Owen can't believe it.
He closes his eyes as a bulge tries to fight its way against the towel he just pulled over his lap.
It's embarrassing beyond belief for a grown man to experience something like this because of a simple body massage, one that he had experienced more times than he can remember. He can't believe he had to resort to techniques he had long forgotten from his puberty years.
Owen tried to think of things he didn't like to get rid of the swelling between his legs so he could get out of the room and take another cold shower for extra precaution.
Raisins. Mud. Rain. Ghosts. Raisins. Mud. Rain. Ghosts. Raisins. Mud. Rain. Ghosts. Raisins…
He didn't care for anyone else because the gym was full of males who wouldn't even notice such things but he couldn't risk getting out of there and having Lucy see it.
Once he thought his body calmed down he opened his eyes and checked with a downward swipe if it was actually the case.
All good.
Another encompassing emotion washes over Owen.
Why does Lucy affect him so much?
The girl is pretty, yes, but not really enough to send his desires into a spiral, not at first, anyway. He was used to women throwing themselves to him without reserve. Women who are, on top of being beautiful, have one or more qualities to secure themselves within the nation's elite population — Money, Fame, Power. But he had never felt conscious in their presence and he also didn't have any problem accommodating them as long as both parties agreed that its a one-off.
He was Owen Augustus Hunt. As much as he knows how to keep his manners, he knows where he stands in society.
Owen knows more than anyone else that anywhere he goes, his surname precedes him, or at least that was the case before he decided to dive into the world of MMA. The world is slowly forgetting who he is beyond what they see inside the ring.
He wants it that way and plans to keep it that way for as long as he can.
The existence of Top Gym in particular helped him a lot, not just in propelling his fighting career to what it is now but also in providing an environment where he could feel normal. As detached as some of the club members treat him because of his intimidating demeanor, a few interact with him normally. Al and Jimmy are some of those few.
For the existence of the gym, he had Alison to thank for that. Alison is his ex-fiance, who he now treats as a friend because of their shared goal of proving themselves to each of their families.
—
Lucy tries to take a peak at the screen while keeping a reasonable distance from everyone's body. The person holding the phone, sensing more people positioning themselves behind held the phone farther from his body to accommodate everyone.
The screen shows a pretty woman in a suit, with multiple microphones in front of her and a few flashes coming off from her side. Her backdrop was a mix of sports brands and associations' logos that were familiar enough for Lucy to know they were huge. Lucy can't help but admire the confident aura coming off from the woman.
"What's happening?" Lucy had to voice out her curiosity.
A few members turned their heads towards Lucy but the person holding the phone was faster to respond with words. He did so without taking his eyes off the screen.
That's Alison Addams, Lu. She's the club's owner.
"Wow. She looks amazing."
Everyone nods and makes some kind of affirmative noise to Lucy's remarks.
It was over before Lucy had the chance to hear the woman speak. Another person took over the microphone to tell the crowd that the interview was over.
"That was it?" Chao exclaimed. He was the person who joined the bunch together with Lucy.
"You should have come sooner." The one holding the phone, Anton said with a short huff.
"What did she say?" Chao can't help but ask since she knew it was about the gym.
Everyone was dispersing except Anton, Chao, and Lucy who was also curious about the content of the interview. It did not interest her the same way it did Chao but she had nothing to do except kill time until Owen finished his meditation. This would also be a good distraction to her swirling thoughts.
"She said she'll launch Top Promotions and host an event this year with Owen in the final match."
"Wow. That's amazing. I wish I could be in the undercard fight." Chao gets into a boxing stance with his hands in front of his face, swaying erratically as if dodging punches.
"Ha! You wish." Anton can't help but laugh.
"Shut up." Chao pushed Anton by the shoulders causing a slight wobble on the larger man's physique. Chao was one of the newer gym members so it's unlikely to be given that privilege.
"Anyway, so she's running two companies now?" Chao inquired further.
"I don't know." Anton shrugs. "I wouldn't be surprised if she runs more, though. Her family owns MBC. I think she has a position there, too. I'm not sure. "
MBC is one of the leading TV stations in the country. They are part of a group of companies that focus on media and entertainment. They used to be on top but even with the decline in standing, they still own several radio stations, publications, and the number one talent agency in the industry. So much influence under just one brand.
Lucy and Chao simply nodded at the information like students listening to a professor.
"Lucy!" a loud call from the manager's office tears Lucy's attention from the conversation. It was Jimmy calling her with a wave of a hand gesturing for her to enter the room.
Anton and Chao understood and gave a silent nod when Lucy looked back at them.
The woman promptly walked towards the door and went in, curious as to why she was called.