Chapter Eleven
The low buzzing filled Mia’s ears and she swatted at the air, but it wouldn’t stop. Cracking one of her eyes open, she groaned when a sliver of sunlight pierced it, and quickly closed her lid. The buzzing had stopped for a few seconds then started up again.
“What the fuck!” She pulled her head up from the pillow and glanced at the nightstand where the phone shook, then looked at the time on the alarm clock: 7:15 a.m. The plan to sleep in until eight o’clock had just disintegrated. Reaching over, she snagged the phone and brought it to her ear.
“Hello?” She coughed, trying to clear her dry throat.
“Hi, Mia. How are you? I hope I didn’t wake you,” an annoyingly cheerful voice answered.
“Who the hell is this?” she asked, sitting up and reclining against the headboard.
“Noe. You sound like I woke you up.”
Fuck! “Uh … yeah … you woke me up.” Please don’t be in Durango.
“Sorry about that. I got into Durango late last night.”
Fuck! “Oh.”
A deep chuckle. “I guess I took you by surprise.”
“Yeah, you did. I’m just not a functioning person until I get some coffee in me.”
A roaring laugh that definitely grated her nerves. “I hear you. Did Shark tell you I was coming?”
“He mentioned it, but he didn’t say when. I didn’t get the impression it was going to be this soon.” I really don’t need this shit right now. Mia grabbed the water bottle on the nightstand and took several sips—it cooled her parched throat.
“I work fast.” Another chuckle. “Just joking. I’m here on some club business.”
“I didn’t think you were still in the MC.”
“I’m not officially, but I’m still a member. Brothers never retire from the club. You should know that.”
Rolling her eyes, she quirked her lips. “I’m not up on MC rules. Vic moved out of the house when he hit eighteen, so I wasn’t involved with what he did. All I know is he’s in a club and they ride motorcycles and probably do a lot of illegal shit to live because he hasn’t had a job that I know of since high school.”
“Watch what you say about the president. You need to show some fucking respect.” Noe’s cheerful tone turned steely. Mia liked steely better—it didn’t piss her off as much. “And you know more than you’re pretending.”
“Like what you’re all into?”
“Not that. That’s always club business and not for bitches.”
“Did you just call me a bitch? You phone me at a ridiculously early hour then tell me I’m a bitch?”
“Whoa … I didn’t call you a bitch. I meant it’s not for women.”
“Then say that. You’re telling me about respect and then you’re saying bitches instead of women? I don’t think so.”
“You still got a mouth on you.” Noe laughed dryly, and Mia was sure he wasn’t as challenged by it as Army.
Army. Why can’t I get that guy out of my head? If only I had a shitty time last night.
“Let’s start over. How’ve you been?”
Noe’s voice pushed through her thoughts. “Uh … good.”
“Shark told me you’re competing and that you’re damn awesome. I’d like to see you fight sometime.”
“I’m taking a hiatus right now. I have a lot going on with Finn. I’m sure Vic told you about him getting arrested. I’m trying to take on more clients so maybe I can help bail him out.”
“Shark told me. You’re gonna have to cut a shitload of hair for a hundred-thousand-dollar bond.”
“I know I can’t do it alone. I was hoping Shark and my mom would help. I can’t stand knowing he’s in jail.” Mia had always been much closer to Finn than to Vic. Maybe it was because she and Finn were only three years apart versus the five-year difference with Vic, or it could have been Finn’s willingness to understand and support her when their mother treated her so badly. Vic always seemed to take their mother’s side, and when he was in charge, which was often, he was a cruel and unyielding dictator to all of them. At eighteen she’d moved to Tucson, and that was when Finn started spiraling downward. Even though her therapist kept telling her it wasn’t her fault, Mia still blamed herself for leaving him behind. Now Finn was in a shitload of trouble, and she didn’t know how to help him.
“He put his own ass in jail. You shouldn’t have to be responsible for him. He’s fucking twenty-three years old.”
