Zethora's POV

"Alright Z, lets do this!" 

I nod my head and put my headband over my ears. The music begins playing in my ears. I listen to the beat and begin the floor routine. We are still practicing the floor routine to my sister's song. I have added a few tricks to up my difficulty level. We have been going at it all day. It's been roughly a week since we buried Maddox's brother Sammy. 

We've gotten into a routine. He went back to practice four days ago. The first day was rough but he's persevered. He has his moment where I can see tell he feels lost however he holds me and seems to find his center. Each day we both head off to practice before meeting back up at his house. We visit his parents and my uncle every few days. Maddox has made room in his house for me which made me emotional. 

I am getting down to my final two weeks before camp. Arabella being gone hasn't been as hard as I thought... Maddox helps a LOT in that department. We have had some sensual moments but nothing pass comfortable. I want him to feel the passion he stirs within me but right now, I can tell he is still dealing with his loss so I'm not pushing it. 

Today has been my hardest practice by far. So today 'Captain' said he would need me to stay over two hours more than normal so we could get the musicality completely wrapped up. So now I have been here since 9:00 this morning and now it is 4:20. I feel ready to either kill my coach or just kill over... my body feels like it has been tossed into a wall. Yet here I am pushing my body to do things a normal person would never think of doing. 

I listen to the music and let it guide me. My feet slamming off the floor to do my flip. My muscles tighten as I feel my rotation coming to my landing. I stick it and begin the dance to the other corner. Lining my body up once again and taking off. I continue the routine feeling my muscles exerting all they have. I finish the routine and turn to where my coach is. My eyes go wide in confusion when I see Maddox standing there with some of his teammates behind him. He walks over to me as their jaws continue to hang open. 

"Damn sweetheart, you still amaze me!"

I smile as he goes to lift me up off the ground. His arms locked around my legs with my hands on his shoulders. His teammates walk onto the mat all with astonished looks. 

"Damn girl, you're a fucking machine." 

I nod my head at them as Maddox puts me down. One of them pats my shoulder and I automatically tense. I am still not comfortable with just anyone touching me... even if it is in a friendly manner. Maddox notices and pulls me under his arm resulting in the other's backing up. I lay my head on his torso as Coach Bridges walks onto the mat. He holds out his hand with his palm open. I take off the headband and take the earbuds out giving them to him. He closes his hand around it and gives me a single head nod. 

"Alright Z, bright and early tomorrow. Don't forget, we have less than two weeks before we leave." 

I feel Maddox tense, I rub his stomach and chest while nodding to coach. The guys give a confused look to me. I look up to Maddox who clears his throat and I can hear the hardness in his tone. 

"She leaves for Texas for her Olympic training for three months." I look to the guys who can see the pain expression for their captain. I give a half ass smile knowing this will be hard for him... and me.

"Come on sweetheart, we have a press conference to attend for the team. It would mean a lot if you were there to support me." I nod my head automatically as I cup his cheek pulling him down so I can kiss him. He grunts and grips my neck. I pull away looking to his teammates who are all watching us. "Guys come on!" 

They all turn walking away. I peck him once more before heading over to the locker room. Throwing on a pair of jeans and a jean button down shirt. I let my hair down brushing my fingers through it attempting to make it look presentable. I walk out the gym and his team is all still chilling by their vehicles. I walk over to Shadow and Maddox walks up to me. 

"Sweetheart, do you want to ride with me?"

I look down at Shadow and know there is no way I am leaving it here. I give Maddox the keys to Shadow. He gives me a confused look before I swing my leg over scooting back to make room for him. He turns to one of the guys tossing his truck keys telling them to drive it. He climbs on and I automatically coil myself around him. My fingers reaching under his shirt feeling the contours of his ripped stomach. His muscles tightening and I can see him shiver. I begin stroking his stomach feeling him take a shaky breath. I smirk and allow my hands to travel to the him of jeans. His hand jerks to mine stopping my exploration. 

