Unexpected Forfeit

by Sapphire Knight

  He follows closely and I glance at my phone for any sign of Jace texting me back before I open his apartment door completely. My screen is still the background picture of us making goofy faces at our last trip to Desserts, but no message notification.

  Suddenly, I’m shoved into from behind, I call out as I hit the door as I stumble through the entry, scatterbrained as the air leaves my lungs in a panic. My shoulder shrieks in pain from the impact of the hard door and I splay my hands, hoping to help break my fall as I tumble into the apartment.

  “What the hell?” I shout and glare at his brother once I catch my bearings. I shake out my hands, trying to get the ache out of my wrists.

  “Is my brother on his way?”

  “I don’t know, he hasn’t texted me back. What’s your problem?” I grumble.

  Is Jace’s brother abusive to women? I know Jace wasn’t too keen on me meeting him, but he never elaborated why. His brother lurks over me with his hands on his hips. He definitely has the asshole-creeper thing going on. I shiver, but keep my face straight so he doesn’t know that I’m silently freaking out inside.

  “My problem is that my little brother needs to quit shirking out of his responsibilities. He hasn’t been back home or give us any money and my guess is it’s ‘cause of your little stuck-up ass. So I’m going to sit here with you and we’ll have a little chat about what will happen to you if my brother doesn’t cough up some of that fucking money I know he’s sitting on. Maybe I’ll just give you to a few of my homeboys, let them have some fun with you if my baby brother doesn’t pay up.”

  “I have nothing to do with any of Jace’s money,” I reply snarkily, my own anger showing through at the nerve of this man. “How can you do this to your own brother? Doesn’t it bother you at all that you’re hurting someone he loves?” I make my way to my feet, but he’s still a lot taller than me. He doesn’t have that built stance that Jace does, but he’s still pretty damn scary.

  “Ugh, how does he put up with your fucking whining? Shut up already. There has to be some packing tape around here to fix that mouthy problem.” He mutters and I see Jace walking down the sidewalk, twirling his keys in his hand. His curtains and blinds are gone, so the only thing hiding that his brother is in here, is the bushes out front.

  “Jaaaaace!” I belt out like I did before at his fight and his brother leaps at me. He covers my mouth with his hand and shifts me so my body is in front of his.

  “Shhhh, you stupid fucking bitch!”

  He’s using me as a damn barrier. Knowing Jace is here stirs up my emotions and I start to cry. I don’t want his brother to hurt him in any way, but there’s nothing I can do.

  I watch Jace peer in through the window, saying something very demanding-like into his phone. He disappears and I hope he won’t come in and give his brother what he wants, but I know that he will. My body aches for Jace; I can’t imagine what this will do to him inside.

  His brother laughs, squeezing me to him tightly. “You’re about to see what my brother’s really like. He’s not some fucking soft dough boy like you think he is.”

  I try to talk but his hand squishes my lips so I can’t get any words out. The pressure making the inside of my gums bleed as I try to scream at Jace to stay out.

  The door opens and Jace steps through. He’s a big man but with his expression and stance he appears ominous, like he’s here to deal out death to someone. I’ve never feared him before, but this Jace scares me. I know his anger isn’t directed towards me, but he’s wound up for a fight, ready to hurt whoever he has to. I love it that he’s not scared in the least to defend me; I just hate it that the person hurting me is his own brother.

  Every time Jace’s about to fight, he appears so calm, cool, collected and in a zone. Over time, I’ve learned that when the veins are more pronounced on his arms, it’s him gearing up. He’s ready to lose it and take an opponent out. Only this isn’t a professional fight; this is his brother and he has murder in his eyes.

  “Let her go, Jacob.”

  “I don’t think so. You’ve forgotten your fucking family. I’m here to remind you. You’re lucky I didn’t send my boys after her ass.”

  “You told me back in Vegas that you were out.”

  “I lied. Now get me some fucking money. I see you’re moving again and with that big fight, you gotta have a lot.”

  “This is about money? What are you on now?” he growls, clenching his fist.

