Page 30 of Bad Boy
“You didn’t have to do all that, but I really appreciate it. Thank you, Remi.”
“What are friends with benefits for?” He grins wide, showing off his brilliant smile, and I wonder how I got so lucky.
CHAPTERTWELVE
REMI
Monday was a fucking disaster and a blessing at the same time. What Linc and I did was mind-blowing, but what those fuckers did to him has me visualizing some pretty horrendous shit. Things I’ll do to whoever was in that vehicle.
I mean, who the fuck does something like that?
Linc still won’t tell me who it was, but I have no doubt I’ll figure it out. I’ll find the opportune moment to strike, and it will be vicious and without mercy. Because no one should be able to get away with shit like that. Especially to someone that I’m starting to care so much about.
Speaking of fuckboys, another one showed up on Tuesday.Connor.Bright blond hair and dull brown eyes. He’s a football player and thinks he’s God’s gift to all women. The prick eyes me whenever one of the girls giggles at something I say. And to top it off, he’s also friends with Brandonandin our Environmental Science class. So that means he’s going on the field trip this weekend.
I’ve kept my distance, only introducing myself when he approached me in class. I was cordial, but there’s something about him throwing off major red flags. And I definitely haven’t missed the nasty looks he throws Lincoln’s way. I’ve got my eye on him for sure.
The field trip wasn’t a hard sell for Linc’s parents when they found out we’d be partners. I know they love my grandfather, and I’m pretty sure they just want to kiss my ass to get in good with him.
Linc and I didn’t hang out Tuesday after school. He had piano practice and texted that he was crashing early. Understandably so after what he went through the day before. I would normally be worried he’s pulling away after our hookup, but with the way he came twice in a matter of minutes, I know he’s doing anything but. He seemed pretty into this whole friends-with-benefits idea that popped into my head. I mean, both of us are so new to this that I think it’s what we need.
A safe space to explore and experiment and come.
A lot.
Definitely come a lot.
Now it’s Wednesday afternoon, another day of school passing by smoothly. I dropped Linc off at his house, and I’m on my way to Otto’s Boxing Club in Asheville, as recommended by our dear old gym coach.
I need that outlet again. And I need a way to make some quick cash to pay my mom back. Even though her family—our family—has money, I take responsibility for my own actions.
It’s a quick drive, and I’m pulling into the small parking lot in front of the old gray building in just over thirty minutes. A big black and white sign with boxing gloves as the logo announces the place as Otto’s.
I park out front and head to the large, double-glass doors, giving me a good view of the space inside. The little bell above the door chimes as I walk in and over to the young woman at the reception desk. She has short purple locs pulled into a spiky ponytail, deep brown skin, and a septum piercing with elaborate jewels. A single lightning bolt tattoo lines her high cheekbone, just under the corner of her eye. She looks badass, and I wonder if maybe she fights, too.
“Hey there. I’m Sasha. How can I help you?” she asks, smiling kindly.
“I’m here to see Otto De Luca. Recommendation from his brother.” I smirk, knowing I’m purposefully stirring shit up and not giving a single fuck about it.
“Of course. Let me buzz him.” Her fingers fly across the keyboard, pause, and continue moving at an almost unnatural pace, the rapid tapping noises weirdly satisfying.
She stands up, impressive at nearly my height of six feet even. “You can follow me, hun. He’s in his office.” I stare at the designs on the back of her employee tank top as I trail after her to meet Coach De Luca’s brother.
We pass through the main gym area, and I take in all the equipment: treadmills, weight benches, rowing machines, speed bags, heavy bags, and three rings where guys are currently sparring. I follow Sasha down a hallway markedEmployees Onlyuntil we reach a closed door with a gold nameplate on the outside that readsOtto De Luca.
“Okay, here we are. Good luck,” she teases, giving me a little wink.
“Thanks, Sasha.” I smile back at her.
I knock firmly as she retreats down the hallway. “Come in,” a deep voice calls out. I turn the knob, walking in and peering around at the neat, brightly lit office with minimal furniture and zero clutter.
My eyes land on a man who appears to be in his mid-thirties. He looks like a younger, more in-shape version of Coach, and I know this is Otto. His dark brown hair is shaved on the sides and short on top. He has the same olive skin and thick eyebrows as his brother, although Otto’s are more groomed. His chiseled jaw is dusted with a five-o-clock shadow, but I can see the dimple in his chin. Overall, he’s a pretty good-looking man.
I came straight from school, so his inquisitive gaze tracks over my uniform, dark gray eyes sparking with recognition. “Ahh. A Blue Ridge boy.”
I bristle because what the fuck is that supposed to mean? I glance down at my body like I don’t remember what I’m wearing today. “Nah. Not really. Just started on Monday.”
He sits there digesting everything, not unlike his brother, except it doesn’t feel so probing or judging.
