by Elle Kennedy
“Gage, it is a big deal.”
“I’ve got one fight left and then I’m done.” He spared a glance at his brother. “And then we’re done.”
“I know.”
Denny’s expression was so tormented he had to look away. Lord, he couldn’t breathe all of a sudden. And his hands felt like icy blocks.
“I’ll handle Mitch, okay?” Gage muttered. “But you realize what he’s trying to do, right?”
“He wants you to keep fighting for him,” Denny said flatly.
“Not gonna happen. But as a precaution I think you should leave town for a couple weeks. Normally I’d suggest laying low here in the city, but Mitch will just send someone to find you again. He’ll try to use you against me.”
“Don’t worry, I’m actually leaving for Maine the day after tomorrow. My girlfriend’s family has a house on the coast. We’re spending the month there.”
“Girlfriend?” It was almost depressing how little knowledge he had about his own brother’s life.
“Yeah. Maggie.” Denny’s eyes softened. “We met after I got out of rehab. She’s a middle-school teacher.”
Gage just nodded.
“I’ll leave you a number where you can reach me. I don’t have my old cell anymore, and I haven’t gotten a new one yet.”
With another curt nod, Gage headed for the door. It took a second to realize Skyler hadn’t followed, and he turned to find her giving Denny a quick hug. “Be careful,” he heard her murmur. “And stay strong, okay?”
Even though it grated to see her reassure a man who didn’t deserve it, Gage couldn’t fault her for it. The woman was a goddamn saint. He’d known it from the moment he met her.
“Gage.”
His brother’s voice stopped him at the door. “What?” he mumbled, turning to face Denny.
“I really am sorry. And I meant what I said three months ago. I will make this up to you.” An awkward pause followed. “I’ll prove to you that you can trust me.”
After a beat, he stiffly turned away from Denny’s sad gray eyes. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
…
“I still feel like we should have stayed. What if those guys come back?” Biting her bottom lip, Skyler glanced at Gage in concern, but his hard gaze remained focused on the road ahead.
“They won’t. Mitch was just testing the waters, trying to get a sense of Denny’s state of mind. He probably thought he could use Denny again to extend our arrangement, but now that he knows Denny can’t be pushed off the wagon, he’ll back off.”
Despite the reassurance, Skyler’s mild concern mutated into bone-deep worry. God, she hated, hated the thought of Gage putting his own life on the line for a mistake he hadn’t even made.
“How many fights did you commit to?” she asked.
“Ten.”
The response sent a jolt of anger spiraling through her, the volatile emotion directed solely at Gage’s brother. Yes, Denny had looked and sounded repentant, but as the weight of his actions suddenly sank in, Skyler couldn’t muster up any more sympathy. “Your brother should have taken responsibility for his own mistake.”
“It’s not that simple.”
She knew she sounded callous, but the realization that Gage was in physical danger because of his brother was too damn maddening. Besides, she’d always been a big believer in facing the consequences of your own actions.
“If a drug dealer wants to hurt him, then that’s his problem. Maybe he shouldn’t have gotten involved with the drug dealer to begin with.”
“Not hurt,” Gage corrected, “Kill. O’Donnell and his crew don’t mess around, Skyler. They would’ve slit Denny’s throat and dumped his body in the river, make no mistake about it. He didn’t have the cash to pay them back, and he couldn’t have worked off the debt—a junkie drug dealer can’t be trusted. If Denny had been anyone else, Mitch would’ve killed him in a heartbeat, but Denny happens to be my brother, and Mitch has been dying to have some leverage over me.”
“So he spared your brother’s life just to get you to fight?”
“Pretty much. There’s a lot of money in MMA tournaments these days, especially if you’re good. And I’m good.”
She didn’t doubt it. Heck, she’d seen him knock a man unconscious with one punch tonight.
“Mitch and I grew up together, and he was pissed when I didn’t want to go into the drug business with him. He approached me when I first started fighting—he wanted to be my manager and hook me up with his trainer. When I turned him down, he didn’t like it one damn bit. So after Denny screwed up, Mitch had me right where he wanted me.”
