Page 54 of Rex

“You’re up to something, and you already know I’m devious, so I’m just offering my services if you need creative ideas,” Lisa states.

“I’m good with waiting until whatever this is about happens. I’m going to work out and mind my own business,” Lucy says with a grin and walks away.

“Does this have anything to do with your meeting with Craig?” Lisa asks with wide eyes.

“Yes, but that’s all I’m going to say. Are we going to hit things or what?”

Lisa is practicing with Cash while I’m learning the basics from Pooh. He’s a great teacher, and I’m finding I’m enjoying myself and learning things when Axel approaches us. He stands off to the side, silent but watching us carefully. After several minutes, Pooh tells me it’s time for a break. At this point, Axel speaks up, cocky smirk firmly in place on his handsome face.

“It’s good you’re learning self-defense, Aria, but it won’t do you much good against me. I teach those moves myself, so I’m very aware of what to watch for. Why don’t you just accept my apology, and we’ll call it even? No harm, no foul. Nobody has to get hurt.”

“Had a peeper outside my window the other night. Not learning these moves for you, Axel,” I reply.

“Seriously? Does Chubs know?” Pooh questions, face morphing to concern.

“Was he caught? Do you know who it is?” Axel asks, all joking shoved aside now.

“My brother knows, and he wasn’t caught. He seemed familiar, but I don’t know where I might have seen him before. Not even positive I have,” I answer with a shrug.

“Stay vigilant, Aria. Don’t take risks. After your break, we’ll go over some more moves. We’ll also talk about things you can do to stay safe,” Pooh states.

“Sounds good. Thanks, Pooh,” I reply before walking away to grab a water.

After our sessions end, we hit the locker room. Cleaned up and ready for dinner, we make our way to the front of the gym after stopping at the office to say hi to Bailey and retrieve Lucy’s dog, Greer. Lucy snaps a leash onto his collar, and he follows us ladies to the front door. Standing on the sidewalk, we stop to decide on what vehicle to take to the restaurant.

Chatting and distracted, I watch as Lucy slides the leash over her hand to retrieve her ringing phone. One second, she’s standing in front of me, and the next, she’s not. I suddenly realize that I’m the type of person who freezes for a moment when something happens and not the type who instantly jumps into action. I also realize that Lisa and I have that in common. Staring blankly at one another, neither of us reacts quickly enough to grab Lucy’s flying body. Once our brains unfreeze, we take off at a sprint.

Racing side by side down the sidewalk, Lisa starts screaming Greer’s name. The overly large dog totally ignores her and continues hauling ass with Lucy sliding along behind him. Dropping my purse and gym bag, I push for more speed than I’ve ever accomplished before. It doesn’t make a difference at all, though. For being the size of a small horse, Greer has the speed of one too.

Suddenly, thankfully, Greer slides to a stop, nose to the ground. Lisa dives and lands next to him, grabbing his collar at the same time I drop to my knees next to Lucy.

“Oh my God, Lucy! Are you okay?” I ask as I help her sit up.

“Ow,” she mutters.

“Where are you hurt?” I question as I start running my eyes and hands over her body.

“Everywhere but mostly my knees,” she says with a wince.

Looking at them, I can understand why they hurt. Her leggings are torn in several spots, but the knee sections are completely missing. Bloody and scraped skin is showing through, and I cringe a little, knowing how much they must sting. I take a quick inventory of other small injuries before helping her to stand. Steadying her, I pull out my phone and hit Pooh’s number.

“Hey. Lucy’s dog ran off with her, and she’s got some injuries. Can you come outside and help us?” I ask when he picks up.

“Again? Yeah, be right there,” Pooh answers, then disconnects.

Seconds later, Pooh, Cash, and Axel are pounding up the sidewalk toward us. Crouching in front of Lucy, Cash gently pushes her hair behind her ears before shaking his head.

“Again Lucy? Other than the obvious injuries, any others I can’t see?” Cash asks in a quiet voice.

“I don’t think so,” she mutters.

“I’ll carry her back to the gym. We can check her over better there,” Axel states before scooping Lucy into his arms and striding away.

“I’ll lead the mutt,” Pooh states while picking up the leash.

Cash lifts Lisa off the ground and checks her for injuries before setting her on her feet. Turning my way, he does a quick scan then motions for us to follow Axel. On the way back, Lisa and I pick up all of our scattered belongings. We find Lucy in the office with Bailey and Axel already tending to her injuries.

Luckily, nothing is broken. Lucy’s going to be sore for a few days but will make a full recovery. I’m sure of that until the office door opens and in walks Candy. Face like thunder, she stalks to the couch. Stopping in front of it, she places her hands on her hips and glares down at Lucy, not saying a word. As she continues to silently stare, I watch as Lucy starts to fidget. Finally, Lucy speaks.

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