  “It’s none of your business, this is my life.” Jacob spits angrily and squeezes me, jerking me back another step with him. The muscles in my jaw and cheek are throbbing from the pressure of this scumbag’s hand.

  Jace’s muscles jump and I can tell it’s taking everything in him to hold back so I don’t get hurt even more.

  Tears trail down my face. I wish his brother would let me speak. I could give him some money so he would leave us alone.

  “Let her go, Jacob. Don’t make me hurt you.”

  “See, I was right; this bitch is the key. You get me money, and I’ll let this bitch go.”

  Jace swallows, thinking over his options, taking a deep breath. His eyes eventually meet mine and he mutters, “We never forfeit, Chyna.”

  It sparks a memory from our one-on-one session, back when he was teaching me self-defense moves. I blink a few times, hoping he knows that I understand what he’s telling me. He keeps his eyes trained on his brother though. They both speak but the room goes quiet for me as I concentrate, recounting his instructions from before.

  I relax my body, turning into a lump just like he taught me. His brother’s grip shifts and tightens with my body relaxing.

  I breathe deeply, shifting my foot over a few inches, then slam my head backwards, and shove the heel of my foot into the top of Jacob’s cheap sneakers.

  He cries out, surprised and it’s just enough of a distraction for Jace to make his move. I know I didn’t follow his directions like he would want, but at least it’s enough to help.

  As Jacob calls out, I wrench my body away from him, Jace wedging between us. Jacob holds onto my arm with a gut wrenching grip that’s soon gone as Jace head butts him.

  I fall to the floor scooting away, clutching my sore arm to my chest and watch Jace lay into his brother. It’s nothing like the fights I watch. This is heartbreaking because it’s his own brother he has to hurt in order to keep me safe.

  I watch Jace’s back and thighs as he hunches over his brother once he got Jacob to the ground. His shoulders flex as he hits him over and over on the floor.

  The sirens sound loudly, making me realize that at this point Jace is on the path to kill his brother; he’s not planning on stopping. I know not to pull on him or he will probably seriously hurt me unknowingly so I do the one thing that breaks his spell.

  I scream.

  I scream so bloody loudly, that it makes his body still completely.

  “Jaaaaaaaace! Jaaaace! Jaaaaaaaaaaccceeee!” I end on a hiccup and a croak. My voice shot.

  He turns to me—eyes wide—just as the cops burst through the front door. They probably heard me, too.

  “Hands up!” one of the officers yell, with his weapon pointed at the men.

  “Are you the hostage?” the other officer asks.

  “I was, but I’m okay now,” I respond with a quiet croak, tears still slowly trickling down my face.

  “Hands on your head!” The other cop shouts at Jace as a third officer approaches him to put him in handcuffs.

  I stand suddenly ready to run to Jace, “No! Wait! He’s my boyfriend. He helped me. It’s the other guy on the floor that’s the bad guy!” I point toward Jacob and whisper.

  The cop holding the handcuffs looks at me puzzled. “So, I handcuff the guy who’s knocked out?”

  “Yes! Please, and thank you.” The cop shakes his head and puts the cuffs on Jace’s bloody brother.

  “Not often we show up to a hostage situation and someone’s already done our job for us.” The officer turns to Jace, “Thank
you, but you should have waited for us. Are you the boyfriend that called this in?”

  Jace clears his throat, slowly getting to his feet, “Yes, sir. I couldn’t wait and let him hurt her.”

  “You need to give us a statement. You have some serious fists on you to mess this guy up this badly.”

  “I fight for a living, sir. I’m supposed to let y’all know that ASAP when something like this happens.”

  “What’s your name, son?” the Officer standing next to me asks.

  “Jace Kash, sir.”

  “Holy shit, Chadwick, this is the King!” the cop turns to his buddy and I roll my eyes.

  “Jace.” I call softly and he finally looks at me. He’s surprisingly calm and it worries me.

  “Are you okay?” I pull his body close to mine, holding his bloody hands in mine as the medics load his brother up and carry him to the ambulance.

