Page 81 of Hiding for the Holidays
She needed me, and I grew addicted to her. I started scheduling sessions every other day and eventually daily. The way she looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes filled with so much hope, I knew she was begging me to save her.
So I did.
I got her out of that place and into my bed. And how does she repay me? She goes to the goddamned cops! I was just trying to teach her how to stay in line. How to behave properly.
But did she listen? No. She fuckingran!
Getting in my car, my hands tighten on my steering wheel as I look up at Iron Oaks. I sneer in distaste. It’s not even a nice gym. The smell of old sweat and cheap deodorant stank up the place.
She’d rather stay here than be with me? Was she really whoring herself out to all three of those Neanderthals for their protection? I sneer at the idea of her being touched by their filthy hands. She was too good for those knuckle-draggers.
She belonged to me.
Once I get her back in my care, I’ll remind her who she belongs to. Who helped her through her depression and who knows what’s best for her.
Me.
Chapter 25
Rosalie
Iplace another toy in the donation bin and smile at the collection. It’s not even the Open House yet, and we’ve already collected about a dozen toys from gym members.
It feels good to be making a difference for once. Doing the Christmas shopping with Grant had been cathartic and reminded me that there are people out there way worse off than me.
My mind jumps back to one of my lowest days, when Scott had found me and beaten me and I’d escaped on a bus. The girl who had given me the concealer seemed like she was running from something, too. Although with her sunglasses on, it was hard to tell. Despite that, she had helped me in my time of need.
And that’s what I wanted to do with this toy drive. Help kids who need it.
Two large hands grip my waist from behind before sliding around to the front of my body, engulfing me in a big hug.
“Have I told you today how amazing you are?” Grant asks against my ear as he looks down at the toy bin with me.
“Hmm… Not today,” I tease.
He kisses my neck, and I feel him smile against my skin. “Rosie, you’re truly amazing.”
“So are you,” I whisper breathlessly as he kisses a sensitive spot.
“Break it up you two,” Asher says as he passes by us with narrowed eyes. But I can hear the teasing in his tone.
“Jealous?” Grant asks as he stands tall and steps to my side, keeping one arm around me.
“Definitely,” Asher replies, surprising me. He gives me a wink, then continues on through the gym.
It’d been like that with him the past two days. He’s been way flirtier than usual. Grant slept in my bed last night, and tonight is Asher’s turn. But even more important than that was the fact that he was taking me out on a date after work.
I glance at the clock. Three ten. I almost groan, realizing it’s not time to go yet, but that thought makes me smile. It’s the first time I’ve actually wanted to leave this place, I love working here.
But Asher has me all hot and bothered lately. He greets me with a crazy heated kiss, then just smirks and walks off. As if he doesn’t just know what he’s doing to me, but is actively driving me insane on purpose.
Grant kisses my head, gaining my attention back on him. “I’ve gotta go train a client, be good.” I smile as he wanders off towards the squat racks. He's been doing more training lately, and he’s becoming really good at it. The clients love him, and he’s a natural with them.
I decide to go check the email to make sure there are no last-minute changes for the Christmas Open House. As I pass the mats, I see Asher standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at my reflection in the wall of mirrors as I walk behind him. He lifts a hand and quirks a finger at me, callingme over to him.
As I approach his side, he keeps his gaze on me in the mirror and reaches out to pull me in front of him, finally lowering his eyes to look at me directly.
“I think you need another self-defense lesson.” There’s something about the way he says it that makes me think this isn’t just about training me to protect myself.
