“Bullshit. I’m not going to forget the rest. I’m not going to sit here and say I’m sorry for the choice I made. I felt it was the right thing to do, and I would make it again. But it’s difficult, not impossible, to have both her and the title. I thought it was selfish to want it all when she needed me more. I was thinking about her more than my own goals. But she, again, proved how amazing she is. She wants me to pursue my goals. She knows how important they are to me. I wouldn’t think less of her if she wanted me to quit. I would do it. You know I would. I did. But she made me realise I can help more by doing what makes me happy. By inspiring her, the way she inspires me.”
“Owen… It sounds very sweet but...”
“But what? I don’t understand where this is coming from?”
“Because you can’t beat him!” Robert burst out. Owen was stunned at the words and the volume. “Here you are, talking of romantic fairy tales and happily ever afters when, even IF you’re allowed to challenge for the belt again, a wrecking ball is waiting for you. He doesn’t want to beat you, he wants to humiliate you. Stomp a mudhole in your head and walk it dry. The best fighter in the world wants to prove you are nothing more than a joke. He has a personal vendetta against you, and he’s backed by the very people we’ve been avoiding from day one. And what are you going into battle with? Thoughts and prayers? Good tidings? Good luck kisses? I cannot make this any clearer. You weren’t ready for Williams, and you’re not ready for Diaz. If you fight him, you will die.”
“After all these years, everything we have been through, you do this now? Now is the time you lose faith in me?”
“It has nothing to do with faith. It’s common fucking sense. Clear as day.”
“You don’t think I can beat him.”
“I know you can’t.”
“And that’s common sense?”
Owen felt the sudden, sharp pain of a slap against his cheek.
The burning sting hadn’t even fully formed yet when Robert uttered, “No. That’s common sense. You didn’t even see that coming.”
And it was true. All his years of training, and Owen hadn’t even seen Robert shift position in any way. Had he wanted to, Robert could’ve easily broken Owen’s nose or fractured his jaw. All he would’ve had to do was use a fist. Instead, the only thing it hurt was Owen’s pride.
Owen blinked away the makings of tears as the realisation came—no, as the fear came. What if his father was right? What if he didn’t have it anymore? What if all his talk of doing it for her was a mere fantasy? Robert was trying to make him see reality for what it was. What waited for him inside the Cage outweighed him, had more experience than him, and was far stronger.
“You wanted your happily ever after. Take it. Be with her. Spend as much time as you can with her. Help her get well. That’s where your head is at, Owen. So, leave it there. Forget about the title. And, more importantly, forget about Brent Diaz.”
“No,” Owen replied, straightening himself. “I made a promise to myself ages ago and to her today. I need to know if I’m good enough. I have to try.”
Robert shook his head, and father and son locked eyes for several seconds. Owen didn’t flinch. “You’re not ready. If you insist on fighting, I’ll train you, but I won’t be at the fight.”
“What?”
Robert pulled out his phone. “You’re my son. You’re a part of me. You’re also your own man and can make your own choices, but I won’t watch it. I can’t force you to listen, but I won’t willingly watch what is, in effect, assisted suicide.”
“I guess I am alone after all, huh?” Owen turned on his heel and headed for the bedroom. “Make the call. We’ve got work to do,” he finished and closed the door on the one person in the world he thought he could count on. After he changed into his running gear, he walked out to find Robert had just ended a call.
“Because you quit, his manager played dirty. In order to secure your fight, I had to make concessions. THEY now own every aspect of it. When, where, how much gate you take. Which is going to be $50 if you win and $5 if you lose. You have no allowance for training camps. You are not sponsored in any way. Basically, you aren’t being treated as a professional fighter. Any flights are on your back. Hotel stays are on you. Insurance for the venue in case of death. And a legal waiver, too. In case. Of. Death. These were his exact, almost joyous, words on the phone. Are you getting the fucking picture yet? Transportation too. They will pay for nothing. You may have the funds now, but again, I URGE you to think about the future and your quality of life. It’s up to you what you do from here.”
Owen listened to the words, fury welling in him, bubbling away. So, he was being punished by Diaz’ manager. Fine. This was the price he had to pay for walking away and changing his mind. He wouldn’t know where he was fighting. Or when. If he was killed in the ring, he would have to make it almost impossible for Diaz to face the same repercussions he had in the past.
By signing the contract, he was basically painting a huge target on his back, his front, and everywhere else. No one but the company, Diaz, Owen, Robert and the manager would know this fight would be a no holds barred street fight. The fans would have no idea. Anything goes for Diaz only—the benefits of being Champion. Owen had to play by the rules, but Diaz didn’t. Diaz wouldn’t have to sign anything. They were, theoretically, stripping Owen of his already slim chances. He wasn’t taking a knife to a gunfight; he was taking himself into war with a tank where one shot could destroy him.
Chapter Fifteen
“It’s always the quiet one,” Fiona said with a look of both shock and awe. “You made out with him in my bathroom? Really?”
“I dunno what came over me. I felt so sick yesterday. But I woke up and he…was just there. I was so happy. I feel better than I have for weeks. I don’t know how long it will last, but I want to take advantage. Let’s go out today.”
