AMARA
We were all hanging out in mine and Jackson’s suite before the big fight. I can’t believe the spring came so quickly. We had a five bedroom suite in the New Yorker…it was comped by Johnny and the rest of the promoters. Jackson’s friend Cain and his fiance Jasmine had come to New York to support him. Another fighter named Aaron had caravanned with us from LA.
Cain and Aaron had been shooting barbs back and forth at each other all day.
When Jasmine left the room Aaron playfully punched Cain in the arm. “How in the hell did an ugly guy like you ever land a lass like that?”
He said it like he was kidding, but I’m sure Cain noticed like the rest of us that Aaron seemed to be in awe of her.
Cain laughed and swiped him back. “You’re just jealous of my stunning good looks, brother. Touch that one and I’ll rearrange your baby face. Get your own black beauty!”
Aaron scoffed dramatically. “Aye, I’m on the lookout - so does she have a sister or what?”
“No, but her brother Julius is kinda pretty.”
Aaron feigned a swoon and then he rolled his eyes as he turned towards me.
“Ah - Ah - Amara! Doyou have a sister?… Cousin?” He winked.
I laughed, “Sorry Scotland, you’re on your own.”
Cain left to find his wife. Jack, Santos and the team were alone next door gearing up for his big night. Caroline and Roger lounged in the next room with Nala. And so here I was, left to admire the view of the bustling city below.
I heard a sound and turned to see Aaron rummaging with the pool table. He always seemed to have so much energy.
“Do you wish it wasyouout there tonight?”
He grinned and rolled a shoulder casually as he set up to strike the balls. “Nah, it’s just a matter of time for me. I’ve got one more year. One more year then I’ll take a crack at the Axe too! I’ll be ready for him then though,” he said with his eyebrows wagging.
Pow!Pool balls scattered across the green felt.
“But right now it’s all him!” His accent came out.
“Are you as confident as he is about him beating this Goliath guy tonight?”
“Oh absolutely.” He said it as if there was no room at all for doubt. He’s really amazing Amara. I’ve honestly never seen anyone work their ass off like he’s done. He’s also been great for me to have around. He’s motivated the hell out of me and taught me a lot. Between all that and the fantastic physical therapist he’s been working with,” He winked. “I’d say he’s a bad. ass. This division won’t know what hit em.”
That made me feel a little better. Jackson hadn’t told me but I had done my own research and found out that Mikko Visklaska - aptly named “Goliath” was the most notorious heavyweight champion to date. He once knocked out a guy in the cage who died the next day. I tried to put that out of my mind…but it was hard as hell. I looked up and saw my champion emerge from his team huddle.
Jackson was so striking, the most ruggedly handsome man I’d ever seen. I didn’t think he could have gotten more gorgeous than he was but there he stood. After bulking up for this weight class, he’d thickened in all the right places. Tonight his big quads bulged against the black tight compression shorts he’d wear to the cage. His team shirt with an axe emblazoned on it puckered against his massive chest. And God, what a gorgeous face.
His blonde hair had been cut short but his blue eyes still shone with his signature playfulness. He looked at me with sweetness and I dared not look away. I licked my lips and he smiled. He looked positively delicious.
“You guys going to sit around talking all night, or are we going to a fight?”
I smiled at him and crossed the room to give him a quick kiss. He held me against his big body before I could pull away. He teased me with a low murmur in my ear… “Baby, with curves like that I could take you in this back room and go three rounds with you right nah…”
I giggled and glanced nervously towards Aaron, who absently circled the pool table. I pushed playfully against his chest and he peered down at me with a grin. My heart swelled with pride. He was ready.
“Baby! Let me pry Nala from her video game.” I had been on the fence about bringing her. I was so afraid she’d be traumatized by it…but she knew it was happening and like a little lady she’d told sworn to me she could handle it.
“Mama, I’ll be so worried at home! Please don’t make me wait to find out!”
We had finally agreed to let her watch in the suite, only because neither Caroline nor Jasmine were going to the fight. Caroline had adamantly shook her head. “I only watch from my room, sweetheart. I can’t watch him up close like that.”
