The Fight

by t. h. snyder

  My subconscious kicks in and all I can think about is the love my brother has for this woman. I was wrong to take advantage of the situation and it will be something I’ll forever regret. I need to regain my focus, walk away, and keep my head held high. I might hate myself for it in this moment, but I’ll be the better man in the end.

  Allowing my thoughts to drift away, I let my arms slide down the wall before taking a step away from Taryn. As I move to her side, I pick up her bag from the floor and extend my arm out to her. I can tell she’s still staring at me, but I refuse to make eye contact.

  “Hank…what just happened. It’s something I’ve….”

  I stop her abruptly by shoving the bag into her torso.

  “It was a mistake, Taryn, something that never should have happened. Take your bag and go home, pretend like none of this ever happened and we can continue on with our lives as we always have.”

  “But, Hank…” she mutters.

  I can hear the sadness in her tone and can pretty much guarantee she wants me as badly as I want her, it can just never happen.

  Turning to face her, I give her a horrid glare.

  “In case you didn’t hear me the first time, I said it was a mistake. Go home, Taryn…this never happened.”

  A gasp escapes her lips as a single tear falls from her eye, sliding down her cheek. Resisting the urge to pull her into my arms and wipe away her tear, I turn my back on her and walk my way through the warehouse and out the front door.

  My chest aches as I slide into my truck and slam the door shut. With my hands shaking, I grab onto the steering wheel and hold on tight for dear life.

  What the fuck did I just do?

  That kiss, those lips against mine and her body touching me…it was too good to be true. I’ll never be able to get those images out of my head now that I’ve had a taste of her.

  Slamming my hands against the wheel, I hear tires screech from behind me as a red Mercedes pulls out of the alley way.

  She’s consumed me and now…she’s engraved in my mind forever. Why can’t I get over her, why does she have to live in my dreams, and why did she have to come back into my life? Things were so much easier while she was away at school. I may have thought about her, but not seeing her on a regular basis made things a lot easier. I’ve had my share of relationships over the years, women that have come and gone like the wind. No one ever mattered enough for me to put in the effort to make it last. My mind and attention were always more focused on my personal gains, my training, and my work. I’d much rather be a loner than find myself trapped down by some chick that is only in it for a good time. I’m not getting any younger, I know this thanks to Ma telling me, but I also know that I’m not going to start something I don’t want to last forever.

  Could I have forever with Taryn? No, it’s not possible. What happened tonight can never happen again; I let her walk away from me and from this point moving forward I will continue to treat her as I always have. Mike and Trenton can never know what took place between us tonight; it would kill Mike and destroy Trenton. Even if I have to wallow in my own self pity for the loss of the woman I want…Taryn Morris is the one girl I can never have.

  The blaring sound of my alarm pulls me from my sleep. Rolling over onto my side I check the time, it’s eight o’clock and I need to get moving.

  Thoughts of last night squirm their way into my mind and I’m at a loss. Throwing myself back down onto the mattress, I close my eyes and try to think of something positive, but I can’t.

  After leaving the Cage last night, my heart destroyed, I made my way to the docks to put in my hours. The work load was intense and a great way to relieve the stress and anxiety rushing through my veins. During a few down moments between loading the crates, she crossed my mind. Chills rushed through my body with the memories of her touch. It’s going to take some time and a shield made of iron to bring back the cold hearted ways I once felt for her.

  I have to forget.

  I want to be strong for the two of us.

  I need to erase the images of her that now filter through my mind.

  Propping myself up onto my side, I rub away at my tired eyes. Today is going to be hard and I know the dread I’ll have to deal with once I get to the Cage.

  As I slide out of my soft, warm bed, I make my way out to the kitchen to grab some water and fix up my pre-workout shake. Sounds of my two roommates fill our apartment. Turning my head toward the living room, I see Mike walking through the open space. I have to laugh at his unique appearance as his hair “the flow” is shifted in all directions. He side steps a few times as he walks toward me with his eyes barely open.