It occurred to her that this was the most Gage had said to her at one time. No bare-minimum responses tonight, no attempt to hide the pain in his eyes. Seeing his brother had obviously upset him more than he’d let on.
“You’ve cleaned up a lot of Denny’s messes, haven’t you?” she said quietly.
His defeated nod brought an ache to her heart. “I’m just a regular old janitor. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve had to drag him out of the gutter. Dozens of ER visits, four ODs. I’ve cleaned up his vomit, wiped up his blood, stitched up his wounds.” Gage shook his head in visible disgust. “I tried to talk him out of going to work for Mitch, but Denny is a stubborn asshole and wouldn’t listen. But I’m done now. I promised myself that after I paid off his debt, I would never bail him out again. He’s on his own now.”
Skyler reached across the center console and touched his hand over the gearshift. She was beginning to understand where all his guarded intensity stemmed from, why he kept his emotions under lock and key and refused to speak about his past. Clearly he’d lived a hard life, sacrificing much of it for his younger brother.
“I’m sorry you had to see that.” His abrupt apology startled her, and when he gave her a sideways glance, the shamed expression on his face stunned her even more. “I know I was harsh on him, but there’s no goodwill left in me anymore. I must have come off as an asshole, though, and I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. We all have our family stuff.”
He made a cynical noise. “I’m not sure I believe you have any ‘family stuff.’”
“Probably not as bad as yours, but I didn’t have the greatest time growing up, either,” she admitted. “My parents fought all the time, and I was constantly caught in the middle. My dad wanted them to go to couples counseling, but Mom refused, and eventually she cheated on him with another man. I lived with her and my stepdad after the divorce.”
“Did you still see your dad often?”
“He died of a heart attack a year after she left him.” Skyler fought a rush of sadness. “Mom died, too, about five years ago. Car accident.”
He lightly stroked her knuckles. “I’m sorry.” He hesitated. “Is that why you want to be a therapist? Do you think your parents would have stayed together if they saw one?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I have considered treating couples once I get my license, but I haven’t decided yet.”
“I think you’ll make a great therapist,” he said gruffly.
“I hope so.”
He stopped at a red light, then glanced over again. “My place is up the street. Do you want to go there, or should I take you home?”
“No, let’s stay at your place.” She lived at least another fifteen minutes away, which seemed way too long to wait. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to slide into bed with Gage and spend the night in his arms.
He turned onto a pretty residential street and parked at the curb. His town house was tall and skinny like his brother’s, but it wasn’t split into apartments. He had three stories all to himself, but as she discovered a few minutes later, he didn’t seem at all interested in decorating. The house boasted bare walls, very little furniture, and no personal touches, reminding Skyler of her own minimalist style.
“Do you want something to drink?” He flicked on a light in the front hall. “Coffee, tea? Or maybe s
omething stronger?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
She followed him down a narrow corridor to the kitchen, which was cozier than she expected. It had cherry-stained cupboards, black granite counters, and a large wooden table surrounded by four tall-backed chairs. She smiled when she noticed the rows of cookbooks on a shelf over the stove, and the dozen colorful mugs hanging from hooks next to the sink.
“I think I need the strong stuff.” Gage opened a cupboard and grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. “You sure you want some?”
“Yeah. I could use a drink.”
She accepted the shot glass he handed her and tapped it against his, then took a quick swig of whiskey. A small amount, but it still burned her throat and tingled in her belly. She’d been on edge ever since they’d gone to Denny’s house, but the alcohol relaxed her almost immediately.
Gage, however, didn’t look the slightest bit relaxed, not even after he drank a second shot. His shoulders were set in a rigid line as he dropped their glasses in the sink.
After a beat of hesitation, Skyler wrapped her arms around him from behind and rested her head between his shoulder blades. As expected, he instantly tried to sidestep, but she held on tighter. “Would you just let me hug you? You had a crappy night, big guy. You need a hug.”
