Masked

Masked by Janelle Stalder Read Free Book Online

Book: Masked by Janelle Stalder Read Free Book Online
Authors: Janelle Stalder
Tags: Teen Paranormal
hadn’t looked the least bit surprised or suspicious when he gave her directions. That, or they were all just so scared of Weapon X, no one would consider raising the alarm over anything she did. Probably the latter, she decided. Charlotte seemed to have that effect on people. If only Bridgette could be more like her sister.
    Roman stood with his back to her, his muscles flexing beneath his skin as he beat the bag in front of him in a steady rhythm. Bridgette had stopped just inside the doors, her eyes glued to his every movement. How could one person be so attractive? It wasn’t fair to the rest of the human species. His harsh breath came out with each blow, his dark hair pulled back to reveal the strong line of his jaw and high planes of his cheeks.
    Sweat beaded along his skin, glistening in the lights. Bridgette got a sudden, unwanted urge to taste those tiny drops. His skin was smooth, tempting to touch. At this rate, she was going to go insane with lust before she could complete her task. Bridgette gave herself a mental shake, and reminded herself that this man was the second in command to a tyrant who had killed billions. He beat McKay and poor Seamus, leaving Seamus so broken she hadn’t even seen him wake up before she was taken away. Roman could have killed him. She should hate the man before her, not imagine what he looked like without his shirt on.
    “Good, you’re here,” he said, wiping his face off with a towel. When had he stopped? “What took you so long?”
    She shrugged, trying her best to act as nonchalant as she could. “I had a few things to do,” she offered lamely.
    “Well let’s get started,” he said, seemingly accepting her answer. His hands gripped the hem of the sleeveless shirt he wore, pulling it over his head in one quick movement. Huh. So that’s what he looked like without a shirt. She was in so much trouble.
    “Why are you wearing your mask?”
    She blinked, taking a moment to reassemble her thoughts. Tearing her eyes away from the ripples on his stomach beckoning for her to stroke her fingers along them, she met his stare. Her mouth was dry and uncomfortable. “Uh…I just figured I should practice with it on. You know, since if I were to fight I’d be wearing it,” she answered. This was terrible.
    He gave her a confused look but didn’t push the subject. “Let’s start with some bags,” he said, picking up the same kind McKay used and fitting them over his hands.
    Great, she thought, she could totally do this. Easy peasy. She walked over to meet him in the middle of the blue mats that covered the gym floor. The air stank of stale sweat. When she got closer to Roman she caught his scent, which wasn’t nearly as repelling as the rest of the gym. He smelled like man, spice, and sweat. A delicious combination that had her closing her eyes for a second.
    Get a grip , she scolded. She never reacted this way to a man. Why would Roman be any different? Head in the game, Bridgette . She stood in front of him, raising her fists in front of her face. A wry smile spread across his face.
    “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
    She looked down at herself then back to him. “No?”
    He chuckled. “Where is your head today? You’ve seemed off all morning.”
    She shrugged again in response. “I have a lot on my mind.”
    His smile dropped away in a flash. Bridgette hated that she had done that to him. She much preferred him smiling. His face was solemn now, a look of understanding in his eyes.
    “Right. Sorry,” he muttered. He turned and walked away from her, leaving Bridgette alone and confused in the middle of the room. What had she said? Obviously she was missing something. He grabbed two red boxing gloves from off the floor and walked back, handing them over wordlessly. Bridgette followed suit and didn’t speak as she pulled the gloves onto her hands.
    “Ready?”
    She looked up at the dark blue eyes that seemed almost black at times, and nodded. Was she ready?

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