14. Ivan

I hung back after showering and changing from training today, I needed to ask Vincent for a favour. Considering these past few weeks were the most I’ve ever spoken to him he must think I’m losing my mind.

“What is it Ivan?” he barked as the room emptied. “I can tell you’re waiting for me?”

Like a silverback gorilla he stood tall and proud, his scars and white hair for all to see. “I’m wanting to ask if I can use the running track later?”

“Just you?”

“Well, I want to take my prize out there. She’s not used to the lack of fresh air here so I’m thinking…”

“You want her perking up before the showcase?” he guffawed, “or you just like doing it outside Ivan?” he asked with a filthy leer. I couldn’t help my face turning scarlet, not because it wasn’t true but because Vincent clearly thought deep down I was as feral as the rest.

“Something like that.”

“Course you can, I can’t guarantee you’ll be alone, the truck with the new prizes arrives today so it might get busier but you can take y