“All right.” He waited until Asher was striding away from him before calling him back. “Ash.” Rhys could see he was still attempting to hold in his laughter as he reversed his steps until he was standing at the edge of the ring again. Leaning over the rope, Rhys lowered his voice for only Asher’s ears. “As soon as I’m done here, we’re going home.”
“I assumed as much.”
“Yeah, but here’s the thing—I need you considering all the possibilities not just the going home part.”
Asher released an exasperated sigh. The sound caused Rhys to chuckle. “Go do your thing or we will never get out of here.”
Instead of doing as Asher instructed, Rhys continued holding his stare. He wanted to bury his nose against Asher’s throat. Inhaling his scent while absorbing the heat of his skin is what drove Rhys each day.
“You ready to do this or what?”
With one last sweeping glance of Asher’s body, Rhys tore his gaze away. He faced his opponent. “Yeah. I’m good to go.”
Rhys ran through a quick list of the rules while Brian nodded his understanding of each one. “The biggest thing to remember is this—I am trying to help you. For me, this is not about beating you or you besting me. If either of us ever get to the point where we have nothing left to learn, then we need to quit.”
With his mouth guard in place, Rhys was unable to give any further verbal instructions. However, he did stop several times in order to correct a few of Brian’s holds. The man worked hard at his technique. Unfortunately, fifteen minutes in, Rhys has already taken him down six different times in ways that would have ended an official bout. Holding onto his patience, Rhys spit out his mouthpiece.
“You’re better than this, Brian.”
With a growl, Brian scrubbed his hands over his head. “Sorry. It’s been a hell of a day. Give me a second.” He tilted his chin up, staring at the ceiling as if attempting to clear his head. Rhys used the time to steal a glance at Asher. To his surprise, he found him deep in conversation with Drew’s wife, Aubree. She sat at Asher’s side chatting happily while Adalyn stood braced on her knees facing the ring. Something, which appeared to have at one time been a cookie, smeared her face and hands. She couldn’t have looked happier.
Brian audibly blew out his breath capturing Rhys’ attention once more. He appeared a little more than disheartened. “Shit, Rhys. I hate that I’m wasting your time like this.”
He didn’t know what to say. It was obvious something was going on with him. Rhys wasn’t as good as Drew at helping the men personally as well as professionally. The two things did go hand in hand. If a fighter’s head wasn’t on straight, it affected their performance in the cage.
“It’s just another day,” Rhys rushed to reassure him. “I have seven of them per week.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Brian cut his eyes in Asher’s direction. “I know you’re busy. Hell, even your lawyer has to rearrange his schedule to meet you here.”
Rhys didn’t bother correcting him. At the moment, it was more important to break down Brian’s walls than to stake a claim.
“By the way, you picked one hell of an attorney to represent you. He’s one of the best out there. As a matter of fact, he handled my mom’s case when she got sick after working on a project for this huge corporation. She couldn’t breathe right any longer afterward. Came to find out there was asbestos all throughout the building she was helping to strip clean. The company knew about it ahead of time. They chose not to disclose the information to their subcontractors in order to save on cost.” A small smile touched Brian’s lips. “He didn’t charge her a dime for his services.” Rhys had never been more proud of Asher than he was in that moment. “I’m sure he doesn’t realize how much it meant to her, especially now, since she’s back in the hospital. Those bills pile up quick. A settlement doesn’t mean much once those vultures get hold of you. It was the principle of the thing, though.”
Several speeches about family coming first ran through Rhys’ mind. He dismissed them all. Instead, he settled on something simple. “If your mom’s in the hospital, you should be there. This shit can wait.”
Brian lifted his shoulders in a helpless gesture. “They didn’t decide to admit her until about an hour ago. I hated to cancel on you on such short notice. Plus, at this point there’s really not anything I can do.”
Waving off his words, Rhys made a dismissive sound. “Don’t worry over it, ever, seriously. It’s not a big deal to move things around. Go see your mom.”
With a nod, Brian flashed him a grateful smile. “Are you sure you’re okay to reschedule?”
