Page 56 of Crimson Promises
Connor’s the first to break the silence. “Holy crap, I don’t think I’ve ever sweat this much in my life.”
“Boxing is an entire cardiovascular workout. The more you train, the more you’ll get used to it. Don’t worry.”
“Is this you agreeing to train me?”
“Look, I can’t commit to anything formal, but if you want to spar whenever I’m at the gym, you can take my number, and I’ll let you know when I’m here. It won’t cost you anything, beer pong champion discount. But if you are looking for someone who will commit to a stringent schedule or looking to go pro, then I’m not the person for you. Sully should be able to recommend a trainer.”
“Nah, bro, I’m just looking to get into shape. I’m man enough to admit that I’m scared shitless of competing with someone else in a ring. I’ve seen enough MMA fights. They can get brutal. I’m not looking to get cauliflower ears.”
I burst out laughing. “Of course, it’s essential to keep your ears in pristine condition.”
“Have you ever fought professionally?”
“Not in an arena setting, but I’ve participated in a few underground fights.”
Connor’s eyes widened.
“It’s just as sketchy as it sounds.” Nothing was as bad as war. “So, is there a particular girl you are doing all this to impress?”
“No way. I’m not ready to be tied down. I have too much livin’ left to do. Too many women to sample. Everyone deserves to have a piece of Connor.”
You had to smile at his bravado.
“Does Aurora know?”
I snapped my gaze to his “Know what?”
“That you’re interested in her.”
“I’m not interested. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
Connor gave me a leveling gaze, “I saw how you were looking at her at the party.”
“And how was I looking at her?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Like she was your salvation.”
“Don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful and smart. I have eyes, and I wouldn’t have chosen her as a partner for our project otherwise. But she’s not my type.” The echo of other people using the speed bags filled the spaces in our conversation.
“Sure, she’s not. Pretty sure she’s everybody’s type.”
“I only think that she deserves better than Riley. He seems like a bit of a jerk.” Angelfucker is what he is.
“He is, but he’s the quarterback of the university’s football team. His status precludes him from all that.”
“Status is about hierarchy and power, two things that divide others.”
“Whatever, it is what it is. Can’t change that, what I can change is my bodyyyy.”
I stared at the fluorescent lighting strips that ran horizontally through the building. “That’s the important stuff.”
Flashes of dead bodies, oceans of blood, and the scent of mortal flesh followed me even now. People who stood together to try and fight those two very things that Connor just so easily shrugged off.
“By the way, Aurora, I don’t know if she’s interested, but she was looking at you too that night. When she thought no one else was looking. Just thought you should know.” Connor brought his water bottle to his lips.
“She was probably just checking out the game.”
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The guy had chugged half a water bottle in one sitting. “It was before the game. I didn’t see her around much after.”
