by Harley Reid
Contents
Title
Copyright
Synopsis
Playlist
Dedication
Epigraph
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About The Author
by
HARLEY REID
Copyright © 2021 by Harley Reid
All rights reserved.
Fight Like A Girl is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
Widower.
Single father.
Notorious womaniser.
Ethan Brooks is one of the most violent men I have ever laid eyes on.
When I accepted the job to look after his daughter, the last thing I expected was to fall in love with everything I despise.
My heart belongs to the hottest guy in MMA and that can only mean one thing...
I'm going to get my heart broken (again).
Timid.
Naive.
Hopeless Romantic.
Mia Cooper is kind, caring and everything that I am not.
When I invited her into my home, I didn't realise that she would be the best thing to happen to this family since my wife.
I can't get her out of my head and I'll do anything to protect her.
But as much as it kills me, there is no way we can ever be together.
Listen To Your Heart ~ Cosette Smith
Girl In The Mirror ~ Bebe Rexha
Trouble ~ Iggy Azalea
All That Matters ~ Christina Perri
You ~ The Pretty Reckless
True Colors ~ Anna Kendrick & Justin Timberlake
You Make Me Wanna Die ~ The Pretty Reckless
Elastic Heart ~ Colin & Caroline
Titanium ~ Mckenna Breinholt & Cosette Smith
It's Not Over ~ Daughtry
Still Into You ~ Paramore
For all those out there who are brave enough to go after what you want.
Never be afraid to follow you dreams!
“In fairy tales there is always a Prince Charming and a bad guy.
In real life, Prince Charming is the bad guy.”
~ Unknown
1 Month Ago
Local Mixed Martial Artist to return to octagon two years after tragic death of wife.
MMA star Ethan Brooks is said to be returning to the octagon for the first time since the tragic death of his wife two and a half years ago.
His return will mark 33-year-old Brooks' bid for the light heavyweight championship against old team-mate and long-time rival Lucas Stone.
The former interim champion posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram describing his feelings ahead of his return.
His social media post read: 'Currently in talks with VFL trying to agree terms for my return. It's been two years since I last stepped into the octagon and put on a show for you guys; but two years ago, my world fell apart in the worst possible way.'
'The memories of that last fight have been tarnished. What should have been an event to celebrate, turned into the worst day of my life when I found out that Samantha was gone.'
'Fighting didn't matter to me anymore, the only thing I cared about was my gorgeous baby girl, which is why I gave up my career and devoted the past two years to raising her.'
The Manchester born father of one, who has been raising daughter Madison, 7, after losing Samantha, also paid tribute to his daughter and sister Sarah Johnson, who is also his manager.
'Things are different now,' he continued. 'These last two years have been tough, but thanks to the love and support of my sister, I am now in a much better place and return to claim what's mine.'
Ethan's late wife Samantha tragically died when she was visiting friends in London when she fell victim to multiple stab wounds during a mugging gone wrong.
Although initially asking followers to respect his privacy during the grieving process, Brooks has frequently been spotted at multiple events, with various women, leading to backlash from fans who initially supported the widower.
Speaking with President of Valkyrie Fighting League, Elaine Silvers, we can report that The Sandman is currently in talks with matchmakers regarding his return, however contracts have not yet been signed.
You can do this. I take a deep breath, trying to convince myself that everything will be okay as I ring the doorbell. If the bus ride here is anything to go by, I'm going to need a miracle to get this job.
I should have stayed on my sister’s stupid sofa with Ryan Gosling just like I have every single day since my world came crashing down around me. Instead, I've had the embarrassment of spilling my coffee down me on the bus, missing my stop and getting caught in a huge downpour while walking here. Luckily, despite having to walk an extra half a mile, I am actually early.
The door opens and a tall brunette in her late thirties appears in the doorway. She reminds me a lot of my sister — beautiful without so much as trying.
And there stands me, drenched, and desperately trying to wrap my black blazer around my body to hide the brown stain down the front of my once pink blouse.
“Hi, you must be Amelia.” She smiles “Come on in.”
Amelia Cooper, that's my name. Twenty-four years old. A yoga fanatic, perfectionist with a heart as big as the ocean. Lover of all things Disney, riding boots and curling up under a wool blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a good romance movie.
A girl so obsessed with Prince Charming that I saved myself for the one man who ticked every box on my list, and then watched as he ripped my heart right out of my chest.
