Bruised

Chapter 10

Makenna went hard with each punch she threw at the punching bag. She drowned out everything and everyone and got out all the anger that had begun brewing inside her. She didn't like walking around feeling very tense when she could be free of it. She was just so angry at the world because of people like that idiot that had come at Thea, and Kent was well on his way there.

She felt her throat clog up as she begged her thoughts not to take her back to that night. She pushed harder and drove her fist through the punching bag. She wanted to hurt herself physically until the pain was distracting long enough for the emotional pain to fade away. She felt the impact of the punching bag on her fists and she basked in the satisfaction it brought her. The tightness in her chest began to ease slowly but she kept going.

"I am not looking forward to getting into the ring with you again."

Makenna stopped and turned, breathing heavily, she smiled when she saw who it was,
"I was going to suggest that once you showed up."

Brandon smiled,
"Please don't."

Makenna almost laughed at the comical look on his face,
"Want to get into the ring?"

"As long as you promise not to make it painful."

"Don't be such a wimp."

"Ouch, way to rub my ego."

"You don't need me for an ego boost."

Brandon scoffed and scanned the room,
"I know you have to train your friend, Thea, so let's get to it before she arrives."

Makenna turned and was about to head to the ring when she heard her name again. She turned around and found Atlas standing behind Brandon who turned to see who it was as well.

Atlas had walked into the gym right after Brandon and he'd seen and heard most of their exchange. Standing there, he glanced at Brandon and back at Makenna.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"

Makenna was about to tell him that she was in the middle of something but Brandon spoke first.

"I'll go get changed," He turned and left them alone,

Makenna watched him leave before she looked at Atlas who was watching her like a hawk.
"What is it?"

"I'm trying to figure out why you've been avoiding me," Atlas said, "And don't say you haven't because everyone else has noticed it as well."

Makenna shifted from one foot to the other,
"Everyone?"

"Thea and Vanessa, Will too."

Makenna swallowed, hating that it had been obvious to everyone.
"I'm just...I need to stay away from everyone for a moment."

"Everyone?" Atlas asked, "Or just me?"

Makenna opened and closed her mouth and realized there was nothing she could say to that. She hated the way his gaze searched her face like he was trying to find her tell or something.

"Does this have something to do with what happened?"

"What happened?" Makenna shrugged and acted absolutely clueless,

Atlas sighed,
"I think we both know what I'm talking about."

"I'm sorry, I don't," Makenna turned around to walk away but Atlas was quick to get to her and grab her by the wrist.

Makenna was surprised and tried to twist her arm upward to get her wrist out of his hand, but Atlas maneuvered his hand and reclaimed her wrist. He jerked her closer but she refused to get close to him with her arm held up between them.

"If you need a refresher, I would eagerly give you one."

Makenna could not explain the subtle hum in her veins that came from the wave of emotions she felt in her chest. Her shoulders rose and fell as she tried to get some air in her lungs when his gaze dropped to her lips. She swallowed and her lips parted slightly of their own accord. Atlas' gaze lifted to find hers again and it was softer this time, almost like a caress. She swore she felt faint but the fact that she was still standing upright told her that it was all in her head.

Atlas had never exerted so much self-control in his life. It took so much willpower to not lean in and take her lips with his to kiss her like he'd thought about. But the second he felt her wrist relax in his grip, he gained his control back. The look in her eyes confirmed what he already knew.

She wanted this.

Atlas clenched his other fist telling himself to focus on her eyes and not her lips that looked like they needed to be kissed by him.

"Stop running," His words came out in a husky whisper, "Cause when I catch you, if you let me, I'll show you how pointless it was."

Makenna felt her breath get caught in her chest and she swallowed as she started to slowly free herself from the invisible force that kept her still. She yanked her hand from his wrist and stepped back.

"Guys like you need to know that running doesn't indicate an openness to being chased." Makenna stared him dead in the eyes as she lifted her chin, "I'm simply trying to get away from you."

Atlas looked back and forth between both her eyes and a smile grew slowly on his lips. He looked so confident as he took a deep and calming breath.
"I think you've convinced yourself hard enough for you to believe that as your truth." He said, "But your eyes tell me something different."

Makenna hated the feeling like he was looking right into her soul. Those clear blue eyes that looked deep in the low lighting looked a lot like the ocean on a stormy night.

"Not to mention," Atlas' gaze dropped to her lips for just a moment before he lifted them back to her eyes, "So did your lips."

Makenna forgot how to breathe for a moment too long until Atlas turned and left her standing there in utter apprehension of what was to come. When she inhaled deeply and caught her breath, Makenna was absolutely certain that Atlas, just like her, hadn't forgotten about that night.

So much for forgetting about it.

Double update because Fatee-aliu requested for one. 😉 Probably the only double update I'll be able to give you guys.😅