“Yeah, man. Get out of here.” At his order, Brian finally seemed to take him at his word. With a quick pat on Rhys’ shoulder, he dipped under the rope and slipped away. Rhys didn’t bother to watch him go. Asher filled his mind. He didn’t talk much about his work. It was a fact Rhys took as part of the deal. There were hundreds of privacy things to which he had to adhere. He shouldn’t have been surprised Asher would help someone simply because he was in the position to do so. It was almost funny. Every time Rhys thought he couldn’t fall any deeper in love with the man, he did.
The thought got his feet moving. The tiny blonde-haired woman who Drew managed to convince to marry him was beautiful enough to stop traffic. Rhys barely spared her a glance when he reached their side. “Why do the two of you look like you’re up to no good?”
At his question, Aubree shot to her feet while settling Adalyn on her hip. “We were discussing the charity event No Rival is hosting this Sunday. I extended an invitation to Mr. D’Ettore.” Her explanation came out in a rush, and she quickly added. “I’m so glad you’ve finished early. Drew is tied up in his office, and I need to get going. Would you mind watching Adalyn until he’s finished his call? I wouldn’t ask, but I’m already running late.”
Rhys didn’t hesitate. “Sure. It’s no problem.” Before he could reach for Adalyn, Asher came to his feet, placing himself between them.
“This little girl is covered from head to toe in some sort of mush. Let me have her. Rhys can grab something wet to clean her up and not ruin his clothes.”
“Good idea,” Aubree agreed handing her daughter over without flinching. “I got busy talking about this weekend and forgot about that dang cookie.”
Asher held Adalyn to his chest as if there wasn’t a single speck of dirt on her. “It seems to have made her very happy so I wouldn’t worry over it.”
The pair fussed over Adalyn oblivious to Rhys’ complete shock. Asher’s outfit, minus the tie and jacket, still cost more than most people’s cars. Yet he worried over Rhys’ sweat-covered clothes. The shirt and shorts he wore were at least four years old. He was also fairly certain he’d not paid more than twenty dollars apiece for each one. With a shake of his head, Rhys left them alone while he went in search of something to clean up Adalyn with. Every movement he made felt forced. It was hard for him to concentrate on anything except the one thought chanting inside his head. Asher was amazing.
Snagging a handful of paper towels, he ran them under the faucet, getting them as wet as possible. On his second pass by Drew’s office, Rhys’ thoughts had cleared enough for him to notice Drew’s open door. Peeking in, he caught a glimpse of the bald fighter sitting with his chin resting in the palm of his hand as he listened to the voice droning on through the speakerphone. He couldn’t have looked more bored. Sizing up the situation, Rhys made a quick decision. Rapping his knuckles on the wood of the door, he snagged Drew’s attention. At the man’s nod, Rhys said the three words sure to get the man’s ass moving.
“Aubree needs you.”
* * * * *
Somehow not only had Rhys managed to get Adalyn cleaned up in record time, he’d also returned with Drew on his heels. Although Asher had been content to spend a few hours at No Rival, if need be, he couldn’t deny he was glad for the chance to steal Rhys away for himself. Rhys held his silence until they made it to the parking garage. He’d seemed pre-
occupied for most of the night. Asher chalked it up to his worries over the upcoming competition. He was doing his best to support Rhys, but he was at a bit of a loss.
“Why don’t I leave my truck for the weekend? If you’re coming with me on Sunday there’s no sense in taking separate cars.”
The sinister smile tugging at Asher’s lips popped up without his permission. He didn’t bother hiding it. “You will be at my complete mercy all weekend. I can find no fault with this plan.”
A low chuckle slipped from Rhys even as he slid in the passenger side. Wicked thoughts crowded Asher’s brain. It seemed he wasn’t alone in his plans. The moment he settled behind the wheel, Rhys swiped his hand up his thigh. He left it there. Asher’s first instinct was to act. However, the need to have Rhys alone won out. Keeping his gaze locked on the road, he maneuvered out of the garage while attempting to ignore how Rhys’ touch affected his body.
“Your teasing will get us killed,” he said when he realized his hopes of blocking out the sensation were fruitless.
