Page 78 of Gigi and the Gym Rats

“Gigi!”

“Not now, Ron.” I reach the automatic doors. “I have to go.”

“You came to tell Zayne you’re with someone else but didn’t think to tell me?”

“I don’t have to tell you.”

“Oh, I see how it is. I thought we were friends.”

I stop right outside and draw a shaky breath. I give a small shrug. “I…”

He comes to stand in front of me. Lifts a hand to my chin. “What’s the matter? You look like you’re about to cry.”

“I’m not.” I shake my head for emphasis. “Definitely not.”

“Something’s wrong. I can feel it.” His fingers grip my chin. His other hand slides around my waist, pulling me to him. “I know you, girl. Please, fucking talk to me.”

I put my hands on his chest and push. “Stop… hugging me and touching me and… breaking my control.”

His voice gentles. “Gigi…”

“No.”

This time when I push him away, he lifts his hands and bows his head. “Look, no hands, okay? Tell me what is going on.”

“You heard me,” I whisper.

“You’re going out with someone. Who, Casey? Grey?”

“No, I’m…” I don’t feel so light and pleased anymore. “It’s a beta I met. You don’t know him.”

His gaze darkens. “Aren’t we good enough for you?”

“Ron—”

“No, I thought okay, you don’t want me. Makes sense, I’m a damaged motherfucker. But what about Zayne who’s like a rock? Or Casey who’s like butter cake? Or even Grey who…” His voice cracks. “Who’s faithful and fucking beautiful and didn’t deserve to get involved with an idiot like me?”

He has to stop. I’ll be bawling my eyes out in no time. This was about tying loose ends and clearing my path to my goal, but now it feels as if I’m sinking in quicksand.

“You don’t understand,” I say, my voice cracking. “It’s not because I don’t like you or want you. I’m a beta. It’s time I looked for a life partner.”

“That’s bullshit,” he breathes.

“Is it? You said you don’t want to be around omegas because you might lose control. I can’t… can’t lose control. I thought you understood that, of all people.”

“Because I fuck Grey and feel nothing,” he mutters.

“Right!” I brighten. “See? You get it.”

“Fuck,” Ronin says with a scowl. “Being around us makes you lose control. That’s what you think.”

“It’s the truth! Touching you, kissing you… It makes me want things I shouldn’t want. It’s not good for me.”

He’s silent for a long while. We’re standing in the cold. I’m still wearing my jacket but he’s in a T-shirt. Probably getting ready for a workout. I want to tell him to go back in, to be careful not to get sick.

But I’m not sure I have the right at this moment. It makes me feel dizzy and disoriented.

“I’ll set you up,” he finally says.

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