I sat down in a chair that was wedged between the iron grate and concrete that made up our outdoor space. Dana took no time in sitting on my lap. “This is nice.” She giggled as she wiggled her ass against my dick.
“Sure is.” I took a swig of my beer as my free hand began sliding between her open legs. “Very nice,” I murmured as she leaned back against my chest and let me touch her. The sigh that escaped her lips told me this was going to be one hell of a welcome to New York.
Chapter 5
Easton
Over the next week, I spent every waking moment training. Carl meant what he said, he was training me to win. He never questioned why I stumbled in looking like I’d just rolled out of bed, or why there were days that I didn’t eat. Hunter partied at least three days a week, and for the last four, I’ve been entertaining a different woman each night. Dana’s been by a few times, but I think last night might have been it for her. She walked in to find Stephanie curled up beside me, at least that’s what I think her name was.
Today, I feel like shit. I woke up and left Steph in my bed. It was hard leaving the warmth for the subzero temps of the gym. Carl was waiting by the weight room door for me when I arrived. “Nice of you to show up on time today.” His brow furrowed. I’d been late yesterday, and he’d threatened to cut me loose.
“I promised it wouldn’t happen again.” I nodded as I tossed my bag to the side and waited for instruction. I’d been trying to be obedient when I was here.
“Gonna work the salmon ladder today.” He grinned like he thought he was calling me out. Unbeknownst to him, my dad had started training me on this at seventeen.
“Yes sir.” I nodded again as I made my way to the far side of the room. A few other fighters were working on different machines, and one by one they stopped as I passed by. By the time I reached the base of the ladder, all eyes were on me. ‘Was this a test?’ I wondered as I stood there, obviously the center of attention.
“Let’s see what ya got, boy.” Carl smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest.
I blew out a few breaths as I psyched myself up. My dad’s words began playing through my head. ‘Remember your hand placement. It’s not about speed, but precision. Stay focused.’ I jumped, grabbing the bottom rung on my way back down. I dangled for a few seconds, moving my hands to a comfortable position.
“Let’s go!” Carl clapped his hands as he stared at me.
I swung my body as my biceps curled, bringing me up to raise the bar to the next rung. It clanked into position, and I adjusted my hands, preparing for the next pull up. One by one, I worked to the top, and then dropped back to the mats. A few of my onlookers clapped and others nodded in appreciation. Carl pressed his lips together and nodded.
“Nice work, kid.” He marked something on a clipboard before nodding to the ring behind him. “Grab your shit. I wanna see what you really got.”
“Yes, sir.” I grabbed my bag and followed him out. The air was filled with the sounds of fists pounding leather as a few heavy bags swung in the distance. There was another fighter shadow boxing in the middle of one of the rings.
“Hey, Dave!” Carl called out. “Suit up!” The guy turned and nodded before moving over to one of the corners. He climbed out and began rummaging through a bag. “Dave is ranked the same as you. This should be a pretty even match.”
I stood there, slightly stunned. I knew who Dave was. I’d seen him fight. He’s gotten some main ticket fights, and last year was undefeated. I was surprised that Carl had been able to hold on to him. Most fighters would have moved on to another gym to hone different skills.
I grabbed my gloves, headgear, and mouth guard. After suiting up, I climbed in. “You ready for this?” Dave grinned at me. I knocked my gloves together.
“Been ready.” I wasn’t so sure, but my dad always told me to stay confident. Fighters can sense fear. ‘No fear!’ Dad would roar when fights started.
“Hey.” Dave chuckled. “I know you. You’re Wes McKay’s son. This’ll be fun.” He shoved his mouth guard in and stalked to center ring.
Fire burned inside me. I couldn’t escape it. I was always going to be Wes’s son, no matter what. This proved that. I was in another state with another trainer, and I was still in his fucking shadow. I bounced a few times before taking a swing. Dave ducked and returned the swing, making contact with my ribs. I rocked to the side, and shook it off. “Keep your head on straight, E!” Carl barked. I nodded that I heard him, and then began to circle Dave. He moved like a well-oiled machine. We matched each other hit for hit. The fight went on for nine rounds before he finally bested me. My body was tired, and my night before was catching up. I hadn’t eaten like I should, and was tapped out, literally. My muscles quivered as my head throbbed. Dave pinned me, and I finally tapped, giving him the win.
