by K. C. Lynn
“Thanks for doing this, Katelyn,” Faith says, while I continue to stare at her, rendered speechless.
“No problem. You girls can use the customer bathroom to change if you want,” she offers before looking at me. “Lia, you can come to the back and use the employee one so you don’t have to wait.”
I finally manage a nod and follow her into the back where there’s a single bathroom.
“After you’re finished, I’d be more than happy to do your hair, if you like?”
“That’d be great,” I say, my words thick with the emotion I’m trying to choke down. Giving me a smile, she’s begins to close the door but I stop her. “How did you know?”
There’s no need to elaborate, because like I already guessed, the scarf isn’t a coincidence. “My brother called me,” she reveals, making my heart stutter to a stop. “He didn’t tell me anything. Just told me to make sure I got you a scarf with your outfit. I thought the plaid was the perfect touch so I got them for all of us to wear.”
Tears spring to my eyes, but I do my damnedest to blink them back. “Thank you.”
She flashes me another smile, this one a little more soft. “No problem. I’m really glad you decided to come.” Closing the door, she leaves me to get dressed.
With my gaze blurry, I take a seat on top of the toilet then reach in the bag and pull out the scarf. Holding it in both my hands, I bring it to my face and use it to muffle my sobs. I cry, hating that I even need to wear one, but most of all I cry for the act of kindness. Not only from Katelyn but Kolan, too. For thinking about me and knowing I needed this.
I only allow myself a minute or two then gather my composure, not wanting to walk around with red, swollen eyes for the night. Sniffling, I grab my phone and type in a text to Kolan.
Me: Thank you.
It doesn’t seem sufficient enough, but I don’t think there are any words that could describe how grateful I am for what he did. Out of everything I was nervous about tonight, this one weighed on me the most. Putting my phone down, I hurry to get dressed.
“Lia, what size are your feet?” Katelyn asks through the door.
“Usually an eight.”
“Faith, we’re going to need the extra pair you brought.”
“No problem. I got them right here.”
I hear her faint response as I finish getting my outfit on—impressed with how well everything fits. Next, I secure the scarf around my neck before looking in the mirror. I try to clear my red eyes as much as possible then grab my phone off the counter and open the door to see Katelyn waiting on the other side of it, dressed in the same outfit.
“Yay, it fits. You look great.” She passes me a pair of dark brown cowgirl boots and ankle socks. “These are for you to borrow.”
“Thank you. I didn’t even think about my footwear, but I should have.”
“No worries. Everyone brought an extra pair with them since we weren’t sure of your size. Come on, I’ll start your hair.”
I follow her out into the salon. Seeing everyone else dressed in their outfits brings me back to my dancing days when we would all be in costume.
“Katelyn, you’re a damn genius,” Kayla says, checking herself out in the mirror. “My ass is on point in these shorts.”
Collective chuckles fill the salon.
“I have to admit, they are very flattering,” Julia agrees.
Katelyn turns her chair for me to sit in. “I’m just glad they’re low enough so I can wear them, too.”
“And you look even more adorable than usual,” Faith says, coming to give her small baby tummy a gentle pat.
“Why thank you.” Her glowing face and radiant smile reveals just how happy she is.
“Hey, where’s Emily?” Grace asks. “I thought she and Ryder were coming, too?”
“They had to cancel last minute. Her morning sickness has been all day sickness,” Katelyn explains.
“Ugh, I remember those days all too well, especially with Ella,” Kayla says, walking over to hand me a glass of wine. “Drink up before it’s all gone. I don’t have much self-control on adult night, especially when it comes to alcohol and my husband.”
I accept the glass with a smile, hoping it will settle the last of my nerves. Though, I’m feeling calmer than when I first got here. “Well, thank you for sharing with me.”
“No problem. Just don’t expect me to share my husband. I’m nice but not that nice.” She gives me a sassy wink then moves back to her station and begins applying her makeup.
Katelyn giggles, shaking her head. “It’s impossible not to love her.”
I have to agree. Kayla is funny and outgoing. She has an energy about her that instantly puts you at ease, but most of all, she’s kind. She’s been so welcoming to me, even when I haven’t made it easy.
“Is there anything specific you want me to do?” she asks, running her fingers through my hair.
“Not really. Whatever you want is fine with me.”
“The most beautiful words a hairdresser can hear.” Smiling, she reaches for her curling wand and gets right to work. It’s been a long time since I’ve had my hair done. I’m excited to see what she comes up with.
“You have a really great salon,” I tell her, taking a sip of my wine.
“Thank you. I love it. This place means everything to me, and I have my brother and Papa to thank for it.”
“Your brother?”
She nods. “He’s the one who put me through cosmetology and gave me the money to start this. Between him and my papa, I didn’t need a business loan.”
It shouldn’t surprise me to hear Kolan helped give this to her, I’ve witnessed firsthand how generous he can be, but it still warms my heart all the same. “It seems like you guys are close. Kolan speaks very highly of you.”
A beautiful yet sad smile curves her lips. “We are. He’s not just my brother; he’s my best friend. He raised me, protected me, and gave me everything I ever needed. I don’t know where I’d be if not for him.”