“Thanks, please call me Mia.” I step inside the enormous hallway and admire the rustic decor and high ceilings of the barn conversion. “You have a beautiful home.”
“I'm Sarah, Ethan's sister.” She chuckles, knowing full well that I'd be stupid not to have done my research, but still, I don't like to be presumptuous. “He's still interviewing at the moment but if you want to use the bathroom to freshen up, it's a little up the hall and to the left.”
Great, I must look an absolute state if she's insisting that I freshen up before the interview.
I. Hate. My. Life.
As I walk through the maze of corridors, eventu
ally finding the bathroom, I stare in horror at the girl looking back at me. My mousy blonde hair clings limply to my mascara-stained cheeks, while my body tries to escape from the clothes that don't quite fit right anymore. A month of neglect and junk food will have that effect.
Anxiety smashes into me like a freight train. How am I supposed to convince someone that I am capable of looking after a child when I can't even take care of myself?
My heart pounds against my chest as I splash a little water over my face, hoping for a little improvement on my current state.
“What would Lexi do?” I ask myself quietly. Fake it ‘til you make it, sis! that's what she always tells me. So, with those words ringing in my head, I make my way back to the living room and wait for my date with the devil.
“You can do this.” I once again remind myself quietly. My nerves still getting the better of me as I sit waiting for my interview to begin. “It's not your first choice, but it is the only option you've got right now.”
I glance around, taking in my lavish surroundings. The black leather sofa, large enough to seat a family of ten, sticks to my clammy skin as I shuffle nervously. A soft knock on the living room door makes me twist my head to look behind me.
“Ethan is ready to see you now.” Sarah announces in her matter-of-fact tone as she spins around and begins to walk away.
I stand and make my way over to her, pausing, motionless as the door swings open.
A giant stands in front of me, filling the entire doorway with his muscular physique. Then without warning he disappears into the darkness.
Following him into the dimly lit study, my heart pounds against my ribs and a thick layer of sweat seeps through my pores as I finally meet him in person.
The Devil, also known as Ethan The Sandman Brooks.
Widower.
Single father.
Notorious womaniser.
And one of the most violent men I have ever laid eyes on.
He is wearing a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and loosely tied combat boots that self-consciously make me question my frumpy trouser suit. At 5 foot 4 inches, I know I am somewhat vertically challenged but still don't normally worry about my height. Here in this moment, with him towering over me. I feel smaller and more vulnerable than ever.
“Take a seat.” Ethan orders intensely.
Not knowing whether to run for the hills or stay, I follow his instructions and slowly ease myself down into the chair as I gulp hard. He watches my every move, smiling curiously.
“So, let’s just cut to the chase shall we...” His tone is cold. “Why should I hire you to take care of my daughter?”
Straight to the point, no pleasantries at all. Can you believe this guy!
“Well, I don't have a lot of on-the-job experience, but I have a degree in early childcare development as well as a valid first aid certificate.” My throat is closing in on me and I can't get enough air in. “Sorry, could I trouble you for a glass of water please?”
“Wait here.” Without giving me time to respond, he leaves the room.
I twirl my hair around my finger, something I always do whenever my nerves are out of hand. I wish more than anything that I could channel Lexi's confidence. I would give anything to escape the timid, insecure little girl inside me right now.
My body shudders as he enters the room again moments later. I take a much-needed sip of water from the glass he placed on the table in front of me and continue rambling on about my inexperience and love of children until the interview is brought to an abrupt end.
“Thank you for your time. That will be all.” Ethan orders as he continues staring at me through narrow eyes.
I frown at him, trying to figure out what it is about him that makes women succumb to his every desire.
His narcissistic, bad boy fighter appeal is the complete opposite of everything I stand for. And yet, there is something about him that I can't walk away from. Physically, he is the perfect specimen of a man.
Even in this low light, his thick dark brown hair is trimmed into a perfectly styled comb-over with faded sides. He has the brightest, emotionless steel blue eyes, and tanned skin with a hint of tattoo just peeking out from under his collar. His nose veers off slightly to the right and his ears are deformed and lumpy but there is no denying that he is handsome. Tall as a tree and wide as a house with a chiselled jaw and cheekbones that could cut glass.
I heave myself up from the chair and move towards the entrance, ready to leave.
He follows, taking a step closer to me as I reach the door, forcing my back to press against the wall.
Leaning in, he reaches around me, his lips inches away from my mouth and a breath catches in my throat. My body paralysed with anticipation.
