Hook'd

by Taisha S. Ryan

  She nodded.

  "So, you ready to take that next step with me?"

  "Yes," she whispered.

  "You sure?"

  "More than sure."

  With a nod, he brought her into a hug and they kissed passionately.

  Chapter 33

  Reese entered Free the Heart headquarters with a bright smile plastered on her lips. Her yellow blazer wrapped around her white buttoned up top tucked in her black pencil skirt, with her yellow pumps to match, she looked as good as she felt. Her heels clicked across the sleek floor as she strutted through the main lobby, admiring how much the peach and white decor of the couches and painted walls matched her warm mood. 'Free the Heart' inscribed the wall in bold gold letters, only embodied her state of mind. Her heart definitely felt free. And with the beautiful sun welcoming her this morning, she couldn't feel anymore refreshed.

  She greeted the red haired receptionist behind the front desk, before making her way to the elevator. When she arrived at her floor, she approached Naomi, behind her desk, who quickly straightened up at her presence.

  "Good morning, Naomi," she greeted with a warm tone.

  "Uh, good morning, Ms. Wilson."

  "Any calls or messages?"

  "No, not as of yet."

  "Okay, thanks. Oh and I love your hair, did you change the color?"

  "Uh..." Naomi fluffed her golden brown fro. "No, it's always been this color..."

  "Well, it's beautiful. Really fits you."

  She blinked. "Uh, thanks."

  Reese entered her office and shut the door. She placed her coffee on her desk, then opened the blinds, welcoming the beaming sun. She stared at the busy streets of Manhattan from her 4 story window, admiring the view of the buildings, the bustling pedestrians and heavy traffic under the bright blue skies. What a truly beautiful day it was.

  She sat around her desk and began gathering her notes for her meeting soon.

  A knock on the door disrupted her.

  "Come in."

  The door cracked open and Lillian peaked in.

  "Hey, it's me."

  Reese waved her in, and Lillian stepped inside, shutting the door behind her.

  "So, I just wanted to tell you that I got my copy." She showed her the magazine with a smile.

  Reese blushed. "You did?"

  She nodded, walking over to the chair by her desk. "And I looove what you said about Free the Heart. Really inspiring."

  Since being with Cameron, she had gained access to mainstream media now more than ever. Instead of allowing the attention to ruin her, she used it to her advantage. She had been able to bring more attention to Free the Heart, even earning more donations due to the publicity it received. Just last month, the chief editor of the famous African American owned, Ebony magazine had contacted her for an interview. And she spoke about Free the Heart, shedding light on the organization and most of all what it stood for: Empowering women.

  "Not to mention, you look amazing here." She showed her the article, with her stylish photo, dressed in her chic, yet classy dress, in front of an aqua hued backdrop. "Sizzling hot mama!"

  Reese chuckled, turning to her computer. "Okay, Lillian."

  "So, what's it like?"

  "What's what, like?" She opened her emails.

  "Dating one of the most famous athletes in sports?"

  "Didn't you ask me that before?"

  "Yeah, but that was before...all of this." She gestured the magazine. "You're like, famous now."

  "I'm not famous."

  "You know what I mean. People know your face. Your name. That has to be pretty amazing."

  "It's not that big of a deal."

  That was a lie. Dating one of the most prominent athlete in sports right now was definitely...a big deal. Being with Cameron came with lots of perks. Such as nothing but VIP access to the most exclusive restaurants, clubs, concerts, shows, basketball games, and even vacations spots. They had actually just come back from Tahiti, a few weeks ago, which had been amazing. It took her a while to get used to this new way of life. In fact, she was still adjusting to it. Cameron spoiled her like no other. Showering her with endless gifts. And treating her like a queen. And just the concept of that at times, seemed absurd. She would've never in a million years, expected the womanizing athlete to treat any woman like a queen. But he did. She wasn't used to being this spoiled by any man. But he had made an adamant stance that she was his woman and he was willing to take care of her. So, with reservation, she let him. And she had to admit, it felt pretty damn good.

