Beginner and the Sinner (Andy Biersack & Noah Sebastian)

Chokehold

I didn't see Lotus for a few days. She wasn't at training, most likely because it would hurt her freshly Brazilian waxed skin. I had broken ribs and I still showed up. It just showed that climbing the ranks wasn't as important to her.

I knew she'd be pissed at me for a while. Mostly for leaving her there. I had no doubt she had a ride arranged before I even made it to my car. She was at fault. Not I. She deserved it and until she came to her senses I felt like keeping my distance.

I'd moved to training with the sais. They were badass. Getting the hang of them was difficult. Maddie ended up giving me a few pointers and the looks we got from the men around us was like we'd stripped naked and started making out. They were dumbfounded the two of us were being friendly towards one another. Maddie found it just as amusing as I did.

"Are you busy after this?" Maddie asked after demonstrating how to hold the weapons in a hidden manner.

"No what's up?" I replied without hesitation. I needed something to do instead of sitting around waiting pathetically for Noah to return. I swear I was behaving worse than a dog.

Noah and I had been texting whenever he was free. We'd exchanged a few photos during our conversations too. I'd spent way too long trying to get the perfect sexy, yet still PG, photos of myself to send. Everything remained covered; there was either a lot of skin, cleavage, or strategically placed fallen strap. He seemed to be enjoying them.

"Could you give me some pointers on my tumbling? The gig is happening and my back handspring is hit or miss." Giving Maddie a smile, I nodded.

"I'd be happy to."

*~*~*~*

"Yeah there you go!" I called out as Maddie successfully preformed two back hand springs in a row.

We hadn't been working at it very long. Which was good for Maddie cause she didn't say when she had to leave. I gave her a few pointers, the same ones I'd been given by Ashley. I think she picked it up way quickly than I had.

"Those looked great. I think you have them figured out." Maddie wore a giant smile. She'd said she'd been trying to get them down for a while.

"I can't thank you enough Lexus." Returning her smile, I waved her off.

"That's what friends are for." I tried the F word and Maddie gave me a nod with a large smile. I liked the idea of us being friends over enemies.

I heard a door open behind me but didn't bother to look back. Maddie and I had been the only people in the gym since training had ended. The air around me changed, it felt charged. If I reached out and touched Maddie, or something metal, I felt like I'd get shocked. I fought the urge to squirm. I knew exactly who entered the gym.

Maddie's eyes widen for a brief moment as she took him in. Shifting her gaze back to me she grinned and slid over to me quickly. Her amusement evident. I couldn't help but smile back at her, even if she was being obvious.

"Guess who's walking towards us right now?" She kept her voice quiet but her excitement was evident.

"Oh I know." She eyed me curiously before looking past me at him. It's too early in our friendship to let her know how I feel his presence changes the air around me. It's kind of strange unless you've experienced it firsthand.

"Lexus." Andy's deep voice spoke my name in an authoritative manner. A shiver ran down my spine. I turned slowly to face him.

"Andy." I say in a tone that mimicked his and crossed my arms. I watched his brows lift slightly but he didn't show any sort of amusement.