were standing in front of me, I would have slapped the audacity right off his face. But he continues, undeterred. “Let’s forget about everything. Start fresh. You, me, and Quinton. Andour future kids. Didn’t you tell me you wanted at least three?”
“Have you no shame?” I retort. “You kidnapped your own son and placed him with strangers just to play your game?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. If anything, it’s you who kidnapped my son,” he scoffs. Of course, he wouldn’t admit to his own crimes.
“I will never return to you, Willem. And you will never lay eyes on Quinton again.”
“Ava, I know I haven’t been the best partner, but I’m really trying to change. Doesn’t every man deserve a second chance?” he speaks, his tone familiar. It reminds me of when he begged me to take him back after I initially left him.
“Save your breath,” I reply coldly.
“No, no. I need you to understand that I’m not a monster. I’ve proven this to you, haven’t I?” He pauses, exhaling into the phone, seemingly trying to convey his emotions intentionally.
I remain silent, giving him the space to continue.
Taking the cue, he goes on. “Do you remember those days? The days when you and your parents received that devastating news about your cancer? I was there for you, by your side, supporting you every step of the way.”
“I’m grateful for that, Willem. But I can’t repay your kindness with my life.”