  We’re interrupted by the officer who had his gun out. “We need both of you to give statements and come down to the station to press charges.”

  “Thank you, but we won’t be pressing charges,” Jace answers and I gape at him.

  “No son…” the cop starts to respond but Jace interrupts him.

  “No sir, I’m certain. He’s my brother and we would like to just move along with our lives.”

  The cop turns to me and I nod in agreement. I think it’s stupid, but Jace obviously has his reasons.

  “Fine,” the cop grunts and leaves the apartment.

  “Jace, why aren’t we pressing charges? This is crazy. What if he tries this shit again?”

  “Chyna, my brother is still involved with my old crew. I thought he was out, but I’ll call someone about it. They will handle this how they see fit. I’m still in good with the leader. He bets on my fights and makes a lot of money off me. Trust me, he doesn’t want anyone messing that up. He will deal with Jacob accordingly.”

  “How can you be okay with that? He’s your brother.”

  “He just tried to hurt you for Christ’s sake! He quit being my brother the moment he put his hands on you!” He declares passionately and I nod. I get it. Jace is more to me as well. He’s my everything.

  “Okay then. Now what?” I rub his hands with mine and kiss his cheek softly.

  “Now we give our statements to the cops, then we quit screwing around and you move in with me.”

  “You want me to move into your new house with you?” I choke, surprised.

  “Kiki, that’s your house. I bought it because you loved it, and I love you.”

  Tears fall down my cheeks again—this time out of happiness.

  “I fucking love you, Jace King Kash.”

  “I love you, too, baby,” he mumbles and I perch up on the tips of my toes, my lips meeting his in a deep kiss, full of promises.

  Christmas…

  “Kiki, your gram wants you.” I call loud enough so Chyna can hear me in the kitchen. She’s been in there all day making a dinner for tonight.

  Chyna’s father, his wife, and Chyna’s grandmother, Wendi, all flew in yesterday to surprise her.

  Her dad, Robert, turns to me, “Yep, so I had to just come for a visit and check on my little girl. She’s been so sad and moody ever since her mom left, and it’s been nice to hear that she’s actually happy these past few months. I have a feeling I owe that thanks to you, son.” He claps my shoulder and I nod.

  Having her father’s approval was the last thing I was expecting to get this Christmas, but I’ll happily take it.

  Chyna comes breezing into the living room still clad in her polka dotted apron, eating a sugar cookie. “Gram, I already told you, Jace isn’t going out to buy more brandy. Dad said you brought a bottle with you.”

  Her grandma smiles mischievously, “Oh, sweet Chyna doll, you can never have too much brandy, but that’s not what I was calling you for. Come help me decorate the tree.”

  “Gram, the tree’s already decorated,” she huffs, and I chuckle quietly.

  Her gram came in and has damn near rearranged every one of Chyna’s kitchen cabinets. It’s driving her crazy, but I find it hilarious. I know she secretly enjoys each moment she gets with her.

  Robert turns to the older woman, “No more brandy, Mom.”

  His much younger wife giggles, “I can make margaritas if you want, Wendi.”

  Wendi turns to her and rolls her eyes. “Really, sweetheart? I wouldn’t want you to hurt your pretty little head or anything.”

  Robert cocks his eyebrow as his wife just stares at Wendi like she doesn’t have any brain power to realize she was insulted.

  Chyna wraps her arm around Wendi, pulling her toward the kitchen with her. “Come on Gram, I’m sure there’s something in the kitchen you will like.”

  “Oh dear, there’s this beefcake out here that I like just fine…” she trails off as they leave the room, and I laugh again. That old woman is a hoot.

  I’ve always believed I wouldn’t like her family with her being so lonely and them moving so far from her, but I’ve actually enjoyed having them here. It’s refreshing to see that they really do adore her. I think her dad just hit a midlife crisis and rebelled. Unfortunately, Chyna had to be the one with separation anxiety and depression from her mother’s departure that never got fully addressed.

