8
BEAU
I ’d never wanted anyone’s secrets before.
But staring into Bellamy’s face, I wanted hers. Deep inside, I felt her driving need to protect herself.
I hated not knowing who she was afraid of.
“Who?” I demanded.
She looked to the side and didn’t respond.
“Who is he?”
She shook her head.
I felt a burn of frustration. Dammit . I watched a stubborn look settle on her face.
“Is Bellamy your real name?”
She hesitated. “No. But it’s close.”
Well, that was something, at least.
There was a knock at the door. It opened a few inches and one of my trainers, Chris, poked his head in.
“Hey, Beau, I need some new mats for—” He spotted Bell. “Oh, sorry.”
I lifted my chin. “I’m busy, Chris. Get whatever you need, and I’ll catch you later.”
“Sure. Sorry again.” He closed the door.
Bell edged away from me.
“How long have you been in New Orleans?” I asked.
“One week.”
I looked at her arm. The bruises were hidden now, but the sight of them was burned into my brain.
“And he found you?”
“Not here. Not yet. The place I was before, after…”
After our night together.
“You got a place to stay?”
She nodded.
“It safe?”
Another nod.
“Job?” I continued.
“Cash work at a restaurant.”
That wouldn’t pay much. I didn’t let myself think, I just went with my gut. “You can work here. Clean up around the gym, ensure towels and stock are kept up, do other odd jobs.”
That stubborn look intensified. “I don’t need a pity job.”
“I’ve been meaning to hire someone. Gio’s been on my back about it. You a decent worker?”
“Yes.”
“Then you work here.” Where she’d be protected from whatever asshole was after her.
Was it an ex-boyfriend? I hated that idea, and my hands flexed. Whoever he was, I hoped I got the chance to meet him.
“And Bell, our first fight lesson starts tomorrow after your shift.”
Her face changed. “You’ll teach me?”
“Yes.” Against my better judgment. But there was no way in hell I was going to let her disappear again. Not when someone was after her.
“Thank you.” Her voice was drenched with relief.
I cleared my throat. “What happened before, between us, is in the past. The job and lessons come with no strings attached.”
A smile flirted on her mouth. “Told you that you’re a good guy.”
“I’m not.”
She grinned. “Are, too.”
I pointed to the door. “Get out before I change my mind. Talk to Gio. He’ll give you a uniform and your shift times.”
She headed for the door.
“Wait.”
She turned.
“You got a cellphone?” I asked.
She nodded.
I snatched up a scrap of paper off my desk and scrawled my cell number on it. I handed it to her. “If you need anything, you call me.”
She took the paper and worked it through her fingers. “Okay.”
“Bell, I mean it.”
She nodded. “Thanks, Beau.”
She walked out, and I leaned against the doorframe and watched her stop to talk with Gio. As she left the gym, I noticed two guys sparring in a ring stop to watch her. She had a graceful way of walking that caught the eye.
I scowled and swallowed the need to tell them to get their eyes off her, and focus on their damn fight.
She wasn’t mine.
I had to resist the temptation.
Gio stepped up beside me. “You’re going to train her.”
“Yeah.”
“She’s in trouble.”
“She is, but she won’t talk about it.” Not yet.
“And you gave her a job.” The other man was watching me, a brow arched.
“So?”
“So, you can’t keep your eyes off her.”
I snorted. “She’s way too young for me.”
“But you have a history.”
“Not really. We just met once.” And I’d touched every part of her and fucked her brains out.
Gio grunted. He didn’t sound convinced.
“Don’t you have work to do?” I said sharply.
The older man held up his hands and walked off muttering to himself.
I rubbed the back of my neck. I needed to keep my hands off Bellamy.
I pulled my cellphone out, stared at it for a second, then touched a button. I pressed the phone to my ear.
A sultry female voice answered. “Hello.”
“Hi, Klara. This is Beauden. Are you free for dinner tomorrow night?”