The Final KO

by Jessica Florence

  It was actually nice to have something to focus on while I was at the gym. When I was running on the treadmill or punching the bag, I wasn’t feeling the pain of my broken heart, so that’s what I did. When I went home, I kept myself busy cleaning, organizing, and working out some more. No resting; resting meant I could think of Arson, and I didn’t want to do that. When it was finally time to crash, I was so tired from staying active that I passed out.

  That went on for a few days. I trained, cleaned even though I had already cleaned my house, went over to Franny’s and cleaned her house. She tried to get me to open up a few times but I wouldn’t. I was sweet to her as always, then went back to my apartment with a big batch of brownies.

  She swore chocolate soothed a broken heart, but I devoured those brownies and it didn’t do a thing but make me feel sluggish.

  I sat down and watched TV for a few minutes to let my stomach settle, only to have it riled up when Arson’s face popped up on the screen.

  “Arson Kade’s new fighting gym is set to open in two weeks. He’ll have a wide variety of classes for all ages but will mostly be set up for children and teens. We will keep you updated on the location, which has been kept secret for the big reveal. Now let’s go to Kathy with the weather.”

  I was happy for him, glad that he was still going through with his dream. It made me feel better knowing that. A knock on my door made me look at it curiously. I wasn’t expecting company. Somewhere deep inside my brain I was hoping it was Arson, but then I crushed that. Even if it was him, I would still have to play my part. Please don’t be Arson. I got up and went to the door to open it wide.

  Hope, my PR lady waltzed right in.

  “Hi hun. Long time no see, I know. I’ve been a busy girl, working on endorsement deals, making sure your relationship with Arson is always in the spotlight. Busy busy busy. I’ve come by because I heard you’ve been a little out of sorts lately and it’s my job to make sure you are doing okay.” She plopped down on my couch as nicely as a lady wearing a skirt could manage. I walked over to where she was and turned off the TV so we could talk, although I wasn’t really sure what I would say.

  “Everything going good with my brand?” I asked her. It had been in the works months ago for me to be a Covergirl model. They wanted a strong woman, but still pretty.

  “Yep. If all goes right, we will be signing with Covergirl next week! And since your big fight I have had loads of companies wanting to sign on with you. You’re a hit!” She beamed. I was happy about that news, but it still fell flat for me.

  “Ok, spill. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing, just not myself lately.” It was true, but she wasn’t taking that for an answer.

  “Keep going. Are you and Arson doing okay?” She was concerned, it showed all over her face.

  “We broke up, it just wasn’t working out,” I lied, looking away.

  “Right, now what’s the real reason? I’ve been looking at pictures of you two for the past few months. You two were destined to be together. You can’t fool me sweetheart.” I held back tears and looked at her.

  “I had to let him go. If he stayed he would have lost everything but me, and I can’t do that to him.” I felt the tears break loose, but I still held my composure. No crumpling on the ground for me.

  “You didn’t give him a chance to choose?” she inquired. I shook my head.

  “He would have chosen me but would have given up everything he’s worked so hard for. I had no other choice.” I tried to make her see it was the only thing I could have done. Sure, I could have told Julianne to shove her offer up her ass, but then she would have exposed him. We’d have each other, but that would be all he would have, and he deserved so much better.

  “I see. Well I’ll let you get back to your day. I don’t want to upset you anymore. I’ll email you everything tonight.” She got up stood in front of me.

  “I know you won’t believe me, but as an outsider, a love like what you and Arson share can’t be thrown away. It simply won’t allow it. You’re both too stubborn to let it break. Don’t give up Rayne.” She leaned down to kiss my cheek and then left with her heels clicking as she walked.

  “I have given up,” I mumbled to myself. There was no use dwelling on what she’d said. Even if I wanted to make up with Arson, he hated me now, especially after everything I’d said.

