“Hello kettle.” Ashlyn interrupts.
I sigh. “Can I steal him for a few hours? I really need my brothers for the evening.”
“Brothers? We’re going to get Ky and Z too?” Josh questions.
“That is the plan baby brother, but just the champ. Ky’s too young to deal with this mess.” I bend my head down and blow raspberries into Mia’s neck causing her to do the cutest baby giggle. This girl has me wrapped around her finger.
“Who would have thought Jay would be a baby whisperer?”
“It’s what I do for a living. Give me some credit Ash.” I walk over to her and give a smiling Mia to her mommy while she has her hands open reaching out.
“I can’t believe she’s going to be six months next week.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Believe it. You’ll have another new one on the way any day. Savvy’s about ready to pop. Getting Zander away from her is going to be like pulling teeth, I can barely get him to the gym these days. Luckily his fights in a few months.” Josh walks up and throws me in a head lock.
Elbowing him in the gut gets him to ease up his hold and I duck out. “Come on man, that was unnecessary.”
“How about we all drive over and I’ll stay with Savvy while you guys go out and do… whatever it is that you need to do. Shit better be legal Jay.” She narrows her eyes at me.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “Nothing we do tonight will be illegal, you have my word. Nobody likes a spicy mama, I don’t need to be on the receiving end of your wrath.”
“Good. Let me pack a bag for Mia and we can be on our way.”
Ash hands off the baby to Josh and goes to leave the kitchen. He whacks her ass causing her to turn around narrowing her eyes while trying to hold back a smile. He looks back at me. “That’s one spicy mama.”
“What I wouldn’t give for a piece of spicy right now.”
“Still haven’t gone there with Georgie yet?” Josh asks after Ash leaves the room.
“Nope and my dick hates me for it. But I won’t until I know she’s ready, she’s been through enough already. Believe me though, when I get the all clear I will be all up in her shit. All up in it.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Twenty minutes later we find ourselves ringing Zander’s doorbell. He opens it not too long after with a hesitant look on his face.
“What are you all doing here? What’s going on?”
“Bros night!” I exclaim.
“Bros night? I don’t think so. Savvy…” Ash cuts Zander off.
“I brought Mia and we’re going to keep Savvy occupado. No worries.”
“Okayyyyyy. Let me talk to her before we head out.”
“Another one? I’ll have to give the pants lecture again.” I walk past Zander looking for his woman.
“No, once is enough for a lifetime. Seriously Jay, if I hear you tell Savvy to take her pants off I’ll junk punch you.” Ash whisper yells.
“After I shove something not so pleasant up your ass.” Z threatens.
“Damn, why do you guys want to ruin my poor ass. What’d it ever do to you guys?”
“You don’t wanna know.” Josh tells Zander.
Finally, after dragging Zander away from an exhausted looking Savvy, we’re on our way.
“Where to? And what’s with all the secrecy? Are you okay?” Josh questions.
“Head to Josh’s, this talk has to be in private. You never know who’s listening.” I grumble.
“Now you’re worrying me.”
“Welcome to the club.” I sigh.
When we get to the house we make our way inside and take a seat in the kitchen. It has a large island so we all grab a stool so we’re sitting side by side.
“I’m in some trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?” Josh asks with a worried tone to his voice.
“Bad trouble, illegal trouble, the I’m in deep shit kind of trouble.”
“Explain.” Zander states.
I take a deep breath and tell them everything. About Georgie’s gambling, the deal she made with Skid, all the way leading up to me becoming that ass bags brand new underground fighter. They are completely silent which is surprising me. I’d expect them to yell at me, something.
“There has to be a way to get out of this. You can’t fight, you’re not skilled enough number one. And number two, have you even been to one of these fights? I’ve heard they’re brutal, guys die right there in the ring. No fucking way will I let you do that to yourself.” Zander puts in his two cents. If only it were that easy.
“If I don’t do this, give him this one fight, he’ll go after Georgie again. Once he figured out you guys were my brothers it’s like dollar signs flashed in his eyes. He’s not going to let this go, and neither am I. I won’t put Georgie in that situation again, no fucking way.”
“You love her.” Josh says shocking the living hell out of me.
“Huh? What? No way. Pshhh.” I can’t even speak words right now.
“Totally. You love her! I can’t believe it’s finally happened. Jayden Cage is in love, call the tabloids!” Josh laughs.
“Fuck you. What if I am? Is that so bad? You guys seem happy.” I’m up and pacing the kitchen now. Shit, am I in love with Sunshine? I turn back to them. “And I’m not saying I am. Don’t twist my words you prick.”
“Let’s table this discussion until we figure out this fight club fiasco.” Zander says gravely.
“I need you guys to train me, make me the best I can be when I get that call. We have to start right away, I could be called tomorrow for all I know. If that’s the case I’m screwed. I work out with you guys all the time, but I’m in no way, shape or form ready to take on someone for real in a legit fight.”
“Done.” My brothers say in unison.
