Page 23 of War Hope
12
Hope
Istandacross fromKyanthrowing punches at the pads he's holding up.
"It's my onehundredthfight tomorrow night," he says.
I lift both eyebrows as I stare at him. "I'm not sure whether to say well done, or offer commiserations on having been in that shithole for a hundred fights."
He laughs. "Well done,ginge. Say well done."
"Okay then,” I throw another punch and feel a dropof sweat roll down my back, “well done. Are we celebrating?" Pausing, I swipe at a piece of hair sticking to my neck.
He grins. "Of course. We're going to thetittybar. I already told everyone you're coming."
I shrug one shoulder. "You know I like a pair of average looking tits as much as the next girl."
"That's the spirit. And…” a smirk dances over his lips. “I managed to get Finn to come."
I fight a laugh. "Fuck me, you managed to get the troll to leave his cave?"
"Yeah, well, he's a moody fucker but he's alright really." Is he though? I think that's half the problem with Larry andKyan—even Finn. They all know they each have problems, but they brush it off, overlook it, and pretend it's okay. They did it with Brandon and look where it got them.Finn hidesin his apartment and comes across supercalm, but no one can want to remain that isolated and really be happy. Hell, anyone who wants to get the shit kicked out of them in a dirty basement has clearly got some shit to deal with. And it's the look in Finn’s eye sometimes, like he's got a nasty storm raging just below the surface, but he keeps it locked down so damn tight it can never get out. That calm, quiet, mysterious thing he's got going on, I know it's a front. I have to wonder, what's beneath that wellpracticedveneer? Who is Finn really?
I shouldn't care, but I want to know. I can't help myself.
"Absnext?"Kyanasks, his eyes flicking to my bare stomach.
"Ugh! I hate it," I groan.
"No pain no gain, treacle. You lose that hot body of yours and you're done for," he says, grinning. I punch him in the gut. "Mean,” he grunts.
"You're a cunt."
Shrugging, he moves behind me. His hands span my waist as he lifts me. I hear the door open and shut just as I clamp my thighs around the heavy bag.Kyanreleases me and I lean back until I'm upside down and Finn's scowling face comes into view. I wave before pulling myself up with a sit-up, my abs screaming.
"I hate you," I tellKyan.Down. Up."You're a cunt."Down. Up."An arsehole."
He laughs. "If you threw less insults at me, you might get more done."
"I don't want more done."Down. Up."I just want to eat all the cake and stay hot."
I drop down and pause for a second. Finn is now standing next toKyanwatching me with his arms folded over his chest.My gaze shifts to Kyan’s shirtless chest. I'll give it to the boy, he's got a body on him.
"Less perving and more working, treacle,"Kyansays, smiling.
I roll my eyes.Down. Up."Put a shirt on, you slut."
"This is the only reason you train here.” He snorts. “Don't lie."
"Finn, can you punch him please?"
"What are you doing here?"Finnasks.
I roll my eyes and sit up, grabbing the strap at the top of the bag and dropping to the floor. My chest heaves as I drag in air. "Well,Finnley, I'm working out.”
"In my gym?"
"In Larry's gym, withKyan." I check my watch. "And you're a whole two hours early,” I say. “Did you shit the bed or something?I know how you love your routine."
