Page 60 of Thor

Thor's smile was slow and satisfied, like he'd gotten exactly the reaction he wanted. "You mentioned it once. Weeks ago. How you used to climb in college, how you missed it."

"You remembered." The words came out as a whisper. I'd mentioned it in passing during a quick lunch break, when Thor had stopped by Prestige on some pretext to check that I was safe.

"I remember everything you tell me, princess." He reached across the table, tucking another rebellious strand of copper hair behind my ear. His rough fingertips lingered against my cheek, a casual intimacy that made my breath catch. “Or try to, at least.”

That was what got me most—how he so easily wove the endearment into conversation, seamlessly blending the Daddy Dom persona with attentive boyfriend.

Damn.

I had a boyfriend.

"I haven't climbed in years," I said, excitement building despite my attempt to remain composed. "I'm not sure I remember how. And I’ll be so weak."

“You? Weak? Never.”

I blushed again.

"Now, go get dressed. Wear something comfortable you can move in. We leave in twenty."

As I hurried to the guest room to change, I realized I wasn't just excited about climbing again. I was excited about experiencing something I loved with Thor. My boyfriend.

TheIronridgeRockGymhit me with a wave of nostalgia the moment we walked through the doors. Industrial chic didn't begin to describe it—the converted warehouse space soared overhead, at least forty feet to the rafters. Climbing walls in various configurations stretched upward, dotted with colorful holds like a strange vertical playground for adults. The familiar scent of chalk dust, rubber mats, and the faint tang of sweat triggered memories of college competitions and weekend climbing trips. My fingers actually twitched at my sides, eager to feel the rough texture of holds again.

"You like it?" Thor asked, his hand resting protectively at the small of my back.

"It's amazing," I breathed, taking in the dozen or so climbers scattered across the facility, some harnessed and scaling the tallest walls while others worked bouldering problems closer to the ground. "I had no idea Ironridge even had a place like this."

Thor guided me toward the front desk where a young man with arms covered in geometric tattoos greeted us. "Mr. Eriksson, everything's ready for you."

I glanced at Thor, surprised. He just winked at me.

"Got us day passes, gear rental, even booked an instructor for a refresher if you want one," he explained as the desk attendant handed over a clipboard with waivers. "The owner owes me a favor. Had some trouble with his delivery van last winter."

Of course he had connections. Thor seemed to know everyone in Ironridge, a network built on favors exchanged and protection offered. It was easy to forget that beneath the Heavy Kings MC exterior was a man who ran a legitimate business, who understood how communities actually functioned.

I signed the waiver quickly, familiar with the standard legalese from my climbing days.

"Haven't climbed in years," I admitted as we moved toward the equipment area. Despite my excitement, a flutter of nervousness tickled my stomach. What if I'd forgotten everything? What if I made a fool of myself?

"It'll be like riding a bike," Thor said, his confidence in me absolute. "Your body remembers."

A staff member helped fit us with harnesses and climbing shoes. Thor declined a chalk bag, but I accepted one, the familiar weight hanging at my lower back another pleasant memory resurfaced.

"These shoes are torture devices," Thor grumbled as he laced up the specialized climbing shoes, their aggressive downturned shape forcing his feet into an unnatural position.

I laughed, already feeling more relaxed. "They're supposed to be tight. Gives you better grip on tiny footholds."

"If you say so, princess." The endearment slipped out casually, but I caught the desk attendant's curious glance. Thor either didn't notice or didn't care who heard him call me that.

We met our instructor in the training area—a lean woman named Cassie with sun-weathered skin and forearms corded with muscle. She assessed me with a professional eye.

"Amanda's climbed before," Thor told her. "College team, she said."

"Just Mandy," I corrected automatically, surprised he'd used my full name. Few people did anymore. "It's been about seven years, though."

Cassie nodded. "Let's see what you remember. We'll start on the practice wall, go through basic techniques, then see if you're ready for the real routes."

The practice wall was only fifteen feet high with large, obvious holds—designed for absolute beginners to learn movement fundamentals. I approached it feeling self-conscious, aware of Thor watching intently from a few feet away.

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