"I know what happened to you, Alex. I saw you fall in front of me. But you never gave up. You stayed fighting. You are one tough girl. I can give you that."
I smiled at him. "Somedays I wonder if I really am," I said.
He chuckled. "I‘ve seen you fight, kid. Not once have you let a guy or girl pull you down. You stand up so many times you scared people. You’re even like that outside the cage. You don't let people kick you to the curb. You need to start seeing that because you owe yourself that."
I nodded.
"What are you going to do?"
I smiled, watching the guys in the ring. "I am going to get him back, whether he wants me or not."
***
"What are you doing?" Amy asked, looking at my travel bag filled with random clothes.
"I'm getting my man back," I said. "If he wants me, anyway," I added.
"What the heck changed your mind?" she asked, taking out half of my clothing.
"His mom. He didn't do it. He didn't cheat, Amy. I falsely accused him and now he’s going to throw his title fight away because of me."
She gasped.
"I need to get there before his fight," I said with a sigh. I sat down next to my bag. "I can't let him just go, Amy. Knowing now he didn't hurt me. I had him, and he is going nowhere," I said, determined.
She let out a squeal, tackling me. I landed on my back with her on top of me.
"Get off me, fat ass," I growled.
"Ladies and gentleman! She is back!" Amy cheered.
Once Amy had helped me pack, we drove to the airport. She was sitting in the passenger seat while I was skipping through the traffic. Her small car really moved through the traffic.
"I cannot believe you’ve never pushed it past eighty," I said.
"My name’s not Alex."
"That’s the problem. You’re missing out my friend," I said, chuckling at her.
I parked the car and climbed out straight away. I grabbed my bag and ran towards the desk. Amy was behind me, her heels clicking against the floor. We looked absolutely ridiculous. I didn't care. I was on a mission to get him back.
We stopped in front of the desk and the woman looked at us as if we’d lost it.
"Hi," I greeted her, breathlessly. "I need your first flight to New York," I said.
She just stared at me.
"Listen, lady, I need to get on that plane. This is life and death." I would have been almost climbing over the whole desk if it hadn’t been for Amy pulling me back.
She started typing. "There is one leaving in an hour," she said.
I sighed with relief. "Thank god," I said, pulling out my passport and credit card.
She started typing and then stopped. "Alex Anderson?" she asked and I nodded, confused. "Aren't you dating Ryder Cane?"
I sighed. "Used to. That’s why I’m here, to go and get him back. Now if you hurry up, please, I can actually make that come true," I said. I heard Amy giggle behind me.
"You two belong together," she said, whipping out, from god knows where, a framed photo of me and Ryder.
"Is that thing on your desk the whole time?" I asked and she nodded. "Well, that's creepy," I muttered. She handed me my ticket and I was off, running towards the flight. "Get yourself a boyfriend!" I yelled back to her.
I reached the check-in and turned to Amy as I took off my shoes.
"Do you think he’ll listen?" I asked worriedly.
"If he doesn't, make him," she growled.
I burst out laughing then looked at the gate. "You can't come any further."
She nodded and pulled me into a hug. "Make him listen. And don't you dare give up," she murmured into my ear.
I nodded.
"Don't you dare come back alone!" She yelled as I ran towards the gate. I turned back to her and gave her a salute, making a promise that I was going to do whatever it took to get him back.
And it was a promise I was going to keep.
Chapter thirty-three
What were you thinking? I know… You weren’t thinking with your head, but with your heart.
Stupid girl!
New Yorkers weren’t the friendliest people. They looked at me as if I was crazy.
Right, come on, Alex, you are not scared. You’re tough. You’ve been to New York.
I stood next to the street, watching the cars drive by.
I let out a loud whistle, making one taxi stop in front of me. I smiled in triumph and got in.
"Hey, buddy, get me to this stadium. ASAP, please," I said and he nodded, pulling away.
My back hit the back of the seat, making me yelp. I know I wasn't one of the best drivers on the road, but yikes! The way he was overtaking cars made me slide down in my seat. And don't let me get started on the pedestrians.
"Visiting a boyfriend?" the guy asked.
"Something like that," I answered, flinching as he just missed a pedestrian. "More like getting my future husband back," I muttered.
He stopped and I looked out the window.
I was here. Oh god.
I gave the guy his money and got out. I stood there, staring at the stadium. It was time for his last match. I’d better get my ass moving.
I called Ryder's manager. He sounded surprised when he heard I was standing outside the stadium. When he came out he couldn't wipe off the smile from his face.
"Alex!" he greeted me.
"Hey."
"What a surprise. What are you doing here?" He led me in.
"Stopping Ryder before he makes the biggest mistake of his life," I said.
He chuckled. "Finally! This boy has been moping around for days," he said.
When we walked in and I heard the crowd cheering, I started to doubt myself.
Do you really want to lose the one guy that makes it worth standing up in the mornings? The one thing that makes it worth living for?
My eyes found him in the cage. So far he hadn't given up. Good. But I’d better hurry up, before he gets any ideas.
