Chapter 86

Avery’s pov As soon as my alarm struck, I got off the bed, a little buzz of excitement swimming inside me. Today is the first training session with Xade and last night, somehow I didn’t have that plaguing nightmare again. It was as if the anticipation of seeing him, had somehow cast out my fears, at least temporarily.

I couldn’t wait to see him.

I took a warm shower first and got dressed in one of my old workout clothes I cannot remember when last I had worn. Since it was early, I decided to throw over my hoodie to keep me warm from the chill of outside that awaited me.

I pushed my hair into a ponytail and looked behind me. Melissa got back late last night, of course after her ‘date’ with ‘Xade’ which I am now more than certain was not with Xade at all.

I don’t think he’d lie to me about going on a date with her. And Melissa being one to never wanting to lose would obviously have tricks up her sleeve to gain what she wants.

Too bad, I’d not give it to her.

With a grin, I grabbed one of my bags since I didn’t own a gym bag and make my way to the door, hoping I’d get to the gym in time.

I made it on time, with just seconds to spare. Speeding over, I noticed a man pushing a key in. He’s a towering man, and seeing that his hair had a few grey streaks I could tell that he was way older than me the one to open the gym.

He turns when he hears me approaching. He eyes me and recognition swims in his eyes instantly. “Ah Avery, it’s been a while.”

My brows furrowed. I don’t know this man but his eyes lit up with recognition once he set his eyes on me. I tilt my head, studying him. “Sorry? Who are you?”

His eyes widen, and he quickly turns the keys in the lock, opening the door once a soft click is heard. “Sorry, I must’ve mistaken you for someone else. I’m the owner of the gym. Did you come here to work out?”

He cleared his throat as he stepped into the room, looking awkward. My frown deepened and my brows knot together as I hesitated to enter after him. He knew my name. And I cannot sweep away the way his eyes had lit with recognition not seconds ago.

“Mistaken me for someone else? I guess that person’s name is also Avery?” I questioned cautiously, looking around the gym. It’s dimly lit because the morning sun has yet to strike in.

“I’m also here to train,” I added, my eyes moving over to him who stiffened but paid attention to my words. “With Xade. He told me to meet him here at six a.m. sharp.”

He looked over his shoulder at me slightly, his dark eyes void and moved off of the warmth he regarded me with earlier. “Yes, her name is also Avery. But she had red hair and green eyes. A bit taller too. It was my mistake dear.”

He started walking away and I frowned further, my gaze on his back, somehow not believing a word that he had just spew out.

“Right,” I said even though I didn’t believe him. I stepped into the gym and he turned, the smile on his face returning. “Xade is one of the best here and I know he’d do a well enough job to train you. If you want, you can warm up while waiting for him.”

He points at the workout equipments. “I’ll be in the back if you need me Av- dear.” He nod, walked quickly to the back, and disappeared in seconds.

Now alone in the quietness of the room I looked around, trying to shake off my unease. With a sigh, I walked over to the bench in the corner and sat down. As my fingers graze over the wood, I gasp as a painful sharp headache clashes through my temple.

I groan.

Lifting my fingers to my temples and pressed. But as I pressed, the pain worsen and I gripped the wood harder. A brief flash occurs in my head, fingers that looked like mine, felt like mine, gripped this exact bench in pleasure, a moan sounding so much like me racing through the air.

But before I could figure out this quick flash, it moves out of my head and I wonder if I had seen it for sure or not.

I winced, and searched for the water bottle I bought on the way here and downed half of it until the throb subsided.

I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here for but my butt and began to numb and there are two guys here working out, both sparing me glances every two seconds.

I sighed and looked down at my phone. It’s already seven fifty and Xade was a no show. I sink my teeth into my lower lip, wondering if I should leave or not. Maybe he had something to do…or maybe he just stood me up. He never wanted to train me anyway…

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and wait another hour but if he isn’t here yet I’ll leave.

My stomach sinks, the earlier excitement to see him again dwindle and I blinked, my eyes dropping to my lap. I had no way to contact him and ask if we were still on for the training.

Does he even care?

Maybe this was his way of telling me to stay away from him. To finally lock it into my head that he didn’t want me around him.

My lower lip trembles and I grab my bag and left the gym like a storm.