Against The Grain (THIRDS 5)

Calvin adjusted the speed on his treadmill. “He wasn’t up for it.”

“Haven’t seen much of him today.”

“He’s not left the office today.”

That was strange. It wasn’t like they had a case to work on. They were supposed to be getting back into top form. Ash nodded. “He should really get in a workout. You think he might be up for a sparring session tomorrow?”

Calvin pressed his lips together. He looked worried, and that was never a good thing. Ash didn’t know what the hell was going on with those two, though he had his suspicions, especially after what Maddock had said about Letty getting the drop on Calvin. Calvin slowed the treadmill until it came to a halt before hopping off. “I’ll tell him. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t show. He’s been feeling a little… tense recently.”

“Everything okay?”

“He’ll be fine.” Calvin gave Ash’s shoulder a pat. “Thanks, Ash.”

He walked off, and Ash didn’t like the vibe he was getting. Whatever had been going on between Calvin and Hobbs had nothing to do with what he’d just witnessed. Something else was worrying Calvin. Maybe Ash would drop by their office after what was sure to be an interesting session with Cael.

The trio were cycling and chatting to their fellow agents when Ash walked past Letty, giving her ponytail a tug along the way.

“Oyé, cabrón!”

She swatted at him, and he jumped out of the way with a chuckle and gave Rosa the finger in greeting. She rolled her eyes at him before carrying on her conversation with Letty.

“Hey,” Cael said brightly.

Man, he looked sexy in the charcoal-gray THIRDS T-shirt and black workout pants. Cael used the end of his T-shirt to wipe his face, exposing his torso and the thin dark treasure trail that disappeared beneath the waistband of his pants.

“Come on.” Ash motioned for Cael to follow him, and his heart swelled when Cael stopped pedaling and got off the bike to join him. He didn’t ask any questions. Ash asked him to follow, and Cael did. Truth be told, Ash would have done the same. Wherever one led, the other would follow. Ash had never had that level of trust with anyone but Sloane. Cael told Rosa he’d come find her later and followed Ash out of the gym. “We’re going to train,” Ash said as they entered the boxing bay.

“We are?” Cael stopped beside Ash’s bag, which was exactly where he’d left it. The boxing bay wasn’t very busy, which was how he preferred it. Anytime he sparred with someone, agents would gather to watch him kick his opponent’s ass. Ash only kicked someone’s ass when they deserved it. Unfortunately, there was always someone who deserved it. Why? Because they were stupid enough to challenge him.

In Unit Alpha, there was always someone who wanted to prove how hard they were, and what better way to do that than trying to take down Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler? Ash had a reputation. He’d lost count of all the names he’d been called. He really didn’t give a fuck. He had a job to do and a way of doing it. Whoever didn’t like it could kiss his ass. He had no time for inflated egos. Most of their fellow agents respected him and his skills, but there were always those asshats who thought Ash was their personal Everest to climb.

“What kind of training?”

Cael watched intently as Ash reached into his bag and pulled out a pair of clean hand wraps. He tossed them at Cael, who caught them, his expression puzzled.

“My kind of training.”

“Up close and personal? Why?”

Ash took one roll from Cael and took hold of his hand, smiling at the way Cael’s cheeks flushed ever so slightly. Ash proceeded to wrap Cael’s hand. “Because you need to be prepared.”

“I am.”

“You could be prepared better.”

Cael’s eyes narrowed. “Does this have to do with Hogan?”

“Yes.” Ash readied himself. He firmly wove the wrap around Cael’s knuckles, under his thumb, around his palm and wrist, making sure there was enough flexibility. Cael’s frown deepened.

“You don’t think I can take care of myself?”

“You know that’s not it.” Ash finished up and took hold of the other roll and Cael’s hand again. He lingered slightly, his thumb stroking Cael’s palm. He wasn’t sure his distraction would work. Not when he could see the little wheels in Cael’s head spinning furiously as he put two and two together.

“Then why do you want to train me all of a sudden? Did Dex put you up to this?”

With a sigh, Ash went to work wrapping Cael’s hand. “He’s worried about you.” He could have lied, but if their relationship was ever going to get started, he wanted it to be on the right track. No lies, no secrets, no bullshit.

“I knew it. I can’t believe this. He keeps telling me he’s going to stop treating me like a kid, but it never ends.”