Her statement has me wondering about their parents again. I recall how Kolan reacted when I asked about them. His tone was clipped and answer short. It was clear it was not a subject he wanted to touch on so I didn’t push, but now, I’m even more curious.
“I know he can seem intimidating and he can be, but he’s not as scary as everyone thinks he is. They’ve seen what he can do in the ring and think he’s always ruthless like that, but it’s far from the truth.”
“I’ve never seen him fight, but I heard he was good.”
She nods, suddenly paying extra close attention to my hair. “He was—very good. But where everyone saw him as a machine who fought to destroy, I saw the little boy who always jumped in front of my father’s fists to protect me.”
I tense at her whisper, pain slicing through me as I think about anyone hurting Kolan, especially his father.
Katelyn’s glossy eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You’re going to hear a lot of things about my brother if you haven’t already, most of them bad, but I promise you they’re not true. He’s the best person I’ve ever known.”
It takes me a moment to find my words, her emotion making my own throat feel tight. “I already know that, because he’s the best person I’ve ever known, too.”
She smiles. “I’m glad. I wish others saw him as easily as you do.”
How can anyone not see that?
My feelings for him are stronger than I’ve ever felt for anyone in my entire life. If things were different, I have no doubt I’d fall madly in love with him. However, knowing the potential consequences of what my love could do to him is not something I’ll ever risk.
Our conversation moves to a lighter topic as she finishes my hair. When she starts my makeup, she turns the chair around so I can’t see what she’s doing.
While she works, I listen to all the other girls laugh as they share funny memories and talk about their children. It’s not long before I realize these women are more than really good friends. They’re family.
I turn my chair around to face the mirror and falter when I get a look at myself. “Whoa.”
Standing, I move in closer. My heart swells as I stare back at a girl I remember so well, even though I’ve tried hard to forget. For the first time in over a year, when I look at myself, I don’t see the scarf. I see beauty. I don’t see Lia.
I see Sophie.
All the other girls come to stand next to Katelyn, appearing in the mirror behind me. Kayla slings an arm around my shoulders, pulling me back to stand with the group. “We look damn good, ladies,” she declares with a smile.
“Agree. And you were right, Katelyn, the scarves are the perfect touch,” Faith adds.
Katelyn’s eyes meet mine in the mirror and she gives me a soft smile. “You’re right. It’s the perfect addition to us.”
Warmth invades my chest, not missing her double meaning. I may not be able to have this forever but for tonight, I will. For tonight, I’m going to embrace who I am. The girl who has friends, enjoys life, and loves to dance.
Tonight, I’m Sophie Parish.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Kolan
Tension coils through me the moment I walk into the Barnyard and feel the heat of bodies surrounding me. I fucking hate crowds. Even when I spent my nights at Annihilation, I always kept to my private room. If not for Lia being here, I wouldn’t have come. As much as I support the Center, I already donate a lot of time and money to it. Tonight, I’m here for one person only. Well maybe two, since my sister really wanted me to come.
As I make my way through the throng of people, I ignore the bitches who purposely rub against me to get my attention and find all the guys sitting at a table in the section that’s blocked off for the event.
“Quick, someone take a picture,” Sarge bellows. “The Dark Warrior has left his cave to have some fun.”
I ignore his smart-ass comment and take the empty chair at the end next to Nick. Everyone greets me with a handshake while Nick’s hard eyes remain on the dance floor, looking like he’s about to kill someone.
“What’s your problem, RoboCop?”
“I don’t like your sister out there,” he grumbles. “Something could happen to her.”
I scan the crowded dance floor and have to agree, Kate shouldn’t be out there. I can’t spot her or any of the other girls in the sea of bodies.
“Get used to it, man, because it doesn’t get any easier,” Jaxson tells him, sending a collection of agreements around the table. “One time, I even tried getting Julia to wear this padded thing around her stomach when she went out in case anyone knocked into her.”
“Did it work?” Nick asks, seeming interested at the prospect.
Jaxson shrugs. “Don’t know. She threw it in the garbage.”
Everyone laughs but you can see the wheels spinning in Nick’s head.
Good luck, no way my sister will wear that shit either.
“How did things with Benny go?” Cooper asks.
“Good. He’s home again with his mom and will be back in the gym on Monday, running his mouth like usual I’m sure,” I say, but can’t deny I miss having the kid around. I bought him a cell phone so he can call me any time he needs. Of course, he’s made good use of it and enjoys sending me smart-ass text messages as often as he can. I also took care of their rent for the year, figuring it would at least help Benny’s mom catch up and maybe even get ahead financially. Something she tried refusing at first but eventually accepted since I didn’t give her much of a choice. She knows it’s best for her and the kid, and I’m glad I was able to help.
“It’s about fucking time,” Nicks murmurs, pulling me from my thoughts.
I follow his gaze to see the girls heading toward us. My eyes immediately lock on the one I’m here for, and all the blood I possess rushes south to my cock.
Holy fuck!
Small jean shorts and a tight white tank top hug every slender curve of her lithe body. The brown cowgirl boots she wears make her long legs go on for miles. I envision what they would feel like digging into my back while I drive into her. When my eyes make it to her face, my fucking heart stops beating altogether. Her body might look like it’s made for sin but she has the face of an angel.