“Nice job,” he mumbled around his guard as he held out a hand to help me up.
“What the fuck was that?” Carl bellowed from outside the ring. “My fighters don’t tap…ever!”
“It’s just…” I gasped for air as I tried to catch my breath.
“He was a good match, sir.” Dave was removing his gear, much less winded than me. “I’ll spar with him any day.”
“Thanks, Dave. Hit the showers. You’re good for the morning.” He pointed to the treatment rooms. Dave grabbed his bag and walked away. “Get some water and meet me in my office, Easton.” He shook his head as if he was upset with me and walked away.
ooooooooo
“You wanted to see me, sir?” I stuck my head through the door.
“Have a seat.” Carl pointed to some chairs across from his desk. “I heard the rumors about you before you came here. I didn’t want to believe some of them, but I’m seeing the truth come out a little more each day. You,” he pointed at me, “are a gifted fighter, but you gotta be serious about it. If you’re tapping out on Dave, then you’re never gonna be the best.”
“I’ve won every professional level fight that I’ve had.” I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees.
“In Boston,” Carl clarified. “You never left your gym. I’m the first guy to work with you other than your dad.” Just hearing him say it was pissing me off. “I see potential in you, Easton, but you need to get your head on straight. You keep going like this and your career’s going to end before it really gets started. Lay off the booze and women. Good things never come from that.”
“Sir,” I started to argue but he held his hand up to silence me.
“Go cool down and I’ll see you tomorrow.” He didn’t even look up.
I stood, the sound of the metal legs of the chair the only noise in the room. When I stepped out of Carl’s office, a few fighters turned to look at me. I felt like I was five years old again and in trouble at school. One laughed, and what did I do? The mature thing. I flipped him off.
ooooooooo
My new apartment wasn’t far from In10city and when I pulled up, the parking area was empty. I sighed with relief. Maybe Stephanie was gone, and I could go back to sleep. My feet were heavy as I climbed the stairs, and when I opened our door, the apartment was silent. ‘Yes,’ I thought as I tossed my bag in the direction of a chair and shuffled down the hall.
I avoided flipping the lights on as I made my way to the bathroom. After a cold shower, I toweled off, and flopped into bed. I didn’t even think about the fact that I wasn’t wearing any clothes or the fact that my door was open. I just let exhaustion take over as I fell into a deep sleep.
It felt like minutes, but I guess it was hours later when I heard laughter coming from the living area. Hunter had a booming voice, and it carried in this tiny apartment. I stretched before sitting up and rubbing my face. I hadn’t shaved in a few days and my chin scratched against my palms. My eyes were blurry as I forced them open. I glanced at the alarm clock as it flashed eight p.m. back at me. I’d slept the entire day away. I knew I needed it. Hunter and I had been staying up all hours of the night and Carl worked me out brutally.
/> I grabbed a pair of shorts and slipped them on before venturing out to see who all was here. When I stepped into the light, Hunter laughed. “Dude, you look like shit.”
“Fuck you,” I grumbled as I shuffled into the kitchen. I grabbed a water out of the fridge.
“I’m kidding bro, but really, what happened?” He actually sounded concerned.
“You happened,” I deadpanned as I tipped my head back and drained half the bottle.
“I guess we have been hitting it pretty hard lately. I’m taking tonight off for something else.” He winked before turning his head in the direction he’d come. Two women were sitting on the couch and another guy was in one of the chairs. “This is Brody. He helps with promotion at the gym. I’ve known him since we were kids, and these fine ladies are Willow and Sarah.” He said it like he wasn’t sure, but the girls didn’t seem to care.
“So, what’s the something else?” I leaned against the counter, not sure if I even wanted to know.