  I went out to the balcony and watched the sunset by myself. Then Cammy came knocking with Chinese takeout and together we sat and talked about everything but Arson. I was feeling a little bit better. Arson was still on track to open his gym. Cammy was being my friend even while I was probably the worst company, and I still had my training to keep my busy. I wasn’t complete, but I could survive.

  Cammy’s snores woke me up the next morning a few minutes before my alarm. I rolled out of bed, used the bathroom, and made some coffee for her and tea for me. It was the first day I was back in the cage at the gym and I was looking forward to it. I needed to grapple it out with someone.

  Maybe Alex would be my partner since Arson was gone. He hadn’t shown up to the gym since Vegas. I felt myself start to spiral down the negative thought drain.

  I shook my head as if I could shake out the memories of him, wishing I could have woken up with amnesia so I wouldn’t be reminded all the time how amazing he was.

  I got dressed and left a note for Cammy saying thanks for everything. I walked out of my apartment and headed toward the gym.

  As soon as Coach saw me, he put me to work warming up my muscles on the ropes and then told me to do some stretching. I was standing with my feet spread wide and my hands touching the ground when a voice spooked me.

  “Very flexible, Princess.” My eyes clinched tight; I didn’t want to hear him say my nickname. I’d known it was only a matter of time before I saw him, but I had still crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t be tortured like that. I stayed down in my position but moved my hands over to my right leg. He was still behind me. I didn’t say anything.

  “I wanted to let you know I’m officially moving to Sarasota, permanently.” Why? His voice held no anger as he spoke to me; I was confused. I had broken his heart; he shouldn’t want to be anywhere near me. Oh yeah, his dojo. It wasn’t for me.

  “Good for you.” I switched to my left leg, feeling the pain of the stretch.

  “Yeah, having a bit of trouble finding a place to stay though.” He was trying to make conversation with me. Could I really talk to him without screaming that I loved him and was sorry?

  “Sorry to hear that.” I stood up and faced him. It was like taking a large sip of water after being in the desert for a week. He stood there dressed in workout gear, looking hot as hell. He was clean shaven and his hair was a mess, but that was something I loved about him.

  “It’s okay. I’ll be where I’m supposed to be soon.” He smirked and I decided I needed to leave.

  “Good luck with that.” I walked off toward the ring where Coach was waiting for me.

  “You good kid?” he asked with his eyes on Arson.

  “Peachy. Who am I training with today?” I asked and hopped into the ring. I looked around and all the other fighters were scarce, doing their own thing. Then my eyes landed on Arson. I took a deep breath and prayed to the heavens.

  “You good to get in there?” I heard Coach ask him.

  “Yes sir.” My gaze came down to his as he jumped up into the ring with me. I really, really didn’t want to do this. I wished I could tell him how much this was hurting me, but he seemed not to care. I guessed I had played my part well.

  “Jackson, we need to work on getting out of holds. I can’t have you held up against the fence like you were. Arson is going to get you into some tight spots and I want you to use your head and get out. I’m not gonna shout orders because you know them, but if you need help, I’ll help you out.” I nodded at him. I understood what he’d said and it was an area I wanted practice in, I just didn’t want Arson’s body holding me close.

  �
��Got it,” I responded. He looked at the man next to me and then back to my face.

  “Fight.”

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  I was such a coward

  I turned to Arson and raised my hands up into position. He was on the offensive and I had to be ready.

  He fake attacked at the right but switched to the left on a hop of his foot. I blocked him but was thrown to the ground with the flick of his wrist. I made it to my knees before he was on me, trying to get me into a position where he could arm bar me or pin me down beneath him. I held on and wasn’t giving him the opportunity.

  “Relax Princess. Use your arm and push out while ducking your head. You know this,” he hissed into my neck. I tried something else to distract him then did as he suggested. He rolled over me and I was back up on my feet.

  “There you go kid.” Coach clapped.

  Arson came back with a low kick that I blocked, but he rushed me and then he and I were practically hugging, trying not to let the other gain the upper hand.

  “Why are you here Arson?” I hissed.