Three days ago, I watched this man violently savage another man with no regret. He's a sociopath. No, he's worse because he hides behind an international organisation and justifies it by calling it a career.
I've been beyond disgusted with what little I know about this man. But despite it all, I'm hypnotically drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.
“Goodbye Miss Cooper.” The door opens with a creek, and he ushers me through it.
It's only when I hear the click of the lock behind me that I can at long last experience the air rushing back to my lungs and as my heartbeat returns to normal, I take a few moments to compose myself.
How can one person terrify and excite me all at the same time?
“Thank you for your time. That will be all.” I tell her, watching her brow furrow as she continues to stare at me. For some reason I can't take my eyes off her.
It's been an exhausting day interviewing old women who I wouldn't trust to take care of a cactus let alone a seven-year-old girl, and she is a breath of fresh air.
Her emerald eyes are wide, most likely a result of the anxiety that caused me to bring the interview to a premature end.
She's a beautiful mess.
She rises from her chair and walks into the hallway. I follow, taking a step towards her as she reaches the front door. She gasps as I reach around to open the door, her rigid body pressed against the wall.
“Goodbye Miss Cooper.” I say, closing the door behind her and striding back to my study.
I pick up the pile of notes and head to the lounge, collapsing onto the worn leather sofa that Samantha convinced me to buy when Madison was younger — I hate it, the way the cold fabric clings to my skin drives me insane but I haven't really had a chance to replace it yet.
Dropping the notes next to me, I check my watch. It's six thirty-five and I've been interviewing for almost eight hours. No wonder I'm knackered.
I lay my head back, close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting my thoughts drift to the cute little blonde that I plan to offer the role to.
An absolute car crash with a kind, nurturing presence and the feminine influence missing in Maddie's life. Besides, having her around the house wouldn't be such a bad thing.
"Tough day?" Sarah interrupts my thoughts as she pours two glasses of whiskey from the crystal decanter by the window and sits beside me, “Here, looks like you need it.”
Fuck! Why does she always insist on sneaking up on me and catching me by surprise?
She passes me a glass and takes a sip of her drink.
“Maddie's been fed, bathed and is playing in her room. I told her that you go read her a story before bed.” She shuffles through my notes, my words making her face contort involuntarily. “Any luck? Only... the sooner you find someone, the quicker I can get those contracts sent over.”
As well as being my older sister, Sarah is my manager and like all good manager's she is a pit bull that only cares about one thing.
Money.
She's not the warm and fuzzy type, but she's been a great help with Madison over the last couple of years and now she's desperate for me to step back in that octagon and do what I do best.
Before Samantha, I had recently won the interim title, was earning close to six figures for each fight
and was training to go head-to-head with my ex-team-mate Lucas once he was ready to return following an injury. As good as the other guys on the roster are, she's not making half that with them.
To be honest, I need to throw myself back in to it and luckily, she's managed to pull some strings to get me an immediate title match. The Light Heavyweight division is in a bit of a slump which I'm so grateful for.
I just need to make sure I have someone I can trust to take care of my girl before I start training.
“I was planning on offering it to Amelia Cooper.” She screws her face up as the words leave my mouth, “What?”
“The scraggy little blonde?” She blurts, clearly not happy with my choice. “What about the older lady... Mrs Davenport?”
“They were all older ladies! What's wrong with Amelia?” I'm really not in the mood to argue with her about this, and she's as stubborn as a mule. Once, she held one of my fights to ransom until she got what she wanted, but she wants the money too much to do that this time.
“She barely looked like she could take care of herself, never mind a firecracker like Madison.” She scoffs, “You have no idea what it's taken to get you this fight and I certainly don't want to have to put my reputation on the line by pulling out part way through because she can't handle it.”
“Don't be so dramatic.” She can be so childish at times. You wouldn't think she was in her early forties sometimes.
“It's okay, I mean what would I know about raising a child anyway?”
Okay, here comes the guilt trip.
“It's not like I raised you or have three boys of my own.”
I gulp down my whiskey, savouring the warmth as it flows down my throat, then I place the glass down on the coffee in front of me with a thud.
Our parents passed away in a devastating car accident when we were younger and because we didn't have anyone else, we ended up in care for two years. As soon as she turned eighteen, she claimed legal guardianship of me and gave up her life to take care of an eleven-year-old, and she never lets me forget it.