“You got lots of baby skin, you know that?” He smirked. “I was thinking we could ink you tonight.”
“You want me to put something on my body that will be there forever?” My brows drew together. I’d never had a desire to get a tattoo.
“What’s wrong with ink? I’ve been craving another.” He shoved his sleeve up over his shoulder and examined his arms like he was looking for a spot to fill. “It’s good therapy.”
“And it’s there forever,” I deadpanned.
“Your old man has ink. Several from what I remember of his fighting days.” Hunter smirked. That was all it took. Comparing me to my father was the way to get under my skin.
“Fine. I’m in.” I shook my head.
“Go put some clothes on. I have an appointment for us,” Hunter called to my back as I made my way back to my room.
ooooooooo
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” I grumbled as I stared at the art on the walls of Ink Tank. I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to get, but I knew it had to mean something. If I was going through this then it had to be for something. All my dad’s tats had meaning, some he wouldn’t share with me.
I suggested Hunter go first since he knew what he wanted. It was some cartoon character that he thought was ‘cool’. Brody was giving him shit for it, and the girls just laughed.
“Did you decide?” One of the artists in the shop approached me.
“I think so, but I don’t see what I want up here.” I pointed to the frames and books that were showcasing all the artists’ work.
“We can draw something up for you if you give us an idea.” She smiled. “Come back here and tell me what you’re thinking, and where you want it.” She motioned for me to follow her to the back end of the shop. I heard Hunter asking me what I had decided on as I walked by, but I brushed him off. It was none of his business, and I really didn’t feel like explaining my choices.
It didn’t take as long as I thought it would for Emily, my tattoo artist, to draw what I was describing to her. Her pencil flew across the paper as the words fell from my lips. When she held up the finished sketch, it was perfect. I’d decided to place it on my upper arm. Emily placed the transfer, and after I checked it, we got started.
The pain was like a constant bee sting, and after the first few minutes it was a pretty dull feeling. I relaxed and closed my eyes for most of it, and before I knew it, she was finished.
“All set. Wanna take a look before I wrap it?” She smiled and pointed to the mirror I’d used to check the placement.
I admired her work, and thanked her as she wrapped it, and led me to the front desk to pay. It was perfect, and I hoped my mom understood that it was for her. She gave me the Celtic cross before my very first fight. I kept it in my bag for good luck. Now, I had one just like it that would follow me everywhere, including in the cage.
“What’d ya get?” Hunter shoved me as we stepped outside into the fall air.
“None of ya.” I shot him a glare.
“Please tell me it’s not some chick’s name.” He rolled his eyes.
“No, and I’m not explaining this to you. It’s personal,” I growled. “I’m fucking starving. Let’s get some food,” I huffed, and just like that the tattoo conversation was dropped.
Hunter eventually saw my cross, but never asked what it meant. I think he actually heard me when I told him it was personal and chose to let me be. It was the first of many, and I can say that Hunter is the one who started my obsession with them. Over the next several months, tattoos became my escape. As soon as I could afford a new one, I was visiting Emily, and my once blank skin was slowly becoming a beautiful canvas of her art.
Chapter 6
Easton
It’s been a year now since I came to In10city. I’ve been winning, but Carl’s yet to get me on a main ticket— that is until today. One of the fighters for tonight got sick with the flu. They asked me to fill in. I can’t help but think that this is fate for me. If I win tonight, I’ll go from being good to great. VitaBar has been calling me for weeks about getting bigger fights. I told Carl that my sponsors aren’t happy, but he always has an excuse. Mike’s supposed to be coming tonight, and Carl mentioned a few others he found to come see me.
“Big fight tonight, huh?” Hunter was sitting at the table in our tiny kitchen, eating a sandwich.
“Yep.” I nodded as I began to rummage. “How the hell do you make weight with the way you eat?” Hunter was eating all the time, but he never seemed to put on any weight. I was constantly drinking the green smoothies at the gym to try and stay where I needed to be.
