Page 23 of Twisted Legacy

Thea

Why? You have an opening since I can’t work out right now.

Me

There’s a waiting list. She can’t just jump to the front of the line for personal training.

Thea

I did

Me

That was a special situation

As far as the other fighters are concerned, Thea was waiting for a slot to open up. I can’t have them thinking I was biased or giving out preferential treatment, although clearly I am. Because I’m telling her no, when I’m already thinking about a training plan for Breland.

Thea

I need LJ to be able to protect herself and I don’t want her going to somebody else’s gym

That’s about as close to a request for help as I’m gonna get out of her.

Me

You can’t just demand people do what you want, LaReaux, and how are you even typing? Your sling better be on and ice better be on that wrist.

Her number flashes across my phone.

I answer it before it finishes its first ring. “Yes?”

“I’m one-handing it.”

I’m unable to hold back the groan that barrels its way up my chest. “Are you calling me to come lend you a hand?”

“The text message, Wolfe. I’m typing with one hand. Not whatever you’re imagining, you pervert.”

I smack my phone against my forehead, recalibrating my brain. I bring it back to my ear and try switching gears. It’s hard to do since all I’ve been thinking about since I left Palisade Shores is her, finally giving into my urges since there’s no chance of her hearing me waxing my dick to fantasies involving her on her knees. When I’m in my shower, I think about how I’ve been inside her body and yet I’ve never seen her naked.

“Momentary glitch in the matrix. I’ll go back to pretending you’re not a woman now. What can I do for you, LaReaux?”

“You can tell me you’re letting LJ have my spot.”

“No.”

“Dammit, Wolfe. Why do you always say no when I ask you stuff?”

“Why don’t you ever ask me something I want to say yes to?”

“Something like what?”

Nope. Not going there. “Moving on. Why can’t Breland just apply like everyone else?”

“It’s not that she can’t. It’s more like she won’t. You know how she is. Oblivious to the dangers of the world. She’s walked around all these years and never had to worry about fighting.”

“That’s because Canyon Falls is a relatively safe place to live.”

“Tell that to my shoulder, ribs and psyche.”