Free Spent - Part 1 (Spent, a New Adult Romance, MMA Series) by Elise Holland Page A

know what to do.”  

    Cameron’s eyes lock onto something behind me, “I think you’re about to have a chance to find all that out.”  

    I turn around to see who she’s staring at. Luke is walking straight towards us, but he doesn’t seem to notice us yet, since his eyes are locked onto his cellphone. Quickly, I wipe away at the tears running down my cheek. Turning back towards Cameron, I give her a nod, silently asking if I look okay.  

    “Meh,” Cameron shrugs.  

    I roll my eyes, take in a deep breath, and try my best to regain my composure before Luke gets closer to us. Cameron suddenly starts waving like an idiot with a broad grin etched across her face.  

    “Hi, Luke!”  

    Sighing, I turn around to face him. He’s waving back, but his expression changes when he sees me. A sad, longing expression whittles its way across his perfectly chiseled jaw, causing my body to ache for his touch and comfort once more. I put on a soft smile and try my best to not tear up.  

    “Hi Ladies,” he mutters softly, watching me closely to see my reaction.  

    “Hi,” I whisper, already lost in his eyes.  

    “Well! I had best be off. I’ve got papers to grade and hearts of wanna-be writers to break. Catch you kiddos later,” Cameron says with a wink, walking away before either of us can respond.  

    “Mind if I walk you to class?” Luke asks, barely above a whisper.  

    I smile, “Sure.”

    “You’ve been crying.”

    Dammit…

    “Cameron’s great at making me cry,” I try to blow it off cooly.  

    Luke sighs, “Apparently I’m not so bad at it myself.”

    My eyes close as I let out a deep breath, “Luke, you didn’t hurt me…”

    “Don’t say anything,” he mutters as he gently grabs my shoulders, “We shouldn’t have done what we did. It was a mistake and I’m so sorry I put you in that position.”  

    My heart sinks, “A mistake?”

    Luke’s hazel eyes stare back at me in horror, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that I shouldn’t have pushed it. I’m not ready for another relationship right now and I feel like I put you in a bad position. I’m sorry.”

    Not ready for another relationship? What does that mean?

    I sigh, “You’re forgiven.”

    A soft smile eases its way across Luke’s face, “Thanks. Still friends?”

    “Of course,” I smile back, “And I’m sorry for the way I left.”

    Luke crinkles his brow, “Don’t be. You scared the shit out of me, but I’m just happy to see you’re alright,” he draws me into a hug, “I don’t want to hurt you,” he hums softly against my ear.  

    I nestle my head against his chest, “I’m pretty sure you’re not capable of hurting me.”  

    Luke chortles, “I hurt people for a living, Tash. It’s one of the many reasons why I’m not very good at having friends or people I’m close with,” he rubs his hand along my arm, “But I’m willing to try, for you.”  

    His words send pleasure rushing through my body. The muscles deep below my stomach begin to tighten from the wonderful feeling of his hand running along my arm. All I want to do at this very moment is push his hulking body down into the snow and ride him hard. As my mind begins to wander, I spot someone I recognize out of the corner of my eye.  

    “Oh shit,” I mutter as I pull away from Luke.  

    Luke immediately turns his head to see what I’m staring at. Derrick’s hot gaze on both of us sends a chill down my spine. I begin to shake, because I’ve seen that look on him before, it’s the same look that he has during a fight when he’s ready to finish someone off. Luke pulls me back in against him, but this time in a protective embrace. Derrick shakes his head and walks down another path along the sidewalk, his bald head glistening against the bright sunlight.  

    “I won’t let him hurt you,” Luke says once Derrick is several yards away.  

    “I’m not worried about him hurting me. I’m worried about him