The morning goes by quickly, and too soon, I walk my parents to their car. “I’m going to miss you.”
“You can come home every weekend,” Mom says, her voice hopeful.
“I probably will,” I admit. “Unless it’s exam time.”
I kiss and hug both my parents, and as Dad slides in behind the wheel, he says, “If you need anything, just call, and I’ll take care of it.”
“I know. Love you both.”
“Love you most, Bean,” Dad says tenderly.
Mom leans over Dad so she can see me. “Love you.”
I watch my parents drive off, then begin to walk back to the dorms, but instead of heading to my room, I decide to go see what the gym is like.
The campus is luxurious and modern, with a touch of history. Students pass by me, their eyes focused on their phones. Dressed in only the top brands, I get the impression my fellow students are all competing with each other to look the most fashionable.
I’ll definitely end last in that competition. I’ve never been one to follow the latest fashion trends.
Reaching the gym, high-paced music thumps in the air. Various machines are already occupied, and an aerobics class is just about to start. I search for a punching bag and find a couple hanging at the back of the building.
The beat pulsing around me, and the vibe of energy bouncing off the walls makes me eager to start.
Tomorrow morning first thing I’ll be back to beat the ever-loving shit out of the bag.
Grinning and feeling pleased with my discovery, I make my way back to the suite I share with my friends.
Chapter 4
HUNTER
Since my first day at the academy, I’ve always started my mornings at the gym, and this year will be no different.
I make my way to the upper floor and stepping on a treadmill, I start at a slow jog to warm up. I can still hear the gym’s generic music and turn up the volume on my own playlist. Focusing on my breaths, I look down below at the meager amount of students who braved the early hours to get some exercise in before class.
A flash of red draws my attention, and for a moment, I check out the sexy ass swaying across the lower floor.
Damn, the girl looks good in tights.
Then my eyes land on her face, and seeing that it’s Jade, the attraction I felt a second ago fizzles a little.
The speed on the treadmill increases, and I have to switch from jogging to running. Jade makes her way over to a row of punching bags, and after putting on a pair of gloves, she begins to lightly bounce around while taking jabs at the bag.
I watch as her blows grow harder and faster. By the time I’m done running and sweat is pouring down my back, I’m not sure if my heart is pounding from the exercise, or from watching Jade beat the shit out of the bag.
I wipe my face and neck before taking a swig from my water bottle, then head down to the ground floor. Jade’s so focused that she doesn’t see me coming, and it allows me another couple of minutes to watch her.
I’d be a robot not to admit that all sweaty and flushed, Jade looks fucking hot. Glancing around the gym, I notice I’m not the only guy staring at her. One of the juniors stopped training altogether. The weights are forgotten at his feet while he watches Jade with drool practically dripping from his open mouth.
Fucker. He better not get any ideas.
I take a couple of steps forward to catch the junior’s gaze, and the moment his eyes focus on me, I shake my head.
All the guys on campus know not to fuck with me. With a light shrug, he resumes his workout.
That’s one down.
I turn my attention back to Jade. She’s stopped punching, and with her chin raised, her eyes bore into me.
Feeling annoyed that my morning routine has been interrupted, a frown forms on my brow. “Is that seriously what you’re going to wear for your workouts?”
A puzzled expression crosses her features then she glances down at the tights and sports bra. “What’s wrong with my outfit?”
“It fits like a second skin, Little Bean.”
She gives me a skeptical look. “Seriously, Hunter? That’s the damn point of exercise clothes, so the fabric doesn’t get in the way.”
“Yeah, but it… it’s too tight. It leaves very little to the imagination.” I glance around and scowl at the first guy I catch staring. Flustered, he swings around and rushes to the other side of the building.
You better run, fucker!
Jade shakes her head and lets out an aggravated huff. “Get lost, Chargill.” She punches the bag once then glares at me. “Before I forego the bag and lay into you.”
That reminds me.
“Great idea. Let’s spar.”
Jade’s body stills, and she looks at me with surprise widening her eyes. “Now you want to fight me? Wasn’t the last time enough?”
Raising my eyebrow in a dare, I ask, “I’m offering you the chance to beat me up, and you’re asking questions?”
She gestures to the headgear and gloves. “Well, get ready, so I can kick your ass.”
After putting on the gear, I hold a head guard out to Jade. “You too. I won’t be holding back today.”
Jade smirks as she swipes the thing from my hands. “I hope you’re ready to have your arrogant, lying ass handed to you.”
Stepping onto a mat, I begin to jump lightly. “Give it your best shot, Little Bean.”
Jade watches me jump around, and I probably look like an idiot. Let’s face it, I’m no professional.
I move forward and jab her shoulder lightly. “Come on. Let’s do this before class starts.”
Another minute passes, then Jade darts forward. She lands a punch against the side of my head and twisting her body around me, she disappears behind my back. Turning to see where she is, I’m not fast enough and take another blow to the head before she does that thing where she sweeps my legs from under me. Landing hard on my ass, Jade quickly follows. When she straddles me, I try to throw her off by turning onto my front and pushing myself up on my hands and knees. Jade’s like a damn spider monkey, and I can’t get her off. Wrapping her arm around my neck in a chokehold, she begins to squeeze. “Tap out.”
I shake my head, which only makes her tighten her grip. “Tap out, Chargill. The girls are watching, and it will be disastrous for your dating game if you were to faint like a pussy.”
I swear I’m beginning to see stars and giving up for the moment, I reluctantly tap out.
Jade lets go and bouncing to her feet, she gives me a triumphant grin. “You know, for someone who’s so damn protective of his friends, you can’t fight worth shit.”
Climbing to my feet, I grumble, “My grandfather isn’t a retired Navy Seal.”
“Excuses, excuses,” she taunts as she begins to circle me. “You’re twice my size. You’re stronger, but I still overpower you, pussy.”
That’s the third time she’s called me that. Wanting to take her down a peg or two, I dart forward, and with the element of surprise on my side, I pin her arms to her sides and copying the move she’s used on me, I take her down. Once I’ve straddled her, I restrain her arms down on the mat.
Leaning closer to her, I smirk, “You were saying?”