"I need to get into the studio," I told his manager.
"Come on," he said and led the way.
I pulled out my memory stick and followed him. We entered the room and everyone turned to face us.
"Good day, gents. This is Alex and she needs a huge favor," he said.
I talked to the guys and put my plan into action. I was standing at the entrance that led to the cage. It was the third round, with two more rounds to go.
I shut my eyes when I heard the song start to play.
Here goes nothing.
I played the song that explained our relationship. I would fight for him and he would fight for me. It was hard seeing each other in pain, but being here after everything I had done to him was making me walk faster and with more courage.
I saw they’d stopped fighting. Ryder looked dumbfounded. He began turning his head, scanning the crowd. He didn't know I was right in front of him… That is, until the crowd started to cheer my name. He turned around. His eyes found mine and a chill ran down my spine.
Stay cool, Alex.
It was as if I was singing every word to him. Nobody would understand our relationship. We were not just fighters in the cage, but also outside. We didn’t just fight off our demons, we fought for each other. For our love.
Like he said, “Nothing will ever come between you.” And I was here to prove it.
The guy opened the cage gate for me and I walked in. Ryder's opponent walked out and they shut the gate behind us.
Just you and me, Ryder.
He made me whole again after my relationship with Eddy. There were people out there who didn’t want to see us together or give us a chance, but I was prepared to fight for him no matter what. And it would take a lot from me to be dragged away from him. He wants me to fight for him and that was what I was prepared to do. I was going to fight for him. If I have to move mountains, I would.
I loved him.
I wasn’t g
oing to let someone keep us apart when we were meant to be together. Forever.
My eyes drifted from his face to his wide shoulders and down to his chest and lean body. I took a deep breath and when I looked up he had a small smile on his face as if he knew I was checking him out.
"Alex," he said my name and it sounded so right.
"Hey, Ryder," I answered.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
I noticed the crowd had settled down and was looking at to us.
"I’m here to tell you about that stupid girl you dated," I answered.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Jokes aside," I said and took a step forward.
He stood his ground his eyes boring into mine.
"I was not over what Eddy did to me. I was still on the side of believe and not believe. I didn't see that you were not Eddy. I compared every guy to him. I was waiting for the day when you would hurt me just like he had. I was paranoid.
“But a few days ago I realized I was blind. I was seeing things that were never there. I wanted to see what my fear told me to, and not what was really going on. I hurt you, Ryder, that I know. And it hurts me to see you like this… to know you are going to throw away your dream.
Damn, I have never talked this much.
"I understand if you can never forgive me, and I know I was wrong. But don't throw away your dream because of one stupid girl who couldn't trust her boyfriend when he was telling the truth," I begged.
"That stupid girl is my future," he said, taking a step forward. When I felt his hand on my cheek I couldn't help but snuggle into it.
"I understand what you were going through. I’m not mad at you. I just couldn't be. You’re my new dream; to be with you is all I want. You are in control of my heart, Alex. This doesn't compare to how I feel about you. I would leave everything for you." He leaned in so that our noses just touched.
"I believe you, Ryder. I know you will never hurt me. You’re not like that."
He smiled and pulled me closer. I couldn't take it anymore; I pressed my lips against his. I felt him smile into the kiss as the whole crowd cheered.
I pressed my body so firmly against Ryder's that I felt his heart beating against my chest. His hands never left my face. The way his fingers were caressing my cheeks made me feel he was getting familiar with my face.
"I missed you," he whispered against my lips as we pulled away.
"I missed you more. I am never letting you go," I confessed.
He laughed. "I love you, Alex." He picked me up in his arms.
I wrapping my legs around his waist. "I love you too," I said, capturing his lips once again. Knowing I had Ryder back, I headed into the crowd.
He was on his feet and he was back. His punches were solid, his reactions were fast, and his attacks were excellent. His opponent didn't have a chance to stand up or to throw a solid punch.
In the end he won of course, and kept his title. Once he left the cage, all sweaty and tired, he picked me up in his arms and carried me to the locker-room.
"Put me down, Ryder," I said, laughing as we entered. He placed me on my feet and I cupped his cheek. "Go take a shower, you stink."
He smiled, playing with the ends of my shirt. "Take one with me."
I raised an eyebrow. "You are one kinky man, Ryder Cane," I said, taking him by the hand and leading him to the showers.
"Only around you," he said with a wink.
I let out a laugh once he reached for my shirt and pulled it over my head.
"I’ve missed everything about you. How you feel against me. The way you laugh. Your touch. I was lost without you," he said, pulling me closer to him by my waist.
I hissed when my chest made contact with his. "You’d better hurry up.”
He chuckled, pushing off my shorts and the rest of my underwear. The warm water hit my skin and I smiled when he picked me up in his arms. "Remember the condom this time," I sighed as he cupped one of my breasts.
"Already on it," he said, making me laugh and moan at the same time.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"You are mine.’
"And I am yours."
"Forever."
