by Meghan March
“Bump stays with us,” Big Mike says. “He can come to work with me, and he’ll be happy as a pig in shit to watch football all the time and eat Joanie’s cooking. He’ll be safe.”
I think about the suggestion for a few minutes and then agree. “Yeah, I like that. Keeps Bump busy, which is for the best. I don’t want him thinking about what happened last night. Being at the club might freak him out for a while.”
Hal shuffles his feet. “Then we got the kid and the girl covered, but what about you?”
I shake my head. “We just said Moses wouldn’t come after me. I believe that.”
“That’s not what I mean. You need to start training. This fight is supposed to happen in a month. That’s not a lot of time to get back in shape to go three rounds.”
Hal is right. I’ve kept up training, but not at the level I should have in order to be ready to step into the cage.
“The fight’s not even a sure thing yet,” Q says. “We haven’t heard from the guys. No contracts have been signed. What if . . . it doesn’t happen?”
“It has to happen,” Big Mike whispers, and I nod, thinking about what Jimmy Jones, Harlow’s husband, told me.
“Last night, a high-profile sports agent told me it’s happening. He heard through the grapevine that they chose us for the venue too. I’m just waiting for the final word and the paperwork.”
“And Bodhi Black?” Q asks. “Are we sure he’s going to take it?”
Hal jumps in to answer that question. “Black would never walk away from this opportunity. He wants your head, man.”
“Dangerous to fight a man who’s got nothing to lose and has been training hard for months,” Big Mike says quietly as he meets my gaze. “You sure this is a good idea? You could pull the plug on it before the thing is even on the books. Tell them the venue won’t work.”
Q glares at his dad. “You’re trying to talk him out of it? Really?”
Big Mike’s expression hardens, and the crease between his bushy brows deepens. “This isn’t a walk in the fucking park, son, and you’re not the one getting in that ring—”
“I would.”
“I’m doing it,” I say to stop them from getting into the argument that’s coming. “I have no choice.”
Big Mike winces at me. “But you can’t win.”
“I have to win.”
“And what are we going to do about Moses?” Q asks.
I meet my best friend’s gaze. “I’ve gotta take him out before he has a chance to hurt another goddamn person I love.”
Seven
Scarlett
I wake up with my shoulder blades pressing into the hard floor beneath the air mattress. A wet nose nudges my arm. I open my eyes and smile at a waiting Roux.
“You need to go out, girl?”
She nudges me again. Scanning the room, I spot Bump’s feet sticking out of his couch-cushion cave. Soft snores tell me he’s still out, but there’s no sign of Gabriel.
Roux whines, so I roll off the air mattress, glad I borrowed one of Gabriel’s T-shirts and a pair of sweats last night, and yawn as I pad toward the door and down the stairs. A minute later, she’s bounding outside, across the driveway, to her dad.
As soon as Roux nudges his hand, Gabriel whips around to see me.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I was coming back up.”
Q stands near a man who I assume is Big Mike, his father, because he looks like Q’s clone, only about twenty-five years older and barrel-chested. Hal leans against the SUV blocking the driveway. The grave expressions on the men’s faces tell me that they’ve been discussing what happened last night. I have some things to say about it too, so I move to Gabriel.
“What’d you decide?”
He takes my hand and pulls me into his side. “Nothing much. Just getting everyone up to speed and making sure you and Bump are safe.”
I study his stubbled jaw and shadowed eyes, knowing I have to speak up now. “What about keeping you safe? Because that’s also a major priority.”
“I’ll be fine. I promise.”
I nod. “Yes, because you’re moving in with me, and Hal can babysit us both. You’ll be closer to the club, there are great gyms in the city, and we’ll be easier to protect.”
Big Mike wipes powdered sugar off his chin as his eyebrows rise to his hairline. Apparently, people aren’t used to Gabriel being bossed around. Good thing I don’t care.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Q says, one brow quirked. “Actually, it’s a damn good one.”
Gabriel’s grip tightens on me. “I don’t want this to touch you. Me staying with you means—”
“That I’ll be able to sleep at night knowing you’re safe. Besides, Ryan and Christine have been after me for months to increase my security measures around the building. Now I have an even better reason. It’s the right move, Gabe. I already told you last night that I’m not letting you push me away. We’re a team. Now, pack your bags, because you’re moving to the city.”
Big Mike bursts into laughter. “Damn, I like this one. She knows exactly what she’s about.” He slaps Q in the stomach with the back of his hand. “You need to find yourself a CEO to date next time.”
Q glares but ignores his dad. “I agree with Scarlett. It’s the smartest move we’ve got. Now, let’s get the fuck out of this driveway because it’s making me nervous as hell to stand out in the open like this.”
Gabriel and I climb the stairs back up to his apartment, with Roux snaking between us to reach the entryway first.
Before he opens it, he pauses. “Are you sure you want to bring this right to your door? You know I wouldn’t blame you if you packed up and left town until this all blows over.”