  “I’m here for you.” He growled and I slowly moved my shoulder into his chest and whirled out from under him. I ran for the side of the ring.

  “I’m not feeling good Coach, I’m calling it in short.” I hopped out and ran for the bathroom. I couldn’t be there with him. Was he there to get revenge? Make me suffer for leaving him? Or worse, was he trying to get me back into his life?

  I grabbed my bag quickly and ran through the door. I didn’t want to see him or anyone else. I made a beeline for my car and raced home.

  I was such a coward. I had never been one before in my life and I didn’t like the taste it left in my mouth, but if I saw him again I wouldn’t be able to keep it up any longer. It was too exhausting and I truly hated myself for the charade.

  Even though I wished, prayed, and sacrificed a chicken—okay not the chicken, but I was feeling dramatic at the moment.

  I heard banging on my door. He wasn’t giving up. He wanted to talk to me and he would break down my door if he had to. I cracked it open so it was clear he wasn’t invited in.

  “Sorry Arson, I think I’m sick. You should stay away.” I fake coughed and tried to shut the door, but his hand shot out and stopped it. He pushed it open and I took a step back, then kept going. For every step I took away, he took one toward me.

  “No more running Rayne. I’m done with the bullshit. You want to pretend that you’re not happy as hell to see me right now then that’s okay, but I’m not leaving until you tell me that you don’t want me, that you don’t love me.” His face was hard but held no menace in it. I was so confused. I had already told him this; I couldn’t do it again.

  “I already—”

  “I want to hear it again. Tell me Rayne. Right now. Tell me you don’t love me. Tell me you don’t want me.” He took a step forward and the smell of him hit me. He smelled of sweat from the gym mixed with his own brand of scent, like fresh mint mixed in with a hint of citrus. I’d never really noticed it until he was gone and my sheets still held the smell in them. I looked down and felt the tears come up, threatening to fall. I couldn’t do it again. I didn’t have it in me. I said nothing.

  His hand softly went to my chin and lifted it up. Our eyes met and his were pleading with me to speak, to say something.

  “Tell me,” He spoke so softly I almost didn’t hear it. Even though it hurt to say, I was defeated. I couldn’t hurt him or myself anymore.

  “I can’t.” The tears broke free and ran down my cheeks.

  “Princess.” He crushed his lips to mine and that was it. My arms wrapped around him, never to let him go. Screw Julianne. There was no way I could push him away again. His teeth nipped at my lower lip and I opened for him. Our tongues caressed, and moans clashed.

  “I’m so sorry.” I cried into him. He picked me up and walked us to the bed with our lips attached.

  “I know Princess. I know everything.” He set us down but I pushed him back before he could climb over me.

  “No, no. I have to explain. I can’t go further until I get it out. I’ve been dying since Vegas.” I looked him in the eyes, willing him to let me speak. He sat down and spoke.

  “Julianne threatened you with blackmail of exposing my past so you would leave me, and you, being who you are, wanted to protect me, so you broke my heart. Yeah, I believed you, but that next day I came back to my senses and figured the only thing that would make you leave me would be something she did. So, I found her, and she told me. She thought I would stay with her, so I pulled a page from her book and blackmailed her. She isn’t the only one with information. I know many things about powerful people. I could expose her very easily. She shut right up and waved the white flag. Now I’m here, with you. You still love me and want to be with me. Am I all caught up?” He smirked and I just sat there dazed.

  Had he really fixed it all that quickly? It was true Arson fashion to be so gung ho about it all. I mean, look at how quickly he’d made me fall in love with him. Did I have anything to add to his long revelation?

  “Do you hate me?”

  “I fell in love with your character before I even met you Rayne. Your selflessness is part of that. I can’t be mad at what makes you, you. I’m sorry I believed you.” Apparently there wasn’t anything left for me to talk about.

  “What now?” I felt out of sorts, not knowing if we should just jump right into the sheets or what.

