Page 47 of Bloodlust

"I think you knowexactlywhat I mean," I chuckle, tapping my fingers on the digital display as I glance at the screen. "You can probably go forhours, can't you?"

"If you're talking about running then yes." The sharp edge of his jaw clenches as he acts disingenuously aloof. It's kind of cute. "I've competed in a few marathons over the years."

"Really?" I hum, unwilling to give up this little game of cat and mouse so easily. "I've completed a few marathons myself."

"Is that so?"

"Mhmm." I suck in a sultry breath. "Some of them lasteddays."

"Must have been exhausting." His guarded gaze flicks across my cunning face before inadvertently darting down to my breasts. It's only for a second—the man has excellent control—but it's enough to fill me with the motivation to soldier on.

"Very," I say with a pout. "But totally worth thegrand prize,I think."

"I don't know..." He takes a breath, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand as he continues to run. "I've always been a fan of thejourney, not thedestination."

God, I live for our innuendo-filled conversations. He can pretend all he wants but I know he's thinking about it too.

How could he not?

Has he seen me?

"I guess it depends on who you're running with, huh?" I shrug. "Some partners are better than others."

"Perhaps you should be more selective with your partners." He raises a brow. "Make the journey more...bearable."

I tilt my head, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. "Areyouselective, Doc?"

"I seldom run with others," he says in a challenging tone. "Most can't keep up."

"Why?" I know the answer. It's because his energy is the same as mine. An energy that's rooted in the hedonistic desire to bring heaven down to hell. "Often go off course? Like to hit that rocky terrain?" I lower my voice. "Get a little dirty?" I pause, reaching out and swiping my finger across his chiseled chest. I meet his hooded eyes as I slowly drag a salty finger across my tongue. "A little sweaty?"

"Some boundaries I don't cross,MissBianco," he grunts, his pupils dilating into a black hole but I'm not sure who's sucking in who. "I'mverycautious of dangerous territories."

"What's life without a little risk, Doc?" My core clenches at the idea of him exploring all my territories, despite deathly repercussions.

"Some risks aren't worth the reward," he says in a forced flat tone. I laugh at the lengths he's going to keep this interaction from going off the deep end. He frowns at me, the edge of his jaw slightly ticking. "What's so funny?".

"Nothing." I cast him a sweet smile. "It's just that you clearly haven't experienced atop-tierdestination before. Trust me, it's worthallthe risk."

"Really?" His wandering eyes narrow as I slide an elastic off my wrist and twist my hair into a high ponytail. "Well, why don't you hop on beside me, hmm?" He nods to the empty treadmill on his left. "Show me if you'd make a good partner or not. I have a few more inclines left."

He's tough to crack. A hard shell of a man. But I'm a go-getter. Not scared of a challenge. It's been too easylately. He's upping the ante by not succumbing to my desires. Adding to the already oh-so-full pot. I'll get my winnings one way or another.

I rake my fingers through my hair as I tighten the ponytail, giving it an expert tug.

I always win.

"I should probably stretch first." I hike my foot up high on the edge of his machine. His eyes widen and I grin, touching my toes as I lean over my right leg. I tilt my head in his direction as I expel a tiny moan. "Oh, that feels so fucking good. I love a good stretch."

"Stress can cause muscle tension," he murmurs, watching as I arch my back. "It's important to take care of your body."

"Maybe you can come here and loosen me up a bit," I smirk, switching legs. "I would hate to pull a muscle."

"You seem to be doing a good job at loosening yourself up." Beads of sweat drip down his neck, and I'm so tempted to lick them off.

"Suit yourself," I chuckle, giving him a shrug as I turn around and take a couple of steps forward. I spread my legs, bending down as I place my palms on the floor. I sway my hips from side to side.

In three...two...Behind me, I hear stumbling footsteps and suddenly the treadmill turns off.One.I crane my neck, smiling as Hayden jumps off the machine. He wipes his face with a small white cotton towel. "Done already? I thought you had a few more inclines?"