“No,” Bryant rushed to explain. “Parker would never betray your confidence like that. I see the way you two behave around each other. You can’t hide things from me, brother.”
Parker groaned in her sleep when she shifted, bumping one of her many bruises against the bed railing. Bryant jumped from his seat, rearranging several pillows to prevent it from happening again. Walt looked back and forth between them, then asked, “Is there something you need to tell me?”
Bryant felt his jaw clench at the question. “I’ll start talking to you when you start talking to me,” he answered, feeling defensive.
“Fair enough,” Walt said, settling back further into his chair.
As the silence began to grow, Bryant finally snapped, “I should have listened to her.” Parker started slightly at his raised voice but she didn’t awaken. Lowering his voice Bryant repeated, “I should have listened to her. She tried to tell me it was Malcolm, but I didn’t want to hear it. I should have been there to protect her while she checked those stills. Instead I was so pissed off about Sam that I let her get hurt.”
Walt leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. His curiosity was evident. “What does Sam have to do with any of this?” he asked.
“He’s in love with her,” Bryant answered, defeated.
“So?” Walt asked.
“So, I’m pretty sure that I love her too,” Bryant answered.
Walt stared unseeingly at Parker’s sleeping form as if weighing his words. “You can’t ask her to give up Sam,” he said suddenly.
Bryant bristled at that announcement. “I don’t understand why she would want a constant reminder of an abusive husband hanging around.”
Walt held Bryant’s eyes for the first time since coming home. “Because he’s also the only reminder she has of her daughter.” Bryant sat in a stunned silence as Walt continued. “You know, you are one of the best people that I know. You see a problem and you do everything within your power to fix it. You’re a fighter and a fixer that’s your thing. Once you decide to adopt someone into your fold, they are there for life and you’ll do anything for them. If you have a fault, it’s that you don’t put yourself in other people’s shoes. If you did, you’d realize that sometimes people don’t need you to fix them. Sam would never disrespect her by trying to move in on her, so she doesn’t need you to try to pry him out of her life for her. On the other hand, she does need you to love her.”
Bryant dug his cell phone out of his pocket, looking determined. “What’s Sam’s number?”
Walt laughed. “See, a fixer and a good man."
Parker woke up feeling like shit. She blinked in confusion at the unfamiliar room. She tried sitting up but ended up gasping in pain, holding her ribs. At her gasp, Sam rushed to her side. He adjusted her bed so she could sit up.
“Take it easy there. You’ve got a couple of cracked ribs,” he told her as he rearranged her pillows.
“Why am I so groggy?” she asked with a croak.
“Anesthesia. They had to do surgery on the wrist. I finally had to send Bryant to get something to eat. He was looking ragged as hell. He should be back soon, though.”
“Bryant let you send him away?” she asked in amazement.
“Yep. According to Walt, I’ve been adopted into the fold or some shit like that,” he told her with a smile, letting her know how much that had meant to him. Parker breathed an inner sigh of relief. Sam needed someone to accept him.
“What are you doing sitting up?” Bryant asked, coming in the door.
Sam bent down, kissing her on the cheek “I’m going to leave you to Bryant’s capable hands. I need to get some sleep.”
“Okay, call me later,” Parker told him, watching in amazement as Bryant shook hands with Sam walking him to the door. They spoke quietly for a minute but as soon as he was gone, Bryant spun on her. “I asked you a question. Why are you sitting up?”
She waved his concerns away. “I’ve had much worse. You can’t let it lay you out or it will take longer to heal. What happened with Malcolm?”
“He got away from us. I’m not sure where to go from here. He’s spiraling out of control. Nobody knows about the money. I replaced all the lost funds with my own money. Everyone thinks you found him while he was having one of his episodes and that he attacked you. He could still serve jail time if you want press charges against him.”
Parker was shaking her head before he had even finished. “No. He needs help and he won’t get that in jail. Give me a little time and I’ll track him down. It’s my specialty. Did you find out what the money was for?”
Nodding his head he answered, “Gambling debts. The one thing I can’t test my members for. He’s been betting on our fights. A few months back, Paul had this match where the odds were stacked against him for the win. Malcolm had been watching Paul train and he knew how good he was, but he still bet against him in the fight. When Paul won, Malcolm took a huge hit. It just kept going downhill from there and he couldn’t stop or get out.”
“Maybe I’ll feel sorry for him when I’m not in so much pain,” she told him sourly.
“I don’t feel sorry for him at all. I want him to get the help he needs so I can kick his ass afterwards.” Parker heard the pain hidden behind his words.
“I’m sorry,” she told him, meaning it.
“Why in the hell are you sorry? I‘m the one who should be sorry. You tried to warn me but I didn‘t listen.”
“Because he was your friend and he betrayed your trust. You believed in him and he let you down. I know better than most how bad that hurts,” she told him with sadness saturating her words.
Bryant hated that sadness. Walt was right. He was a fixer, but he could not sit by and do nothing while someone he loved hurt. He made a vow to himself she would never have a reason to hurt so long as he was around to help it.