I reach out and lay my palm against his chest. “I may not have dealt with anything like this before, but I’m not a coward. I stand and fight. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this together or not at all. Understand me, Gabe? I’m in this with you. Whatever happens, happens to both of us. I love you.”
He bows his head, and his voice turns hoarse. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done, Scarlett. You should want to throw me out of your life, not pull me closer.”
“Listen to me, Gabriel Legend.” I poke him in the chest. “Everyone has a past. What you did isn’t who you are. You have to let it go eventually.”
He lifts his gaze and snags my fingers. “I’m fucking ashamed. I did this. I brought this to us. You shouldn’t be mixed up in it, shouldn’t even know shit like this exists. I hate that it’s touched you, even a little.”
My spine straightens as regret and guilt roll off him in waves. “Listen up, because you need to hear me and hear me well. I love you for who you are. Past mistakes, flaws, and all. I wouldn’t change you or trade you for anything. You are it for me, Gabriel. So we fight this. We fight for us. And you know what? I don’t lose.”
His arms shoot out and yank me against his chest until I’m plastered against the hard heat of his body. “You’re it for me too. I’ll find a way out of this. I promise you that.”
His lips press against the crown of my head, and I lean into his warmth.
“Good. Now, let’s pack your stuff, stud.”
“I like that one,” he says with a wink, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Of course you do.”
Eight
Legend
Bump was so excited to go with Big Mike that he didn’t put up a single word of protest as I helped him pack clothes and toiletries. The only thing he said to me before he waved good-bye was, “Make sure you give Roux extra treats! I slip them to her when you aren’t watching. That’s why she loves me best.”
As soon as I promised him I would, he strode off with Big Mike.
Hal followed Scarlett and me to Curated, and I parked my Bronco on the street out front. Maybe it’s not the smartest thing to do—advertising to Moses exactly where I am—but I’m also not naive enough to think he wouldn’t find out anyway. If he’s been watching me close enough to find the tunnel en
trance to Legend, then there’s a damn good chance he knows many of my secrets by now. And by bringing the Bronco, I have transportation if I need it, and I don’t like being without a vehicle.
Hal also set up shop out front, where he has a view to the side door and the main entrance. I’m going to owe him a shit ton of money, but that’s something I’ll worry about later. One thing at a time.
Right now, I’m worrying about my old coach getting back to me. My text to him was short and to the point.
* * *
Legend: I’ve got a fight in a month. Time to get to work. Let me know when we can meet to discuss a training plan.
* * *
It’s been three hours since I sent it. My clothes are now in Scarlett’s closet and drawers, and I still don’t have an answer.
Scarlett is in the shower, where I plan to join her, when my phone buzzes.
I whip it out of my pocket, expecting to see Johnson’s name on the screen. But I don’t. It’s Silas Bohannon. What the hell does he want?
After I unlock the screen, I read his message.
* * *
Bohannon: Just came from the gym and heard that Black’s training with the coach you used to use. He’s spreading the word that he’s getting ready to crush you.
* * *
I scan the words again to make sure I’m reading it right. What in the actual fuck?
Shock and betrayal tear through me. If what Bohannon is saying is true, I want to reach through the phone to strangle Johnson myself.
I type out a quick message to Bohannon.
* * *
Legend: Are you sure they said it’s Ron Johnson training him?
* * *
Then I send another one to Johnson. My blood is boiling as I pace and peck at the screen.
* * *
Legend: If you’re training Bodhi Black for this fight, you need to tell me right the fuck now.
* * *
Bohannon’s response comes first.
* * *
Bohannon: I know what I heard and the source is reliable. I figured that means you’re going to need a new coach. I just wrapped up two weeks early on this MMA project, and my guys said they could take you on. They’re top level talent, and not to be a dick, but that’s what you need to win this thing.
Legend: What’s the catch? How much?
Bohannon: They’ve already been paid for the two weeks. The rest, they’ll do as a favor for me.
Legend: Why are you helping me?
Bohannon: Because you need it and I can.
* * *
His answer tells me nothing. Normally, I wouldn’t accept help without understanding motives, but I don’t have a lot of options right now. I’d be a fucking idiot not to take Bohannon’s offer.
* * *
Legend: Thank you. Tell me when and where to meet your guys, and we’ll get started.
Bohannon: Smart man. I’ll text you details.
* * *
The shower is still going, so I leave my phone on the dresser and head for the bathroom. I’m not wasting this opportunity either.
I strip as fast as I possibly can. When I climb into the steamy glass-walled enclosure, Scarlett smiles.
“And here I thought you’d decided you were going to shower alone.”
“When I could shower with you instead? I might fuck up some things, but I’m not an idiot.”
Her smile could light up the city. “Did you know I’ve never lived with a guy before?”
My head jerks back and spray bounces off my body. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. You’re my first.”
My palms slide against slippery skin as I curve them around her hips. “Your first? I like the sound of that.”
