Promises: The Next Generation (Bounty Hunters 5)

“I certainly hope you don’t.” Ty said honestly, looking but not touching Kell’s dark, golden hair. “It’s a part of your mother and also a part of you.”

Kell stared at him as if he was debating if Ty was on the up-and-up. If only Kell knew, Ty didn’t know any other way to be.

Breaking their stare-off, Kell stood with a grim expression and replaced the black band, securing his ponytail at the nape of his neck. “We better go.”

Instead of letting him leave upset, Ty stood and walked up to Kell. They were only inches apart and he secretly liked it when Kell looked up at him. “My father used to tell me that parents aren’t always able to leave their children, land, gold, and wealth, that sometimes all they can leave them are damn good genes.”

It took a couple of seconds then Ty saw the corners of Kell’s peach lips turn up at the corners. He exhaled. That’s a start. He slowly brought his hands up and gripped the edges of Kell’s hood and gently placed it back over his head, covering him again. If Kell didn’t want anyone to see his hair except the ones he trusted, Ty was happy to be included in that small group.

Kell

What was I thinking telling him about my mom? Kell stood silently next to his partner while Duke and Quick lectured them on the proper way to take down a runner. He already knew most of the lessons Duke was repeating. Kell had learned early on how to take down someone bigger than him—since most men were. He was relieved it was a tutorial he didn’t have to pay close attention to, because his mind was swirling over his new partner. Tyrell Jenkins was unlike any man Kell had ever met. He stood so tall, walked and talked with such confidence. Even touched another man as if he was too comfortable in his own skin to feel threatened. Again, Kell couldn’t get a definitive read on him.

Ty dressed like he cared what people thought of his appearance. His clothes were expensive and name-brand, pieces that had to be purchased in a department store or from a catalog. He wore real jewelry, albeit minimal, a bracelet, a watch, and a chain that shone like a diamond against his rich skin. Ty’s skin was a warm brown, his lips a deeper shade of cinnamon. Kell had to stop himself from staring which he found himself doing often. But those eyes would catch and hold him every time. In the locker room, under the fluorescent lights Ty’s pupils shone like chocolate quartz gems. They reminded Kell of a sable coat his mother had owned.

When Ty had listened to his story about his hair, he hadn’t dismissed it as ridiculous or a mere insecurity Kell had. No, instead Ty treated him as if he understood his feelings and respected them. Proved it by not only saying what he did but also by taking his own large hands and covering Kell himself before leading them into the main gym.

“Now. I’m gonna step back and let you guys show us your stuff, then we’ll break into groups of three for more personal training. Kell, you wanna go up first?” Duke asked him. He wore black Puma track pants and a white tank top with his logo over his right peck.

Kell nodded and stepped onto the large mat that took up most of the gym. He shook out his shoulders and bounced lightly on his toes with his eyes closed. Stay focused. Stay centered.

“I need someone to spar with him.” Duke announced.

“I’ll take this one,” Jake the gym manager said, coming through the double doors with perfect timing as if he’d been waiting just on the other side to make his entrance. Kell didn’t look into the asshole’s eyes as he slowly removed his still wet tank top, opting to go shirtless with only a pair of nylon bike tights under his shorty training shorts. As soon as Kell opened his eyes, Jake flexed his pectoral muscles, making them jump rapidly.

Clown.

“Don’t be afraid, ’tenderoni, I’ll take it easy on you.” Jake entered Kell’s personal space just like earlier, thinking his height, his bulk, or his buffoonery would throw Kell off.

He wasn’t that weak or simpleminded. Does this man know who my master is? There was very little in his nineteen years of training that his sensei hadn’t prepared him for. Taunting was one of the first things on the list. He’d been up against much bigger challengers, and enemies… and they’d all fallen at his feet.

The man had the audacity to close the few inches that kept them from touching and whispered in Kell’s ear. “Quick didn’t tell me how pretty you were. Maybe after I pin you to this mat a few times, you’ll let me take you out for a drink after to apologize,” he finished with a creepy, carnivorous laugh.