Brawler

by Charity Parkerson

  He pointed both arms Aden’s way as he walked backward and raised his voice to be heard above the noise inside the club. “Tell the class why you got kissed.”

  Aden shook his head. “I have no idea.”

  Remy’s luminous smile fell. “That’s why it’ll never happen again.”

  Aden scrambled to fix it and bring Remy’s smile back. “You kissed me, because all your kisses belong to me, my heart.” The bright smile snapped back into place before Remy turned around and returned to his training session. For a moment, the world had fallen away. With Remy’s back to him, Aden came back to reality, and he realized how big of an audience they had. He turned his head and found Drew leaned against the ring’s corner with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at Aden.

  “Things just got real interesting around here.” Aden forced down a blush. Drew straightened and reclaimed Ethan. “Stay as long as you’d like. You’re obviously a good influence on Remy. I need to get some work done.”

  Aden nodded, more grateful than he could express. “Thank you.”

  Drew winked. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m a plotter and you’ve given me ideas.”

  Even though Aden had no idea what Drew meant, he had a bad feeling he’d eventually find out.

  *

  Aden was there. Remy was ready to call it a day and find out what the fuck was going on, but he knew Aden wouldn’t let him fuck up his routine, even for his benefit. He’d kissed Aden. Jesus. Even Remy didn’t know what had come over him. Life and the past had looked a little different—a bit clearer—since he’d left Key Largo. He’d spent so long unwilling to give Aden a chance to really apologize or given himself permission to think about those days. For the past few days, he had allowed himself to have those thoughts—remember every detail. When he looked back, things didn’t hurt as much as they had, but the love he’d felt for Aden—that shit hadn’t faded at all. Was it total bullshit to love someone who’d cheated on him? Fuck yeah, it was. The thing was—Aden was the one.

  Chances were better than not they’d never be together again. Remy had a new life in Vegas. Aden had built a real life in Key Largo. They were worlds apart from each other in every way now. That didn’t mean Remy had to hold on to his anger or they couldn’t try to be friends again. Remy really wanted to be friends again. Life here in Vegas; it was lonely.

  Not only was Aden there, but he stayed all day. He corrected Remy on the little things he’d forgotten since switching trainers. Aden also helped a few of the MMA fighters. It was obvious he couldn’t stop himself from doing so. By the time Remy had done as much as he could do, he was ready to crawl out of his skin and was dancing in place.

  Carter, Remy’s usual training partner, obviously hit his limit. “What’s up with you today? You’re always a nut, but you’re bouncing off the walls.”

  “Sorry,” Remy said, trying to dial it down.

  Carter laughed. “I swear, you’re like a kid someone gave too much sugar. Have you ever been tested for ADHD?”

  Remy bit the inside of cheek. He knew he shouldn’t take it personally, but damn. “Sorry,” Remy said again.

  Aden appeared from nowhere. “Why are you apologizing?”

  Remy tried for a fake smile and failed. “No reason.”

  A deep line formed between Aden’s eyes. For some reason, the man’s irritation brought a real smile to Remy’s face. Aden’s gaze moved between Remy and Carter before landing on Remy once more. “Better feckin’ be for no reason.”

  Remy’s smile grew until his cheeks ached. He didn’t spare another glance for Carter. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

  “Aye. Just let me pop by Drew’s office and thank him for letting me hang out today.”

  Remy shook his head. “He’s probably already gone. Drew only comes by for a couple of hours a day now. His wife, Aubree, is pregnant with their third kid, and he’s all daddy all the time nowadays. I think he’s preparing all of us for his eventual backing away from training altogether.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll catch him tomorrow.”

  Even as Remy headed for the door, he kept his gaze locked on Aden. “You’re coming again tomorrow?”

  “Aye.”

  Remy had told himself he didn’t care why Aden had shown up, but it wasn’t true. “Why?”

  “You’re amazing and everything you touch is gold, my heart, but you’re weakening on some things you ought not be weakening on,” Aden said, being painfully honest as always. “You’ve got a match around the corner, and while I think you’ll win, I also think it’s only a matter of time till you lose if you keep heading down this path.”

  “So you came twenty-six hundred miles to keep me from losing a match?”

