Page 71 of Barrett

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REGHAN

The sound of my wrapped fists hitting the heavy bag was music to my ears. Working out was second nature, but lately I had too much frustration I needed to rid from my body.

“I’m not sure why I’m here,” Lane said. He’d agreed to work out with me. If someone else was in the gym, I focused more on them than the bullshit running through my head.

“We just lifted weights, and you spotted,” I told him.

“You’ve been going from one station to the other with no rhyme or reason. No wonder you’re the size you are.”

“He’s taken,” Marshall said as he walked into the room with Kayli behind him.

I stopped punching and faced them. “I thought you were working today.”

“I did. I’m done now.” He grinned. Marshall wasn’t suffering at all by being here, except he missed Barrett. He seemed to enjoy having people around all the time.

“He wanted something to do so I brought him here. We’re going to work on self-defense moves.”

I nodded then looked at the clock. “Fuck.” I’d been here longer than I intended.

“Yup,” Lane said. “Do you want to keep going? I don’t think you’ve punished the treadmill yet with your tree trunk thighs.”

“Didn’t you hear me?” Marshall asked. “He’s taken.”

Lane chuckled. “I did. I have no interest in Reghan.”

“Good. My brother would kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see him try."

"He’d fight you,” I said to Lane. “I haven’t seen him really get into it with anyone, so I have no idea who’d win.”

“Reghan, that’s not very nice,” Marshall chastised as he and Kayli got into position.

“And you haven’t seen what Lane can do. I’m just being honest.”

“Fine.”

I grabbed my towel and wiped off my face.

“Are you finally done?” Lane asked.

“I thought you were bored.”

“I was, but I have a date to get ready for.”

We all stopped. Kayli, Sheldon—who was jogging slowly on the treadmill—Vincent, who was lifting, and me. It could have been a gunshot cracking through the room with the way everything ceased.

Lane rolled his eyes. “You’re all awful. I’m allowed to date. I’m not forced to stay here. I’m not under a guard’s protection.” He shook his head at our stunned faces and walked to the locker room.

It wasn’t until he was gone that Marshall asked, “What’s wrong with him going on a date?” We’d been selective in what we told him, and he overheard. This wasn’t an off-limits subject. Just one we didn't openly discuss often.

It was Kayli who answered him. “You know Raiden, right?”

Marshall nodded.

“And I know you’ve met the doc.”

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