by Dauphin, M
He sends me the information and I thank him, then quickly send Eddie a text before starting the car up.
GWYNN: Hey, gonna be gone for a few days. Be back by the weekend.
EDDIE: Don’t kill my kid.
God, he’s such an asshole.
GWYNN: AT LEAST YOU ARE FUCKING RECOGNIZING IT AS YOUR KID, ASSHOLE!
EDDIE: OH FUCK OFF.
Right. I feel the love.
Grabbing a few necessities from Molly’s house, I ignore the evil stare she is giving me for leaving town, pregnant and alone, but I don’t have a choice. I have to do this for him. For us. If we are ever going to make it, he needs to remember. Because right now, I’m certain he just hates me for ‘trapping’ him.
****
The plane wheels touch down in Florida and I’m jolted awake. The announcement from the Capitan tells us it’s seven pm here and a beautiful 77 degrees. Wonderful, perfect for my fat pregnant ass to sweat my lady-balls off.
Grabbing my bag from the overhead, I make my way off the plane and towards the doors to find a taxi. Hotel tonight, sleep tonight (right, psh) and tomorrow I find his sister.
“Hey, lady,” I hear the voice behind me and grab ahold of my stuff tighter. This asshole is about to mess with the wrong pregnant chick. I haven’t hit anything in a while, but his voice makes me think his face will be the perfect target. “Lady, here. Take this.” He says as he shoves a piece of paper at me.
He walks away so quickly I don’t even see his face. Turning the paper in my hands, I read the words on the front.
Underground Noise
MMA at its finest
89th & 3rd
11 pm
Glancing at my phone, I realize I have a few hours to check into the hotel before the fight starts. God, I haven’t seen an underground fight since I beat the shit out of Tanya. Realizing I’m eight months pregnant, I try and talk myself out of going, but something keeps pulling me back. I just want to see it, once more. One more underground fight.
Underground leagues don’t play by the same rules the big league does, hence why I was almost killed by that bitch. The fights are terrible to fight in, but watching them can be thrilling as hell. Deciding to take the chance, I get to the hotel with enough time to check in, grab some food, and head to the address on the paper.
By the time I get to the fight, the crowd is insane. I almost leave, but I see one of the fighters walking in the crowd and freeze when my eyes land on the trainer walking behind her.
Mother. Fucking. Mac.
I grit my teeth, trying to stop myself from screaming for him. Sleazebag. Jesus. If I weren’t pregnant, I’d attack his greasy ass right fucking now.
Instead, I keep back so he can’t see me. I’m not sure he’d notice me even if he did see me. Of course the tattoos would probably give me away, but my hair has grown so fast with this pregnancy I’ve just let it go, coloring with the safe shit hair color to keep my red. Because I thought Eddie liked it, and I wanted him to have something familiar when he woke up. Great plan, Gwynn. It worked wonders.
Walking into the room, I get the thrill I used to get when I would see the crowd gathering for the fight. It’s almost eleven, meaning the fight’s about to start. Only one fight tonight from the sounds of it. Normally that’s how the underground events go anymore, so the police don’t have a chance to catch them.
I stand behind Mac’s part of the ring so he doesn’t see me, and I watch his girl. Jesus, he’s gotten worse as a trainer since me. Ever since I’ve started training in the big leagues I’ve met some amazing trainers and each of them scoffed at the training that Mac taught me.
Even as far as how to wrap your hands correctly. I was doing it all wrong, but I didn’t know any better. I trusted him. And now watching this girl, couldn’t be much bigger than me, bounce around, listening to him like he’s so fucking brilliant, my heart sinks for her. He’s going to end up getting this girl killed, and for what? Some money? Shit, she’s probably got the terrible contract that I did. The more I think about it, the worse I feel for this girl.
Then the fight starts.
Each round she fights hard and I can tell her form is good, but her tactics are all out of whack. God, he’s really not doing his job right if this is one of his top girls. I feel so bad for her. I stick around the entire fight just to make sure she’s okay. My heart sinks when she wins and he screams at her for not winning fast enough. God, I remember those days. And I don’t miss them.