“All this shit is illegal too, no rules. I need you to show me anything and everything I can do to win. I don’t care how dirty the moves are. My main goal is to make it through without getting too banged up so I can get home to my girl. That’s it. I don’t care if I win by the skin of my grundle. It just needs to happen.”
“You’ll be ready. Also, you let us know when you get that call because we’ll be going with you. No fucking way will you go by yourself.”
“Now Z…”
“Fuck that shit. Promise me right now. Swear to us that you will call us the second you hear something so we’ll be there in your corner. Promise.”
I take a deep breath and mull it over. “I promise. But what if…”
“No what ifs, we’ll be there. I know what you’re going to say. What if someone sees you there, it’ll hurt your fighting career. I’d give it all up in a second to have your back and I know Josh feels the same way.”
I look over and Josh nods his head once at me. “Not to go all female on you guys, but I love you. Seriously. I couldn’t have ended up with a better pair of brothers.”
“And Kyle…”
“Can’t forget the runt! Of course, Ky too.”
Josh places his hand on my shoulder causing me to look over at him. Worry evident in his eyes which must mirror my own. I try to put on a mask in front of Georgie because I know she’s constantly worried about this fight hanging over my head. I can tell when I catch her staring at me with a look of guilt written all over her face.
Truth is… I’m worried too. Who wouldn’t be? This isn’t some romance book where the guy goes in defending his girls honor coming out the big hero in the end. I can only hope I come out victorious, also still in one piece, when all is said and done.
CHAPTER 13
Georgie
“Where’s lover boy tonight?”
“He had something to do at school. A spring recital or something.”
“How parents let that guy teach their children I’ll never know.” Caesar says making me a little annoyed.
“I’ll have you know he’s a great teacher.” A blush rises up my face thinking about what he taught me last night.
> I’m not lying when I say he’s a great teacher, he’s very… thorough. He’s willing to give his all to make sure you get what he’s teaching. And believe me, I’ve learned everything there is to know about foreplay. Mostly just making out and him touching me intimately. His lessons as of late are all I can think about. Washing my hands free from the cult and giving in to Jayden was the best thing I’ve ever done.
“I bet he’s a great teacher. Does he use a ruler? Tell me he’s a pro with handling a ruler.” Caesar’s eyes light up.
“Walking in on this part of the conversation I’m just going to keep my mouth shut.” Victor takes a seat at the bar.
“Hey Vic. Did you change your mind?”
I look at Caesar and try to figure out what he’s talking about. They’re making eyes at each other but Victor shakes his head no.
“Let me know when you do.”
Caesar walks away and I pounce. “You said nothing was going on. That didn’t look like nothing.”
“Nothing is going on. But he wants something to be going on. I’m not ready, there’s some things I need to work through before I will be.”
I totally understand what he’s talking about. When I started dating Jayden I had doubts at every turn. Mostly stupid cult stuff in my head. It took me a while to realized I wasn’t doing anything wrong.
“I’m off in a few days. Let’s spend the day together, watch movies or hit the beach.” Victor is my best friend and I really need to start making him more of a priority.
“You won’t be with Jayden?”
“Nope, I’ll be all yours!”
“Sounds perfect Georgie.” He smiles at me and I notice some new people take the seats at the bar.
“I’m gonna go serve those people.” I walk to the newbies and take their order.
“Oh Georgia Peach, this conversation is far from over girl. My fantasies of him always involve a ruler.” Caesar sings to my retreating form. He must have been eaves dropping. I don't blame him, Victor's a tough nut to crack.
I smile and serve the group a round of beers. The rest of my shift is uneventful and before I know it I’m heading home with my radio cranked up. Music isn’t something we had a lot of growing up. Mostly church music.
I let the song I’m listening to play through singing at the top of my lungs before shutting off my car and heading inside. I yell out but receive no answer when I make my way through the front door. Victor must be out. Sometimes I like having some peace and quiet to myself. I’m usually always around somebody, so the silence is welcoming.
I check the clock and it reads 8:30 pm. I’m really surprised Jayden hasn’t called me yet. A school recital for third graders shouldn’t have gone this long. Grabbing my phone I see no calls or texts from him. He did mention going out for some celebratory drinks with some coworkers afterwards. Honestly, I’m exhausted and just want to hit the hay. I shoot a quick text off letting him know I’m heading to bed and that I’ll see him tomorrow.
After my bedtime rituals, I slide into bed and I’m immediately taken by sleep.
Knock, knock, knock
I’m jarred awake and look around my dark bedroom slightly sleep fogged. What the hell was that?
Knock, knock, knock
I grab my cell phone and look at the time. 10:00 pm. Who the hell could that be? Maybe it’s Jay? Opening my text inbox, I still don’t see anything from him. I pull the blanket back and get out of bed. Once I make it to the front door I unlock the deadbolt and throw it open.
Two scary as hell guys are standing there with smiles on their faces. I recognize them right away as Skid’s goons.
And it’s at this point I realize I’m royally screwed.
***
Jayden
“You guys rocked it tonight!”
“Thanks Mr. Cage.” My students say in unison.
They find their parents and head out of the school. We had our annual end of the year performance tonight and I couldn’t be prouder of all my students. They sang their hearts out and their dance moves were on point. This is why I became a teacher. I love seeing the students thrive.
