thinking about him. "Much like gymnastics, they're a challenge. And we both know how much I love a good challenge."
His eyes widened. I grinned, pleased with myself. And as if I couldn't have timed it better myself, Dr. Ruggedly Handsome strode back in with his bag in hand. I made a point to rake my eyes hungrily down his friend's body while Kova watched crouched next to me and seething in silence. I would never make a play for him, but Kova didn't need to know. That's what he got for being a jealous dickhead.
I turned back over, making sure to ignore Kova as I did, and dropped my head in my arms. Dr. Hart instructed Kova and guided him, then both of their hands were on my legs, starting near the back of my ankle and pushing up toward my knee to warm me up. My eyes rolled shut as their hands moved in circular motions. It felt so good.
"Do you ever get deep tissue massages, Adrianna?" the doctor asked.
"No. Never." Something told me deep tissue massages were in a cozy, relaxing room with lavender scented tea lights and rainforest music playing in the background. Not so clinical like this.
"You should. They're quite important for you considering what you're training for. The toxins need to break down, and muscles need to align with the connective tissue. It helps tremendously with faster recovery."
"She is already dealing with enough, and her schedule could hardly fit in an hour massage."
"Kova." His friend drew out his name as if he was scolding him. Then he asked me, "Do you have any issues with flexibility or mobility?"
I popped my head up and looked at the wall so my voice didn't sound muffled. "I had issues with my hip flexors, but Kova helped me with that. I'm in much better shape than when I first arrived."
"The massage could have helped speed up that process too."
That was when I decided to glare at Kova over my shoulder. I kicked my leg to get his attention and his head popped up.
"You know, I could've slept an hour less if I needed to. I'm sure we could've fitted it in somewhere."
He paused his movements, as his friend continued his. "Are you seriously going to question me? After everything?"
"Yes, I am. I would've managed if I had to. You know I would have."
"No"—he shook his head—"there was no way. You run on fumes as it is, Adrianna."
His friend chuckled. "You two spar like an old married couple. It's getting late. Not sure what you both have planned after practice, but we could do one after we work your Achilles."
"Yes," I said automatically. Anything would help. Kova didn't reply. He just stared at me like he wanted to strangle me to death.
"You'll be sore," Dr. Hart warned.
"Story of my damn life."
He laughed again. "Kova? What say you, man?"
Only someone intimate with Kova would recognize the glint in his eyes or the slight twist of his lips. It was a dirty and devious look that spoke of debauchery.
His hands commenced and this time they pushed into the muscles harder. My stomach clenched, and I tried not to react to the pain. Both men applied the same pressure. Their thumbs worked together, kneading the muscle and tendon.
"I need to call my love and see if Kat planned anything for us tonight."
My eyes dropped to a blaring glare.
That. Fucker. He would go there.
"Ah, the stunning Katja. When the hell are you going to marry her already?"
My heart stopped. I held my breath as Kova watched me with a look of indecision. He didn't know what to do, at least that's how I wanted to read him. But marry Katja? After everything? He'd never. Not after he'd cheated on her so badly with me. No way.
Right? How could he?
"You are going to marry her, aren't you?" he stirred. "I mean, you've been with her since you were kids. What are you waiting for?"
I watched his Adam's apple bob stupidly slow. With my eyes fastened on his mouth, I thought I misheard his answer despite reading his lips.
"Eventually, yes."
My lips parted, surprised, and I was struck with fear that he was telling the truth. Everything around me faded to black. I couldn't hear. I couldn't see. I couldn't do anything. There was no way to hide the hurt that spread throughout my entire being like a wildfire. My chest burned, and my face fell when I caught the fleeting look of remorse in Kova's eyes.