I watch her go into the locker rooms to get her stuff, then sling her backpack over her shoulder and flip off Mac as she walks away. Deja fucking vu.
Trying to get through the crowd without drawing too much attention to the pregnant woman at the midnight fight, I find her a block down sitting on the curb.
Why does this girl make me want to scoop her up and take her home?
Because she reminds me of me, that’s why. She reminds me of me when I wish someone would have knocked some sense into me.
Walking up to her, she jumps when I start to talk, but after looking me over I see her relax.
Right, pregnant women are harmless. Ha!
“Hey, how ya doin?” I ask, trying to gauge her mood.
“I’m fine. Just waiting on my boyf-.” She pauses, glancing up at me. I smile while she decides if I’m really as harmless as I look. “My boyfriend.” She says, kicking at the rocks with her worn chucks.
“You doin okay, really? You took some hits in there.”
“Yea, sure. Nothing I can’t handle, I’m a fighter, hits happen. I walked out the winner, that’s all that matters right?” She shrugs and looks over at me. “Why do you look so familiar?”
Shit.
“Ah. I, uh.... I train. Big league MMA. Maybe that’s it?” I say, hoping she doesn’t remember me from YouTube.
“NO WAY! You’re that chick that ended that one chick’s career! What’s her name? T-T something.... Tanya! That’s it! My trainer showed me that video! Dude, that was amazing!” This is the most animated this girl has been since I’ve been here, so I can’t really lie to her.
I hate being known as that girl, I hate that that’s how I got my name. Not the fact that I was scouted to train big league, but that fact the tiny old me ended that bitches career.
“Ha, yep. You got me. Names Gwynn,” I say, holding my hand out to her.
“Oh, uh... Rose. Just Rose,” she says, taking my hand and giving it a firm, yet timid shake.
“Well, Just Rose, when is your boyfriend getting here?” I ask, looking around to the deserted street.
“I’m waiting till he’s off work. He works just across the street,” she answers, crawling back behind the wall she was mentally building.
“Okay. Weeelll....” I drawl out, waiting for... something... to happen. “I’ve got to go. When’s your next fight?”
“Tomorrow. Same place as tonight. It’s always here. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night,” she says in the dull voice from earlier. What the hell is wrong with this chick?
Shit, Mac. Running them fucking dry. She shouldn’t be fighting that much in one fucking week.
“I’ll be here. I like you, you have spunk. Remind me of myself. Before... well, before this....” I smile and look down at my belly, currently cooking my tiny Angel.
“Oh God, I didn’t even notice!”
“Right! The fuck you didn’t, I’m huge!” We laugh together for a moment and when it becomes silent again, I take that as my cue to leave.
Waking up the next morning, I don’t waste any time in finding Eddie’s sister. It was surprisingly easy, and makes me wonder just how hard he’s been trying all of these years. Agreeing to meet me at noon for lunch, I get ready and head out.
The meeting is awkward, to say the least, but I push on. I tell her everything. She needs to know our entire story, plus the things I remember of what Eddie told me about their past. The more she knows, the more willing she will be to come to see him. I hope so, at least. When I get to the par
t about the amnesia, she’s in tears, crying that she let her brother down.
Yes, Bitch, you most definitely did.
Agreeing to come out and see him in a few days, she leaves in a hurry of sniffles and tears. Jesus, this is going to suck. Maybe finding her wasn’t a good idea.
Trying to take my mind off of the impending fight that I KNOW will happen once he finds out what I did, I call up my boss to find a local MMA gym. I know I’m not able to workout, or fight, or do anything physical right now, but I still like to watch a good legal fight.
He spits out the name of one and I put it into my GPS, recognizing the gym as a fellow trainer’s gym, right across the street from the place from last night. Interesting. Smiling, excited to see one of my newer friends, I put the rental car in drive and follow the directions to the gym.
Walking in, I see the boys in the back going at it. Boys? Men. These were all men. Jesus, I wish Eddie would pay attention to me. I’m strung so tight I’m enjoying the gawking from the local gym men way too fucking much right now. I walk to the back and find the one person who can make me feel less slimy.