He sagged into the physical contact. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. You’re in pain.” She planted a kiss on the center of his back. Her lips touched the fabric of his shirt and not bare skin, but the soft peck still had an effect on him because he shuddered slightly. “I’m sorry about your brother, Gage. I’m sorry you keep having to sacrifice yourself for him.”
With a ragged breath, he turned around and kissed her. She tasted the alcohol on his lips, the desperation on his tongue. When he fisted her hair to pull her closer, she welcomed the delicious sting on her scalp. She loved his rough grip, the husky sounds he made whenever their tongues touched.
When he tried to deepen the kiss, she smiled and moved her lips away, gliding them along his strong jawline. She peppered kisses down to his neck, then licked his warm skin and experienced a rush of dizziness as his masculine taste infused her senses.
“Let’s go upstairs,” he murmured. “I need to make it up to you. I didn’t like getting so angry in front of you.”
“No, this isn’t about me.” Her hands slipped to his waist, undoing his jeans so she could reach inside his boxer-briefs. “This is about making you feel better. I know seeing him tonight was hard on you.”
“Skyler…” His head lolled to the side when her fingers closed around his cock.
“Let me take care of you,” she whispered, and then she sank to her knees in front of him and gently freed his erection from his pants.
“You don’t have to take care of me.”
His awkward protest didn’t surprise her. She got the feeling he didn’t let anyone take care of him. Oh no, he kept his emotions bottled up, forever holding a part of himself back.
“I want to,” she said firmly.
Her tongue moved in a delicate lick around his crown, drawing a hoarse groan from him. She wanted to go slow, to tease and prolong his pleasure, but she knew that wasn’t what he needed right now. His hips were already pushing forward, his cock seeking the warmth of her mouth, so she gave it to him. She swallowed his thick shaft, sucking hard and fast, each urgent stroke intensifying her own desire.
Gage came a moment later with an anguished moan, cupping the back of her head as the hot jets of his release filled her mouth. She sucked him dry, then planted soft licks and kisses on his still-hard shaft, waiting for him to come down, for his breathing to steady. When she lifted her head, the haze of pleasure and adoration swimming in his eyes stole her breath.
He hauled her to her feet, kissed her so hard she gasped, then broke them apart so he could meet her eyes. “Thank you for coming with me to Denny’s tonight.” A faint grin sprang to his lips. “And thank you for making me come.”
She grinned back. “You’re welcome. Now let’s go and find a bed so I can take care of you some more.”
Chapter Ten
Gage experienced a sense of déjà vu as he fixed his gaze on the back booth and found Skyler’s blue eyes twinkling at him. She wasn’t sitting next to another man this time, but just like the night they’d met, she still only had eyes for him.
And he only had eyes for her. There’d been a subtle shift deep inside him these past two weeks. Ever since he’d taken her to his brother’s place, he’d been startled to notice that he was no longer pushing her away, but pulling her closer. Every time he saw her, another layer of his inner shield seemed to crumble, which probably would’ve worried him if he weren’t so damn infatuated with the woman.
And apparently he wasn’t the only one to notice the change in him.
“Aw, hell, you’re a total goner.” Reed came up beside him, sounding resigned as he followed Gage’s gaze. “So it’s official? My little boy has himself a girlfriend?”
He shrugged. “Nah, it’s still casual, just like it’s always been.”
“Bullshit. You’re making googly eyes at her, for chrissake. There is nothing casual about googly eyes.” Reed waggled his brows. “When can I expect my wedding invitation?”
Gage scowled at his friend. “Stop being a brat.” Then he caught Skyler’s gaze again, and the smile she flashed him damn near melted his heart.
Crap. Maybe Reed was right. When one pretty smile succeeded in getting a man all warm and weak-kneed, didn’t that in fact make him a goner?
He turned back to Reed. “I’m going over to say hi. Coming?”