They would stay with Nala at the hotel and she could celebrate with us afterwards. She rushed into the main living room. Jack light up when he saw her.
“Hey little girl, it’s time for me to go!” She jumped up excitedly into Jack’s arms and kissed his cheek.
“Who’s the champ?” she said seriously, looking into his eyes.
“I am.”
“Who?” She didn’t blink. I was so impressed at her poker face.
“I am,” he said a little louder.
“I can’t hear you! Are you a champion or not?!” She pounded his shoulder with her little fist.
“I’m the champion!”
“The heaviest champion!” We both laughed.
“I am theheavyweight champion!” Nala giggled and buried her little face against his neck with a tight squeeze. I heard her whisper gently.
“Please be okay. Love you.”
He squeezed her closer and patted her back. “I’m going to be okay because you love me.” I had tears in my eyes. It was my turn next.
He put Nala down and pulled me into his arms. He kissed me thoroughly and once again I was transported to that place where nothing could touch the bliss I felt being with this man.
When he broke the kiss I looked into his beautiful blue eyes. “You’ve always been my champion, Jackson.” His eyes filled with emotion and he smiled as he brushed a soft kiss to my cheek. I could feel both of our hearts pounding where we touched.
Jackson had to ride in the limo and talk to the reporters first. The fight had built up massive hype - especially the million dollar purse. Then he had to spend time in the back while everyone and everything got into place. I rode with Cain and Aaron to the stadium.
It was good for me because Aaron was so talkative and full of positive energy, it helped ease my nerves. We had front row seats around a black octagonal cage and I could feel the energy of the massive crowd start to build as the time ticked closer. My body tingled with energy. I was now feeling excited!
I noticed Cain scowling across the row. My eyes followed his and fell on a group of large men sitting in the second row across the cage floor. “Who is that?” I asked him.
“Don…and his crew. Nasty, fucking scum!” Cain looked like it took everything in him to stay still and not go over there. Turning to my left side, I saw Aaron’s fingers flex in his lap as he threw them a look of disgust too.
Don’s dark eyes met Cain’s before he looked away. The other men avoided looking our way, like they were intimidated too. Good…I’d have a few words to share myself.
Suddenly the lights dimmed and the crowd hushed. The announcer stepped up to the mic with a booming voice. He announced the sponsors and introduced the judges. He covered some of Jackson’s stats and went on about Goliath being undefeated. I had learned in my own private research that his “undefeated” status was literal. No one had ever beaten him since the day he stepped into a cage four years ago.
The announcer finally stopped talking and I heard Jack’s music blare over the speakers.
“Ladieeeeees and gentlemeeeeen fighting for the title tonight, the former light heavyweight champion… Jacksooooon “The Axe” Haaaaaaaanks!”
I watched as his security detail escorted him down the aisle while the fans went nuts yelling his nickname, Axe. His gaze sharp and intense, a dar
k shade in his blue eyes. I shivered with desire. I’ve never seen him like this before.
When they got to where we were seated he stopped and pulled his shirt off to hand to me, revealing a creamy plane of rock hard muscles. His scary look dropped down for one millisecond as he planted a big kiss on me. As he was leaning back, Aaron puckered up like he wanted a kiss too.
“Don’t make me kick your ass too Aaron,” Jack told him with a small smirk. They pounded fists and Cain patted him on the back with a word of encouragement. “This is all you, J.”
We clapped as they led him forward for the judge’s final inspection. Santos stood beside him, his massive tattooed arms crossed and composed. He whispered small instructions to him calm him down as Jackson shook his arms and legs out.
As Jackson entered the cage, the music changed to some loud Reggae music and the announcer said, “Ladieeeeeeees and gentlemeeeeeen please welcome your reigning heavyweight champion here to defend his title…Goooooliiiiiiath!”
The crowd roared, some booed, some clapped. I watched as his security detail came out. He seemed to tower over them. He was literally a giant…I see where he got the name. His huge body was tatted up and his head shone in the arena lights. He had a scowl on his face and my pulse quickened as the butterflies in my stomach took flight.