“Sarge!’ I yell when I see him.
He turns and smiles at me, then drops what he’s doing to come greet me.
“Holy shit, Gwynn! Look at you!” he beams, gently hugging me.
“Thanks, I’ve been working on my figure.” I punch him and he rubs his arm.
“Fuck, obviously doing something right.” He laughs as we catch up.
I met Sarge when I first started working in the big leagues. He was the trainer they shipped me to in Florida to watch and learn from. Apparently he’s one of the best there is out there, which is crazy because he hasn’t been training much longer than I have. Apparently being in the army helps in learning how to fight, and aids in the creation of a fantastic trainer. I believe it, too, seeing the digs he has here. Jesus, this gym is beautiful. And huge!
“Hey, you got time for a fight? I’ve got two newbies about to go at it. You’re more than welcome to stay to watch.” His smile is so genuine. His girlfriend is one lucky lady.
“Absofuckinglutely.” I say, grinning.
*****
That night, I’m so ready to see another fight I almost totally forget to eat. Almost. I’m eight months pregnant, though, so I really don’t ever forget to eat.
Heading to the same spot as last night, I try my hardest to stay out of the light so Mac doesn’t see me. I see Rose looking around the crowd and as soon as she spots me, I give a little smile and nod. I need to help this girl.
And then the thought occurs that I’m in the perfect position to help her.
Jesus, why didn’t I think of this last night?!
The fight starts right as I get my note together, and halfway into the first round, I sneak in and find her backpack from last night. She needs to come to me on her own and not because she’s star-struck. God, I hope she makes this decision before it’s too late for her.
Rose,
I know you have it tough. I know exactly what you are feeling.
You need to come find me, I can help you understand everything better.
I’m in Texas, it’s a big state. Here’s my information.
Don’t wait, do it now.
-Gwynn
1-555-846-9445
619 Peach Street
San Antonio, Texas
I slide the note in her backpack and pray to God she finds it in time. Then I pray some more that she follows my instructions and gets the fuck away from him.
With that, I walk out of the gym and drive back to the airport. It’s time to go work on getting my Eddie back.
Chapter 16
Eddie
Flipping her over on the bed, she squeals in laughter and reaches up to grab the headboard. Fuck, how I wish we could be in my apartment right now. Her skin is fucking glowing, and I can’t stop the images of her bound, just for me, from rushing into my head. She bites her bottom lip and brings her feet up to rest on my shoulder, crossing her ankles for me to hold on to with one hand.
“Goddammit, Red,” I grunt as I slam into her, over and over. I can feel her tightening around me, and I slow my pace a little to help ease her off the edge. I can’t have this ending this fast, this is the best it’s ever felt. I can feel everything in this position and I don’t want it to fucking end.
“Harder, Eddie. Please,” she begs as I purposely and agonizingly move slower and slower. She’s begging for harder, but she’s moaning because I’m hitting just that right spot. Jesus she is so fucking tight I feel every part of her in my movements. I feel her tightening around me again and this time I don’t have as much willpower as before. This time, I feel my own orgasm coming on strong. Moving one of her legs to my other shoulder, I reach down and start rubbing her clit in slow circles as she pushes up her hips to meet my every thrust.
“Oh god, Eddie... Oh my GOD!” She screams a string of profanities, tightening so tight around me I explode immediately afterwards.
“Fuuuuck!” I growl as I pull out of her mid orgasm. Shit, we didn’t use a condom. FUCK!
“It’s okay, don’t freak out.” Her eyes are laughing at me, “I’m on the pill, remember?”
“Fuck... yea. Still, that’s so irresponsible of me. Shit, Red, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, I’d rather never have to use one.”
“Yea, it did feel fan-fucking-tastic didn’t it?” I grin at her and lay down next to her
Jolting up in bed, I look around to remind myself where I am. Running my hands over my recently shaved head, it takes me a minute to get myself to calm down.