I take her lips in a slow, measured kiss as the hot water beats down on both of us. Even though I’ve been second-guessing every move we’re making, I don’t second-guess this. Scarlett in my arms is the one thing that makes total and complete sense.
God, she’s incredible.
The words that have been on my mind slip out in the steam. “I love you, Scarlett.”
Her entire body stills for a heartbeat. Then another. And another.
Finally, I examine her expression, not sure how she’s reacting. But it’s fucking better than I could have ever imagined.
This time, the smile on her face could illuminate the entire world. “I know you do. Because there’s no way I could feel like this if you didn’t feel it too.”
“I have no damn clue what I did to deserve you, but I promise, we’re going to get through this. Our future is fucking bright, ladybug.” Maybe it’s a promise I shouldn’t be making, but I have to believe it. The more I buy into it, the more likely it is to come true. I just hope she believes it too.
“I know,” she whispers. “Because we’re just getting started. The best is yet to come.”
Her lips skim down my stubbled jaw, and my fingers curve into the slick, firm muscles of her ass.
“I need you. Now,” I tell her, the words sounding more guttural than I expected.
Scarlett lifts a knee and hooks her leg around my hip. “Then you’d better take me, chief.”
This time, I don’t say shit about the nickname. She could call me anything at this point, and I’d still be putty in her hands.
Dragging the fingertips of one hand up her back, I bury them in her mass of wet golden hair, using them to tilt her head sideways and give me better access.
I take the kiss deeper, pouring every ounce of what I feel for her into it, hoping she understands. I love her. It’s one of the few things I know without a doubt right now. I’d bet everything on it. Bet everything on us.
Her hips lift as she seeks friction against my cock. When I push into her, she moans into my mouth, and I nip at her lip.
Scarlett pulls back, her gray eyes shining. “I never knew it could be like this, wanting someone all the time. I thought I was broken. You showed me I’m not. I just needed you.”
I move both hands to the sides of her face and brush the wet strands of hair away until I’m cupping her cheeks.
“You aren’t broken. You never were. You don’t need me, Scarlett. But it’s the greatest privilege of my life to be with you.”
I don’t know if it’s the water dripping down her face, or tears, but her smile wobbles.
“You slay me when you say things like that.”
I lean in to steal another taste of her. “I’m just getting started, ladybug. But don’t worry, I’ve got you. When your knees go weak. When your load is too heavy. When it’s all too much. I’ve got you.”
“Then take me.”
She jerks forward this time, plastering our mouths together, and I readjust my grip to lift her ass. Her other leg wraps around my waist, and I fit her right where we both need it. My cock nudges against her entrance, and inch by inch, I lower her until she’s full of me.
Scarlett’s head drops back as her inner muscles flex and clench.
I spin around and press her against the tile, and slowly, lift her off my cock and then power back inside her. Stroke after stroke, our bodies come together, until I lose track of everything, except how tight her cunt grips me and the feel of her skin sliding against mine.
It’s like coming home.
This is where I belong. In this moment. With this woman.
There’s nothing I won’t do to protect her and what we have.
When I can’t hold back any longer, I roar her name loud enough for all of Manhattan to hear, and her scream echoes as we both explode.
Nine
Scarlett
Almost every time we have sex, I think there’s no way it could possibly get any better. Any hotter. Any more intense. And then Gabriel goes and proves me wrong.
We wrap ourselves in fluffy towels, and I head to the closet to grab my robe. I’m going to have to get one for Gabriel too. Because, seriously, the only thing I want to do right now is lounge in bed and listen to the sound of his heart beat.
I know. I have it bad. But I don’t care.
Maybe I should, given the gravity of the situation outside these four walls, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my happiness in this moment to the anxiety of worrying about what could happen in an hour or a week or a month. I’m going to be present.
With a smile on my face, I head back to the bathroom to replace my towel on the bar. Legend is in front of the mirror, lathering up his neck to shave, and he shoots me a wink.
“I’ll be done in a few.”
“Take your time,” I say with a smile, knotting my robe and checking to see that Roux is still curled up in her dog bed in the corner of my bedroom, taking a nap.
We both freeze when the intercom sounds at the same time as Gabriel’s phone buzzes.
He moves first. “I’ll get it.”
I hold up a palm. “Let me check the intercom. Then we can decide if you need to go out there in a towel and scare someone away.”
His gaze narrows, but he nods. “Deal.”
With goose bumps rising on my lower legs, despite the plush robe, I pad to the back door and press the button.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me. I need to talk to you. I’m freaking out, and I don’t know what to do.” It’s Monroe’s voice, and she sounds like she’s about to lose her shit.
“Come on up, babe.” I press the button to unlock the door. “It’s open.”
“Thank you, Scarlett.”
“Who is it?”
I whip around to find a shaving-creamed Gabriel standing behind me.
“Monroe. Something’s wrong.”
Gabriel’s brow furrows. “You sure you can trust her?”