The ref called them into the middle and the entire auditorium stilled. Goliath swayed and shifted as he watched Jackson, looking like he was chomping at the bit. Only Jack’s eyes moved as he stood tall, his composure rippling off of him like a dangerous panther that could strike at any moment. They tapped fists and went back to their side.
When the first horn blared they came out and skirted around each other with their fists up. Suddenly Goliath threw a punch that caught Jackson in the nose. I watched in horror as blood flew out and splattered the canvas. I clutched my chest. Oh God!
While Jack was momentarily off balance, Goliath struck him on the side of the head with a massive left hook that gave me a headache. Jack stumbled back and tried to shake it off as Goliath threw one of his tree-trunk legs towards Jack’s flank. The crowd screamed for blood as his big foot caught Jack in the ribs.
Jack had been waiting for it. He clasped the calf against his body and twisted it, taking Goliath down to the ground. Jack growled and went down with him and used the leverage or momentum to push back against the big man so he didn’t land on him. Goliath did a belly flop into the mat and his own weight seemed to knock the air out of him. Jack moved quickly, straddling his back and wrapping his arm around the beefy neck. The crowd was roared and I gripped the armrest just as the horn sounded.
I watched Jack stand up and offer his hand to the giant. Goliath slapped it out of his way. Jackson smiled against his blue mouthguard. God, I love him.
When round two came, Goliath came out fierce throwing wild punches. He moved fast for a big guy and as he threw out a jab and a cross to his right, Jackson ducked and dodged to the left. He seemed to be anticipating another jab as he moved right then. Goliath brought up his elbow instead and hit him across the face with it. Jack looked stunned and I was beginning to panic.
Aaron squeezed my arm. “He’s okay, don’t worry.” Easy for him to say. Jack shook it off again and then brought his fist up underneath Goliath’s jaw. He seemed stunned and he stumbled back heavily into the net. Jackson didn’t hesitate to go after him and he wrapped the big man up in a bear hug as their foreheads pressed together. Sweat flung in the air as I heard Jack’s sharp intake of breath.
The ref suddenly went over and tugged Jack away, pulling him back just as he seemed about to take Goliath to the floor. The crowd screamed loudly and Aaron and Cain were suddenly on their feet hurling a slew of insults into the cage. Even Santos shook his head, his eyes laser beaming hatred at the ref.
“Bad call?” I asked, standing too. It looked bad to me, but I didn’t know if Jack had done something wrong.
“Bullshit call,” Aaron said, his accent sounding.
I looked across at Don. His lip quirked in a smile, he looked...pleased.My blood piked and my mind began to race with horrible possibilities. The crowd chanted around me and I felt disoriented as I blinked back the flood of emotions.What if…? I shivered at the dark thought.
What if they paid off the ref? What if no matter what Jack did, the judges gave it to Goliath? Holy shit. No!
It would kill Jackson to lose unfairly. I watched him in his corner talking with Santos as the medic patched up his still bleeding nose. He was nodding furiously and I hoped whatever Santos said would help him keep the faith.
The horn blared loudly and they met in the middle again. They did a little dance around each other and it was obvious that Goliath was winded. I bet he’d never gotten to the third round with another fighter before.
Jack delivered a painful kick to Goliath’s ear. It was with his bad leg and it landed with such force that I heard the smack. I was so proud of him as I watched Goliath go off balance. Jackson struck him with several more rapid blows in the same spot but the big bastard was still standing.
I saw Goliath pull his own foot back and aim for Jackson’s knee. I screamed just as my champion pulled away and danced out of reach. Goliath lost his footing quickly and stumbled to a knee.
With a roar, Jack rammed him into the floor but before he got the upper hand, Goliath grabbed his bad leg. He spun Jack into an Achilles lock and I knew it was putting pressure on his knee. I jumped on my feet as I saw the pain in Jack’s face. My heart seized in my chest.Ah, NO!
