Chapter 23 #3
"Of course." No problem. I wrap the bandages around my hands, then slip on the gloves. "But I won't go easy on you, just so we're clear. If I hurt you, that's your problem."
I want to seem threatening and show him that I know what I'm doing.
"If you give me a few scratches, I'll gladly take them."
"I meant broken bones," I deadpan, not even smiling anymore.
"With those skinny little arms? Hardly." He's teasing me, grinning, only spurring me on more.
First, I want to warm up with some boxing, so I start throwing punches at the pads. I can see Alex tensing his muscles so it's at least taking him some effort to keep me in check. I really let loose and throw in a few kicks, which he catches with ease.
It feels so good to completely exhaust yourself! Wonderful. I haven't had this much fun in ages.
"You've got more in you! Come on. Harder!" he urges me on.
Easy for him to say! I'm running out of breath and my muscles are aching. I feel good and strong, pumped full of endorphins, but my lungs are burning intensely.
"Okay. Break. Drink something."
I stagger back and stand still, catching my breath, then take a few steps.
"Here. Drink." Alex followed his pads set aside. He holds out the water bottle to me. "Is there at least some electrolytes in there?"
"Yeah."
"And did you eat well before working out?"
"Chicken, skyr, and a banana."
"Perfect. I can tell you got more strength. If we train together in the upcoming weeks, you'll get better."
"Can I have the PIN now?" I ask again, draining half the bottle in one go.
"Are you sure you want to earn it already?"
Earn it?
"Or should we train for another half hour? These punching bags need a proper workout."
They hang from the ceiling. I look at them and take a deep breath.
"I think if I imagine they're you, it'll be easier for me to beat the hell out of them."
"Strong words from a woman who's already gasping for air," he teases with a laugh.
This guy...
We keep going. Sometimes he holds the punching bag, sometimes another guy helps us, since I could never catch Alexander's punches and kicks.
We both work up a good sweat, and more and more members gather around us.
Word must have gotten around that I'm here and someone is getting closer to me than any other guy.
That doesn't seem to sit well with everyone.
Whenever someone tries to make a move, though, I brush them off.
Is Alex counting on this? Does it turn him on that I only have eyes for him?
"I think that's enough for today," he tell me in front of everyone else.
About twenty men stand around us, having enjoyed the show of him making me sweat properly. Some are training, others just watching while taking a break. A very long break.
"Can't keep up anymore?" I challenge him, even though I'm completely exhausted myself.
"You want another duel?" he asks and a murmur runs through the crowd. "What’ll it be?"
"You pick. I'll take on any challenge!"
"Anything?"
"Yes!"
I’ll lose, of course, and by a mile, but he would be competing against a woman and would therefore lose face. So, I would emerge as the real winner. I stand there proudly while the crowd laughs and jeers. Alex, however, looks far from intimidated.
"Okay. I accept the challenge."
There's clapping and cheering—it's getting exciting. What will he choose?
I wring my hands looking at him defiantly.
Alex approaches and stands directly opposite me. "I choose... carrying."
"Carrying?" Before I can finish being confused, he grabs me and lifts me up. I don't even have time to react before he throws me over his shoulder.
"Uh!" I groan, as I lie with my stomach on his shoulder, trying to support myself with my hands on his back. "Hey!" I curse annoyed while Alex spins around and twirls me like a trophy.
Of course, our audience absolutely loves it.
"I'd say I've won. I'm taking my prize and I'm going to enjoy it!" Alex sets off taking me with him like a sack of potatoes fresh from the field.
"Put me down right now, you ass!" I continue cursing. I've completely lost my orientation until I see that he's heading for the back rooms.
Wait a minute. What's going on here? Why isn't he putting me down?
And then there's the hooting and snickering of the other members, calling out to him to give me a good fucking.
Oh God. Hey! That's not what I had in mind!
All I can see is that we're going into a hallway, and then the door closes behind us.
"Stop wriggling so much," Alex says as I try to free myself.
Nope, I don't have a chance. He has me way too securely in his grip. I'm literally being carried off. Oh God, this is so embarrassing.
"What are the others supposed to think?" I ask desperately.
A second door closes behind us. Now it's dark. So dark that I can barely see anything. Alex turns on the light as he spins around. I’m a little dizzy, but then he finally puts me down so I can stand on my feet again.
I can finally see where we are: It's a storage closet.
"That I won. And now it's time for you to earn your PIN." Alex grins and places his hand on my jaw. He moves closer, kisses me hungrily, and simultaneously wraps his other arm around my body so I can't escape him.
The storage room is small. It must be only about fifty to sixty square feet. The shelves hold sports equipment: pads in different sizes, bands, and boxing gloves. There are also bottles, towels, and lotions.
So much for him not paying attention to me at work today. He was saving it. For here and now. For this moment.