“You really want to know?” he mumbled around a mouth full.
“Guess not.” I made a yuck face.
Hunter had all sorts of bad habits. Some days I was surprised he wasn’t in the hospital. He did things to his body that could cause serious harm. I’d heard the stories from my dad about the things fighters will do, but I’d never met one who actually did it.
Some would take laxatives, some would wear rubber suits to sweat out the water, some would binge and purge. The list was endless, but I wanted no part of that.
“I gotta get to the gym. You coming tonight?” I stood at the door with my bag.
“I’ll be there.” He nodded. My parents were coming tonight, and it surprised me. My dad hadn’t seen me fight since I left McKay’s, at least not that I know of. I’m not sure if it was me not asking, or him giving me space.
ooooooooo
Carl was waiting for me when I stepped through the door. “You have a massage and sauna appointment, E. Jeff is waiting in the back room for you.”
I waved as I made my way back. Carl was treating me the way he treated Dave. I was a star today, at least I was until I lost.
The day went by excruciatingly slow. Amateurs were training today. I watched as some of the other trainers were working on form. I remembered being them, and wondering when I’d make it. Now, I had made it, and a main ticket fight was finally in my future.
The ride across town to the arena didn’t take as long as I thought it would. Carl had gotten us a car. Brody was sitting across from me and tapping away on his phone. “We’ve got two new sponsors for sure, and one is looking to make a huge donation to the gym if you win tonight.” He grinned.
“You mean, when I win.” I tapped my foot. I’d never been one to get nervous, but I had a lot of extra energy built up and was ready to let go.
“Sorry, when you win.” Brody laughed.
“We’ll keep the car around back for you, E.” Carl nodded as we pulled up to a door in what appeared to be an alley. “Sometimes these fans can get a little psycho, if you know what I mean.”
“No problem, but the ladies love me.” I grinned cockily.
“After Jordan does a number on your face, they may not.” Carl chuckled before adding, “You gotta remember to duck tonight. His left hook is a bad one. It’s a signature move.”
“Sir, I’ve watched the tapes. I can do this.” I n
arrowed my eyes. “Trust me.”
“Well, you’re definitely not suffering in the confidence category.” Carl’s door opened, and our driver stepped back. A security guard came out from the steel door, and held it open. “Come on, E. This is it.”
I stepped into the waning sunlight and slipped through the door. We were ushered down a long hallway, and then the locker room appeared. “Go get changed. I’ll be in shortly.” Carl pointed before continuing to follow the security guard.
I meandered through the space, taking it all in. It wasn’t really different from what I was used to, just nicer. I changed into my shorts, and pulled out my phone. After plugging in my earbuds, I shuffled to my playlist. I’d listened to this music before every fight since I started. My dad had made it for me, and I’d never changed it. It was the one piece of him I still carried. I closed my eyes and laid down on the bench. One leg bent, and one on the ground. As the music filled my ears, I attempted to let go of everything. ‘Clear minds fight better’ Dad always said. The small part of me that wanted to be just like him was at war with the part that wanted to step out of his shadow and be me. I’d been pushing the little kid part with dreams away for so long that I didn’t realize that I was more like that part than this new me I’d been searching for.
“You ready?” Carl tapped my shoulder, causing me to jump. I read his expression as I sat up and held out my hands. He grabbed the tape and started wrapping them. I closed my eyes once again and let the memories from my childhood fill my head.
I was five. Mom had brought me with her. Riley had slept at a friend’s house. We had seats in the third row. Dad made me wear earmuffs so I wouldn’t hear anything I shouldn’t. I watched as the spotlights followed him down the steps and into the cage. The red and white of his silks flashing in the light. The look on his face was so stern until he saw us. When his eyes met Mom’s, he smiled and then when he saw me, his whole face lit up. I told anyone who would listen that he was my dad, and I was going to be just like him when I grew up. I watched him take down his opponent in the second round. Dad had sustained a cut on his cheek, and busted lip during the fight, but it didn’t scare me, it made me want this more.
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