“Go out?”
“Yeah, for a coffee or something. The three of us.”
“I’ve been dying to take you out for ages, and you always say no. He comes back for one day, gives you an almost pickle tickle, and it’s party time?” Fiona slumped forward, groaning.
Tegan didn’t know if she was really upset until Fiona sat up and pressed her fingers to her temples. “Seriously, that cock must have fairy dust in it. Just being in its presence is medicine. It’s majestic, isn’t it?” Fiona groaned again. “I’m single as fuck.”
“I’ve told you to go out. Go online. Don’t hang around the sick girl too much.”
Fiona gave her a dismissive ‘pfft’. “It’s got nothing to do with hanging around my bestie too much. All I see around me are boys. I’d kill for a man. Charming, intelligent, and knows how to eat pussy. I swear to God, I’m this close to flicking the switch and going vegan—or lesbian as it’s known these days.”
“Babe, I don’t often say this, but you need to get laid.”
“I know, right? Been so long since I’ve had sex, I can’t remember who gets tied up or who pays.” Fiona sighed. She then brought herself forward and held Tegan’s hand. “So how are you, really?”
“I feel good. Really. For the first time, I think I might be on the mend. I don’t know if Owen is here for the long term, but I hope he is. I’d love to explore this—whatever this is. I just... I hope he feels as strongly as I do.”
“What are you saying? Do you... Oh, Teegs... You love him?”
“I... Well...” Tegan couldn’t finish the sentence but couldn’t stop her smile either, which was obviously all Fiona needed. “But I haven’t told him.”
For the briefest moment, Tegan could’ve sworn her best friend had broken. Her mouth was open with a delighted smile, but she was frozen. Emotion stifling her movements. She let out a whispered scream, mindful of a knock on the door.
Fiona opened it to find Owen had returned.
“Oh, hey. Sup,” Fiona said with a stiff nod. As if nothing had been said. As if nothing groundbreaking had just been revealed.
“W
ord,” Owen shrugged, holding out his fist for a bump, clearly trying to play along with what he thought was a joke from Fiona. “Just letting you know, my dad travelled back over with me. He got a phone call when we got out of the car, but he said he’d meet us up here.”
“Here? He’s coming up here?”
“Surprised me too.”
Almost on cue, Owen’s father appeared from behind him, holding a box of flowers. He lowered them so he could see everyone but looked at Tegan. “Hello, I’m Robert,” he said, holding out his free hand which Tegan shook. “These are for you. Both to help you feel better and to apologise for our first meeting. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
“Thank you so much. They’re beautiful. No, you didn’t. I get it; you were just trying to look out for your son. Oh, I’m sorry!” she said, looking around and gesturing to Owen. “This is Owen. You might know him. Apparently, he’s famous or some shit. And this is my best friend, Fiona. Who is famous. Everyone knows her.”
Robert turned and offered his hand to her, which was taken. He held it there, regarding her carefully before turning to Owen. “Didn’t you say that a Fiona...”
Owen nodded. “This is her.”
Robert turned back to her. “Well then, let me thank you. We were in big trouble in the Williams fight if it wasn’t for you,” he finished with a swift peck on the top of her hand before letting go. Fiona, curiously for someone that never ran out of things to say, was silent.
“Actually, now, while I have you all here, I can make an announcement,” Owen said. “The Diaz fight is officially on, but there are conditions.”
Owen told them all the conditions, looking at Tegan for the most part. He could’ve hidden it from her, but he didn’t. He said he wanted to be upfront and honest. Which she loved, but it chilled her heart when she heard what he was expected to agree to.
“There’s another thing too,” Robert said. “The phone call I just got. The fight is in Sydney.”
“What?” both Fiona and Owen said together before Fiona continued. “There’s never been a Heavyweight Championship fight here!”
“That’s what they’ll use to sell it. They’ll make the announcement in a few hours. And there’s more. It won’t be held at the same venue as the Dominov fight.”
“But it has to be; there’s no other venue that could host an event like that in Sydney,” Fiona replied. “Well…” she chuckled, “…except for Homebush Stadium.”
Robert’s expression and silence answered the question that followed.
“Are you serious?” Tegan asked. “That’s a seventy thousand seat stadium.”
“Eighty-two, to be exact,” Robert replied. “It will be the biggest crowd in MMA history even if it’s three-quarters full. But they are expecting a sellout.”
“And they get all the gate while Owen gets nothing,” Fiona scoffed.
“It doesn’t matter,” Owen said.
“Bullshit. I wanna know how they anticipate a sellout? What marketing are they going to do? Sure, it’s the biggest match of all time, but they won’t just rely on that, right?” Fiona asked.
“No,” Robert replied. “I know how they’re going to tackle it. I can see it. They are going to make Owen the bad guy, and Diaz will be the ‘hero’.”
Fiona giggled. “This is Owen’s hometown. I was in the crowd at the Dominov fight. They’re insane to think the fans would turn on him like that.”
