Page 64 of Chasing Sarah

Sweat coats my entire body, sliding down the ridges of my sore muscles. It burns as it drips into my eyes.

My heart races, chest rising and falling in deep pants as I try to catch my breath.

Cillian, one of our men, rises from where his body met the mat.

With all the recent attacks, Declan and I agreed to increase training sessions. The men are scattered around the ground doing target practice in the range, participating in the military-grade obstacle course. Some are here in the gym, weight training or sparring.

Wiping my brow, I scan the gym. Pride fills my chest at how focused the men are. We might be criminals, but we’re still a family.

Each loss we have, for whatever reason, is felt throughout every person here.

Declan ensures the families of our soldiers are well taken care of should any of them fall.

“Ready?” I ask Cillian.

He nods and widens his stance, holding his fists in front of his face, just slightly below his chin.

In rapid succession, I send my left fist flying into his ribcage. He grunts when the punch lands then he launches his fist into my chin.

My vision is momentarily dazed, but I shake my head to clear it.

“Good,” I praise, then kick out my leg, knocking him to the ground. The breath is knocked from his lungs.

I climb over him. Now straddling his torso, I slam my fist down into his nose. The crack is instant, and blood pools then runs down the sides of his face.

I move to stand and off my hand to help him up.

“Your nose was too easy to break.”

He scoffs, wiping at his face before gripping my palm with his own. “Sorry my anatomy isn’t up to par with your standards.”

I chuckle. “Go get cleaned up and see the doc about getting your nose fixed.”

Cillian walks to where we have clean washcloths. He presses one lightly against his face, groaning in pain, then strides out of the gym.

My phone chimes from where I left it on the bench. Pulling it from my duffle, I read the message from Declan about going toSkylinetonight with him, Paige, and Sarah.

After replying, I sling my duffle over my shoulder and head toward the showers to rinse off. I’ll finish getting ready at my penthouse, but the thought of sitting in my car with dried sweat on my skin fills me with disgust.

My chest expands with excitement that I get to lay eyes on her soon, and a smile spreads across my face.

The gray sequin dress fits my thin frame like a second skin. My hair cascades in large loose curls down my back and my make up is done to perfection.

As much as it pains me to say, everything about my outfit was chosen with Rhys in mind.

I want to see – feel – his eyes fill will hunger and lust. I want to have him take me to bed and ravage me like a man starved.

It’s been a long few days of heated teasing between Rhys and me. I need release and he is the only one I want to help me find it.

Declan, Paige, and I walk into the club. Rhys stands at theentrance with his hands tucked into his black slacks. His white button up stretches across his broad chest. The fabric hugs his arms deliciously. The sleeves are rolled up, showing off the tattoos and veins that cover his muscular forearms.

My stomach flutters when his emerald eyes meet mine.

A smug smirk plays on his lips, clearly having caught me ogling him.

Trying to play indifference, I strut passed him and make my way to VIP.

He chuckles low, keeping a very short distance behind me but I feel it sweep down my body, all the way down to my toes.

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