Anger pricked at her nerves. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I have to get ready for work. It was nice talking to you.” You’re a jerk just like Vic and all his other stupid friends.
“I didn’t mean to make you mad. I’m sorry you’re going through all this with Finn.”
“Thanks,” she mumbled, not believing him one bit.
“Let me take you out to dinner. You’ll have a bunch of coffee in you by then.” He laughed.
So he thinks it’s just because I haven’t drunk any coffee. What is it with men? She rubbed the side of her neck. “I’m at Champion tonight.”
“What’s Champion?”
A sigh escaped from her lips. “A training gym. I really have to go.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“That’s not good either. How long are you staying?”
“Until the end of the week.”
“Let’s plan on lunch. Maybe … Sunday, or will you be gone by then?” Mia smiled at Snickers licking her black paws.
“Sunday’s good. I can leave early Monday, but I’d like to see you more than once while I’m here.”
“It’s already Wednesday, and my days are really booked; plus, I’ve already made plans for the weekend. Sunday lunch is all I can do.” Lunch was safe—a few hours max.
“Okay. I’ll call you later.”
“Bye, Noe.” Mia put the phone down on the mattress and covered her eyes with her palm. What a shitty way to start the day. Shuffling to the bathroom, Mia wished she wouldn’t have answered the phone. She turned on the shower and let it run for a few seconds before stepping in, then she placed one hand on the wall underneath the shower head and let the warm water cascade over her shoulders and down her back.
* * *
As the day went by, Mia was so busy that she didn’t have a chance to chat with Ronica when she’d come over to Mia’s station earlier in the afternoon. That morning, Mia had put the phone on the counter to make sure she didn’t miss any calls, and as the day wore on, she became more and more perturbed by the lack of communication from Army. What had she expected? A gush of emotion telling her it was one of the best dates he’d had—probably the only date—and that he was looking forward to seeing her again? He’s probably pissed as hell because I didn’t put out last night. I bet he’ll stand me up. He’s a player—I called it the first time I saw him.
As the time neared seven o’clock, a throbbing headache surfaced as she dropped the styling brush on the floor.
“Sorry. I’m so clumsy,” she said to Keri—her last appointment of the day. This was the third thing she’d dropped in the last fifteen minutes. What the hell’s the matter with me? She glanced at her silent phone for the umpteenth time of the day.
“That’s okay. As I was saying, I brought what I thought was a nice dip for my daughter’s ballet recital, and some of the women thought I was committing a too much high fat crime.” Keri laughed while shaking her head.
“Please don’t move,” Mia said.
“Sorry. So I told them …”
He didn’t say he was going to call. We made a date at a specific time and said we’d meet at Champion. Why would he call? There’s no reason to, but I thought he’d call to confirm or say he had a good time last night … or any damn thing. I bet he’ll be a no show. Shit … I hate this. I don’t care … yeah I do. Shit.
“Don’t you think that was right?” Keri asked, looking at Mia in the mirror.
“Absolutely.” What the hell is she talking about? Something about a creamy dip with too m
uch fat. Her stomach rumbled. I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything since I left this morning. I need protein.
“I’m glad you can see my point.” Keri looked at the back of her head with the mirror Mia handed her. “I love it, but I always do. You’re the best. Did Rebecca Michaels ever call you? I told her how fabulous you are.”
“She did. I thought I mentioned it to you. Thanks for the referral.”
“You’re welcome.” Keri handed her a credit card and a fifty-dollar bill.
Mia shook her head. “Keri, this is too much, really.” She tried to give the money back.
Keri gently pushed her hand away. “Nonsense. You deserve it. I know you do late nights for me, and I appreciate how accommodating you are.” She glanced at the clock on the back wall. “Oh … I didn’t realize it was so late. I have to pick something up for dinner. I’m sure my family is starving and wondering where I am.” Keri slid out of the chair and walked to the front of the salon.