Epilogue
9 months later...
"Hey, beautiful," Ryder greeted me once I opened my eyes. I was still disorientated and everything seemed a blur. He curled a piece of my hair behind my ear and placed a kiss on my forehead.
"What did the doctor say?" I asked, reaching for a glass of water.
He poured a glass for me and helped me up. Once the water touched my tongue I downed it. Ryder chuckled. "That's enough, love," he said. "The doctor said the surgery went very well. You have to stay off your foot for four months. So, that means you are staying home, missy." He began pecking my lips.
I dropped my head back on the soft comfy pillow. "At least I know after the healing process I can jog again, and throw a kick without shitting my pants."
"And at least I’m home with you." He sat down next to me.
"When does your season start again?"
"In about eight weeks." He caressed my cheek.
I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch.
The door opened and my whole family burst in with balloons and a big teddy bear.
"Seriously," I groaned, covering my face. "I was just in surgery for my ankle. I’m not dying!"
"Oh hush, darling. If we get a chance to spoil family, let us," Mom said, placing a fern next to my head.
"Seriously?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You and Ryder moved in together. My mother taught me that you buy a couple a fern," she assured me.
I rolled my eyes. "You and your god damn beliefs," I mumbled. "It’s a plant that is going to irritate the crap out of me," I said, looking at Ryder.
"Normally ferns are easy," he replied.
"Yeah, sure, green thumb."
Everyone talked about everything, about babies, about me and Ryder. And just… everything.
Josh forgave Hilary. They started dating again and are taking things slow.
Amy and Juan are going strong. They finally moved in together.
I grabbed Ryder's hand and he looked at me, concerned. "I want to rent out my house to Josh," I said.
He smiled. "That's your decision," he said.
I nodded. "I just like to know what you think."
He smiled, moving closer. "It doesn't matter because you aren't going anywhere. You are stuck with me," he said before capturing my lips.
I heard Josh groan. "Seriously, guys, you have company."
I chuckled against Ryder's lips.
***
"How's the leg?" Amy asked as I was hobbling on my crutches.
"Good so far, I just want this stupid thing off already," I whined.
"Where’s Ryder?"
"Out for a jog, the bastard," I said.
She laughed. "How is he treating you?"
"Good. He looks after me, makes me dinner, helps me get dressed and lets me at least workout."
She raised an eyebrow.
"On the exercise machine!"
She nodded. "You look good."
"I feel good. Being with Ryder makes me actually feel human again. He makes me laugh. He makes me feel good about myself. And he shows me the meaning of love," I explained, looking at a photo of us on the counter.
"I'm glad to hear it," she said, but something in her tone was off.
I couldn't ask her what was up becuase the door opened and Ryder walked in.
"Oh, wow," I heard her mutter. I smiled as I felt him place a kiss on my shoulder.
"Hey, love," he greeted me.
"Morning, handsome," I replied.
"Hey, Amy." He walked around the counter. Ryder loved running without a shirt. He was just in his jogging pants and sneakers.
It looked as if her jaw was going to hit the floor soon, and I thought I saw drool too.
"How do you control yourself around him?" she whispered, causing me to laugh.
"I can't. But I’m sure you wouldn’t like it if I jump him in front of you."
She gave me a look, clearly agreeing with me.
After Amy left I lay down on the couch, catching a break. Since the operation I was always tired. Hopping around wasn't as easy as I’d thought it would be. I smiled when I heard his footsteps. I turned my head and found him in just a towel, his chest still wet from the shower, his hair standing in all directions.
"Stop looking at me like that," I heard him say while he was searching for a glass.
"It’s a shame really that my foot is in a cast," I said, lying back down.
"Why's that?" Ryder asked and I smiled.
"I would have ripped that towel off you and ran away." I yelped as he jumped on me, hovering over me.
"One more week to go," he said.
"Doesn't mean I will be able to walk on it," I muttered, brushing my hands his chest down to the towel.
"What is it with you?" Ryder asked huskily.
"It is your fault. Why must you be so damn irresistible, walking around without a shirt and pants?"
He chuckled and pushed himself up, making me pout.
I yelped when he picked me up in his arms. "Now we’re getting somewhere."
***
One year later...
I held my fists in front of my face and I watched my opponent. One more shot to the jaw and he would be a goner. I threw a punch, catching him in the ribs, and then another on the jaw. I threw a side kick, knocking him off balance. He landed with a thud on the mat and let out a cry.
I laughed when I was taken into two strong arms. He picked me up and placed a kiss on my lips.
"You doubted me there for a moment," I said as he placed me back down on my feet.
"Never. I knew that guy was going to be in a lot of pain," he said. "How's the ankle?"
"Perfect!" I answered cheerfully, removing my mouth guard.
I took a shower and walked over to Ryder, who was talking to his dad. They were talking in soft tones and it was kind of bothering me. Once they heard me they pulled apart.
I looked at Ryder, my eyebrow raised, but he just smiled at me and led me out.
"I want to show you something," he said.
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