Page 68 of Commander in Briefs

“Let’s go, ladies! Get those fucking knees up! That means your broody ass too, Cade! I want to see those balls slap against your thighs!”

I glare at Anniston mid-stride, my eyes narrowing in an attempt at the stink eye but the kiss she blows me has me laughing instead.

“You have something to say, Gorgeous?” She’s taunting me, running alongside.

The guys are huffing out obscenities behind me. We’re four miles into our six-mile morning run. I remember the days when that was me. Lungs burning. Legs quivering. Pleading with Anniston for a break. And just like back then, she doesn’t stop. She pushes us with her taunts and teases, knowing what to do to inspire. Right now, as I lag behind my usual pace, she shoves into me, trying to break my stride.

“You see Thor back there?” she asks, hiding her smile behind her hand.

I grin. It’s been a week since we brought in the newbies. Thor has been a constant pain in our asses ever since. I keep waiting for Theo to relax and send him home but he hasn’t. Probably because Theo has only been home once this week. The team has a pitcher down with an injury and he’s taken on an additional game in the rotation.

Thor, unlike us, is a big brute. All strength and no stamina. Our runs have kept him in a perpetual state of distress. The funny thing is, he’s been so tired from the runs that he hasn’t had the energy to protect Anniston even if he needed to.

“I heard him moaning this morning from his aches.” My lips tip up in a satisfied grin.

“Five bucks says he pukes in the next quarter mile.” She’s jogging at a leisurely pace while the rest of us struggle. I have no doubt that Thor will puke by the time she’s done with him. It’s a losing bet, but one that she wants me to take.

“You’re on,” I tell her, extending my fist for a bump.

Her responding smile is sweet before she turns, screaming to the line behind me. “The last one to finish cleans the bathrooms for a week.”

The gasps and grunts behind me ensure her victory.

“What’s up with that Tim guy?” Theo casts me a questioning look, tossing a piece of gum in his mouth as we watch the guys and Anniston toss around the football in the grass below.

I was hoping to avoid him and all his assholeness like the plague today. His constant questioning is getting old after he came home last night in grand fashion. He rushed Anniston upstairs and made sure that we all heard him staking his claim.

Now, he’s satiated, lounging on the back deck, and has been grilling me for the past half hour on our new roommates.

“Have you run a security check on him? He seems too…quiet.”

The throbbing in my temple is growing stronger by the minute. “No, I haven’t. But I’m sure you have.”

He has the decency to look sheepish, biting his nails to hide his smile. “I had to make sure.”

I shrug. I know he did. And honestly, I’m grateful. I made a promise to keep her safe but other than physically protecting her, I am at a loss. Theo has resources that only money can buy. Normally, that would piss me off but in this case… I’m relieved.

“So, what’s his deal?” He won’t stop until I answer him. Trust me, I’ve tried.

I kick back on the lounger, making myself comfortable. Once he starts getting answers, he won’t stop until he’s satisfied.

“Tim is fine, Theo. Just because he’s quiet doesn’t mean he’s a psycho. Some people actually like listening instead of talking. You should try it sometime.” I give him a smug smile that he ignores.

“I mean, what’s his deal with the whole homeless thing?” He waves his hands dismissively like it’s no big deal. Like it’s easy for us to discuss the low points in our lives. He doesn’t mean any harm. He and Anniston have no boundaries when it comes to their lives. Unless it’s about their relationship, then they suddenly turn into mimes when questions are asked. But anything else… no filter.

“Theo, I don’t know all the details and it’s not polite to ask.”

He glares at me. He knows it’s impolite, but that doesn’t stop him from asking, and he expects an answer.

I sigh, knowing I’m going to have to give him something. “Fine. He lost his hearing in an explosion. His voice is messed up, so he doesn’t speak much.”

His mouth drops open in disbelief. “Damn. That sucks.”

I nod in agreement. It does suck. I can’t imagine notbeing able to hear, never hearing the voice of my angel. Tim reads lips, so he understands but it’s not the same. Anniston wants us to all learn sign language to help. And what she wants, she gets.

“Anniston told me a little about Hayes and Mason, but what about Vic?”

“Vic is a little different…” I hate sharing their secrets, especially with Theo. Not that I think he will exploit them or throw what he knows in their faces, but still… it feels like a betrayal. I know he’s coming from a good place though. He wants to ensure Anniston is safe. And for that reason alone, I tell him.

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