Mia locked the door after Keri left and cleaned up her station. With everything in order, she walked out to her car and made her way to the gym.
The first thing she did when she entered Champion was scan the room for Army. She spotted Taylor sinking his fists into a speed bag, but there was no sign of his brother. At that moment, Mia’s stomach suddenly gurgled reminding her how hungry she was.
“How did your day go?” Kat asked. She wore tight neon-green fighter’s shorts and a sports top. Her makeup was impeccable, and her long hair was twisted up in a tight bun.
“How do you look so good all the time?” Mia asked, taking a protein bar out of her gym bag.
“Waterproof makeup and self-tanners are the secret.” She tucked a few strands of stray hairs into her bun. “Not having to work or worry about money also helps.” Kat had inherited a ton of money after her grandfather—a surgeon who’d invented a screening machine used in hospitals—had died three years before.
“I’m sure it does.” Mia glanced around again as she walked toward the locker room.
“Army’s not here,” Kat said.
“And …?”
“I know you’re looking for him, and I don’t blame you. I wish he was into me. I’d go for him in a minute,” Kat replied, following Mia.
The truth was, Kat would have any well-built man, and she was continuously on the lookout even when she was with a guy because her relationships never lasted more than three months. She’d once told Mia that with so many men around she never could pick just one forever. She called herself “greedy,” and the way she blitzed through men, Mia agreed with her self-assessment.
“I’m not looking to get involved with anyone right now.” Mia put the gym bag and purse in the locker and went back into the gym. “Do you want to practice after I warm up?” she asked Kat.
“Sure. I’ll just go over and watch Taylor. I love the way his biceps flex when he hits the bag.”
A half hour later, Kat and Mia were rolling on the ground with Kat trying to get out of Mia’s submission. When a low whistle broke Mia’s concentration, Kat instantly escaped and pushed Mia down on the mat and straddled her.
Another whistle, this time louder, and Kat looked over and smiled. Mia took advantage of the distraction and pushed Kat off with her feet, securing the blonde fighter in another submission until she tapped on the mat several times. Mia stood up and wiped her sweaty brow with the back of her hand, then glanced over and saw Army standing with his arms folded across his sculpted chest, smiling. She smiled back as she bent down and picked up the water bottle.
“Good practice,” Kat said, patting Mia on the shoulder. “I should be mad at you for distracting me,” she said to Army, sticking out her lower lip in an exaggerated pout.
“I couldn’t help it. You two looked hot as fuck.”
Mia’s smile fell and a pulse of anger went through her. “What did you say?”
He walked toward her. “I paid you”—his gaze flicked over to Kat—“and you a compliment.”
“Thank you,” Kat said arching her back and thrusting her more than ample breasts forward. She used that tactic successfully many times when she wanted the male fighters to do things for her, and by the way Army’s gaze lingered on her cleavage, she’d been successful again.
“It’s an insult to me,” Mia said as Kat threw her a small smile then walked away.
“Really? I’ve never met a woman who didn’t like a man to think she looks hot.” Army’s gaze fixed on hers.
“Congratulations, you met one now. Kat and I were practicing our skills and you disrupted us. Thinking we’re hot while we’re perfecting our moves is juvenile as fuck.” Heat rushed up her neck and to her face, and she was pretty sure she resembled a tomato.
Army laughed. “If you think men are admiring female fighters’ style and their skill, you’re naïve as hell. The truth is, sweetheart, when we watch them fight, we all have wood and just want to drill them.”
Her fingers flew to her parted lips as fire raced through her veins.
Army took a step closer to her. “Are you seriously clueless? Do you have any idea how many male fantasy buttons you push?”
“Since you’ve got a one-track mind, you think all men just see women as sex objects. At Champion, we’re all fighters—male or female—it doesn’t matter.”
“Bullshit. I’ve seen the dudes in here throwing looks at you while you stretch or move around in the ring.” He rocked back on his boot heels. “And when you and Kat or some of the other chicks are wrestling, or in the ring wearing your sexy clothes, these dudes are sporting hard-ons for sure. I mean … that shit’s like every man’s wet dream, only it’s in 3D.”