“I’m not teasing.” Rhys’ words sounded matter-of-fact causing Asher to shoot a quick look in his direction. There was an odd expression on Rhys’ face. There wasn’t time for Asher to decipher it at the moment. The second Asher turned his attention back to his task, Rhys added, “It’s hard for me to be near you without touching you in some way.”
“You are quite necessary to me, as well,” Asher agreed. It wasn’t exactly what Asher wanted to say. It would have to be enough for now. Rhys possessed too much of everything already. Asher’s heart—most likely—would simply be one more in his collection.
“For the record,” Rhys said, tearing Asher away from the bleak thought, “the only reason I’m not teasing is because I wouldn’t risk your life in such a way. As soon as this car is in park, well, that’s a different matter altogether.”
Asher fought the urge to break the speed limit at Rhys’ threat. By the time Asher pulled into his garage, he was ready to roar in his frustration. All the money spent on technology and there still wasn’t a faster way for people to get home. Rhys grabbed the door handle, but Asher was too quick for him. Reaching over, he snagged Rhys’ t-shirt. The cotton balled in his fist as he towed Rhys over to his side of the car. A flash of surprise crossed Rhys’ features before Asher opened his mouth over his. The feel of Rhys’ bottom lip against his tongue assuaged some of his impatience.
There were times when Asher caught himself manhandling Rhys and was completely incapable of controlling his reaction. It was almost as if he wanted to physically bend him to his will. In the moments when Rhys surrendered, Asher knew the man returned his feelings. Every other second of the day, Asher feared he did not.
Rhys’ mouth moved from Asher’s lips to his jaw before traveling to his throat. Keeping his eyes closed, Asher focused on the sensation of the air leaving Rhys’ lungs as it skirted over his skin. Rhys sucked in a deep breath, releasing it slowly, as if he knew exactly where Asher’s head was.
“I need a shower.” The brush of Rhys’ lips against his neck as he spoke caused Asher’s impatience to roar back to life.
“Not as badly as you’re going to need one by the time I am finished with you.”
“I didn’t say I was going alone.”
Not until the cool marble touched Asher’s back did the buzzing inside his brain ease enough for him to focus on the moment. Steam filled the air. The contrast of hot and cold seemed extreme to Asher’s oversensitized system. Although Rhys stood only an inch or so taller than he did, his wide frame made it seem as if the man was everywhere when he used his body in order to invade Asher’s space.
With his palms braced against the shower wall on either side of Asher, he pumped against him, causing a delicious friction between their touching cocks. Their mouths clashed. Asher held onto Rhys’ hips, tugging him closer, even as he enjoyed the feel of Rhys’ bones rotating beneath the skin. It wasn’t enough. Their tongues fought for supremacy. Asher did not want it to stop. Pulling away slightly, Rhys cupped his jaw with one hand while slipping the other between their bodies. In one broad sweep, he brushed his palm over both of their erections.
Asher loved the expression Rhys wore. Eyes unfocused, lips swollen, he owned those things. Rhys’ voice sounded harsher than usual in his lust as he confessed, “I don’t want you to get off like this.”
He knew from experience he would not. It didn’t matter. This had still become one of his favorite things to share with Rhys. It was almost impossible for him to take a shower alone anymore. If he did, his hands would automatically travel south. Asher had once sworn to Rhys he would ruin him for all others. It turned out he was the one who was now useless. He would never again touch himself or anyone else without Rhys lingering there in his mind.
“Where do you want me to get off?”
His question was one of desperation. Need clawed at his skin. His arousal bordered on pain in its intensity. Every single one of his senses was attuned to Rhys. The taste of him lingered in Asher’s mouth as his eyes feasted on his body. The sounds of his indrawn breaths and the smell of his skin drove Asher insane. There wasn’t a nerve in Asher’s body that wasn’t aware of Rhys. Reaching over, Rhys switched the water off. Without a word, he stepped out of the shower, pulling Asher along in his wake. The cool air chilled the water on his skin. Asher barely registered the sensation. The muscles flexing in Rhys’ back as he moved with a panther-like grace held Asher captivated. The moment they reached the bed, Rhys stopped. He didn’t allow Asher the same choice. Pulling Asher past him, Rhys pushed him down onto the mattress.