She’s every guy’s wet dream, and I don’t know if I want to hug my sister or kill her for picking this outfit.
“Ah, you came!” Kate squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. I hug her back but my eyes never stray from the warm, innocent ones that hold me captive. After giving me a loud smacking kiss on the cheek, she moves to sit on Nick.
Lia comes to stand in front of me, a shy smile touching her lips. “Hi,” she greets me, but I can barely hear her soft voice over the music.
“Hey.” I look around for a chair but there’s none left, which is obviously why all the chicks are sitting on the guys.
Knowing I shouldn’t but not caring, I reach out and slip my finger in the waistband of her snug shorts and drag her to me. I hear her swift inhale as I bring her down on my lap and have to bite back a groan at the feel of her leg brushing against my throbbing cock.
She gazes at me, her face level with mine as she licks those sexy fucking lips of hers. “I didn’t think you were coming tonight.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Why?”
“Because you changed yours.”
A smile plays at the edge of her lips as she wraps her arms around my neck, dropping her forehead on my temple. “Thank you for telling your sister about the scarf. You’ll never know what that meant to me.”
I know exactly what it meant. I knew she would be stressing over it, and for once I wanted her to have fun and not worry about anything.
Before I have a chance to tell her that, I’m interrupted. “Excuse me.”
I look up at the whiny high-pitched voice and see two blondes looking down at me expectantly. “Yeah?”
“We were wondering if the Dark Warrior would mind signing these for us.” They both lift their shirts, showing me the side of their bras.
“Unbelievable,” my sister scoffs with distaste.
Lia’s entire body stiffens. She begins to slide from my lap but I dig my fingers into her soft flesh, not letting her escape.
This kind of shit doesn’t faze me. I’m used to it, but it pisses me off that they interrupted me and made Lia uncomfortable.
“Come back with a pen and paper then I will,” I tell them, not bothering to hide my annoyance.
They don’t look the least bit offended as they drop their shirts and shrug. “Forget it, we’ll get one from the other guy. We just thought we’d let you get first dibs,” one says with a wink before they walk away, leaving me clueless about the ‘other guy.’
“Classy,” Kayla comments sarcastically.
“Ah, come on now. They seem like such nice girls,” Sarge chuckles.
I glance at Lia but she avoids eye contact with me, her body stiff. “Hey.” I squeeze her hips, bringing her attention back to me, and hate the pain I see in her gaze. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t let it bother you.”
“You could have signed them,” she mumbles.
“I could have, but I didn’t want to.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m with friends and my sister is right next to me. It’s rude and uncomfortable for everyone,” I tell her honestly.
“Fair enough.” She gives me a weak smile then turns to look away, but I don’t allow it.
Hooking a hand behind her neck, I pull her in close, my mouth next to her ear. “For the record, Lia, the past few weeks my dick only gets hard for one girl, and even though I can’t do a goddamn thing about it, no one else will do.”
I feel her quick breaths on my face; fingers curling into my shirt with the same need rushing through my blood.
“Shit, Slade.” My eyes
snap to Cade, his tone putting me on alert. When he nods at something behind me, I turn to see none other than Neil Cortez standing with a group of guys I recognize from the EFC gym, watching me. The two blondes that were just here stand on either side of him.
Every muscle in my body tightens, fury igniting in my gut. No way is this a coincidence. It was only hours ago that I told his manager to fuck off.
His eyes stray to Lia before he gives me a cocky smirk and starts toward us. I stand in a flash, lifting Lia in my haste and placing her behind me. I move for him before he can come any closer. “What the fuck are you doing here, Cortez? This is a charity event not the time or the place for your shit.”
He raises his arms in surrender. “Hey, man, take it easy. I’m just out to get a drink with my buddies. I had no idea you would be here.”
“Bullshit. We both know why you’re here.”
He doesn’t bother to deny it, his calculating smirk extending. “You know, I didn’t think this was your kind of club.” He moves to look behind me. “And I gotta say, brother, she doesn’t look like the type who likes to be roughed up, maybe you better leave her to me.”
Just as I reach for him, Nick and Jaxson intercept me. “Easy,” Nick warns. “You know what he’s trying to do. Let it go.”
Taking a step back, I find my restraint then point at him over Nick’s shoulder. “I’m warning you, motherfucker, stay away from me. You can only push me so far before I push back.” I turn away as Cooper gives him a warning of his own, worried I won’t be able to contain myself from knocking his teeth through the back of his fucking skull.
Lia eyes me nervously as I return to the table. “Everything okay?”
“It’s fine,” I snap, my voice harsher than I intend for it to be. Taking my seat again, I pull her back down on my lap, the warmth of her body easing some of the rage coiling inside of me. “I’m sorry,” I murmur against her shoulder.
“It’s okay.”
“Jesus, that guy is relentless,” Sarge spits. “Bad enough you’re getting calls at the gym all the time, but now he’s following you? Maybe you oughta get back in the ring and shut him up.”
“You’re being harassed?” Katelyn asks in concern. “You haven’t told me this. What’s going on?”