A Fighter's Desire

by L. P. Dover

  After I ran out of the room, crying my eyes out, I collided with Jake. He immediately escorted me straight up to his office, which was where I’d been ever since. No one knew I was there and I wanted it to stay that way.

  When he asked if he could get me anything, I settled for a cup of green tea because I didn’t think a pint of Ben & Jerry’s was going to be stocked in the club.

  “Thank you,” I murmured, reaching for the steaming mug. “I appreciate you doing this for me.”

  Sitting down beside me on the couch, he sighed. “Yeah, well, you kind of scared me after you ran into me in the hallway. Tyler didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  “No,” I exclaimed, wide-eyed. “He didn’t do anything wrong and he didn’t hurt me. It was my choice to do what I did, and in the end it was a stupid decision. I guess my heart was more invested in it than his was.”

  Jake frowned and nodded his head. “I see it all of the time, Gabriella. Tyler is one of those guys that all of the women love. He’s changed in the past few months, though. I still love him like a son, but he’s now getting the attention he’s craved for so long. I knew it would go to his head.”

  “I thought I would be different,” I whispered, staring into my cup of tea. “At first, what I was doing didn’t bother me, but suddenly it hit me. He didn’t know it was me, and he didn’t care. I was just a girl that meant nothing to him, one he would forget the next day. We’re supposed to spend tomorrow night together, but I don’t think I can after tonight.”

  Jake sighed and patted my leg. “I understand, sweetheart. Look, I’m going to go downstairs and wrap this party up. Do you want me to take you back to your hotel?”

  “I don’t want to go back yet,” I replied, shaking my head. “Is there any way I can stay here for the night?”

  The couch was actually kind of comfortable, and I knew if I went back, Ryley would definitely find me. I wasn’t ready to tell him what had happened.

  “You are more than welcome to hang out here, Gabriella. I was actually planning on staying through the night to get some paperwork done. You can always help me if you want.”

  “I will be more than happy to,” I remarked wholeheartedly. “Just tell me what to do.”

  I would do anything to get my mind off of Tyler.

  Several hours later, I could barely keep my eyes open. Even after drinking a couple of energy drinks I was still barely holding it together. I caught Jake laughing at me several times when I’d nod off in the middle of reading through the stacks of paperwork.

  “It’s seven o’clock in the morning, Gabriella. I appreciate all of the work you’ve done for me, but you need to go back to your hotel and get some sleep.”

  Yawning, I stretched my arms over my head and sat back in the chair. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m going to catch a flight home for this afternoon. I’m sure my brother’s been calling me nonstop after watching my fight with Jaden.” Jake’s grin grew wider when I looked over at him. “Let me guess, you watched it, too?”

  “Hey, what can I say? I love my fights. Actually, the other day I was thinking about bringing in female fighters to compete. Do you think that’s something you’d be interested in?”

  “Wow,” I gasped, wide-eyed, “I never actually thought that it could be a possibility. Fighting Jaden was the first time I’ve ever fought against another female.”

  Jake’s mouth gaped open in surprise. “That is amazing then. I never would’ve thought that. Either way, if you decide you want to fight I’m sure I can get you a rematch with Ms. Eller.”

  I chuckled. “Oh yeah, she hates me. I’m sure she’ll be all for it.”

  Getting to his feet, Jake straightened up the papers on his desk and reached down to fetch one of his cards. He held it out to me and I took it, excited that I’d been offered a chance to show the world what I could do, but also bummed because I knew my brother wouldn’t approve.

  “Here’s my number if you’re ever in town again. Keep fighting, and one of these days, if you wish it, I’m sure you’ll be just as well-known as your brother. He could definitely get you in the door with the UFC.”

  Is that really something I want? I wondered.

  The idea of fighting professionally was exciting, but I never thought it could be a reality. After Jake helped me out of my chair, I followed him out the door and down the steps to the front door of the club.

  “Thanks, Jake. I’ll have to think about everything and let you know. I need to see how my brother feels about it first.”