  “Well I’m going to make up for lost time with your body. Then after hours of orgasms, I’m going to let you get a bit of sleep then wake your ass up and we’re going to the courthouse. I’m not letting you try and save me from God knows what and leave me again. You’re marrying me Princess, tomorrow morning. Now get your sweet lips over here.” Aye aye captain. I lunged for him and snaked my fingers into his hair.

  I had missed him so damn much, but now he was there, and everything was okay.

  Mouths merged, tongues stroked, and clothes disappeared. True to his word, Arson filled my body and the rest of the night with orgasms. Before I drifted off to sleep, Arson slipped the ring from my nightstand onto my finger. It was perfect in every way.

  All this time I’d had it I had never put it on. It didn’t belong there without him, but now he was mine and tomorrow we would make that permanent. He was my future, my world. He was my final KO, the life changing knockout that made me champion of the world, a world where Arson ruled by my side, my equal in every way. I fell asleep with thoughts of our future together.

  Arson woke me up with a kiss on the lips and a smack to my ass.

  It was wedding time. He promised me we could have a real wedding afterward, but he wasn’t taking any chances beforehand, determined to tie me to him immediately. I wasn’t complaining; I wanted that too.

  We rushed to the courthouse, signed some papers, and said I do. I kissed my husband and he picked me up and carried me out of the room. Everything had worked out. Passion for passion. Together we had plenty of that. Passion.

  We spent the rest of the week moving Arson into my apartment and fighting off Cammy and my mother, who demanded a big wedding they could plan soon. We agreed; no need to keep the beasts angry.

  We had a few days of relaxation before it was time for Arson’s big reveal. He let the press know the location of the dojo and had planned a big event for the grand opening. It was amazing what he had put together.

  The press and a large crowd filled the parking lot of the once empty warehouse in downtown Sarasota, waiting for Arson to cut the ribbon, signaling that he was open for business. A few of the guys from our gym had signed up to volunteer as teachers so this was going to be a big deal. I stood off to the side as I watched Arson walk up to the ribbon and speak into a microphone someone handed him.

  “Morning everyone! And welcome to The Sanctuary.” Someone pulled down the cover that had hidden the name of the gym. It was Arson’s sanctuary and he had hoped that it would become that for others.

  �
��Fighting was and is a solace for me in a time of great stress. My hope is to provide the knowledge of martial arts to future generations, as an outlet, for future peace, and to have a good time. It’s time I cut this ribbon and welcome you all to The Sanctuary.” He was handed a set of golden scissors and sliced through that ribbon like butter.

  The crowd roared, and one by one he greeted every person and child as they entered the building. He had sponsoring businesses all set up in little tent covers giving away free things, connecting with the community—anything to get kids and people active.

  I was so busy enjoying everyone’s excited faces I hadn’t noticed who had made their way to my side.

  “Looks like you’ve got everything you wanted dear.”I closed my eyes and counted to ten. She seriously had better not be there. I opened my eyes and turned to look at her. She looked the same, but more run down. Her age was catching up to her. Good.

  “I do actually.” I brought my left hand up and showed her the ring like the proud wife I was. Honestly he could have wrapped my finger with a straw and I wouldn’t have cared, but for her I would take the low road and gloat in her face. Her eyes narrowed at my ring and the band that Arson had made time to get. It matched his, a simple white gold band.

  “He was mine you whore. You ruined everything. You’re a slut and I hope you…” I looked around, not listening to anything else she was saying. No one was around or looking our way. Perfect.

  I raised and cocked my fist back, then let it fly straight for Julianne’s nose. Blood shot out and she fell down to the ground, her hands on her nose. I looked up to see Arson running toward us, along with a paramedic who was hanging out just in case anything happened.

  “Rayne, Jesus. Are you okay?” He didn’t even look down at the woman who was wailing her pain. It was a broken nose, she would live.

  “Never better. Take me inside, husband.” I smiled, feeling better than I had in months. He wrapped an arm around me and looked back at the medic who was attending to Julianne.