  Since we’ve been together, she’s shared some of it with me, and I do my best to help her. She still gets down occasionally but we can spot it pretty well now and do different things to help bring her out of her funks. We’ve started talking about filling these rooms with babies, and I can see her brimming with excitement. She’s such a caring person; I know she’ll make an amazing mother to our children.

  I’ve signed a legal contract with Max Boomer and Cage effects; they offered me sponsorship. I also signed with David Sharpey with the MMA. He pays me a healthy six figures. Waiting until after the fight to sign anything really benefitted us in the end. I’m happy I can talk to Chyna about having children and possibly staying home with them for at least a few years and know that I can support them financially.

  Growing up, I never imagined that this would one day be my life. I struggled to fight my way out of the ghetto, and, eventually, I prevailed. I’m going to do my best to keep winning at the sport I enjoy and love Chyna with every beat of my heart.

  CHYNA

  I set the last dish on the large dining room table and I can’t help but get choked up. I’m so happy to have my family here with me, celebrating my favorite holiday with the man I love. I was caught completely off guard when my father called me saying that they were in town. So far, it’s been the best Christmas surprise. It would have been nice if my father left the wife at home, but my dad’s not perfect.

  Jace has been amazing about everything. The house has come together beautifully. I hate the circumstances that happened to get me to move in with him, but I love living here. In the end, I wouldn’t change anything because it made us stronger as a couple.

  I caught him sneaking in baby stuff a few weeks ago. I hadn’t been in the two nursery bedrooms since we moved in. I figured the rooms would remain empty until we were ready to use them. Once I caught him though, I went through the closets to find them piled up with all kinds of random baby things. I can’t even count how many onesies with phrases such as “My dad can kick your dad’s ass” there were.

  I thought it was hilarious that he believed he could be sneaky about it. Needless to say, it brought on the huge baby talk. We discussed the next few years, what we both wanted and decided that we want to be married first if possible before we pop kids out, but we will both be very happy regardless.

  I set up an appointment for a checkup with my doctor to discuss getting off of my birth control and what vitamins I should start taking to help my body prepare. Jace doesn’t know I set up the appointment yet. I’m going to wait until it’s closer to the date. I know it’ll spur him on further, and he’ll probably throw the plan out of the window declaring that it’s baby making time.

  I couldn
’t have gotten a better man ever. He has done everything besides try to capture the moon to make me happy, and I love him more for it each day.

  Thankfully we haven’t heard back from Jacob. I’ll admit it, I was scared for a little while. I know Jace can protect me, but I was scared whenever I was by myself. He’s reassured me many times that his brother will never bother me again. He seems to believe the guy he talks to regularly. I don’t want to call him his friend, because well, a true friend wouldn’t use you to bet on, but whatever. As long as Jace’s brother stays far away from our happy bubble, that’s all I care about.

  We did actually run into Jace’s mom at a gas station. We were there pumping gas and his mom was at the counter buying lottery tickets. It was awkward to say the least. She followed us to the parking lot attempting to make Jace feel guilty for not seeing her and taking care of her. I butted in and suggested her own husband take care of her. She acted as if I was the devil, and well it got ugly.

  We left in a hurry as she stood in the parking lot screaming profanity at us. It was interesting and very eye-opening for me. I understand completely why Jace stays away from his family. Any kind of abuse—whether it’s verbal or physical—is not acceptable ever. Making your son feel guilty ‘for abandoning them and not financially supporting them’ is a form of abuse toward your child.

  Jace never has to worry about me treating our children like that in any way. It will be an honor to have children of my own, sharing them with such a wonderful man.

  I’m drawn out of my thoughts by Jace. “Hey, Kiki, Aria and Gav are here!”

  It’s about time. She was supposed to help me cook all day but got called out of town by Gavin’s dad. We had so much fun a few days ago baking Christmas cookies together, and we’d made plans to cook today.

  “The traitor has arrived!” I smile when she walks in.

  She just laughs, rolling her eyes. “I brought a peace offering in the form of a giant bottle of wine!”

  “Then you are forgiven!” I chortle and hug her.

  Gavin comes in, all bundled up. You’d think it was a blizzard outside but it’s actually thirty degrees.