Balance (Off Balance 1)

I let go of his length and my shoulders sagged. Fearing I made a huge mistake, my eyes dropped to the ground unable to look at him any longer. I let out an exasperated sigh. I thought I’d read the craving cloaked in the indecision in his eyes correctly. Apparently, I hadn’t, and it stung. This was my first real taste of rejection and I didn’t know how to handle the onslaught of emotions it came with.

His decision was clear and I needed to get away so I could think straight, but before I could take another step from the invisible cage his presence held me in, Kova wrapped his fingers around my wrist, stilling me instantly.

Snapping my eyes to his face, I was confused when I saw his jaw grind down. He pulled my hand slowly back toward his body and placed it where it was before. On his cock.

“You did not let me finish before. Do not…stop is what I was going to say.”

Leaning in, Kova was just inches from my mouth when a knock sounded at the door. We both jumped apart, equal parts of fear and shock matched both of our faces.

“Go to the table,” he whispered ever so quietly. I ran, lied down, and crossed my arms over my chest staring at the ceiling. My heart was in my throat, the beat drumming in my ears so loud it was all I could hear. Nausea swirled the knots in my stomach and I fought shaking from panic. My mouth was as dry as the desert. There was no way I could make eye contact with whoever was on the other side of the door. Doing anything in the gym was careless and stupid.

Nervous sweat coated my body when the door opened.

“Madeline,” he stated.

Fuck.

“Everything okay in here?” she asked, her eyes landing on me. “Why is the door locked?”

I froze.

“Forgive me. I did not realize it was locked. I have been meaning to replace the knob for that reason alone.” The lie rolled swiftly off his delicious lips.

“Kova, Reagan’s looking for you.”

Kova rubbed his jaw before he spoke. “Ah, I will be out soon. I was just telling Adrianna she has to see a doctor before she can return to train. It seems she has been hiding an injury from us.”

It wasn’t far from the truth, but I needed to follow his lead so nothing looked out of the ordinary. I continued to stare at the ceiling as I spat, “I don’t need to see a doctor. I just need some ice and a wrap.”

Madeline turned to Kova and asked, “What’s wrong with her?” He gave her a quick rundown.

She walked over to me. “You know, Adrianna, Coach Kova is right. If you don’t seek medical attention now, you risk tearing your Achilles tendon completely and putting you out for weeks. I’d hate to see that after how far you’ve come.”

I took in Madeline’s heartfelt words and her concerned tone. For some odd reason, tears formed in my eyes. She was right, and in the back of my mind, I knew she had a valid point. I just didn’t want to accept it.

Agreeing, I said, “I’ll call my dad and let him know.”

She brushed my hair back from my forehead. “If they don’t want to come all the way over for just one appointment, I’ll gladly go with you,” Madeline offered.

I looked up at her and smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Just let me know and I’ll be there,” she returned the smile before she left the room. I may be stubborn, but I wasn’t stupid enough to risk everything I’ve worked for. Being checked out by a doctor was the responsible thing to do, it just took a few moments to accept it. Downplaying an injury wasn’t really the best idea. I was better than that.

Kova made sure the door was shut and then walked back over to me. He placed his hand on the table and peered down at me, looking almost nice and calm.

“Now, let me put some ice on you.”

It was no surprise Madeline accompanied me to the doctor. Dad had been out of the state on business, and when I told my mom Madeline offered, she quickly agreed to let her. She said Madeline would be better off anyway because she’d know what to do with the injury and treatment that would follow. She did, however, find a reputable doctor for me, one well-known on this side of Florida who could see me at the drop of a hat.

Which was where Madeline and I were at the present moment. Dr. DeLang was a fairly young looking Asian doctor only a little taller than me. Her petite frame contradicted her stature and poise. After giving her a brief rundown of my injury, she ordered me to lie on my stomach across the exam table with my legs hanging off. It was an odd position for sure, but who was I to question her.

Holding my foot, she rotated and turned it gently around. I held my breath, nervous about her diagnosis. “Your ankle is a little swollen. How does this feel?”

“Fine. It doesn’t hurt too much.” She pinched the spot above my heel. “Well, it doesn’t seem like you tore your Achilles tendon, I

’d be able to feel it.” Then she squeezed my calf muscle. “And you have good reflex. When does the pain start to set in? Any specific time?” She patted me to sit up.

“Sometimes in the beginning when I start practice, but after a little while, the pain goes away. I’ll feel it come back once I’m home. Or sometimes when I’m running it will hurt.”