Page 44 of Vicious Cycle
“But it’s scary down there,” Willow said, in a hushed voice.
“It won’t be when I’m through with it. I’ll put in more lights, clean out some of the junk, and put up some mirrors.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Alex gushed, a pleased smile on her face. I could only imagine in her white-bred world, she probably hadn’t had much exposure to the tough-as-shit men who train here, so I guess it made sense she’d be so put off.
“What do you say, kid?” I asked Willow.
“Um, I guess so.”
I laughed. “Just okay. Man, there’s no pleasing you.”
She nibbled on her lip before asking, “Will you put in a barre too? You know, like it’s a real studio.”
“I think I can swing that.”
Her face lit up. “Then I love it.”
Before I thought better of it, I reached out and ruffled her hair. “Glad you think so.”
Willow jumped back from me. “Don’t mess my hair up!”
Alex laughed at our exchange. “We wouldn’t want to mess up your bun.” Amusement danced in her eyes when she looked at me. “Did she do that, or did you?”
“I did. Why?”
She shrugged. “I’m just surprised that’s all.” With a teasing smile, she said, “You’re a man of many talents, Jesse James.”
“Hmm, there’s more of my talents I’d like to acquaint you with,” I replied with a wink.
Inwardly, I cringed. Had I actually just laid some serious innuendo on her? What the hell was my problem? I was just as bad as the Neanderthals who had been panting and drooling over her earlier.
Alex’s eyes widened at my suggestive tone. “Well, I think it’s time that I acquainted Willow with a few basic ballet poses.”
“I’ll keep an eye on things for you.”
After pursing her lips at me, she replied, “Why doesn’t that make me feel better?”
I threw my head back and laughed. “At ease, White Bred.”
CHAPTER TEN DEACON
The next half hour passed without Alexandra being eye-fucked by the guys. While I eventually focused back on Bishop in the ring, I threw a look in her and Willow’s direction every few minutes. Jesus, did Alexandra have patience when it came to Willow. She worked over and over with her to make sure she understood the poses and how to hold her arms. While I would have freaked the fuck out and stalked off, Alex kept her head and never raised her voice.
When the instruction was over, Alex quickly bypassed me for the bathroom to change. “Did I dance good?” Willow asked.
“You did good, Kid,” I replied.
“She didwell,” Rev emphasized behind me.
After turning around, I rolled my eyes at his grammar-correcting ass and then managed to smack him in the balls with Willow’s bag. “Be careful getting her home.”
Bending double, Rev wheezed out a few breaths. “My pleasure,” he muttered, through gritted teeth.
Willow happily reached for Rev’s hand. “Can we get ice cream today?”
Rev refused to meet my questioning look. Instead, he placed a finger over his lips. “What did I say about keeping secrets?”
She giggled. “Okay.”
