Execution (Off Balance 2)

Laughing, I barely got out my next set of words. "Okay. Give your miracle worker a call and see what she has to say."

Ten minutes later, Hayden was poised with a needle and the area of injection rubbed down with alcohol.

"What are you waiting for?" I asked Hayden. When he didn't reply, I glanced over my shoulder and took in his gawking eyes. "What's wrong with you?" When he didn't reply, I said, "You've never injected anyone, have you," I stated more than asked. He shook his head.

"Of course not. When would I have? I don't want to hurt you."

"The first time I had to do it on my own, I was petrified. It took me over an hour to do it and a pep talk from my dad. Your mom's a nurse and gave you a step-by-step, something I didn't have. I have complete faith in you. I know you'll do it right and you won't hurt me." His eyes scanned the small area of skin. He aimed closer. "The first time is always the worst, so stick it in and let's go."

Hayden's flirtatious eyes snapped to mine, and I covered my mouth in realization of what I had said. I laughed behind my hand.

"I've been trying to stick it in," he retorted, grinning from ear to ear, and it only made me laugh harder. Hayden moved to stand behind me. Gripping my opposite hip, he inserted the needle with the utmost care and professionalism.

I screamed obnoxiously loud and jumped.

Hayden stepped in front of me, all worried and guilty. Needle poised in the air. "I'm so sorry!"

"I was just kidding. You didn't hurt me." I grinned.

His face dropped, unimpressed. "You know, you're a real jerk. I honestly thought I hurt you."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You didn't hurt me, I promise. I always gasp and jump because I hate needles, but you didn't hurt me."

Hayden stepped behind me and placed a Band-Aid over the injection site. I purposely wheezed in a loud breath of air.

"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" I asked.

I turned around as Hayden shook his head. He capped the needle and placed it on the countertop.

"No, it wasn't actually."

"I'm not sure what I would do without you, Hayden." I smiled at him, appreciative of his kindness and consideration. He always had my best interest in mind. "Just make sure you're free the next time I need you."

"Anytime you want me to stick something in you, I'm your guy."

Chapter Fifty-One

"How do you feel?" Kova asked early the next morning as I shoved my duffle bag into my locker. I had too much shit in there and had to squeeze it in. Maybe tomorrow I would clean it out. Probably

not.

I glanced over my shoulder. Kova was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed in front of his chest, assessing me, and looking fresh as ever. Damn the man and his good looks.

Turning around, I shrugged casually, as if his presence didn't fluster me, but the truth was, it always did.

"Fine. Why?"

He tipped his chin toward my leg. Even that was sexy. Jesus Christ. I needed to get ahold of myself.

When I realized what he was referring to, my eyebrows shot up and my eyes snapped to his.

"Oh! You mean my Achilles?" I raised up on my toes and lightly bounced. I frowned. I didn't have a lick of pain. It wasn't even tender. In fact, when I woke up this morning, the injury hadn't crossed my mind like it usually did when I applied weight to my leg. I hadn't felt a thing.

"How could that have worked so quickly? I don't have any soreness. It feels…normal." And it did. I wasn't sure how that was possible, but it was, and I felt great. I hadn't not had discomfort in the past year, and right now I felt like a million bucks.

The smallest smile tipped his mouth. He was proud of himself. Cocky bastard. I shouldn't be surprised. Kova was a perfectionist and strived to be the best at everything he touched.

"Today, after practice, I will do a light massage and then tomorrow we will do another round of blading."