“Don’t be so sure. They say the fans have turned on him since the scandals. So, Diaz and his manager are going to use that, I’d say. Pushing any and every scandal they can get. Keeping Owen’s name out in the public eye in a negative light. They’ll, no doubt, feed stories to the tabloids that are already hounding him. Relentlessly shoving him down the fans’ faces as an abuser of women.”
“This is such horseshit!” Fiona cried.
“Yes,” Owen said. “But it makes sense. Look at the climate out there. The push for abused women to speak up. Of course, arseholes like this are going to take advantage and make a mockery of an actual issue. Why wouldn’t they? The media are sharks for stories like this, whether true or not, and will latch on to anything that looks like it has legs because it’s a hot topic right now.”
“Meanwhile, the real victims get lost and ignored, drowned out by who’s got the loudest voice...” Tegan sighed softly, looking downcast. “…or the deepest pockets.”
Owen placed a hand on Tegan’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I know this is hard, but we will get through it. I promise.”
Tegan gripped Owen’s hand briefly. “I just hate people that use other people’s hardship for their own greed.”
There were a few seconds of silence before Fiona broke it. “Right, so we got a plan or what? Am I making one up?”
“We?” Robert asked.
“Yeah. We’re together on this, aren’t we?” Fiona asked. “Us four are the only ones that know the truth. We gotta kick this in the dick fast.”
“We can only control what we do,” Robert said.
“So…what? Let them make the first move? Do nothing?” Fiona frowned.
“What would you suggest?” Robert asked evenly. His tone calm, yet an air of frustration had crept in.
“Pre-emptive strike!” Fiona replied. “Get Gaz out there and show the world who he really is. Cut these bastard’s nuts off.”
“With all due respect to you, we aren’t running a PR campaign here. Owen has to train for the biggest and most dangerous fight of his life, not start kissing babies and having photo opportunities.”
Fiona leaned forward. “Look, I don’t have any experience in this. I get that. But I know people. I know shitty tactics. You just said they are coming for him. It’s going to be in Sydney, his hometown. Why would they tell you that? Why would they even do that? He is more loved here than anywhere in the world. They are planning to hit us with something. Something big.”
“No doubt,” Robert said, his temper rising. “But until we know something more concrete, what’s the point of speculating at shadows when there is work to be done?”
Fiona was about to reply when Owen stood up, calling out calmly, “Enough. You’re both right. They’re telling us things to make us jittery, but all I can do is focus on us, not them. Whatever they have planned, I want to make sure Tegan is kept away from it. Nothing can get in her way until the results come. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” both Fiona and Robert said.
Fiona added, “Teegs can stay here for as long as she likes. A safe place while you train, and you can stay here too. On the couch. If I’m not getting laid under my own roof, you two aren’t either.”
Chapter Sixteen
The next few weeks flew by as if on skates. Owen’s training camp had moved to Sydney to be close to Tegan. They had kept their word and had not slept with each other although it appeared unnecessary to have made the vow. Owen spent most of his limited time with her simply sitting by her bedside, stroking her head as she slept, whispering that he loved her.
He still hadn’t told her, and truthfully, he wasn’t sure why. It was probably because they just hadn’t had the right time. When was a good time to tell someone you were in love with them? Sure, he had been back for weeks, but that time hadn’t exactly been flowers and romantic dates.
Helping her walk was a harsh reality for them both. Her weakness from treatment had gotten worse. Having to carry her to the bathroom and holding her steady so she wouldn’t topple over wasn’t a big deal to him. Tegan, though, wept in his arms from embarrassment, apologising for things that were not her fault.
Now they walked together through the hospital car park, hand in hand. Today, they would find out if the treatment had worked. If she was going to live.
Chancing looks at each other, trying to reassure without words that they were there for one another, both were blindsided by the flash of a camera. Then another. Owen looked left to right, and more cameramen were creeping towards them, clicking and flashing away. They came from behind cars and fro
m the doorway leading to the stairs. They were everywhere. Half a dozen or so reporters burst forward, recording devices thrust out. Owen held them at bay as he struggled to both shield Tegan’s face and lead her to the elevator.
“Ms Holland! How are you feeling?”
“Are you in a relationship with Owen Gasnier?”
“Has he brought you here against your will?”
“Is it true you’re having complications since your abortion?”
“How do you feel knowing how many women he has done this to?”
“Have you been abused in any way?”
“How do you feel about the fresh allegations of sexual misconduct against Owen?”
“Will you defend him in court?”
“Do you blame Owen for losing your job and your apartment?”
“Have you received any money from Owen Gasnier?”
“GO AWAY!” Tegan cried, lashing out with flailing hands. She was only held back by Owen’s arms around her waist, though with the weight she had lost, she wasn’t in any shape to fight anyone.
Owen gritted his teeth and slammed the elevator button repeatedly until it pinged open. He half carried Tegan inside and wrapped his arms around her, covering her from the cameras until the doors finally closed, enveloping them in silence. No sound could be heard except for Tegan’s sobs. She gripped Owen’s arms around her as he pressed the floor they needed, and the lift ascended.
“I’m so sorry,” Owen whispered, kissing her head. His worst fear had been realised: Tegan had been thrust into his world. A world she wasn’t ready for. A world she didn’t understand or care for.
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