Rhys’ face went hard. A muscle ticked in his jaw. It was beyond fucking sexy. Switching his gaze to the ceiling, Asher flattened his palms against the flat surface at his back. They itched with the need to reach for him. Rhys prowled the perimeter of the bed, almost as if he couldn’t decide where to start. It was sweet torment.
When Rhys reached where his head rested on the opposite side of the bed, Asher was unable to stand it a second longer. He fisted his shaft. It was an open taunt. Rhys didn’t back down from the challenge.
“That is mine,” Rhys growled.
Straddling the mattress on either side of Asher’s head, Rhys brushed his crown across Asher’s bottom lip. Asher willingly opened for him even as he continued stroking himself. When Rhys hit the back of his throat, he leaned forward pushing Asher’s hand away. Before Rhys could take him into his mouth, Asher made his move. With a twist, he rolled Rhys onto his side. The new position allowed him the freedom he needed to open his throat and swallow him. Even as Rhys released a low moan, he tugged Asher’s hips forward. With a quick swipe of his tongue, he licked a wet line down Asher’s length. His muscles clenched. Even as he reveled in the feeling of Rhys sucking him off, he gave back as good as he got. Pleasure beat at the head of his dick. Pressure crawled up his balls. None of it compared to the emotions squeezing his heart. There were moments when Asher knew he’d follow Rhys anywhere. He was simply incapable of being without him. While he wasn’t paying attention, he’d fallen in love.
* * * * *
The charity event at No Rival was, for the most part, a closed affair. It was also a world away from the boring crap Asher had to attend in his line of work. No doubt, the money raised at every tedious dinner he’d attended helped the organization it was meant for, but he’d never gone to anything such as this. This was personal. Drew Alexander was well known for his work with critically ill children. When Make a Wish contacted him about a child who wanted to be an MMA champion for a day, the men had jumped at the opportunity to make his dream come true. Only a handful of reporters were allowed to attend, along with family and close friends of the members involved. Asher—unsure of what to expect—had claimed a seat in the corner upon arrival. He’d not moved since. The action on the mat kept him engrossed.
The chance to watch Rhys completely unguarded was a rare treat. He was the type of person who everyone, and no one, knew. People saw exactly as much as Rhy
s wanted them to and nothing more. He smiled and tried to please everyone but he kept none of life’s joy for himself. Asher wanted to fill him with all the happiness he’d been denied. The knowledge gained strength with every passing moment he spent in his company.
The man who owned ninety-eight percent of Asher’s thoughts stood in the center of the caged-in ring, pretending to go down hard as the little boy—who couldn’t weigh more than thirty pounds—tackled him around the knees.
Asher laughed harder than anyone did as Rhys flailed underneath the boy who pinned him to the mat, as if the child’s strength was too great for him.
The media ate it up. Asher could see Rhys was truly enjoying himself, and the little boy was happy. That was all that mattered. With the middleweight champion beaten, it was Drew’s turn to take on the tiny fighter. As Rhys stepped—with an exaggerated limp—from the ring, a blonde reporter moved into his path before he could make it ten steps.
“Rhys, would you care to comment on the recent rumors surrounding your private life?”
Asher wanted to growl, but Rhys didn’t appear the least taken aback by the woman’s question. A slow grin spread across his face and Asher bit back a smile. He knew that wicked expression. Nobody stood a chance against the sexy fighter’s massive charm.
“This is a children’s event,” he gently reminded her. A blush touching her cheeks was the only sign his remark hit home. Unfortunately, she didn’t run away. Dropping her voice an octave until there could be no doubt of her intentions, she moved an inch closer to Rhys.
“Maybe afterward then…”
Rhys’ eyes hooded. A hint of heat entered his expression as he stared down at her. It was sexy as hell, but it was also fake. Asher knew every one of Rhys’ scorching glances as well as he knew his own reflection. He swallowed down his laughter as the woman’s eyes glazed over. Asher felt her pain. Rhys was too much of everything.
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