  Aden smirked as they stepped outside. Remy’s face went numb. Longing hit like an evil, sneaky bitch, sucker punching Remy in the gut. “No. I’m coming back tomorrow to keep you from losing a match. The twenty-six hundred miles was to tell you I miss that squawking you call singing.”

  Remy drew back in mock offense. “Are you fucking kidding me? I know you don’t mean me. Animals flock to me like a fucking fairytale princess when I burst into song.”

  “What kind of animals? My guess is wolves and vultures. They think you’re dying.”

  An outraged-sounding gasp left Remy. He didn’t mean it, but Aden still took advantage. His mouth covered Remy’s before Remy had time to recover. Lust and pain overwhelmed Remy as Aden’s tongue filled Remy’s mouth. Remy’s fingers slipped through Aden’s locks before tightening on them and holding the man in place. He’d intentionally forgotten this. The Irish brogue that tinged Aden’s words, Remy had always sworn he could feel that same vibration in the man’s kiss. He sucked dick the same, and Remy’s cock knew it. His erection was trying to climb out of his workout shorts and there was no stopping it. Dark thoughts crept in, threatening to cripple him. Had Aden kissed Boston like this? Had Boston felt that small vibration and been brought to his knees? Flattening his palms against Aden’s hard chest, Remy pushed. His sanity couldn’t withstand this.

  Aden didn’t look angry or disappointed. His expression was so much worse than that. His eyes screamed his love. Remy couldn’t speak from the pain strangling him. “Tell the class why you got kissed,” Aden said, mimicking Remy’s earlier words.

  Remy shook his head, incapable of sharing his thoughts.

  “That’s why it’ll keep happening.”

  To keep from crying, Remy cleared his throat. “Where are you staying while you’re in town?” Yep. That was his voice that sounded husky, giving away how turned on he was. There was nothing for it. Aden had always been his biggest weakness.

  Aden shrugged. “My bags are still in my rental car. I figured I’d find the club first and then search for the closest hotel. Any suggestions?”

  My place. Remy swallowed back the words. “Um,” he said, trying to buy time for his clouded thoughts. “The Rainforest Palace is close by and nice. It’s kind of pricey, though.”

  “I’m not worried about the money. How close is it to you?”

  “The hotel is about two miles from here,” Remy said, dodging.

  “It’s okay,” Aden said, sounding sad. “You don’t have to avoid my question. If you don’t want to tell me where you live, you don’t have to.” Aden took a step back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Aden took another step back. It felt like a mile.

  Remy moved forward, filling the gap between them. “Meet me later.” He didn’t know where the offer came from. All Remy knew was he couldn’t let Aden get away.

  “Anything you want.”

  Remy’s growing panic soothed at Aden’s immediate agreement. “How about you text me when you find out your room number? I’ll come fetch you.”

  “Do I get to know where we’re going?”

  “I thought you said anything I want.”

  “Aye. I did. Just wondering what I should wear,” Aden said with humor lacing his words.

  A burst of laughter rose in Remy. Aden never
dressed up for anything other than weddings and funerals. Even then, it was iffy. “Did you bring anything other than jeans, T-shirts, and something to work out in?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Talking about clothes reminded Remy of an important detail. “Fuck. We were so busy talking, I forgot to stop by my locker and grab my bag. Head over and get checked in. I’ll grab my bag and catch up with you when know which room you’re in.”

  “I can head back inside with you,” Aden said, obviously as unwilling to let Remy out of his sight as Remy was to let go of Aden.

  “It’s fine. Go. I’ll be along soon. Promise,” he added when Aden didn’t budge.

  “All right.” Even though Aden sounded reluctant, he did back away. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

  Remy nodded before jogging back inside. He ignored the sensation of Aden’s gaze following his every move until he disappeared into the building. With his brain locked firmly on making the perfect plans for the evening, he almost crashed headlong into Carter. He pulled to a quick stop.

  Carter didn’t smile or tell him to slow the fuck up. “I thought you left,” he said, sounding bland.

  Remy held up his backpack. “Forgot my bag.”

  “Are you coming in at your usual time tomorrow?”