Mia shuffled back a few steps. “Of course, you see it that way because sex is all you think about. News flash: I came into the sport to prove to myself that I could handle anyone who tries to mess with me. I didn’t come to look good in a pair of tight shorts”—she brushed the stray strands of hair away from her heated face—“or to get laid.”
“I’m not doubting that. I’m just saying that men are visual, and all of you wrapped up in your sexy fighter clothes hits a man right in the dick. That’s just the way we’re wired. I’m not saying you aren’t a hell of a good fighter or don’t have great skills because you do. I told you that the first night I saw you fight. Having you sexy in the ring is just a bonus.”
“Unbelievable.” Mia brushed past him then yanked out of his grasp. “Don’t fucking touch me. I thought last night was the real you, but I can see that it was an act to probably get into my pants.” She waved her arm at him. “This is the real you. The one I saw the first night when I thought you were an asshole. Well … I was right.” A lump began to form in her throat and she whirled around and dashed away, not wanting Army to see how upset she was.
“Mia,” Army’s voice called behind her, but she ignored it and went into the locker room and slammed the door. Throwing the water bottle in the trash, she went over to her locker and punched it. Pain shot up her arm and then everything inside of her snapped; she erupted, punching and kicking the metal door, the sound loud and hollow as it ricocheted off the walls. Waves of disappointment crashed over her as the locker assault intensified.
“Mia! Stop!” The deafening noise drowned out the voice.
Panting heavily, with sweat pouring down the back of her neck, she shrieked when someone caught both wrists and pulled her away while she fought like a wildcat.
“Calm the fuck down!” Army said, holding her against his solid chest.
Mia squirmed, her breath coming in ragged pants as tears welled up. “Leave me the hell alone.” Army just held her until she was too exhausted to fight anymore.
“Oh, Mia,” he said in a low voice, his hand running up and down her back.
She buried her face in his shirt in an attempt to stifle the sob that rose in her throat as hot streaks ran down her face. Her chest heaved as she desperately tried to hold back the floodgate of tears that threatened to open. She heard her own sounds—ra
w from the inside.
Army held her close, swaying back and forth while murmuring indecipherable words. A tiny lapse let her pull away, and she stared at the damp circle on his black T-shirt, her thick lashes sticking together in clumps as if she’d been swimming. Mia wiped the wetness from her red mottled face and nose.
“Fuck,” she whispered.
Army kissed the top of her head. “You okay?”
Blowing out a shaky breath, she looked down at his boots. “I don’t know.”
Army placed his hands on her shoulders. “You’re right.”
Mia glanced up. “About what?”
“I’m an asshole.” He pulled her into him. “I didn’t mean to come off like a fuckin’ jerk.” Tilting her head back, he brushed his lips across her forehead. “Especially not to you.”
“I didn’t deserve what you said to me. No woman deserves that.” She held his gaze.
“I know. I was just … hell … I don’t know.” Army’s gaze flicked to something behind her.
“Don’t mind me,” El Toro said, striding past them.
“Let’s go somewhere else to talk,” Army said, his warm breath fanning over her face.
“I think I should go home,” she said even though she didn’t mean it.
“I want to go out with you.” Army blinked. “I didn’t mean the shit I said.”
Mia tugged at his shirt. “It sounded like you did.”
“I was pissed.”
Her eyes widened. “At me?”
“Not exactly.” He rubbed his chin. “It was more like at myself.”
“Why?”
“Not here, Mia.”
Her stomach rumbled, and she pressed her hands against it as if that would quiet the hunger pangs.
“Sounds like we should get a bite to eat. I could go for a burger.”
A juicy hamburger with a thick tomato and crispy lettuce sounded like the best idea in the world, and her mouth salivated at the thought. “I know a great burger restaurant.”
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