Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
"That was crazy," he says, looking at Porter with a mix of awe and fear.
"I won't have predators in my gym," Porter snarls. His jaw is tense, his whole body still.
Keith nods. "Understandable. I'm going back to the desk. Yell if you need anything."
Keith walks off, leaving me alone with Porter. The energy radiating from him is still violent, and he doesn't seem like he's cooled off one bit. He stalks to the center of the gym, climbing into the boxing ring there. The entire gym is silent, the other people working out frozen in place.
"Listen up!" Porter announces, and he has everyone's full attention. "That kind of behavior will not fly in my gym. Everyone is welcome until you fuck up. This is my place, my territory, and I will fuck up anyone that steps outside of the line. I will protect my clients, my employees, and my place. Got it?"
There's a murmur of agreement, and Porter nods.
"Good," he says and jumps back down.
He makes his way toward his office, and I trail after him, my heart still pounding. I don't want him to disappear without acknowledging me. Not after what he just did. Not after he just saved me.
Once we're behind the doors, I let my guard down.
"Porter, thank you."
He whirls around, and his expression is feral. "Come here."
His voice is a growl, and my heart picks up speed. I take a step closer, and Porter takes one step toward me, his pace faster. I should be scared by the fire in his eyes, but I’m not. In fact, the only place I seem to find safe is with him, and that realization makes something intense shoot through me. A primal need for him and a heavy, liquid anticipation.
He takes one final step and then, he's on me. His hands wrap around my waist, and his lips are on mine. I melt into his body, giving myself over to him, letting him kiss me exactly how he wants. His tongue slides into my mouth, and his teeth nip at my bottom lip.
My hands slide under his shirt, and my palms press flat against his bare skin. Porter's skin is hot, and the contact between us only makes both of us burn hotter.
"Bailey, baby," he whispers.
His hand moves lower, grabbing my ass and squeezing, and the sensation makes desire spark to life between my thighs. My panties are already soaked, and I'm desperate to get even closer to him. But Porter's phone rings and the sound makes him break away.
"Fuck," he mutters.
He reaches into his pocket, pulls his phone free, and answers.
"Yeah?"
I step away, trying to control my ragged breathing, and Porter listens to the speaker.
"Alright, I'll be right out." He hangs up, and his gaze shifts to me. "Baby, that was the contractor. I have to go out back and accept a delivery. You can stay here or I can drop you home if you'd like."
I shake my head. "Stay."
Porter smirks, and the sight makes heat bloom in my stomach. "Perfect. Get warmed up, and when I get back, it's time for your lesson."
I blush. I hadn't really planned on finishing today, but after what happened with Jerry, yeah, I need to learn.
"I will," I tell him.
"Good." Porter leans in, pressing a kiss to my forehead before heading out the door.
I wait until he's gone and make my way back out into the gym proper. The tension from earlier has died down, and I feel a lot safer now.
Wrapping up my hands with fresh wraps, I settle in front of the bag. This time, I'm focused, and I let myself remember everything Porter taught me. My mind wanders.
God, he was so intimidating when he fought, but at the same time, I felt completely safe. It's like instinctually I knew he was protecting me and that he would never hurt me. It took seconds for him to dispatch Jerry, but the little I did see made me want to see him box in person for real. His movements were so smooth and strong that it made everything feminine inside me perk up in interest.
This time when I'm interrupted, it's Porter, looking a lot more relaxed. He grabs the bag to stop it moving. "You're distracted. What's on your mind?"
I pause. "It's silly..."
"Nothing that you have to say is silly, Bailey. Tell me."
"I want to see you box," I blurt out, and Porter's eyebrows rise. "You were amazing earlier. You were so fast and in control, and it was… It was amazing, Porter. I want to see you actually box."
His eyelids lower, and a smile comes over his face slowly. He looks almost smug. "Oh, yeah? You want to see me fight, huh? Well, I think I can make that happen." Porter turns his body towards the front of the gym. "Keith! Glove up."