“I’ll never let you down or betray your trust,” he told her aloud. Skirting the edge of her bed, he bent over her placing a hand on each side of her head. He tried not to jostle her as he melded his lips to hers. It was a quick kiss but it was filled with such promise that he felt his chest tighten painfully. He rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes.
They sat like that until a throat cleared from the door way. They both turned their heads to find Paul blushing and looking away. Bryant couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.
“Hey, Paul, come on in.” Parker motioned at him.
Paul shuffled in, taking the chair furthest from the bed so Bryant could sit close enough to hold her hand.
“I hear you’re getting sprung tonight,” Paul said, looking back and forth between Bryant and Parker, and then at their joined hands. He was smiling like an idiot. Paul tried several times to arrange his face into a sober expression but he continued to fail.
Bryant rolled his eyes before answering, “Yep, as soon as the doctor comes around and signs the release papers we’ll get to go home.”
“Do you need some help?’ Paul asked.
“Nah, Parker is going home with me, so she’ll be well cared for.”
Bryant looked at Parker, trying to judge her reaction to his pronouncement. To his relief, she didn’t argue. She only blinked as if surprised.
Paul nodded as if he expected nothing less, then he asked Parker, “Do you want me to take over teaching your class until you’re back to fighting shape?”
Parker cleared her throat, uncomfortable with the question. They hadn’t discussed how she would go about ending the classes when her investigation ended. “You know I don’t know if I’m going to keep doing it or not,” she told him.
Paul looked crestfallen “Why not? The guys were learning so much from you.”
Parker was quick to jump on his words “That’s just the thing. When I started this, I was hoping to teach women how to protect themselves. Instead, only the guys showed up.”
Paul shook his head. “I looked at the online registration before coming up here tonight. An additional twenty-three
women signed up to start next week.”
Parker’s face brightened. “Really?” She looked at Bryant for help.
Bryant studied the hopeful look on her face and sighed with resignation. “Okay, Paul. It looks like we’re going to need you to take over Parker’s class until her doctor releases her to fight again.”
Paul pumped a fist in the air. “Yes! All those ladies needing my help!”
Bryant pointed a finger at him. “Don’t get us sued for sexual harassment.”
“I would never,” he said, sounding insulted, and then smiled, belying his words. “I guess I’m going to head out. Let me know if you guys need anything else.” Paul jumped up, clapping Bryant on the shoulder. “Catch you on the flip side, man.”
Bryant echoed, “Yep, on the flip side.”
As soon as Paul was out of ear shot, Parker asked, “Are you really going to let me keep teaching my class?”
Bryant heaved a sigh. “Apparently I am,” he told her, resigned.
Bryant’s house was beautiful. Parker had known somewhere deep in her mind that Bryant had money, but she was still taken by surprise by the house.
“I guess fighting pays well,” she told him as they passed through the living room. A view of the pool and pool house were visible through the window.
Bryant shrugged, letting her know it mattered not at all. “I bought the house for Mom and Dad, but they refused to accept it. I was living in a house similar in size to what they're living in now, so I moved in here.” He led her to his bedroom, dropping her bags by the door.
“I’ll unpack your stuff later. Do you want to lie down?” he asked, his concern evident.
“Yeah, if you don’t mind. All these painkillers are making my head spin.”
“Wait, don’t move from that spot.” Bryant stood watching her to be sure she was doing as he told her. When he was sure she was going to behave, he moved to pull the covers down on the bed. Coming back to her side, he gently lifted her into his arms, taking great care of her injuries. She didn’t feel more than a twinge or two. Just one more thing he was good at. He got her settled, propping pillows up for her arm and more behind her head and down her side.
By the time he was finished, she felt as if she was sleeping in a cocoon. “Do you think you’re going a bit over board?” she asked as he was tucking a blanket in around the pillows.
“No. I move around a lot in my sleep and I don’t want to jostle you too hard unintentionally somehow during the night.
“Would it be easier if I slept in one of the other bedrooms?” she asked, not wanting to put him out.
“No, it would not. I want you here with me. I know you’re a little drugged up right now, but I still want you to stay. I want you here with me from here on out.”
She could see that he was holding his breath awaiting her response, but she needed some clarification. “How do you mean?" she asked.
Bryant circled the bed, climbing in with her. He scooted up as close as he could without hurting her until he had them positioned face to face. He stared into her eyes. She wondered which parent he got those wonderful brown eyes from, while waiting for him to answer her. “You’re beautiful inside and out. It steals my breath away, and I don’t want to be without you. I want to wake up with you every morning, so I’m asking you to stay. Move in here for now. Give me a chance to convince you to keep me.”
Tears pricked at the backs of Parker's eyes. Never since Amelia had died had she wanted anything for herself. But this man; he was like the devil, tempting her with all of her heart's desire. It would be unfair for him not to know it all. That thought caused Parker to speak up.“You know, I probably won’t be able to have any more kids.” Parker looked away, fearing his reaction, but she pressed on. “My daughter, Amelia, was born prematurely. I just went into labor one day and there was no stopping it. She was too little and her heart couldn’t withstand the strain.” She stopped as she tried to swallow past a lump that had formed in her throat before continuing. “Anyway, the doctor didn’t know if I’d ever be able to carry to term. Maybe you should think about that while you‘re trying to decide whether or not to keep me.” Bryant reached over, cupping her chin, turning her face back to his. To her shame, a tear leaked out from the corner of her eye. Bryant brushed it away with his thumb
“I’ve never given much thought to kids since everything has always revolved around my career. Then you came along and knocked me on my ass. Now I can’t see a future without you. I just want you. If you want to have a family, we can always adopt. Give it some thought. Please.”