  Remy dipped his chin by way of answering. He didn’t know what was going on with Carter, but the man wasn’t overwhelming Remy with the desire to chat. He also wasn’t sure where this was headed since he came in at the same time every day. Carter was his usual training partner, but the man wasn’t by any means the only person Remy worked with.

  “I wasn’t sure since you have company in town.”

  “He’s coming with me,” Remy said, still trying to decide if this conversation had a purpose and why Carter had such a dick tone happening.

  “Great. I guess that means I’ll be subjected to another day of you fucking around all day.”

  Since Remy had gotten every bit as much done today as he did every day, Carter’s anger didn’t make sense. There was no denying the fury flashing from his blue eyes. “I’m confused.”

  “I’m not a bit surprised. It’s probably because you never focus.”

  Remy hated arguing, especially when people caught him unawares. The combo left him speechless in the face of Carter’s displeasure. He matched Remy in height and build, so Remy wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Remy just hated drama.

  Carter took a breath as if attempting to call his temper under control. “Take a look around, Remy. Do you see anyone else horsing around? No,” Carter answered without waiting for Remy to catch up. “Everyone else here recognizes how goddamn lucky they are to be here. Their work ethic matches that knowledge. They’re making sacrifices to be here. But, I guess, since you bought your way in, you’re free to focus on your red-haired fuck buddy. I mean, this guy—”

  “This guy, what?” Aden asked, sounding deadly as his voice cut through the air. As one, Remy and Carter turned in his direction. Aden and Drew stood in the locker room doorway, wearing matching deadly expressions. “Go on,” Aden urged. “I dare you.”

  Drew took a step forward before Carter had time to lose his teeth. He handed a sleeping Ethan off to Remy. “Hang out for a second, okay?” Drew said as if it was a question when they both knew it was an order. The bald-headed giant focused on Carter. “You. In my office. Now.”

  Carter held his silence as he did as told.

  Remy tried looking anywhere other than at Aden.

  “What was that about? Don’t lie this time.”

  Remy nuzzled Ethan’s cheek, trying to cling to the child’s innocence. Life was so ugly. Ethan smelled like a sweet baby—untainted by it all. “I’m the only boxer here,” Remy said. He knew it didn’t explain anything to the extent Aden expected, but that was what it all boiled down to. Remy spoke softly, trying not to wake Ethan. “Most of these guys are second or even third generation fighters. They earned their way in by blood, paying with money they can’t spare, and hoping for success.” Remy shrugged. “A recipe for bitterness.” Remy’s gaze kept skirting away. He wanted to look at Aden, but he also didn’t. “Carter wasn’t wrong, though. If I want to be here, I need to match their dedication.”

  “What the feck? You’re the most dedicated person I know.”

  “I play around too much and lose focus,” Remy argued, because it was true.

  “That’s who you are,” Aden said, moving close and leaving Remy no other choice but to hold his stare. “Enjoying what you do doesn’t mean you’re not working or dedicated. You’re a naturally happy person. Don’t let anyone steal who you are because they can’t achieve what you have.”

  Remy shook his head, not ready to let it go so easily. “Seriously, he’s right. I should focus.”

  Aden’s face screwed up, showing his confusion. “Why do you keep saying that?”

  “Because I don’t focus,” Remy said, sounding desperate even to his ears. “A blind man could see that. If I’d paid more attention to my career than I did you, I could’ve won the title much earlier.” Aden blinked, as if Remy had slapped him, proving the man wasn’t hearing him. Remy chose to argue from the other side. “Just like, if I’d focused all my attention on us instead of my career, you wouldn’t have needed Boston to fill that gap. It’s obvious to everyone I’m failing. I just need to try harder.” By the time Remy finished, he rocked from foot to foot. He told himself the motion was for Ethan. In truth, it was to comfort himself. Aden kept staring at Remy as if looking at a stranger, and it was all too much. A panic attack loomed on the horizon.

  “All right. This has to stop,” Aden said, gently plucking Ethan from Remy’s arms. Without another word, knock, or a single excuse me, Aden strolled inside Drew’s office and handed him Ethan. “It’s time for Remy to go. We’ll chat tomorrow.”

