King Maker: Past Encounters (Part 3)

17 - Tough love

"Get up," Nash said standing before her as Sam stood behind her ready to catch her if she fell.
Looking at him she held onto the bars standing up. Sweat covered her brow. They had been at this for the past thirty minutes.
"I'm tired brother," she whispered as Nash moved towards her.

"You are not tired till I say so. Remember who put you in this condition. How they laughed inflicting pain on you," He said making her angry.
"Are you a weakling little sis?" He asked. "Your enemy wants all you have including your husband. They want to tear you apart!" He yelled seeing her anger as she took a few more steps before her legs gave in.
"Now you are tired. We go again tomorrow," he said nodding towards Sam before he turned to leave them.
Greg stood by the door to the gym seeing the determination on his wife's face as she took her crutches.

————

One month later

"I can't," she said holding her fists up as Nash moved in swiftly attacking her. Blocking the punches she stepped away from him looking exhausted.
"That's enough!" Greg's voice boomed making them stop.
Nash looked at his sister wearing a smirk before she started to laugh pulling him into a hug.
"You are ready," he said seeing her moving slowly towards her husband who pulled her into his arms.
"Getting overprotective I see," she murmured wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Shall we begin?" He said looking into her eyes as she pulled him closer.
"Yes please," she said eagerly as he rested his forehead against hers.

"I have overstayed my welcome. I have to go to my family," Nash said as T turned to her brother understandingly.
"I'll miss you," she said as he smiled before becoming serious as she moved towards him. "I love you big brother," she whispered pulling him into a hug. "You will come to meet our sister right?" She asked feeling him shake his head yes.
"I love you too," he whispered just before he pulled away his expression giving nothing away as Greg watched the two siblings.
Taking her hand once she reached him he gave it a light squeeze as they left the gym.

—————

"Aliyah," T said in a cheery tone as the woman gasped looking at her friend. "On vacation?" She asked seeing the children running into the water.
"I heard about the accident. No one knew how to reach you. We called Lisa but she wouldn't say anything," she said.
"Aliyah," T said in a serious tone as the woman stopped talking looking at her.
"How may I be of service mistress?" She asked.
"Your husband is in bed with my enemy. Literally," she said as the woman chuckled.
"I will send you his itinerary," she said.
"Give my greetings to the children," T said ending the call just as Aliyah told her security they were leaving.

T turned to Greg who held out a glass of orange juice to her. Pulling her towards him he surprised her as he lifted her onto the kitchen counter.
"Hungry?" He asked stepping in between her legs.
"Very," she smiled sipping her juice offering him some.
Tilting the glass towards his lips she watched him sample the juice.
"I prepared some mashed potatoes and your favorite grilled chicken," he said as she looked at him in excitement.
"No spices right?" She asked.
"No spices. Just honey as you requested," he smiled.
"So what time are we eating?" She asked.
"As soon as some people arrive," he murmured as Derrick and Andrew walked in carrying the twins. Cindy walked in with Fiona as they appeared to be conspiring about something.
Turning around Greg looked at his family just as Lisa walked into the room wearing a smile. T wrapped her arms around his neck resting her chin on his shoulder. Turning slightly she whispered words into his ear that had him smiling.
"It's not my fault I have good genes," he murmured back making her chuckle as he turned to help her down.

Lisa looked at her in confusion seeing she didn't have the walking stick.
Greg held her hand as they led the way to the dining table. Taking his seat he pulled her onto his lap as she looked at him in surprise.
"What? I just need you close to me," he said as she shifted slightly making herself comfortable.
"Let's try to keep things PG for the sake of your children," Andrew whispered passing by them making T chuckled.
"This means I can't kiss you," she smiled shyly at her husband who was watching her with a fond smile.
"I don't plan on just kissing you this evening love," he whispered into her ear making her chuckle as she took the bowl of vegetables.