  “Wake up, dude, before you crash into something,” I say watching his every move.

  Shaking his head, he lets out a long grunt and sits down along the kitchen bar.

  “How do you do it, man, there’s no way I could function on your lack of sleep.”

  Resting his head down on the counter, his arms serving as a pillow, he closes his eyes and begins to drift off.

  “Well, not all of us need the amount of beauty sleep you do, I’m just gifted that way.”

  A loud roar of laughter echoes through the high ceiling as Trenton joins us in the kitchen.

  “Yeah, you’re gifted all right, just not with the ladies. Both of you could use a bit of help in that area. Mike here is still trying his damnedest to get Taryn to go out with him.”

  “Fuck off, asshole; she’ll come running to me sooner or later,” Mike says lifting his head and waving his hand in Trenton’s face.

  “Not if I have anything to say about it. Just keep trying dickhead, she knows who she wants and I won’t have you groveling when she’s right where she should be, in my arms,” Trenton remarks with pride boasting through his tone.

  Watching the two most important people in my life bicker over the same woman, it tears me apart knowing what I’ve done. The pain of guilt rises through my body. If they only knew what happened last night, if they found out that my heart is attached to her just as much as each of theirs is…we’d have a bad situation on our hands.

  “Guys, maybe it’s time to give up, move on and find someone else to stalk. For all you know Taryn has her claim set on someone else.”

  Without thinking about the words coming out of my mouth and that I want that person to be me, I watch as they both stare at me.

  “You know something we don’t, Hank?” Mike asks with a look of hurt spread across his face.

  “Nothing more than you do, I’m just saying move on. It’s been years, far too long for you all to be doing this to yourselves. Go out, date random chicks, and get laid.”

  “I get laid,” Trenton responds with a coy smirk.

  “Sure you do, buddy, sure you do,” I state, picking up my shake and chugging it down.

  I can’t stand to deal with this topic of conversation; I have more important things on my mind that deserve the proper attention. Moving away from the kitchen space, I head back to my room to pack up my bag for the day.

  It’s going to be awkward, but nonetheless I need to focus and do what I’ve been born to do…fight.

  Pulling my truck into the back lot, I round the corner heading for my spot.

  Son of a bitch!

  That fucking red Mercedes is in my spot again. Now knowing whose it is, rage builds from within. Good going Taryn, just give me one more reason to build up my iron walls. The more she can do to piss me off, the better I’ll feel. Even if my heart wants one thing, my mind knows what is best for both of us.

  Finding a spot along side of her car, I put the truck in park and shut off the engine. I reach around to the back seat, pull out my bag, and hop out of my truck.

  With my head held high and a mission for the day, I walk through the back door leading to my home away from home. I immediately push my way through the other gym members and allow my feet to lead me toward the locker room. My name is called a few times as I pass the regular clients, but I ignore them. I’m an
asshole, here for one reason and one reason alone. They are my opponents and from this point moving forward, they are nothing to me while we’re in the Cage.

  The fluorescent lights fill the cool space as I begin to shed my clothes and tuck my bag into the locker. With my gloves hung across my shoulders, I take a step toward the wall to wall mirrors. My face is tired, my dark eyes filled with red from the lack of sleep, but my body and mind are pumped with energy.

  Staring back at my reflection, I give myself a mental pep talk…

  Do this for you, Hank, do it for Pa. There’s only one person that matters and that’s the champion from within. You control your thoughts, your actions and your destiny.

  It’s time to work hard for what you’ve always wanted. Time to make it happen. Fight like no other. Don’t give up, don’t lose focus…no distractions.

  Feeling inspired and pumped to train my hardest, I walk out of the locker room and into the gym. As soon as I step foot into the space, I look up and see her.

  Our eyes catch sight of one another and my heart drops to my feet.

  Focus, Hank…focus!

