Page 26 of The Bloke

“Well, look who finally decided to show up.” Jaxon scorned, giving me his darkest fuck you glare to date. “Line the fuck up.”That's it?

Doing as I was told, I walked across the stage to line up with the other six blokes. Our set music started, and we all moved into our starting positions, a single-file line down center stage. We gripped the hems of our white tanks and pulled them up to chest height while leaning to the side, switching in a staggered formation.

We continued the routine, not actually ripping our tank tops off but stopping with all seven of us lined up at the front of the stage.

Jaxon cuts the music and steps onto the stage.

“Take five, guys; I need a minute with Colby.”Fuck.

“Jax—” I started.

“Please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did last night.” He whisper-yelled just as Darren and Benji retreated to the lounge room.

“The fuck does it matter what I do?” I crossed my arms over my chest, standing my ground.

Once everyone had cleared out, Jaxon stepped into me, so close I could feel his breath on my face as he seethed.

“It does when it comes to the brotherhood. You can’t just bring random women into it.”

“I don’t recall that being a problem with Tate and his new wife,” I shrugged.

“Tate’s wife went under a thorough background check, followed by a test of her loyalty to him and the Men Under Revue.” He ground out through a clenched jaw. “Are you willing to put yours through the same?”

“What kind of fucking question is that?” I barked. “I didn’t realize I needed permission to marry.”

“All I’m saying is, if she fails, she’s done. It’s your hands that her blood will stain, Colby. Can you live with that?” Jaxon sighed. “You can marry whoever the fuck you want, but I just wished you would have said something before doing it outright. Was she really that important?”

Was she? I know it was an impulsive decision, but it was the right one, and I will die on that fucking hill.

“Of course she is. I don’t need to justify my reasons for claiming her as mine.”

“No, but now you better pray to god that she can pass her test.”

“There are no gods here, only us.” I scoffed.

“You say that now…” Jaxon shook his head. “Not everyone is like us, Colby… Not everyone understands how we handle things. She might not be as tough as you believe her to be.” He groaned, fisting his hair. “Fuck, mate… You don’t even know her.”

I might not know her now, but by the end of the week, I will.

And I’ll make sure she passes her test, whatever the cost.

Chapter 12

Sienna

In a rush toget my ass to the studio on time for the first class of the morning, I forgot I was still wearing my wedding ring. A couple of my customers brought it up, their eyes wide and beaming. After the fifth reminder, I removed it and shoved it into the top drawer of the front desk. I was sick of looking at it and attempting to come up with some lame excuse as to why I had the ring on and wasn’t married.

Women love to gossip, and here in this studio, there is enough to go around every class. We are a tight-knit community, trusting each other with our secrets and slandering those outside these doors. I didn’t judge. I enjoy the gossip; it makes for an entertaining day.

“I need to see you ladies working your scapula. This is level two; you know every position we work is full body.” I called outas I paced down the center row between reformers. My last class was full tonight, so I would need to stay later to get my personal workout in before heading home.

“Russian splits, and then we will end with whatever extra stretch you need.” I started. “When stepping onto the reformer, you need to close your rib cage and tighten your abdominals, pelvic floor, and inner thighs. This is your powerhouse. Let any of this go, and you get nothing from this workout but an injury.” I stopped pacing when I reached the front of the room and turned to watch as everyone continued the workout.

I’ve been trying all morning to get my mind to shut the hell up. I couldn’t think. Everything circled back tohim.

The past six hours have been nothing but a sad attempt at trying to remember what the fuck happened last night.

This is where I curse myself for being a lovable drunk and not a complete bitch instead.

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