Page 21 of Whispers in the Dark
This is mortifying.
A pair of black sneakers, with the tags still on, is neatly placed on the floor beside the couch.
Internally shaking my head, I gather the items in my hands and search for the bathroom, where I spend the next ten minutes getting ready. Looking in the mirror, I take a deep breath.
“Everything will be fine. Mauro probably already forgot about everything I said during my mental breakdown. He most likely just wants to make sure I’m okay before he sends me on my way.” I sigh as I drop my head. “Let’s get this over with.”
A white puff of smoke forms in front of my lips as I cross the path toward the training center. I rub my hands together before tucking them into my coat pockets.
I can’t wait for summer.
The door opens, and Scarlett walks out, swiping her arm across her damp forehead. Her cheeks are flushed, hinting at the workout she must have just endured. A wide smile blooms across her face when she spots me.
“Alina, I didn’t expect to see you here!” She zips her coat, bundling her arms around herself. Her blonde hair, tied back in a ponytail, sways with each step she takes toward me.
“Yeah.” I look past her, seeing men through the window working out. “Did you have training with Mauro?”
I know Scarlett’s been taking self-defense lessons with Mauro for months now. Something that has helped her during her healing journey after being kidnapped and, well, other things. I swallow hard, shaking off the memory of the text I got from Madeleine telling me they found her, but that it wasn’t good.
“Yeah,” she answers. “He gave me a run for my money today.” She adjusts the strap of her bag over her shoulder.
“I bet he did.” I laugh softly, nervously playing with my zipper. “Do you know if, well, do you know if he’s still here?”
“He should be in the ring, waiting for his next victim,” she teases.
“Firefly, you’ll catch a cold if you stand out here too long.” Leo appears beside us, gliding an arm around Scarlett. His lips find her temple as she swats at his chest.
“Stay away. I’m gross.” She chuckles, her bright blue eyes sparkling as she looks up at him.
“Nothing could keep me away from you.” To prove his point, he peppers kisses all over her face, causing Scarlett to break out in a fit of laughter.
I’ve never felt more single than I do right now.
Leo clears his throat, his gaze landing on me. “Is it your turn for a session with Mauro?”
“Umm, not exactly…” The door opens, and a few men walk outside. I take this opportunity to step through the doorway. “Well, I’d better go see if I can find him.” I give a small wave before heading inside.
Immediately, I’m assaulted by the smell of sweat. My eyes scan the space, spotting men lifting weights, punching a strange-shaped bag, boxing, and using cardio machines.
But as I turn my attention toward the ring in the center of the room, that’s where I see him.
Mauro.
His defined chest is on display for all to see as he removes his shirt and wipes it across his forehead. Scars dance across his skin, only adding to his dangerous appeal. Sweat drips down every contour and ridge of his abs, his body toned to absolute perfection. Dark ink designed into flames spirals around his forearms, extending over his large biceps and reaching toward his collarbone. His damp brown hair falls in loose strands,brushing his shoulders. He runs a hand through it, then loops a strap around the knot to hold it back.
Holy sweetness. He looks like he belongs on the cover of one of the romance novels lining my shelves.
But the more time I spend admiring him, the more I become lost in a memory. One that has haunted me for over seven years.
I spread the blanket across the grass and plop down with my favorite book in my hands. I look out over the cliff, admiring the vibrant colors in the sky. It’s a warm day for September, probably one of the last summer-like days we’ll have for a while, so I want to take advantage of it, soaking up every last ounce of sunlight. The sun is just beginning to set, so I still have some time left to savor this moment. Crossing my legs, I lean against a tree and open my book when suddenly—
The sound of a weight dropping to the floor brings me back to the present. And as I blink away the memory, Mauro’s eyes find mine, his stare boring into me, sending a flush across my body.
Swallowing hard, I step forward, watching as he approaches the ropes, his fingers wrapping around the material almost seductively without even meaning to.
Stopping a few feet away, I look up into his dark eyes. A few strands of his hair skim across his eye.
I swallow nervously and smile. “Hi.”