She continued to hold his gaze as she told him, “I’ll stay and give you a chance. I’m still scared that I’ll somehow screw this up, but as it turns out I’m also selfish because I love you and I don’t want to leave.”
“Man, I sure hope that’s not your meds talking. You just said you love me,” he said, a half smile playing on his lips.
Parker nodded solemnly “I do. I know that it’s too soon. I know that other people will think we’re crazy, but I’ve been doomed from the first time I met you.”
Taking her face between his hands, he told her solemnly, “I have never been one of those people who didn’t believe in love. I had the best example of it through my parents. I guess I was waiting for that, and from the first time I saw you in that office, I knew it was you that I’d been waiting on. I don’t give a shit what people think because I love you” Leaning over, he pressed a light kiss against her lips.
They laid together in the darkness, enjoying each other's company. Even the sound of Bryant’s breathing was wonderful to her. She had lost so many people in her life. She knew how precious love was and how to not take it for granted. She had no doubt that he meant every word. A strong man would never claim love he didn’t feel.
She was almost asleep when another thought occurred to her. “Is there anyone at the club in need of a job? I’m going to have to hire someone to work for me for the next four to five weeks while I wait on my ribs to heal.”
Bryant rubbed his chin in thought. “I guess I could put a post up.”
“I appreciate it. I’d hate for my business to go down the toilet in my absence.”
“Let me worry about it. I’ll take care of everything. You worry about getting better. Now go to sleep,” he ordered.
Smiling, Parker asked, “What’s going on with you and Sam?’
“I asked him to come and train at Smith Brothers,” Bryant admitted.
“Are you doing this for me?” Parker asked, touched that he would do such a thing.
“Mostly. Also, it gives me an excuse to beat the shit out of him without making you too mad,” he answered, causing Parker to chuckle. She shoved her feet underneath him making him jump from the coldness of them.
At his look, she said “What? My feet are cold.”
“So it begins,” he told her in a voice reserved only for a doomed man.
A few days later, the forced inactivity was killing her. Boredom was conquering her and making her unable to concentrate on anything. That’s why, when Bryant came home, she needed to force herself to listen to him.
“I’ve got good news. Do you remember Lucy?” At her absent nod, he continued. “As it turns out, she lost her job as a legal secretary and she would love to come work for you if you’ll have her.”
“Excellent. Did you give her my number?” Parker asked, excitement growing at the thought of accomplishing something.
Bryant shuffled uncomfortably. “Actually I kind of have a surprise for you.”
“Really?” she asked. “What is it?”
He said, “Don’t be mad,” as he shuffled over to open the door. Ace, Paul, and Lucy stood waiting on the other side.
“You brought me company? Thank God, I’ve been so bored!” she crowed.
“Not exactly,” Bryant answered, his voice reminding her that he had expected her to be mad. Seeing that she remembered, he said, “I hired them to do a little job for me today.”
As
the trio filed in, she was able to see a clear view of the moving van outside the door. Parker watched from her position on the couch as all of her possessions were moved in and arranged for her room by room. A small flicker of anger tried to ignite but it was totally blown away by Bryant’s next move. She peered over his shoulder when he began clearing off a shelf. He took an empty box and began filling it with the trophies that had been there originally. After packing up the last of his trophies, he tugged another box over to him and started unpacking it. To her amazement, it was all the things that had been on her shelf at home. Steven’s flag, her medals, all the pictures of Walt and her, but at the bottom he pulled out two new additions. She scooted closer to see them more clearly. The first was a photo of Bryant and her that had been taken at his parents' house over Fourth of July weekend. Her heart clenched in her chest at the sight. Their love had been captured in that picture and it was wonderful. The second was one of the few pictures she had of Amelia. Even though she had not believed it possible, when she saw that blown up and framed picture of her daughter, she loved Bryant even more.
Bryant held his breath as he waited for her reaction. When he had taken the pictures to be enlarged and framed, he had thought it was a wonderful idea. But the closer he got to the house with them he wondered if he were making a mistake. Maybe he should’ve asked her permission first. He was even more unsure now that he was staring at her closed expression as she stared at the pictures. He was getting ready to apologize when she said, “They’re wonderful.” He watched as she set them down, lovingly positioning them around the pictures of Walt. “But what are you going to do with all your trophies?” she asked, sounding concerned.
“Take them to the club. I want these shelves clear for our memories.”
“I knew I loved you for some reason,” she told him, meaning it.
“Oh, so you’ve been questioning your reasoning? Shall I refresh your memory?" he said, humor sounding in his voice.
Undefeated (Undefeated Series Books 1-4) Page 5