Chapter 348 - Training, day 2 (2/2)

”Not really. I was thinking of relaxing in the room.”

”How about shopping? I would love to show you around.”, Isabella was enthusiastic.

JoAnna glanced at Jeff and he smiled letting her know that it's her decision.

”OK. I would love to.” JoAnna accepted.

Isabella was very happy, and immediately pulled out her phone and showed locations of three large malls in the area, asking JoAnna to pick one.

They agreed that later in the afternoon Isabella will come to their suite to pick up JoAnna for their shopping.

~ Seattle, Cabin ~

Aiden finished last set that Stella asked him to do for measurements. He laid flat on the ground, so exhausted, that he thought his soul is about to leave his body. 'I need to get out of this... Maybe I can say that someone called me for something urgent from work...'

”How are you doing?”, Sarah leaned over him, offering him a bottle of water.

”I'm fine. This is nothing.” There is no way that he will admit to her that he can't take this anymore, and that he is making a plan that during lunch suddenly he will get a call from office.

Stella watched him from few steps away and smiled at him as if she can read his mind.

He flashed a forced smile before gulping cold water that Sarah gave him.

Before lunch, they went to shower. Aiden noticed new bruises on Sarah's body and felt sorry for her. He pulled her into a tight hug.

She giggled. ”I'm impressed that after all that you still have energy left...”

Aiden realized that they are in the shower, and him hugging Sarah got her to think that he wants intimacy. But how can he say that he is drained of all energy? That would not be manly at all.

Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. ”You should save your energy for afternoon... if you have any left in the evening, let me know.” She playfully winked at him and left the shower.

Aiden felt relief and guilt seeing her leave. Relief that he does not need to expose his lack of energy, and guilt that he plans to avoid afternoon training. But it's too much. He needs to avoid it at all cost.

When Aiden came out of the bathroom, the maid was giving first aid to Sarah. Aiden was surprised to see how much better her yesterday's bruises look compared to last night. And cuts were almost healed.

”That is some magical healing cream”, he commented.

Sarah smiled, ”It's something my family is perfecting for generations.”

Aiden thought for some time, ”I didn't know you are in pharmaceutical industry...”

”It stays within the family.” Sarah shook her head. ”Not for sale.”

Aiden' was not satisfied with her answer and wanted to ask some more, when Sarah stopped him. ”From my mom's side.”

He nodded in understanding and didn't ask anything else. If it's related to Stella, probably it's not a good idea to dig too deep.