Page 5 of No Rules
“Good, because you’ll be paired with Ryan.” Wander winked at Alex. “Teach him who’s boss.”
Alex could’ve kissed him, but all he gave was a wide smile.
As the team members filed out of the room, Alex took a moment to collect himself, straightening his clothes and running a hand through his messy hair. He was a security specialist, dammit, and he wasn’t going to let Ryan’s teasing or his own insecurities hold him back. Not even when the cum dripping out of his ass was more than a little distracting.
“Hey, Alex,” Ryan called as they walked out of the room. “Nice job in there. Really showed off your…talents.”
Alex forced a smile. “Thanks. But remember that on the mat, I’m the one who’s the boss.”
With a wink, Alex strode down the hallway, leaving a speechless Ryan behind.
He got changed, using the opportunity to clean his ass and remove the reminders of Ryan. Dressed in shorts and a tank top, he headed into the gym, where the others had already assembled.
Jesse’s house had a gym room, a sizable space on the first floor. Top-of-the-line treadmills, weight machines, and free weights lined the walls. A punching bag Alex often used was hung in a corner and one wall was nothing but mirrors. Alex’s favorite was the center of the room: a sparring area with a padded floor. On that mat, Alex was boss—and he intended to prove that to Ryan.
Ryan was in excellent shape, all lean muscle. Alex couldn’t deny that. The man was in his early forties but had quick reflexes. No wonder. He’d been a homicide detective before he’d become a PI. He was maybe two inches taller than Alex and probably a bit heavier, but that didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered on the mat was how good you were. And Alex was the best.
Ryan took position across from Alex on the mat, dressed in a similar outfit as Alex.
“Ready to get your ass kicked?” Alex taunted, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Ryan cracked his knuckles, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Bring it on, kid.”
As soon as Wander gave the signal, the two men lunged at each other. Alex was quick on his feet, dodging Ryan’s punch and countering with a swift jab to Ryan’s ribs. Ryan grunted.
“Too slow, old man!” Alex danced around Ryan.
Ryan narrowed his eyes and feigned an attack, but his gaze darted to the side he was aiming for. Alex anticipated and brought his weight forward. Ryan couldn’t budge him, but because he’d leaned into it, his balance was off. With one sweep, Alex yanked his feet from under him, and Ryan hit the mat with a heavy thud.
“Is that all you’ve got?” Alex circled Ryan. Adrenaline pumped through him, fueling his body.
Ryan growled, rising to his feet and charging once more. Alex anticipated his strategy, blocking and deflecting each strike with ease. Ryan’s eyes kept signaling what he was about to do, and his moves were too slow to be a surprise. Alex kept evading him, dancing and slipping just out of Ryan’s reach.
“Come on, Ryan…” Alex ducked under a clumsy punch. “You’re making this too easy for me.”
“Shut up!”
“Make me.” Alex landed a well-placed kick to Ryan’s chest that sent him stumbling backward.
Muffled laughter rang out from the others, who were watching the fight with thinly disguised glee. Alex took a glance sideways while Ryan scrambled to his feet again. Wander stood with his arms crossed, grinning. Unlike the others, he wasn’t even trying to hide his amusement.
Ryan roared, lunging at Alex with newfound determination. But he was still no match for Alex’s agility and expertise. When he’d had enough, Alex brought him down to the mat again with a one-leg takedown, then forced Ryan onto his stomach and put his head in a tight lock.
“Give up yet?”
“Fine.” It came out between gritted teeth as Ryan tapped out. “You win this round.”
“Remember,” Alex whispered into Ryan’s ear, “in here, I’m the boss.”
2
Ryan gripped the steering wheel as he navigated the winding road to Ballston Spa, an idyllic little town he’d driven through before. The rolling hills of the Capital Region of New York lit up under the sun in a palette of oranges, reds, and yellows, showcasing the fall in all its spectacular colors. Scattered white clouds resembling puffs of cotton dotted the brilliant sky. As Ryan drove past, the dry leaves on the road swirled into the air, then drifted down again without hurry.
He’d never seen colors like this, and he now understood why people came to this part of the country in the autumn. The winters were horrific, but man, the fall was quite the show. A big difference from Texas, where fall was a game of fifty shades of brown and yellow. His fingers itched to grab his camera and take some pictures, but it would have to wait until he had time. Maybe they’d be able to wrap this case up quickly so he could set out to explore. On his own.
Ryan cast a sidelong glance at Alex in the passenger seat. “All right, let me fill you in on what I know,” he said. “Our new client is Ms. Marilyn Vandervliet. She owned a racehorse that recently died after being drugged, and she wants us to find out who’s responsible.”
“Why’d Wander pick you to take the lead?” Alex adjusted his sunglasses.