Chapter 6
Blake
“Your form is shit. You’re all arms.”
“Fuck off,” I pant, throwing my fist into the mitt on Lucas’ hand with a harsh exhale.
I throw a few more combinations, well aware that my form is, in fact, shit this morning. I can’t loosen up, my mind won’t stop, and I feel about as stable as someone going into cardiac arrest.
I mean, who does she think she is? No one has ever waltzed into my office and demanded something from me like that.
Well, they have, but it never ended well for them.
Yet here she is, Miss Sunshine and Baby Blue Eyes, inserting herself into my business like she has any right to be here.
And I, in a moment of absolute weakness, agreed to her ridiculous demands.
I may as well have saved Lucas the early morning gym trip and just beat on myself for giving into her the way I did.
Never before have I let anyone have that kind of power over me or my business decisions, and I sure as hell won’t be repeating the mistake.
She’s nothing but a liability to the reputation I’ve built. Not to mention I don’t have the time for a protégé, or whatever the hell she thinks she is. She’s a burden. A liability and a burden.
“Was it the cute blonde leaving your office yesterday? She have something to do with your shitty attitude?” Lucas asks, seeing right through me.
Lucas was one of the first people I brought into the brokerage after I started it, and he played a big role in its success and growing it to what it is today.
He’s also a hell of a fighter, which is why I invited him to train with me this morning.
Blowing off steam in the gym is probably the biggest contributing factor to keeping a lid on my self-control.
Or as Whitney would call it, my raging, childish temper.
It’s not my fault people are fucking stupid. What does she expect me to do? Not defend myself and the people I love? Fuck that. She should just be glad I haven’t laid hands on anyone since starting the brokerage.
I throw a double jab, and he quips, “My grandmother could have thrown that faster than you just did.”
Resisting the urge to swing for his face, I shake out my arms and go again.
Lucas has always been brutally honest, which is beneficial when it comes to business, though I could do without the constant criticism of my form whenever we train together.
It’s not like I grew up boxing. I was too busy beating the shit out of people for any professional kind of training.
“So, the blonde?” he asks, not letting the topic go. “Is she the reason for this early morning training session?”
“No,” I lie through my teeth and throw a five-two-three combo, Lucas’ mitts snapping against my gloves. The round timer goes off shortly after, and we both free our hands from our respective gear.
“So, who is she, then? New agent?” he prods as I unravel the wraps from between my fingers.
“Not exactly.” I free one hand and grab the hem of my shirt to wipe the sweat from my face.
He eyes me skeptically and runs a hand through his damp brown hair. “What the hell does that mean?”
“It means she won’t be around for long.” I finish with my other hand and stuff my wraps into my gym bag. This woman is already causing issues for me, distracting me, and clouding my judgment, and I won’t stand for it. Her little three-month trial won’t even last three weeks.
“If you’re thinking about bringing her on board, I can help vet her,” Lucas offers, stuffing his mitts into his own bag. He’s helped me recruit agents in the past, and knows exactly what I look for before extending an invitation to someone.
“She’s not joining the brokerage,” I insist, slinging my gym bag over my shoulder. “Trust me, by this time next month, she’ll be long gone.”
Lucas thankfully drops the topic and we part ways. I have a full day ahead of me, so I rush home to shower and change before going into the office. I also repack my gym bag, because I’m sure by the time the day is over and Tracy is out of my hair, I’ll want to fucking hit something again.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this riled up over something work related, which is exactly why she needs to go. I don’t have time for her. My agents don’t have time for her. And I sure as fuck am not going to start letting my business decisions be made for me.
Tracy may have forced her way into this trial run, but I’m about to force her out.