I wanted him to tap out and it took everything in me not to scream that out. He didn’t do it. He fought through it and suddenly his other leg came up high and in an impressive feat of flexibility, kicked Goliath in the mouth. It knocked him back and both men struggled to their feet panting.
I saw a scary look of murderous rage on Jack’s face that I’d never seen before. He stepped back quickly. I watched in awe as his slick muscles rippled as he twisted and landed a hard right punch to Goliath’s temple. Goliath’s head snapped back and he landed on his back with a thud… out cold.
The entire arena erupted to their feet as we saw Jack fall to his knees with a loud cry of victory. Jack raised his arms as his handsome face lifted up towards the blinding lights, a look of pure joy. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
When Goliath didn’t get up, the ref raised Jackson’s arm up, momentarily stunned at the undeniable knockout. The ref subtly looked towards Don’s section and shrugged anoh well.The announcer’s voice boomed over the mic as he and a rush of suited men entered the cage to congratulate Jackson.
“Youuur winner and NEW heavyweight champion of the woooorld… Jacksoooon “The Axe” Haaaaaaaaanks!”
The crowd went wild!Axe! Axe! Axe!I hugged Cain and Aaron and we all jumped up and down and chanted for him! Santos and the rest of the guys crowded around him as the Jack gave hugs and high fives.
A man handed Jack a gold, studded belt and he stared in awe at it, mouthing silently as he shook his head.Wow.
The announcer wrapped a hand around his shoulder. “So how do you feel Axe?”
He took a deep breath and swiped at his brow. Without hesitation he glanced outside the cage, directly at Don. “Like a real champion. Anyone who bets against me loses. Every fucking time."
The crowd screamed wildly again and when the noise died down the commentator said, “Jack, you made history tonight as the first man to win titles in both classes. What can we expect to see from younow as a heavyweight?”
His blue eyes found me and suddenly we were the only ones in the room.
“Well, I’m actually retiring Rick.” The arena fell silent.
“Like you’ve said, I’ve gotten two titles in two different weight classes. My time is up, I’m done. Now it’s time for fighters like Aaron Christie to step up. I'm honored to bow out for him.” He motioned towards us.
The cameras landed on Aaron’s face, who for the first time ever, stood dumfounded and speechless.
We all were.
“I’ve learned that... there are more important things in life than the fight.” He gave me a smile and I felt like my heart was somehow whole again.
***
The next evening, after a big celebration the night before, I was told to dress for the beach by Caroline. The beach? What beach? I was blindfolded by my own daughter and put into a limousine.
We drove for about twenty minutes and my mind scrambled to think of beaches near New York. Oh maybe Long Island? What was going on?
I was taken out of the car and led only by Nala’s small hand as Caroline directed her nearby. I felt my feet sinking into sand and before long Caroline pulled off the blindfold. I blinked twice before my eyes adjusted on Jackson standing in the middle of the sand.
The breeze off the Long Island Sound whipped his white swim trunks and blue V-neck gently in the wind. He looked divine. His hands were in his pockets and the sky sprawled in blue and white streaks behind him. The look in his eyes was gentle and my heart lifted with warmth.
“I thought you might like to go sailing.” His voice rolled through me, dark and rich. I felt my nipples peak in anticipation.
“Sure, but what was the blindfold about?”
“It’s a day of mystery,” he said, striding towards me and placing a peck to my cheek. He smelled so good.
“Now tell Nala you’ll see her later. I hear she has an event at the Bronx Zoo with some old folks.”
“Hey! Who are you calling old? You might be the champ but I can still kick your behind!” Caroline said from behind me.
He grinned and gave her a wink. “I’m not afraid of you, Mom.”
I glanced back at her. “Oh yes he is.”
He nodded reluctantly. “Okay I am.” He kissed her cheek and thanked her and Roger again as I said bye to Nala. Then he took me by the hand and led me to a boat slip where a beautiful sailboat awaited us.
“You know how to sail?” I asked him as we stepped aboard.
“You don’t?” he said with a chuckle. “Yes baby, I know how.”
BWWM: BEFORE I WAKE: A Bad Boy Billionaire Book Collection (African American Interracial Series) Page 285