Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Read Online Books/Novels: | (Reigns Brothers #2) Level Up |
|---|---|
Author/Writer of Book/Novel: | Kindle Alexander |
| Language: | English |
| Book Information: | |
Duncan “Ducky” Reigns, metalhead and hardcore gamer, has spent his life railing against the establishment. But now when he looks at himself in the mirror that’s not the person he sees. Though he and his brother have worked hard to create a successful multi-million-dollar company, he’s lost himself and his identity in the process. Chad Reeves, successful in his own right, has achieved every goal he’s set for himself. But living up to the legacy of his uber-successful father feels like an impossible task. When the heavy burden of a lifelong secret begins to unravel, he’s forced to face the truth. He’s lacking in what matters the most and only one thing can make it right. Sometimes a simple reboot is all it takes to realize the answers are right in front of you. A soul-searching trip to paradise changes everything for two best friends… if they are brave enough to follow their hearts and reach for the Level Up. Level Up is a contemporary, new adult, MM Romance. A standalone story with characters moving forward from both Secret and Breakaway. If you enjoy what you read, email me your thoughts. | |
| Books in Series: | Reigns Brothers Series by Kindle Alexander |
| Books by Author: | Kindle Alexander |
“Hesitation is defeat.” ~ Shadows Die Twice
CHAPTER 1
“I don’t know. Are you sure?” Duncan Reigns, Ducky to his friends and family, asked. He glanced over his shoulder, eyeing his reflection in the full-length mirror sitting in the middle of the dressing room just off Greer Lockhart’s large walk-in closet.
He turned a one-eighty, focusing on the style and cut of the suit he wore. When an answer didn’t come, he lifted his gaze to find Greer studying the outfit as well. After a few tense moments, something close to satisfaction passed over Greer’s stern face.
“Positive. But stop moving. You fidget constantly. Stop.” Greer stepped toward Ducky, gripping his shoulders, pushing them back until they refused to go any further, forcing Ducky into the position he wanted. “You’ve got to stop slumping. Head up, shoulders back. Proper posture all the time. The reason you aren’t satisfied with any of these clothes is because you’re not owning them. They own you. It throws off the whole look. Whether or not you feel confident, you must present yourself as a man who not only owns nice clothing but also owns the space around him. Lift your chin, too. Stop looking down.”
Ducky held the awkward pose, intentionally keeping his chest puffed out as he rotated around to look back into the mirror. The transformation in his appearance occurred instantly. His gaze drifted to Dallas, his brother, who leaned against the doorframe separating the dressing room from the main bedroom. Dallas’s brawny biceps noticeably bulged with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
Since Ducky had first mentioned the idea of Greer helping him with a total body makeover, Greer had taken the role as mentor and transformer to heart. He used strict guidance and a tight schedule with his tutelage and had zero qualms about correcting Ducky. He did it frequently.
After months of following Greer’s drill sergeant approach to working out, Ducky’s soft, almost nonexistent muscles had developed. The physical part hadn’t come easy, but the rewards were worth it. Greer had finally moved this makeover in the direction Ducky had originally thought they’d start: his clothing. He’d always been impressed by the way Greer dressed. But now he understood it was more than just the clothes that made Greer, Greer.
Since they’d started, Ducky had become accustomed to living in a constant state of sore, aching muscles. Greer had changed his eating habits too. No more fast food. Not to worry, he still snuck in a cheeseburger or two whenever he got the chance. No one knew that truth. Or…at least Greer hadn’t called him out on it.
Ducky could see for himself that he looked like a completely different man today because of Greer’s unwavering guidance. Those five in the morning wake-up calls, pushing him out of bed to work out, never failed to motivate. He learned the hard way that if he didn’t answer, Greer would get in his car and drive over. The workouts with Greer beside him were a million times harder than the ones he did alone.
His head was taking a little more time to adjust to the change. His confidence levels weren’t elevating as quickly as he hoped. He still fought that inner voice that kept insisting this outer appearance was a ridiculous impostor. Per Greer, those insecurities weren’t hidden. They spoke volumes in his poor posture and constant crossed arms over his chest. Ducky only agreed with Greer’s first observation, not the second. He crossed his arms to give him something to do with his hands when he was forced out into the world with real people. If he didn’t tuck them away, he’d fidget nervously. If he couldn’t find the right words to say, he’d try to speak with his hands. Which turned into a whole-arm movement that eventually included his entire upper body, as if he planned to take flight with all the flapping he did.
Even now, he had a hell of a time just standing still with his arms hanging casually at his sides. He’d watched both Dallas and Greer cross their arms while thinking through a situation… With his shoulders still held back and his chest expanded in the unnatural pose, he carefully crossed his arms over his chest like Dallas’s to test the look.
His focus riveted on the mirror, insistently noting the difference between the two looks. As he studied his posture, he gnawed on his lip, memorizing this exact stance. Honestly, he was proud of what he saw. Other than the unruly mop of curls on his head that had to be continually tossed aside to be able to see, he didn’t look half bad.
“Tuck your fist under your bicep,” Dallas instructed, drawing Ducky’s attention. Dallas lifted a fist and pushed it back underneath his crossed arm, enhancing the look of his bicep.
“So, that’s how you do that?” Ducky asked, amazed at the difference.