Overthrown

Chapter 28

I wake clammy and covered in sweat, my heart pounding out of my chest. Glancing around at my surroundings, I confirm that I'm in Nikolai's room, alone. At first it is a relieving discovery but then the sadness of it all sets in. Can I trust Nikolai's men to be able to protect me if Jason attacks?

I am surprised Luis hasn't called me to give an update on Jason's search for me. Jason would never allow me to be missing this long, unless he already knew where I was. Fear gripping me, I push myself from the bed and jog to the bathroom. As I splash the cold water on my face, I try and dismiss the awful thoughts that plague my mind. As if my demon was alerted every time Jason crossed my mind, she chimes in.

You know he'll find you.

He always does.

He is always one step ahead.

I know. I don't have to argue with her. She's right, Jason has to be up to something. There is no way my absence isn't a part of his bigger plan.

I get dressed and head down to grab a quick bite to eat before training. Andre's training sessions have been so intense that I had to start eating more. I walk into the dining room and like clockwork Anya appears with an egg white omelet and oatmeal. I gobble the food down and blindly flip through the newspaper. That's when I see him, Jason's face staring back at me sprawled across page six. Dropping the coffee mug loudly onto the table, the hot dark liquid sloshes out as I take the paper in to both hands. The paper crinkles as my hands grasp it tightly while reading aloud.

"Collin's International Holdings CEO, Jason Collins, announces that his wife and COO, Michelle Collins, will be stepping down from the board."

He did it!

He finally did it!

He kicked you out of your own company!

My jaw clenches as my hands rip the paper in two, throwing it to the ground. My rage bubbling up, I need to train now before I destroy the dining room. I jog to the gym as the guards watch in confusion. As I enter the gym, I immediately glance around the room for Andre. He is in the corner grabbing equipment and bringing it towards the mat for our session. "Hey Mitch, you're early!" He says chipper as usual with a smile. His happy tone makes me sick to my stomach. "Are you alright?" He asks clearly noticing my less than pleasant facial expression.

"No."

"Angry?" The smile now gone and replaced with concern.

"Yes." I breathe out, clenching my jaw unable to make eye contact with him.

"Okay, run it out. Sprint intervals, 3 miles. When you're done, we'll get started." Andre still looks worried but he knows that running helps channel my energy. Without a word, I hop on the treadmill and immediately start running. Three miles pass quicker than I'd like but I do feel a little better. Stepping off, I grab my water and walk to the mat to stretch. Sitting in a straddle I begin stretching my upper body before leaning over and stretching out my hamstrings.

I can feel Andre's eyes on me from across the room, out of my peripheral I see his eyes skimming across my legs. His eyes raking up my torso until they meet mine. He quickly looks away realizing he's been caught. "Do you want to talk about what has you so angry?" He asks walking towards me.

"No."

Disappointment washes over his face, he wants me to open up. So did Nikolai and seeing that look on Andre's face just reminds me of how I treated him. Maybe if I had just talked about my feelings, he wouldn't have left.

Nikolai left you because you are weak!

Because you are broken!

I flex my hands into a fist after I finish wrapping them. I need to start hitting something soon and I really don't want to hurt Andre. Walking over to the heavy bag, I start wailing on it attempting to do my drills. I can hear Andre droning on in the background telling me I am getting sloppy and to focus. I ignore his voice and continue punching. I begin to imagine Jason's face on the bag and my punches grow in strength. As my fist connects with the bag, I hear a rip and sand begins to pour on to the rubber mat beneath me.