  Remy watched from the doorway, too shocked to react. Carter kept his face turned carefully away and Drew never looked away from Aden, making Remy wonder if Aden looked every bit as angry as he sounded. Judging by Drew’s expression, he didn’t know what to say—not that Aden gave him time. Drew tended to give everyone everything they wanted. In exchange, everyone did the same for him. It was apparent Aden was the first person he’d encountered in a long time who didn’t give a fuck who Drew was. It was equally obvious that they were leaving. In the wake of baring his soul, all Remy could do was follow along.

  “Where’s your car?” Aden asked the moment they cleared the door.

  “I run here,” Remy answered, sounding absent. “As part of my routine,” he added. “Two miles here. Two miles home.”

  Aden maneuvered him toward a gray SUV. It looked the same as every SUV rental ever. “Well, not today. Get in.”

  Since there was something wrong with Remy’s breathing, he let Aden shove him inside the vehicle. Air became harder to come by with every passing moment. The instant Remy’s ass hit the seat, Aden reached beneath it and shoved the seat back as far as it would go before pushing Remy’s head down between his knees.

  “Take a breath, my heart. You’re turning colors.”

  Remy sucked air, trying to slow his heart. “Sorry,” Remy said between breaths. He felt like all he did was apologize anymore. “Don’t know what happened.”

  “Too many people staring at you, that’s what,” Aden said, sounding sure and going a long way toward soothing Remy’s panic. Aden closed the door and circled the car before sliding behind the wheel. He didn’t immediately turn the ignition. His hand slid down Remy’s spine. Remy took another deep breath at the contact. “Where do you live?”

  Remy turned his head, meeting Aden’s gaze. The man’s expression was soft and filled with concern. Remy felt the weight of his loss heavier in that moment than he had in a long time. “Turn left from the parking garage. The Rainforest Palace is in two miles on the right.”

  Aden’s expression transformed into barely suppressed anger. “Are you feckin’ kidding me, Remy? I’m trying to take care of you,
and still you won’t budge a goddamn inch.”

  In spite of Aden’s irritation, a low chuckle slipped from Remy, surprising even him. He sat up. “I live in one of the upper floor penthouses at The Rainforest Palace.”

  The immediate blush tinting Aden’s cheeks went far at easing the tightness in Remy’s chest. “All right. Put your seat belt on.”

  Remy did as instructed, but his gaze remained locked on Aden. “My penthouse has three bedrooms.”

  “Where do you sleep? Surely it takes that many rooms just for your shoe collection.”

  Since Aden was smiling and Remy loved that shit, he let it slide. “I’ve gotten better at organizing, but that wasn’t my point. You should stay with me.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  Aden’s quick agreement had Remy chewing his bottom lip, trying to hold back the question. He lost the battle. “Why did you come here?”

  “Because you’re here,” Aden answered without hesitation. “And I’ve let you forget for too long how much I care.”

  “You just miss the porn star level sex,” Remy said, hiding his surprise and longing behind humor.

  Aden let out a loud whimper. “Aye. So much. Mostly, though, I miss this—being with you. I miss my friend.”

  In the face of Aden’s confession, Remy found himself making one. “I miss happiness. When you flew off to Dublin and tried killing yourself, that’s what you really killed that day. I haven’t been happy since.” Thankfully, the hotel came into view, saving Remy from baring any more of his heart. As things stood, he’d already have to be over-the-top obnoxious for the rest of Aden’s visit just to save his pride.

  “How long did you say you’re in town?”

  “I didn’t.”

  Fantastic. Split-personalityville here Remy came.

  Chapter 4

  The moment they were inside Remy’s penthouse, Remy pointed Aden in the direction of a spare bedroom and disappeared inside his. Since Aden couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t argue. He’d known, when he’d flown home determined to end his life, he’d been taking the easy way out. It wasn’t a cry for help or attention. For Aden, he’d been done with this life. In his screwed-up state of mind, he’d honestly believed he would be setting Remy free of the burden of him. He’d never been angrier in his life than he’d been when he’d woken up in that hospital still breathing. It might not have made sense to anyone else, but his failed attempt felt like another way he’d let Remy down. Since then, Aden had too many reasons to hate himself to count. He hadn’t considered how trying to kill himself had affected Remy. Aden had assumed his night with Boston had slaughtered any and all love Remy had for him.