  "Well, you both look wonderful together. Black men are not usually my type, but he is hot!"

  "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the board meeting soon?"

  "Yeah, I know. I just wanted to come in here and say that." Lillian let out a sigh. "You know, just going through this whole divorce with Richard, I began to give up on love. But seeing you find it again, it's restored my faith."

  "Where'd you get the idea that I was in love?" She frowned a bit.

  "You're not?"

  "No."

  Lillian paused. "Oh. I just figured since you...you know..."

  "Since I, what?" Reese lifted a brow.

  "Have this glow about you. Kind of like the one I used to have when I was with Richard. I just assumed that you were already in love."

  "You should be getting ready for that meeting."

  "Alright, fine. I'm leaving." Lillian stood up, taking the magazine with her. She tapped the picture with glee. "Really love this!"

  Reese smirked. "Bye, Lillian."

  Thankfully, Lillian stepped out, giving her much needed privacy. She was a trip.

  Love?

  The thought made her laugh.

  Her office phone rang and she picked it up off the hook.

  "Free the Heart. Sherese Wilson speaking," she answered.

  "Sharese...just the person I wanted to talk to." The gruff baritone made her pause.

  "And who am I speaking with?"

  "You know who, baby."

  Her senses heightened at the sinister tone. "Excuse me, who is this?"

  "You know exactly who this is, bitch."

  She froze.

  "Don't think I won't find you. Can't run away forever."

  She gasped when the realization struck her. It couldn't be.

  "This shit ain't over, bitch. I swear to god when I find you, you gonna regret it. Fuck with me."

  Reese slammed the phone on the hook. She pressed the button on the machine for the caller ID. But it was blocked.

  It couldn't be him.

  How did he find her number? After all these years? How?

  In a state of panic, Reese opened her draw and grabbed her container of Xanax pills. She poured two tablets in her palm and swallowed them down. Her vision growing dizzy, she rubbed her temples, forcing herself to relax.

  *

  Cam threw punches at the heavyweight bag, striking it with all of his strength. His trainer, Leo, pressed the clicker, keeping count of each punch he threw. Cam envisioned himself in the ring bashing Chavez's face in. Attaining his victory one again. He pounded the bag repeatedly, growling as the adrenaline pumped through his veins.

  "Time!" his trainer called.

  Cam stopped with tired breaths, his muscles aching from the strenuous workout. Since 5 am, he had been training nonstop. Working on his conditioning, cardio, and of course boxing techniques. The fight was only a month away and he was focused. So much, he could almost taste the sweet victory on his tongue.

  A clapping sound made him turn his head, and he found Slick entering the gym. As usual, he was dressed in his clean designer suit with his fedora hat cocked to the side, like some big time 70's don.

  "Now, that's what I like to see." Slick nodded.

  Cam grabbed the towel off the bench and wiped the sweat drenching his skin.

  "Aye, Cam!"

  He glanced at his trainer. "Yeah, wassup?"

  "I'm a go take a break. I'll be back in a minute." />
  "Iight."

  "You want anything on the way?"

  "Nah, I'm good."

  Instead, Cam took gulps of his protein shake he had made for himself. It replenished him with just enough energy to sustain.

  "So, how you feeling? Ready for this fight?" Slick asked, as they took a seat on the bench.

  "More than ready."

  "That's what I like to hear."

  His phone buzzed and he dug in his duffle bag. When he noticed Reese's name flashing on the screen, he answered it.

  "Sup, baby."

  "Hey, um are you still at the gym?"

  "Yeah. Why, whatsup?"

  "Nothing. Is it okay if I come by?"

  "Yeah, of course. Why? Everything okay?" he asked, picking up on her somber tone.

  "Mhmm, I'm fine. I'll see you in a bit."

  "Alright, cool."

  "Bye."

  When their call ended, he placed the phone in his duffel bag.

  "Reese's coming by," Cam told him.

  And he didn't mind it. Sometimes when she had the time, she would visit just to watch him train. Although he preferred to train alone due to distractions, Reese was never a bothersome. Instead, he liked her presence here. It showed that she supported what he did. Even if it was to simply watch him.

