Execution (Off Balance 2)

"Why were you two…embraced like that?" She stared at me like I was a roach she wanted to step on. "What is going on here, Kova?" Katja glanced at him, then looked back at me. "She is a child," she spat, and I paled.

"I am aware, Kat, but it is not what you think."

"Not what I think? Then what the hell is going on? Why were you two holding each ot

her like…like lovers," she bit out.

Kova eyes darkened and he moved lightning fast to stand in front of her. He began mouthing off in Russian, short and clipped words, but it didn't take a fool to realize he was furious. The tension in the room was stifling, so much hostility it was hard to breathe. I suddenly felt like a leper. Each time Katja tried to get a word in, he cut her off. Her eyes shifted to me, but Kova snapped his fingers and his voice rose every time. She jumped, and I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth as she looked back at him with shame in her eyes. The conversation tampered off, then an uncomfortable silence filled the room for a moment.

"As you see, Adrianna has an injury."

Katja's eyes dropped to my foot that had been wrapped in tape. Her jaw bobbed. Her cheeks blushed. I'd never been so thankful to have this injury until now. The chair had blocked my leg from her view when she had walked in.

Her tune changed immediately, but there was something in her eyes that didn't quite sell me. I wish I knew what he said to her.

"I…I did not know. I apologize greatly."

"It's okay. I got a little emotional thinking my gymnastics career would have to change once again, and I couldn't handle that after coming so far." My voice shook a little.

"Kova has mentioned what a great deal of improvement you have made in the past year. In fact, he says you are his best gymnast and sees big things for you."

My lips parted and I glanced at Kova. Blood pumped faster through my heart as our eyes connected. His body was stiff, his mouth a firm, thin line.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I will see you for dinner tonight, malysh."

Malysh. My eyes lowered.

Katja smiled and leaned in for a kiss, and I decided it was my cue to leave.

Grabbing my keys and cell phone, I mumbled my gratitude to Kova and that I'd see him tomorrow for practice. Hayden tried to get my attention once I was in the lobby, but I limped my ass out of there as fast as I could. The last thing I wanted to see was Kova kissing Katja. Or worse, hear her mouth slurping over his body.

Chapter Forty-Six

One week later, we were in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at another competition. This one was a little smaller, but just as important as the last. Every meet for the next three months was crucial. Not just for my journey to the Olympics, but placing in the top at each one.

My stomach swirled with anxiety and impatience. I was so excited yet so apprehensive, full of unease for my future. I had so much on the line with one shot to get there. I wanted it all right now, but I didn't.

Things were going very well, better than I could've expected. I'd been sleeping better, headaches were gone, and I had way more stamina than usual. All thanks to the vitamin shots I was giving myself a few times a day. The doctor had ordered one injection once a week, but I figured it was a vitamin and it couldn't hurt to take more. I think the stress of testing elite had really taken a toll on my body because once I had that past me, it was smooth sailing…for the most part.

I hadn't had the blading on my Achilles, thank goodness since it sounded awful, but I'd had a steroid injection right into the tendon a day later, and it helped tremendously. Most of the pain and aching went away, but I knew it wouldn't last forever.

The problem was finding someone who could provide me with the Graston Technique without a waitlist. There were very few people skilled in my area who could do it when I needed. Meaning immediately.

Kova and Madeline were both certified athletic trainers. They both could do therapy on my Achilles, but both would require proper training first. It was a special course that entailed four full days of training, two weekends, plus a certification test.

Kova told me he was considering it, but finding the time to fit it in his schedule was another task altogether. Any spare time had been devoted to me at my request. But then I thought of something.

"Kova?"

Kova turned and gave me a once over. I was up soon for my first event of the competition.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

I nodded. "I'm fine. I was just thinking that since we have another meet in two weeks, why don't we skip next weekend’s practice so you can take the first half of that class?"

Kova's eyes dropped to my taped ankle then back up to mine.

"Why? Are you in pain now? What is it? What do you need me to do," he quickly shot off as if I'd been in agony and crying out. He stalked toward me. I smiled, my eyes softened at his distress.