This Fearless Girl (St. Clary's University #2) - E. M. Moore Page 0,88

but what Cole said made sense. And I have to admit, I was a bit distracted when I was rolling on the floor with the guys.

As soon as we get started, it’s evident that Finn knows his shit. He takes us through every punching combination I can imagine. He holds the focus mitts for me the entire time, perfecting my posture, form, and technique. Wyatt and Lucas switch between holding the pads for each other while the other punches.

We do this for hours—until the sun starts lowering behind the mountains. I’m exhausted by the time Finn calls it. “I know that’s not the first time you’ve done that before.” He takes off my gloves and inspects my body. It’s not in a leering way, and in no way makes me feel uncomfortable. It’s more of an appraising way. “What do you do for cardio?”

“I hike the mountains,” I tell him. “And my dad taught me a few things. And of course, Wyatt,” I tack on. Even though we only had one training session, I feel like he would be hurt if I left him out.

I have to admit now that I’m on a regular eating schedule, my body has filled out some. I used to be too skinny, bones poking out from all the treasure hunting, but now I’m more abs than ribs. Can’t say I’m sorry about that. The food I’m eating is actually helping fuel my body in a good way. I might’ve been called lanky before, but now I’m coming into my own.

He peers at the mountains beyond the glass wall. “I bet that’s a beautiful workout. I prefer beating people up myself, but...” he shrugs, giving me a wink.

I can’t help but like the guy, something I wouldn’t have guessed when we found him here. He’s actually really cool, and it’s evident he knows what he’s doing.

“I’m only here for a week, and Cole wants me to train with you as much as I can. He also says you’re busy during the weekends, so....” He looks at us for confirmation, and all we do is nod our heads. It’s evident Cole hasn’t told him very much, and that’s probably the smartest thing to do. The less people involved, the better. If I really am in trouble like Cole says I am, we don’t need to drag another person into it. “I assume you take classes or something?”

“Yeah, Saint Clary’s,” I tell him. “Local university.”

He nods. “So, maybe a morning and an afternoon session since we can’t do weekends?”

“Yeah, that sounds great.”

I glance at Wyatt, and even he doesn’t balk at that.

Finn turns away to drop the gloves in his bag. “Now, I have to go spend the night with the two barrels of fun out in the car.”

“You know, Dakota has a dorm she isn’t using.”

“It’s nothing special,” I say, hoping he isn’t expecting anything posh like this place. “Just the basics.”

“Yeah?” Finn questions, clearly interested. “I’ll take anything. Those guys don’t even talk. I can’t imagine trying to relax in front of their blank stares.”

Wyatt moves over to me and starts unwrapping my hands while Lucas and Finn talk. He pays attention, and if I didn’t know him any better, I would think he’s memorizing how to put the wraps on so he can do it tomorrow morning when Finn comes back. He grips my forearms when he’s done, tugging me closer. His lips hover over my ear. “You were so fucking sexy while you were hitting those pads.”

“Yeah?”

I feel his lips move into a grin. “I trained that whole time with a semi.”

I blush as he presses a kiss to the sensitive spot under my ear. His lips linger there, and a shiver passes over me.

Lucas clears his throat. “Uh, Finn is leaving, guys. I gave him the key to your dorm, Dakota, and he’s going to be back here at five a.m.”

Wyatt and I step away from each other, and he brings the hem of his shirt up to wipe away the sweat on his forehead. “Okay, cool.”

We show Finn out, waving bye to him like we’re old friends, and I can’t help but think that Cole knew exactly what he was doing when he sent him here.

The thought picks at a feeling I’ve been having since my meeting with the leader of the Dragons. Maybe he isn’t our enemy, after all?

30

I turn, still smiling, and Wyatt and Lucas both stand in front of me. Pricks roll up my back as I take