  "Look, I hope you ain't letting this chick lose your focus."

  Cam hissed his teeth. "C'mon, man."

  "I'm serious."

  "Didn't you just see me over there, doin' work? I am focused."

  "Well, I hope so. You know how you get."

  "What is that supposed to mean?"

  "You always let these bitches keep you off track. Before it was the pregnancy scare with that one bitch, then it was that whole lawsuit you had, after that it was the rape bullshit. Now this. And for some reason, it always happens right around fight time. And the last thing we need right now, is you getting caught up in some other shit. Especially not this fight—"

  "I said I'm focused, alright." He shot him glare.

  "Yeah, you better be. I got a lot of money riding on this. You better not fuck this up," he threatened.

  Cam gritted his teeth, facing ahead. "I'm a do what I got to. Don't worry about me. Just make sure you do your part, and have all my shit set up before the fight."

  When a presence appeared at the corner of his eye, he turned his head to see Reese entering the gym. And just like that, his anger subsided. That professional look, he loved on her did her justice, giving him the perfect view of her beautiful frame as she strutted toward him in her high heels. He stood up and walked toward her.

  "Sup, baby," They hugged and kissed.

  "Hey."

  "Aye, I'm a takeoff," Slick called out.

  Cam gave him a dismissal nod, not even bothering to spare him a glance. Instead, he kept his attention on Reese.

  "Took an early day off work?" he wrapped his arms around her waist.

  "Mhmm. Figured I'll come by and see you. I got you Joe's Crab Shack." She lifted the plastic bag, and the delicious aroma permeated his senses. He nearly jumped up, salivating like a hungry dog in search of a treat. He could kiss her right now. She got his favorite meal.

  "You're the best, you know that?" He kissed her cheek, taking the bag from her.

  "I know." She smiled and walked to the bench.

  He followed suit and sat next to her.

  "So, how was your work out?"

  "Good." He nodded, taking out the container. "Did a lot of conditioning. Cardio. Punching techniques."

  When he opened the plastic container, his stomach churned at the sight of crab legs, fries, bisects, and corn. "And you got my favorite? Aw man. You want some?"

  "No, it's okay. I'm not hungry."

  "Woman, stop playing. You know you can't resist all this good food." He waved the container by her nose teasingly and she grinned, moving it away.

  "I'm fine, Cam."

  "Yeah, alright." He took no time in digging in. He pulled the crab legs apart, and sucked the meat out of the shell. He moaned in bliss, savoring the delicious taste. If this were any other time, he would've refrained from eating such junk. But since he needed to gain a certain weight for the fight, he could eat all the fatty foods he wanted, within reason.

  "So, where's your trainer?"

  "Went out for a break. Should be back soon, though."

  "Oh."

  "Sure you don't want some?" he offered again. He felt bad eating so much without sharing any.

  She shook her head.

  He studied her, picking up on her sullen mood. "You okay?"

  "Mhmm."

  "You sure? You look...out of it."

  She gave a faint smile. "I'm fine."

  He could tell she wasn't. Something was bothering her. As much as it pained him, he didn't bother to push it. He learned since getting to know Reese, doing that wasn't the answer. She wasn't the type to open up easily. And pushing her to do so, would only cause her to shut down. It was frustrating. And it took a lot of patience. But because he cared about her, he had to wait on her to feel comfortable enough to fully trust him.

  After a moment, Reese picked up his gloves. She observed them for a bit, then slid her hands into them.

  "Now, what you ‘bout to go do with that?" He smirked.

  "Watch me." She got up and walked to the heavy bag. He lifted a brow. When she threw punches at it, he laughed at how terrible she looked.

  "Horrible," he called out.

  Ignoring him, she continued to strike the bag and it only made him cringe. Her techniques were all wrong.

  "You're doing it all wrong, babe."

  She huffed, giving up. "Fine. Teach me then."

  He placed his container down then approached her.

