#Chapter 30 Give and Take

Ardal I can’t stop fidgeting. I’m not pacing anymore, but my fingers still twitch at my sides or mindlessly brushing escaped hairs out my face every few seconds. I’m supposed to be meeting with Kadeem for another training session. It’s the first time I’ll see him since the incident at the studio or after I made the call to Merrick. I have no idea what to expect, but I know I need to appear perfectly normal so Kadeem doesn’t somehow get suspicious. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my arms at my sides, contemplating if I should do some stretching. However, my shoulders are soon jumping as I hear the door to the training room open. I sense him immediately - my body perfectly aware of his every move despite my back being turned to him. Slowly, I swivel, my eyes locking on Kadeem just as he comes to a stop. He stands at least ten feet away, his arms crossing over his chest. “Hair up, gloves on,” he orders before he nods toward the ring. “Let’s go.”