  Chapter 9

  I stand here, completely motionless as our eyes are locked. I can’t help but feel the need to take a step closer and talk to him about last night. What happened between us was more than we’re both willing to let on. I was devastated at his words. He was so cruel saying it was a mistake, that it never happened…but it did and I wanted it for so long. Can he honestly say that he didn’t feel what I was feeling? The way he consumed me, touched me, and moaned between our bodies. I’d be a fool to think I was the only one enjoying our moment.

  He breaks our gaze, his face turning cold and full of disgust. My heart crashes against my rib cage as if he’s just ripped it out. I watch as he walks away and toward the equipment. I have to go, move away from this moment and do as he’s said…forget. Walking back to the hallway with a heavy heart, I feel my body slouching with each step I take. I feel worthless, defeated, and stupid. It would have been so much easier if I would have just walked away from him, fought through his barricade, and just went home last night, but no, instead I stayed and now I’m stuck here feeling like shit.

  How the hell am I supposed to just let it go? He made me feel things I’ve never experienced, it’s not like I can just wipe my memory clean…can I?

  Taking a seat next to Marta’s desk, I try to busy myself, but it’s no use…I can’t.

  Having seen his training schedule, I know he will be matching off with Mike later this morning. I need to make myself scarce; I can’t be here to watch the battle between the two of them…or should I?

  I’ve never watched a training fight, the only time I’ve seen two men in the cage were when Daddy took me and Mama to an actual fight. For a long time, I didn’t understand the power of the opponents, the reasons in which they enjoyed sparing off with one another, or the drive it took to be in the cage. But now I want to …I have a need to witness it.

  My mind may be sick and twisted, but as much as I don’t want to see Hank and Mike fight, something in me feels the need to be there. Maybe if I just lurk around the corner out of their line of sight, it’ll be okay.

  For the rest of the morning I busy myself with the tasks Marta has assigned me. I feel at ease in her office, comfortable enough to accomplish the projects she’s set out for me to do. The work load isn’t that intense and I’m able to finish up in enough time to watch the guy’s practice.

  My eyes catch sight of Daddy walking past the office. I turn to Marta letting her know that I’m going to break for a few minutes to watch a match in the cage. She agrees that it’s a good idea to let my brain rest for a bit. Giving her a smile, I move away from the desk and out of the office.

  I catch Daddy just before he turns the corner.

  “Daddy,” I call out to him.

  He turns on his heels and flashes me a brilliant smile. I love him so much.

  “Hey, princess, how’s your day going?”

  Giving him a smile, I step toward him and wrap my arms around his waist. With a kiss to my forehead, he too wraps his arms around me.

  “I’m good, just finished up some things Marta gave me and thought I’d come out here to watch the guy’s practice.”

  Pulling away from our embrace he looks down to me with uncertainty in his eyes.

  “You want to watch the boy’s practice? Where’s my sweet little girl that didn’t like to watch the men in the cage?”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I release a giggle.

  “I’m not a little girl anymore, Daddy, and since I’m here to train, I thought it would be good to watch some of the fights.”

  Squinting his eyes at me, he pierces his lips together and nods.

  “Alright, Taryn, but stay out of their line of focus. Hank and Mike don’t need a distraction when they’re in the cage. These men are training for the fights of their lives and, in no time, we’ll be pushing them even more to prepare for what’s yet to come.”

  “I understand, Daddy. I’ll just stay back by the front door and remain invisible.”

  With a wicked glare, he wraps his arm around my shoulder and escorts us to the center of the gym.

  “You can try to be invisible, my sweet girl, but remember you’re in a gym filled with men…it won’t be that easy.”

  Pushing him away from me, I blow him a kiss.

  “Get to work, Daddy. I’ll just sit back over at the front counter with Traci and Jamie. I’m sure they’ll help keep me out of trouble.”

  “Good thinking, sweet girl. I’ll see you after the fight. We’ll grab some lunch together, deal?”

