Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Stone
I’m not surprised to find the light to the gym on. I use the spare set of keys Elijah gifted me to open the door, but I know I’ll find him here.
The scent of sweat belonging to willing fighters fills my nostrils, and a sense of comfort wraps around me. This is my safe place. Besides with Sienna, this is the only place I feel comfort, and it’s as if Elijah knows I need it tonight. He’s pulling on his training gloves when his crinkled eyes meet mine with mirth. “You’re here earlier than I expected.”
Smirking in his direction, I raise an eyebrow and throw off my suit jacket. Then I toe off the expensive loafers they insist on me wearing, followed by the Italian socks that make my skin itch with discomfort at the luxury. I roll my shoulders to ease the tension. “Some would say it’s late. Should be past your bedtime, old man.” I mock.
He wafts a hand toward me. “Meh. Sleeping is for when we’re dead. Right?”
A loud chuckle is pulled from my lungs, dispelling the sinister dealings hanging over me only moments ago. I unbutton the collar of my shirt, allowing me to breathe once again. Without warning, I lunge forward with a swift punch to his glove, forcing him to stumble back.
“Rough night?”
I bounce on the balls of my feet. “You’ve no idea.”
Another blow causes him to fall back into the ropes before he rights himself.
“You wanna talk about it?” he questions, no doubt already knowing my answer.
“Not tonight.” It’s the same response I always give, and I hate the way his shoulders slump. The last thing I want is for Elijah to be disappointed in me, but what’s the alternative? To give him every sordid and twisted detail of my past and present? All that would ever do is put him in danger, and I refuse to take that chance.
He’s a good man who saw the harrowing despair of a kid needing strength, and he delivered it tenfold. Knowing he’s here is enough for me.
“Sometimes we have to let out the darkness trapped inside. That way, we let in the light. I’m ready when you are.” His soft eyes meet mine, and I wonder if he means he’s ready for another one of my heavy blows or for something more from me.
But Elijah should know better than to expect more from a man made of stone.
Not from me.