“Hey Jay, you coming to grab a beer?” My coworker Rudy asks.
“Of course, let me call Georgie and see if she wants to come.” I excuse myself.
Reaching in my bag I pull out my cell and press the main button. Nothing. What the fuck? It’s dead and I didn’t take a charger with me this morning. Guess I’ll have to wait to call her.
I head to the bar my friends said they were heading to and hope this goes quickly. I get along with my coworkers, don’t get me wrong, but I really want to see my girl tonight. It’s been a long fucking day.
After a few hours of shooting the shit, I get in my SUV and head home. When I glance at the clock I notice it’s just after ten. Georgie was talking about how tired she was this morning so I decide to forgo seeing her and letting her get a good night’s sleep. God knows if I go over there neither of us will be getting any rest.
Getting to know Georgie over the past couple months has been surprising. Mostly because I find myself enthralled with her. It’s like I can’t get enough. Surely after two months in a relationship I always assumed you’d get bored of the other person. That’s not the case and I find myself shocked and slightly surprised.
After pulling in my driveway and cutting the engine, I grab my bag and make my way to the front door. Skillfully unlocking it while balancing tons of shit in my hands, I get in and place it all on my couch. First things first, I need to get my phone on the charger. I plug it in and head for the bathroom to take a quick shower. Walking back into my bedroom with a towel slung around my waist, I fire up my phone. There’s a few missed calls from an unrecognizable number and a text from Georgie saying she’s exhausted and heading to bed.
There are two voicemails from that mysterious number so I place my phone to my ear and listen.
“Oh Jayden, Jayden, Jayden. Am I going to need to hunt you down? Your fights in a few hours. I’ll expect a call back within the hour. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll have to take drastic measures. You don’t want to fuck with me.”
The hairs on my arms are standing on end by the end of the message.
“Fuck!” I yell into my room. How could I miss that phone call?
Slowly, I place my phone back to my ear getting ready for the second voicemail. Something tells me I’m not going to like this one bit.
“I tried to warn you Mr. Cage. You just cost me a fortune and I don’t take kindly to you making a fool of me. People are expecting you to turn up, now what do I do? I think I’ll pay a visit to that hot little number. What’s her name? Oh yes, that’s right. Georgie. It might be time to collect my payment.”
“Motherfucker!” I throw on clothes in record time then I’m out the door. I make sure to grab my charger so I can use my phone in the car. I try calling Georgie once I get on the road. Every time I’m met with her voicemail a little more dread seeps into my chest. I know I’ll need back-up if Skid’s threats aren’t empty, I dial my brother.
“This better be good asshole.” I hear Josh mumble into the phone.
“I got the call tonight.”
“Oh shit, give me ten and I’ll go grab Z.”
“No, I missed it and now I think they’re going after Georgie because I didn’t show.”
“You think?” He questions.
“Hang on, I just pulled up to her house. Stay on the phone.” I jump out of my car and run up the stairs and plow through the door. Unlocked. She never leaves her door unlocked, especially when she’s home by herself. She says she’s binge watched one too many America’s Most Wanted.
“Georgie?” I yell through her house and I’m met with no response.
“Fuck. She’s not here.”
“Where would he take her? Think Jay.” Josh says calmly. I can hear rustling in the background and I know he’s getting dressed.
I sit on the couch and pinch the bridge of my nose with my fingers. “I don’t know. It
could be anywhere.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Thanks bro, I’ll be waiting outside.”
Deciding I don’t have that many options, I dial the mystery number.
“Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to call me back. I’m so happy you fit me into your busy schedule Mr. Cage.” Skid says condescendingly.
“Cut the shit. Where’s Georgie?” I growl.
“Georgie is just fine, dare I say ecstatic for being here. Isn’t that right?”
“Jayden…”
“What did I say about tears bitch?” I hear a whack. Oh hell no.
“If you lay a fucking hand on her I’ll kill you.”
“That ship has sailed my friend. You don’t fuck with me and get away with it. Will you answer the next time I call Jayden?”
“Yes, just let her fucking go!”
“Glad to hear it.” Click.
“Hello? Hello! Fuck!” I pull at my hair with my hands trying to wrack my brain.
“What’d he say?” Josh asks. I don’t know when he got here or how he got here so fast.
“He has Georgie and I have no fucking clue where they are. He hit her, I heard him hit her. Christ!” I roar again.
“Bro, I know it’s pointless to say, but you have to calm down. You need a level head right now to get your girl.”
“Let’s go to ROW. She has to be there.” I tell him and then we’re running out the door.
“How far away is it?”
“From here, maybe a half hour. I’m gonna try to get there in ten, buckle up bro.”
As I drive my fists clench and unclench around the steering wheel. If it hasn’t been disintegrated into dust by the time we get there I’ll be shocked.
“I called Zander on my ride over and updated him. He’s going to call around and see if he can find anything out.”
“Doubtful.”
Bound By Cage Box Set (Complete Series Books 1-4) : MMA Romance Page 51