5. - – Scarlett
CHAPTER FIVE
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SCARLETT
Ruby and I spent Sunday morning lazing around. We ordered brunch and stayed in my bed watching horror movies. My mind flicked to Micah a few times, and I was tempted to unblock him. Though my insecurities and anxiety won the battle and I didn’t.
He seemed like a nice guy and I’m sure I gave him a night he will never forget. Even if it’s one he’ll laugh about for the rest of his life.
I got the confirmation for the kickboxing class yesterday. While I’m nervous about it, a part of me is excited as well.
Yesterday I searched up a few videos on classes just so I know what I’m getting into. My lungs were screaming for air just watching the woman struggle through the warm ups and I’m wondering if I’m taking on more than I can handle.
Parking my car, I look up at the cute little studio. The words KO: Kickboxing Company blink in neon lights on the sign above the door. My phone dings with a text, and I look at the screen.
Ruby
Sorry, babes, work called me in. I have to cancel today, but if you survive the class, I’ll join you on Thursday. Love you, bitch. Kisses!
I flick my head back against the headrest of my seat and groan. “Of course. Well, I’m already here. Might as well go in.”
Grabbing my gym bag, I get out and lock my car. The front of the studio has tinted windows, so I can’t see inside. “At least people walking by won’t see my fat ass.”
My leggings are riding up my ass crack and my tits are already threatening to burst from my sports bra. I reach the front door and head inside. A little bell rings over my head as the scent of gym mats and lingering sweat fills my nose.
Women span the space as they stretch out their muscles and chat. I’m the biggest here and I’m tempted to turn and run. Finding a free corner, I set my bag down and take off my sweater.
My black tank top is form fitting and shows off my hourglass figure. Thank fuck my leggings suck me in, or my muffin top would be visible. A few of the others give me smiles or little waves. At least everyone here seems friendly.
I sit down on a yoga mat and stretch out my legs, bending myself into the butterfly pose to work the muscles in my back. My eyes scan the rest of the gym. A boxing ring sits in the middle of the room, and to the left, two rows of punching bags hang from the ceiling.
On the wall behind the bags is filled with padded chest guards and hand pads for sparring. I haven’t seen the instructor yet, but according to the site, it’s a man named Alec.
“Welcome, ladies!” A familiar male voice booms around the room. My heart sinks to my ass as a cold sweat breaks out over my body.
Oh, fuck no.
I reach behind my back and grab my bag, hoping to rush out before he sees me. A shadow covers me, and I slowly look up to see Micah standing above me. He’s wearing a loose pair of gym shorts and a black muscle shirt that looks as if it was spray painted on.
He has a smug smile stretched across his lips. Two black circles frame his eyes, a small tinge of blue and purple swirling with the bruises.
Fuckfuckfuck!
“Oh, hi. I… I thought you were a trainer, didn’t know you taught classes as well,” I stutter and stand up, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
“I cover for my friends when they need it. Plus, I told you I’m a professional fighter. Not that I do much fighting anymore. Though I’m kind of the best one to take over as a substitute,” he says nonchalantly.
Micah’s eyes flick to my bag, and he turns to face the others. “Everyone, welcome Scarlett. She’s new to class.”
My cheeks are burning as I give a little wave. When he turns his back, I shoot him a glare. “Seriously.”
“Well, you were about to leave. I know you can throw a tit but I’m curious if you can pack a punch,” he says with a chuckle and takes my bag off my shoulder. He slings it over his back with a wink. “I’ll keep this safe for you.”
My face is probably as red as a tomato, and I can feel my stomach churning with embarrassment. I feel as if all eyes are on me and I want to crawl into the pits of hell. “Oh god. I am so sor…”
“Hey, don’t be. Things happen.” Micah leans in, his breath ghosting my ear. “I’ve never had that happen before. But I wish you had stayed. You could have planted them on my face and suffocated me. I would gladly accept that death.”
Arousal pools in my lower abdomen, my nipples harden, and I press my legs together. I open my mouth to answer, but a nervous squeak comes out instead. Micah chuckles and steps back.
“Class is about to start. Let me get you some wraps and show you the proper way to put them on. I hope your sports bra is high quality. We have to make sure those weapons are contained.”
Micah spins on his heels and glides towards the row of punching bags. My mouth opens and closes as I process what the fuck just happened.