The dreams won’t stop. Sometimes I see her face, the girl that’s carrying my child. Gwynn. Other times I just smell her. Sometimes I see a figure, a pregnant figure, but I can’t get to her however hard I try. I know something’s there, I know we HAD to have something, since my mind has all these images of her, but I can’t get to her.
She’s been gone for three days and it’s been the worst three days ever. Not that I would tell anyone, though. I can’t get that reputation of being whipped by a random chick. She’s having my kid and I’ve been told she’s marrying me, but not if I have anything to do with it. I just can’t seem to get her out of my mind. I’ve never met a girl like her before from what I can remember. Most chicks would be a blubbering mess, being as pregnant as she is and having their “fiancé” be such a dick to them, but she deals it right back. One tough ass chick, that’s for sure. She kinda scares the shit outta me.
I’ll never understand that shit and why someone would do it, but I’m just happy she’s only training and not fighting. I couldn’t be with a fighter. I couldn’t have my baby’s mother be involved in getting the shit beat out of her.
My phone rings, bringing me out of my daze. Jesus, this girl takes up every fucking moment of my thoughts lately.
“What?” I grumble, rubbing my face, trying to wake up and get her out of my head.
“Where’s your girl, dude?” Tatum’s voice booms through the phone.
“She’s not my girl, dude. And I don’t know.” I sigh.
“Fuck you, Eddie. You aren’t even trying to like her. She’s carrying your fucking kid, man.”
“Yea, and now I’m Goddamned trapped with her, in this house that I am paying for but don’t remember buying, and nothing in here belongs to me....” I look around at the house that is mine on paper, but doesn’t feel like home.
“Asshole, stop being fucking stupid and listen to me. YOUR MOTHERFUCKING APARTMENT IS IN ASHES. NOTHING IS LEFT. NOTHING. She lost everything too, dude. She was your motherfucking neighbor.”
“I know, man, you keep telling me that, I just don’t see it. I wouldn’t buy any of this shit.” Looking around at the decorations adorning the house, I don’t see anything here that I would buy on my own.
“You didn’t, fuckwad. You got into an accident the week before you two closed on the house. Gwynn had to do everything on her own. EVERYTHING,” he growls at me.
>
My relationship with Tatum has been strained ever since I woke up. Really, my relationship with everyone has been strained since I woke up. New and old, no one around me seems to like me anymore.
With one exception.
As mean as I’ve been to her, she sticks around. She’s still nice to me when I’m not being an ass to her. She still tells me she loves me, even though I laugh every time she does. I can’t even look at her at times because her being here pisses me off. I can’t fuck anyone, because we are apparently together, but I need a motherfucking release. Last week she gave me the best fucking blow job I’ve ever had, and Jesus if she wasn’t sexy as hell the entire time doing it. Not that I’d tell her that. I had to leave the room as soon as I finished so I didn’t touch her like I wanted to. So I didn’t taste her like my taste buds were screaming for me to do.
“Shit, Savage. What the hell am I doing here?”
“Being a dick,” he replies quickly.
“Fuck off, man. Maybe it’s time for me to move on. Things aren’t coming back and I’m just making her life a living hell.”
“You leave that girl and I will put my boys on you so fast your head will swim,” he growls.
Well that’s a first. I’ve never been threatened by the Savages before.
“Damn, calm the fuck down, I’m just talking. She’s having my kid. I have to stick around for that thing.”
I refuse to call it what it is. A baby. A new life. A baby girl.
Angela.
“Stop calling it a thing, Eddie. It’s your baby girl.”
“I know man... shit, I know.”
I feel like an asshole. I do. Not that it’s going to change my behavior, because I really can’t keep the thing or its mom. I can’t turn into him, and having them around will definitely give me too many chances to hurt them.
“Just... dude let us know when she gets back. Molly’s freaked out something bad is going to happen.”
“I told her not to kill the kid, it’ll be fine,” I grumble, trying to sound unaffected by the emotions coming out of my friend.
We’re Tatum and Eddie, we don’t do women, or love, or kids, or any of this shit. What the fuck happened to us?!