The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Eight

Author's Note: As an apology for not updating twice last week, I'm doing a double update today!

Trigger warning: this chapter includes intimate partner violence. If you are a victim of intimate partner violence, you can reach help at 800-799-7233.

Is it horrible to wish I was sweaty with a certain personal guard for a very different reason?

He stands across the gym from me, eyes carefully tracing the horizon with his arms crossed on his massive chest. He's changed clothes. Wearing a pair of dark dress boots, baby blue dress pants and a white dress shirt that clings to his muscles, I'm thinking thoughts I shouldn't be.

Trenton stands at his right, on the other side of the entrance, wearing an enormous grin. He's wearing standard issue black boots, and a black t-shirt with black cargo pants. We're in the middle of the desert and he's wearing Ryker's favorite color.

Specially equipped for rehabilitation, the gym sits on the outer edge of the compound, just beneath a sand dune. We're submerged under the desert, cleverly hidden from view. Except, there are no roads leading here.

When I built this place, I requested top-of-the-line equipment, including two treadmills, a stair climber, bike, free weights and everything else I could get my hands on in blue and gold. Behind the rows of machines is a sitting around surrounding an oval shape, black glass coffee table. Two sofas, a chaise and two round recliners sit in a circle beneath dangling TV screens.

I, on the other hand, am miserable.

"Vitals are normal." Iris chimes in. Her voice calls Chris' attention and his gaze slips toward me, but I look away. "Increasing treadmill speed by set increment."

The treadmill speeds up instantly, and I gasp, struggling to increase my stride. My lungs protest, squeezing as I aim to take a larger breath. My joints ache and my muscles spasm.

"I need a break." I wheeze, grasping the treadmill with shaking hands.

A ghost of a smile flickers across Chris' face, but he remains silent.

"Anything to say, Gatlin?"

Slowly, his eyes meet mine, and he deliberately shakes his head. Snarky bastard wants to stay silent now? Really? He hasn't said a single word to me in two days!

Not since he somehow got my body up and moving and, embarrassingly, I showed him everything but my hopes and dreams in my hospital gown. I think his silence bothers me more than his speaking. Or maybe it's how handsome he looks by sunlight, moonlight... any light.

"Pause study?"

I look at the screens, noting the increase in my heart rate. There's a subtle flutter with the rhythm and a tremble in my breathing. Otherwise, they're completely normal.

Normal? As if there's anything normal about an active heart rate that's 10 beats less than the average resting heart rate. I'll have to figure this out as well.

On the outside chance I'm ever examined by a doctor, they can't discover I'm augmented. This'll be a secret I take to my grave. More things no one can ever know.

"Yes, pause study, Iris."

The treadmill rolls a to stop and I stumble off of it. My bare feet are warm on the cool marble tiles. Chris steps away from his post, but stops, glancing behind me.

"Need some help?"

I start as Catrina's hand sinks under my left arm and lifts it up. Smiling, she balances me against her side. I'm happy to see her, but I can't help but glance at Chris as she steers me toward a chair. He's two steps from his post, watching us like a hawk.