Free Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland Page B

rope that I can’t seem to stop swinging.  I have so much pent up energy, it feels like I could workout for days and still be raring to go. 
    “That’s right, you’re used to the girls just dropping their panties at your feet before you open that foul mouth of yours.”  Preach laughs.  “You finally found one that’s making you work for it?” 
    Sal, the guy working the front desk today, whistles to get my attention.  “Phone for you.”
    “Tell whoever it is, I’m working out and I’ll call him back.”  I look at Sal like he’s lost his mind for interrupting my workout for a phone call.
    “Okay, but it’s a woman.”
    I hear Preach and Sal snickering on my way to the phone.
     

Chapter 17
    Elle
    Hearing his voice on the phone makes me smile.  I tell Nico the good news and offer to drop off the documents for him to review on my way to my three o’clock appointment.  He promises unhealthy takeout for me in exchange for my time.  His version of unhealthy and my version are vastly different, but I’m anxious to see him again anyway. 
    Traffic is much lighter than usual, and I’m early when I arrive at Nico’s gym. Early.  I never get anywhere early, even if there are no cars on the road I’m usually late.  The guy at the door eyes me suspiciously as I enter, he probably thinks I’m entering the wrong building.  The red suit I’m wearing is one of my favorites.  It pinches in at the waist and emphasizes my curves in all the right places.  But I’m definitely overdressed for a gym.
    “I have a feeling you’re in the wrong place, but I’m glad you came in because I think I’ve fallen in love.”   His line may be all wrong, but his smile is friendly so I smile back innocently. 
    Nico smacks the guy in the back of the head, but I can tell he doesn’t really want to hurt him.  “You got one warning Sal.  Keep your comments and your eyes to yourself, or you won’t make it into the ring the next time I kick your ass.”
    Nico walks around the front desk and puts his arm around my waist and pulls me to him protectively before kissing me sweetly on the lips. 
    Sal snickers as he rubs the back of his head and mutters something about Nico having all the luck. 
    His hand on the small of my back, Nico guides me through the gym.  I’m not sure if women just don’t come in the place often, or if seeing me with Nico has thrown people, but I n otice everyone stop what they’re doing as we make our way to an office in the back of the gym. 
    A man is sitting behind the desk typing on a keyboard with one finger.  Pecking would be a more appropriate description.  He looks up and sits back in the chair, a knowing smile on his face. 
    “Preach, this is Elle.”
    “Hiya Elle.  I’ve heard a lot about you.”  The man stands and extends his hand to me, a warm smile on his face.  I like him instantly, but I’m not sure why , I just do.
    I look from Preach to Nico, raising an eyebrow in question to Nico, silently asking him what the man may have heard about me.
    “I guess I should be thanking you.”  Preach says with my hand still wrapped in his as he continues to shake my hand for longer than a normal handshake.
    “You can let go of her hand now, Preach.”  Nico tries to sound threatening, but it’s obvious that the two men respect each other and the banter is something that t hey’re both used to.
    Nico tells Preach that I was able to get him out of the contract and Preach looks impressed.  On his way out the door, Preach smacks Nico on the back.  “Smart and beautiful.  So what the hell is she doing with a s chlep like you?”
    Nico laughs off the comment and shuts the door behind him.  I watch as he locks the door before turning to me with a devilish grin on his face. 
    Without speaking , he places his hands on my waist and easily lifts me, positioning me on top of his desk.  The look in his eyes makes my body tingle all over.  He takes one large hand and wraps it