Although technically he was still working, there was nothing wrong with making a quick stop at the booth to say hello to Skyler and AJ’s girlfriend, Darcy, who’d accompanied Skyler to the club tonight. The two women had hit it off last week when the group had gone for beer and wings at a pub near AJ’s place, and their insta-connection hadn’t surprised Gage one bit. Darcy was the most outgoing person he’d ever met, with the kind of bubbly, magnetic personality that made everyone around her feel at ease.
Well, maybe not everyone—Reed was the only one who seemed immune to her charm. He was always civil to her, but Gage hadn’t missed the way his friend tensed up whenever AJ’s girl was around.
That tension was present now, prompting him to lower his voice and say, “Seriously, man, what’s your problem with Darcy?”
“Nothing.” Reed shrugged. “We don’t have much in common, that’s all.”
“You don’t need to have anything in common with her—you’re not dating her, AJ is. And he’s happy as fuck with her, so the least you could do is be nice.” Gage shook his head in disapproval. “Whatever. I’m going to say hi. Stay here if you want.”
He kept a vigilant eye on the other patrons as he crossed the lounge, but everything seemed fine, security-wise. Reed ended up coming with him, reluctance lining his long strides all the way to the ladies’ booth.
“Hi.” Gage couldn’t keep the goofy grin off his face as he greeted Skyler.
“Hi.” She responded with another smile, this one loaded with heat as she swept her gaze up and down his body.
She’d told him more than once how much she loved him in a wifebeater. Supposedly he had “wicked hot arms” and the way she was blatantly admiring them now triggered a hefty dose of lust. Lord, he couldn’t wait to get her naked later.
He just hoped he wouldn’t be too banged up from the fight. Though he was perfectly happy to deal with a few more cuts and bruises, seeing as how this would be the last time.
Tonight was his last fight.
Last. Fucking. Fight.
Once he walked out of that cage, he’d never have to go back in. Denny’s debt would be paid, and Gage would finally be free of Mitch O’Donnell for good.
“Gage,” Darcy said cheerfully, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Sky and I were just talking about you.”
He slanted his head. “Yeah
?”
“Oh yeah. Well, actually, we were talking about those ridiculously sexy arms of yours.” Darcy tucked a strand of strawberry-blond hair behind her ear, then fanned herself with one hand like a Southern belle. “You’re looking damn good, babe. I think I might have to persuade AJ to ink himself up. I never realized how hot tattoos were.” As her gaze shifted to Reed, her tone grew wary. “Hey, Reed.”
“Darcy.” He shoved his hands in the back pockets of his black jeans. “You ladies having fun?”
She gestured to the four empty shot glasses on the tabletop. “Hell yeah we are.” She grinned. “On a related note, I think you boys will need to call us a cab later. Sky and I will be way too plastered to drive.”
Reed frowned. “Are you sure getting loaded is a good idea?”
Darcy threw her head back and laughed. “It’s girls’ night. Getting loaded is the one and only requirement.”
Skyler nodded in agreement. “Definitely.” She winked at Gage. “You don’t mind, right?”
He nearly swallowed his tongue at the coy question. He’d seen Skyler drunk only once: last weekend when they’d split a twelve-pack during an action movie marathon. And he could honestly say he’d never had more fun watching a woman get sloshed. With her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining, she’d chattered a mile a minute throughout every movie—and proceeded to end the night performing an hour-long striptease for him, followed by a blow job for the ages.
Greatest night of his life.
“I don’t mind at all,” he drawled.
Skyler hesitated. “You sure? Because I’m happy to come to the arena with you.”
She’d already offered several times, and he gave her the same answer as before—a quick shake of his head.
“Are you sure?” she pressed.
“Positive. I really don’t want to make a big thing out of it,” he admitted. “I just want to finish the match and leave. I’ll meet you at your place when it’s done, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
“Sounds great,” Darcy corrected. “That gives us lots and lots of time for dirty girl talk and shooters.”
Next to Gage, Reed had begun edging away. “I’ll leave you to it then. Find me when you’re ready to go and I’ll arrange for a taxi.”