"Don't tempt me Z." 

I kiss his neck and he curses under his breath. He speeds out back to the stadium where I am presuming the conference is being held. We haven't had too many issues with the press. The first few days after the photo was released was crazy but since then, not so much. I refuse to talk and Maddox refuse to give a statement so they really had nothing to run with. I am not completely sure what this press release is about. I would guess it is Maddox's previous week off. The media had so many questions on why he didn't play in it. 

We pull up and go to the player's parking lot. I swing my leg over and Maddox follows. His hand automatically linking with mine making me smile gently. His hand always seems to be attached to me in one way or another. It is comforting for me to know he wants this as much as me. 

We walk in and head directly to the doors outside the conference room where I can hear the massive amount of people within. The team pats Maddox on the back as they walk in. Maddox pulls me to him engulfing me in one of his famous bear hugs. I reciprocate and feel him inhaling my shampoo. He has told me how much he likes my scent. We pull away and coach walks out to us. 

"Good to see you Z!" 

He wraps me in a hug before I feel Maddox snake his arm at my side. Coach notices but doesn't say anything. "You ready Kane?"

"Give me a sec coach." He nods and walks back in. Maddox's grip on my side tightening. I turn in his hold cupping his face in my hands. My eyes searching his and I can see the pain. I was right, this is about his announcement on his absent. 

"I'm here sugar." 

He nods his head and pulls my hips to meet his as he kisses me. I can feel his racing heart under my palm. I slow it down and give him one final hug. He opens the doors and I realize we are behind a thin wall giving privacy before he goes on the stage with the rest of the team. I rub his arm before letting him go. I stand off to the side making some of the photographers and reporters notice me. I hear a few gasp followed by some flashes. I just stand there with my eyes glued on Maddox. His body rigid and his face hard walking up to the stand. He gets to the podium and looks around til his eyes meet mine. 

"Thank you for coming today everyone. I called you all here to announce reason for my absence recently from the team. I am currently dealing with a personal loss which resulted in me needing to take time off. I have not stepped down permanently and now I am back to continue leading my team." 

The reporters begin raising their hands. The coach pointing to one at a time. 

I am sorry for your loss Mr. Kane. Do you mind us asking who it was?

"At this time, I am not ready to release that information." 

Will you be returning to the game this coming Saturday night against the 49ers?

"Absolutely" 

Is it true of the reports of you and a famous gymnast? Mystery Z?

Everyone goes quiet as Maddox glances to me. I give him a firm head nod making him release a low chuckle. He looks straight back at the reporter before answering. 

"I am currently in a relationship with said person." 

Isn't it hard to be in a relationship with a mute?

Maddox's eyes harden instantly and he glares down at the reporter. The whole room goes silent knowing she made a mistake. 

"She is NOT mute. She chooses not to speak. It is no different whether or not she chooses to speak. Some should learn how to be more quiet." 

The whole room remains still knowing that was a jab at the reporter. Another hand goes up. 

Rumors have said that this is serious between you two, is there any merit to it?

"Yes"

The room erupts with hands and I know they have now gone off topic. If that means they won't be scrutinizing him on Sammy then I don't care. 

Does she reciprocate these feelings?

"I believe so"

Isn't it going to be difficult with her training to be together.

This question hits home as I see him momentarily clench his jaw. I decide to step forward causing so many flashes to go off. I walk up the few steps to the podium standing directly beside him and in front of the team. I hold his hand and get blinded by all the pictures. He grips it back looking directly at me. 

"We will continue our relationship regardless of where we are. That is all the questions I will be answering. Thank you for coming out." 

Once again the room roars with reports hollering out question after question. We ignore them as we step off the stage and head to a more private area. He instantly yanks my head to his crashing his lips to mine. There is nothing gentle about this kiss and I can feel my toes curl from the heat. I moan causing his muscles to go rigid. He pulls back slowly and I can see his dilated eyes. He takes a deep breath willing his muscles to relax. 

"I need you... now."