  Nodding, I wave him off and move to the front of the gym. Even though the girls are situated at the front of the warehouse, the cage sits in the middle. I’ll still have a good view from here and neither Hank nor Mike should be able to see me.

  As I step up to the counter, I see both girls are busy registering new clients. I slide in between the open space and pull up a stool to face the cage. Right now it’s empty, but I can feel the adrenaline that will soon be pumping through the wires of the fenced in area.

  Finding a piece of paper and a pen, I start to doodle until I hear word from the coaches that the practice is ready to begin. Before long I feel a small hand on my shoulder. Looking to my left, I see Jamie standing by my side with a smile spread across her face.

  “Hey, lady, what’s up?” I ask smiling back at her.

  “Not too much, sweetie, what ya doodling there?” she asks, looking down at the piece of paper.

  My eyes follow hers and I’m embarrassed with what I see, I must have been stuck in la la land and didn’t realize what I was drawing.

  In front of me is a large drawing of a cage, boxing gloves and each of the guys’ names in large, bold font. Good Lord, I have issues and need to get my head on straight.

  “Watcha looking at?” Traci asks bouncing over along my other side.

  As soon as I try to grab up the paper, Jamie pulls it from my hands. “Our girl here was just doodling and look what she’s done, it’s kinda cute.”

  With embarrassment shading my face bright red, I slouch back on the stool and cover my face.

  “Why the hell are you hiding, chicky? You’ve done well. You can really draw. Show this to the boss and I guarantee he’ll wanna make something of it.”

  “Oh God no, it needs to go in the trash. I was just messing around and got lost in thought.”

  “Well, I can see why someone like you would get lost in thought over those three men, they’re to die for.”

  Someone like me, what the hell is that supposed to mean?

  “Ugh,” I cry as the sound of the bell rings, pulling my attention from the girls and to the center of the gym.

  The rest of the world around me stops as I stare at the cage, between the wire walls. Two men are about to sprawl off and both of them hold a special place in my heart, if only I’d be able to give them both what they need…it’ll just never happen.
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  My eyes catch sight of Hank to one side and Mike along the other. I can’t help but allow my eyes to linger over Hank’s body. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, gloves, and headgear. As I scope out his form, I see it’s covered in tattoos running down his arms, his chest, and lower abdomen. My mouth begins to water and I swallow hard with the thoughts racing through my mind. He’s absolutely gorgeous; I can’t help but wish my hands were touching his firm body.

  Hank takes a step forward, touching the gloves attached to Mike with his own. My heart begins to speed up an extra beat as they step away, nodding to one another.

  Daddy barks off the terms of the fight to both men and they agree with loud voices. I know that this is just practice, but I can’t help but feel differently for them as they prepare to tear one another apart.

  Mike makes the first move catching Hank in a headlock with his right arm. He then brings his other arm below Hank’s neck and his arm, clenching both his hands in a tight hold. A coy smirk pulls from Hank’s face as he allows Mike to dip his right shoulder and rolls both of their bodies over onto the mat. I can barely watch. I want to bring my hands up to my face and cover my eyes. I stand to get a closer look at the two of them lying on the ground.

  The sounds of Dan, Gus, and Daddy yell to the guys as they fight one another on the floor of the cage. Mike moves on top of Hank and I can tell Hank’s trying to squirm out from underneath Mike’s body.

  With pride on his face, I see Mike’s eyes glance over toward me. Hank watches his every move and can see where his stare is focused.

  I quickly sit back down, the girls stepping in closer to my side.

  Shit! Did they see them looking at me; did I just fuck this up?

  Within a second, Mike’s attention pulled from his focus, Hank flips him onto his back. Hank places one leg under Mike’s armpit and turns his body toward that leg, catching Mike’s arm in a locked position. He continues to wrestle with Mike, pushing his arm away from his back, creating pressure on Mike’s elbow and shoulder. A loud sound echoes throughout the walls as Mike shouts out in pain. Dan calls the fight to stop as he runs into the cage with Daddy and Gus following close behind.