Recluse Protection

Chapter 20

Shutting the car off I stare at the gym, sitting in the parking lot I have to force myself to take a deep breath. The drive here has been filled with me getting into my own head, becoming my own worst nightmare. The chat with Cobra has left me a bit on edge. I'm glad that he's going to give me a chance, I just have to be as open with him as I can. It's going to be hard, actually going to him and share shit. Not the worst agreement I've ever made or even been entered into. Grabbing my keys, I slip them into my clutch, I want to get this over with.

Sliding from the car I lock the doors before shutting it firmly. Walking towards the entrance I have to make a physical effort to keep my posture non-threatening. Right now all I want to do is fight, looking for my target and taking them down. That isn't what I'm here to do. Cobra wants to keep this clean, he doesn't want to be like the enemy. Having asked for his trust now it's my turn to return the favor. I can't let him down. Trust is a two way street and it'd be shitty for me to just bail out on him.

Pulling open the door, I brush a small lock of hair over my ear. Entering the gym I look around, only slightly surprised by all of the body builders roaming around. My eyes lock onto Hunter as he stands as a spotter for someone using the bench press. Looking away I see an older man standing at the desk, arching a brow at me. Forcing me to give a nervous smile. Walking to the desk, the man crosses his arms watching me silently. His large build being exposed by a tank top and basketball shorts.

The man looks like a meatball on steroids, it's not a good look. Bald head covered in tattoos and piercings. "Do you offer self defense courses here?" The man looks as if he couldn't be more bored, letting his eyes trail down my body makes me want to shiver out of disgust.

"We might, you aren't who we market to. How do you find us?" I step closer to the desk, playing with the clutch in my hands.

"I have a friend who's been dating a trainer here. They said that you guys offer some really in depth self defense classes." I make a small gesture towards my cheek, drawing his eyes there. The man nods, turning to look at his computer.

"What trainer?" He's not a man to offer many words, swallowing, I shift my stance.

"Hunter, I think his last name is Jones? He's really tall, has brown, almost black hair-'' The man holds his hand up to me, cutting me off, snapping my mouth shut. I watch the glint that rises in his eyes. He's like Hunter, likes complete control of his women. I feel awful for his wife, girlfriend, whatever partner he does have.

"I only have one trainer named Hunter, do you want Hunter to be your trainer?" I nod fidgeting, shifting my weight from side to side.

"I'd prefer it, does he have the time? I don't want to impose..." I hear myself trail off, like I'm waiting for his approval, it makes me sick.

"I'll talk with Hunter, he should be finishing up with his client. Go wait over there." He moves his arm out towards the waiting room making me shift uneasily. Instinct has me flinching, slipping back into my past. The man eyes me, watching as I turn away, scurrying towards the waiting area. Crossing my arms over my stomach I stay standing, looking around the bland area. There isn't much I can say about this place, other than the clientele all probably have some kind of record. From the few I have seen, I don't doubt that this place gets turned into an illegal underground fighting ring.

Large chain link panels rest along one wall, looking like they'd be the right fit for the ring in the center of the place. "What's your name little girl?" The deep growling voice has me turning, stiffening to face my target Hunter. Staring at him a moment longer I lick my lips brushing my hair over my ear.

"Casey, I hope you don't mind training me. Well if you have time for that." Hunter lets his eyes roam my slight form, taking in everything. I hate this romper, it exposes me. The low neckline and shorts leave most of my skin exposed.