  "First off, you shouldn't even be using these without a hand wrap. Could hurt your hands." He slid the gloves off. He then went into his office for a hand wrap and gloves her size. When he entered the gym, he found her kicking off her heels and unbuttoning her blouse.

  "Really ready to learn, huh?" he teased.

  She nodded, tossing her blouse to the side, baring herself in a tank top and skirt.

  He stood before her and began wrapping her hands. He then slid on her gloves, before tying them properly.

  "Alright, before we begin, you gotta learn the defensive stance. So, do this..." He showed her the proper stance and she mirrored his movements. When he placed his fists up by his chin, she did the same. "Good. Always remember to protect your chin. You never wanna get in that ring without your hands up."

  He then taught her different punching techniques, such as right and left hooks, jabs and counter punches. Like he expected, her techniques were off but she wasn't too bad, given it was her first time boxing. What she had though, was power in her punches. Which was a great thing. It just needed to be honed the right way.

  "So, let's say someone tries to choke you? What do you do?" she asked.

  "Choke me? Then, they'll be disqualified. Can't do that in boxing."

  "Alright, what about outside of boxing? What would you do?"

  "You mean, like in the streets? Well, there's a lot of shit you could do."

  "Like what?"

  "Alright, let's say I came up to you and did this." He reached for her neck and she slapped his hand away with a glare. He stood there, taken aback.

  She looked away, fiddling with her gloves. "Sorry. Reflexes."

  He nodded, understanding. "Alright, let's try this again. If I walked up to you and did this..." He softly grasped her neck. "You could kick me in the balls then throw a punch to the nose. And always go for the nose, since it’s the most sensitive part of your face."

  "So, what if he tries to choke me from behind?"

  "A man, you mean?"

  She cleared her throat. "I mean, anybody. What do you do?"

  "So, if I did this." He stepped behind her and snaked his arm around her neck. The sweet scent of her perfume emitted her skin and he licked his lips, loving the way she smelled. Una
ble to resist, he placed soft kisses on her neck and she squirmed a bit.

  "Cam, seriously. Focus."

  "Alright, my bad." He forced himself to continue. "So, if I tried to choke you, make sure you never lean back, only forward. Then try to grab my fingers up top."

  "Wait, my gloves."

  He untied her gloves and removed them.

  "Okay, continue," she spoke.

  He reverted to his position around her neck. "Reach up and grab my fingers like this..." He brought her hand up to his. "Try to grab the thumb or pinky, if you can. Then bend it and twist my wrist. As hard as you can."

  She bent his fingers, twisting his wrist and his grip loosened.

  "Good." He nodded. "You got it?"

  "Yeah."

  "Why do you wanna learn this anyway?" He wondered.

  "Just curious."

  He lifted his chin, giving her a skeptical look. "I don't know...you might try to beat my ass one day."

  "Maybe," she joked.

  "Oh, then I'm definitely staying my ass away from you."

  She chuckled, placing on her gloves. She then approached the heavy bag with a deep breath. She stared at it for a long moment, then threw punches at it. She swung with speed he didn't expect. She punched and punched, not once stopping. She spewed out obscenities, screaming at the bag as she struck with such rage. He watched with discomfort, wondering what had gotten into her. After a while, she stopped with heaving breaths and bent over with her hands on her knees, crying.

  "Reese." He rushed to her. "What's wrong?"

  She continued to sob, and he grew more concerned.

  "Talk to me. What happened?" He rubbed her back softly.

  She stood up, shaking her head and slid off her gloves. When she turned away, he placed a hand on her waist to stop her.

  "Reese, talk to me. What's the matter?"

  Her reddened eyes clouded with such pain, and it worried him. Why couldn't she just talk to him? What was going on with her? He stepped closer, rubbing her tears away. "You could trust me. You know that."

  Her face softened.

  "You could trust me," he assured her again. He could see her barrier slowly beginning to break down as they held each other’s gaze. And his not once faltered. He wanted to show her the truth in them. To let her know he meant every word he spoke. "Tell me what's wrong" he whispered. Her mouth opened, as though she began to speak. And he waited...