  “I don’t think he’ll have a problem with it. He’s the one who’s been training you, right?”

  He had a point. “Yes,” I agreed.

  “Then all you have to do is ask him. It’s as simple as that.”

  Once out in the parking lot, the only car left was a white Maserati Granturismo convertible. Opening the door, Jake ushered me inside, so I slid in onto the cool tan, leather seat.

  It wasn’t exactly simple asking my brother questions, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.

  JAKE DROPPED ME off at the hotel, but instead of going to my room, I walked straight through the lobby to the conservatory, wanting to breathe in the sweet smell of the flowers. There was something about nature that always calmed me down, especially the ocean, which was why I was studying Marine Biology. However, in the back of my mind I had another passion … fighting.

  Would I be able to do both? Ashleigh was going to work at both of her career choices; working a job in Marine Biology, and the other at her family’s hotel in Aspen. Surely I could do it, too, right?

  There were so many questions, and I didn’t have the answers to any of them.

  Thankfully, it was still early in the morning so there weren’t that many people walking about. One of the benches was free, so I sat down and pulled out my phone. I was afraid to turn it on because I knew there would be a ton of messages on there, but I did it anyway.

  Of course, I was right … it immediately started buzzing with text messages and voicemails. There were some from Ryley, Ashleigh, my brother, and of course Tyler. After I ran out on him, I was pretty sure Ryley told him that it was me and not just some random whore he was fucking. I should’ve known my feelings would get in the way.

  I didn’t want to talk to any of them, but if I didn’t call my brother back he’d hop on the first plane to Vegas. Knowing my luck, he was already on his way. I dialed his number and waited on him to answer … thankfully, he did.

  “It’s about time you called back. You must’ve been too busy celebrating,” he chimed.

  Okay, he didn’t sound pissed. That was good.

  “Hey,” I replied back skeptically. “What would I be celebrating?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that you kicked Jaden’s ass. You were amazing, Gabby. I’ll admit, though, I was pissed when I saw that you were in Vegas, but after watching you fight, I couldn’t begin to tell you how proud I was. Especially when you let Jaden go without breaking her arm. I know that had to be hard to do.”

  “You have no idea,” I mumbled.

  “But the question is … why are you there? And why were Kyle and Tyler fighting? I saw their fight before it switched to you and Jaden.”

  Sighing, I rubbed my tired eyes and yawned. Damn, I was so sleepy. “I was here for a baseball tournament, but then I ran into Ryley and Camden. I thought I would hang out with them and go to the fights. Now, Kyle on the other hand is a whole different story. I ran into him in the elevator and words were exchanged. That’s how the fight with him got started. Tyler stood up for me and challenged him to a fight.”

  My brother hated Kyle with every fiber of his being. The last thing I wanted was to tell him that Kyle messed with me; it would only fuel the fire more.

  “Don’t worry, Tyler and I handled it,” I said quickly. “As you could see in the video, Jaden was the one who shoved me first. I had to let her know I couldn’t be pushed around.”

  “I don’t blame you, Gabby. In fact, I’m really pro
ud of you for fighting by the rules. Listen, there’s something I wanted to tell you. I tried calling you last night, but you never answered.”

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Your nephew was born last night, sis. I called because I wanted you to come to the hospital and meet him. He has a powerful set of lungs on him. I think he gets it from his mother, though.”

  He laughed and I could hear his wife, Shelby, in the background scolding him.

  “Oh my God,” I cried. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I bet you were going crazy, weren’t you?”

  “You have no idea. I’ve never felt so helpless in my life. Shelby did great, and she’s doing much better now. We’re going home tomorrow.”

  “That’s great! I promise I’ll come see you as soon as I get home. I’m getting a flight back sometime today. I don’t think Vegas is all it’s cracked up to be. I’ll see you soon, though.”

  “Wait, there’s more,” he added quickly. “I thought maybe you could tell Tyler this while you’re out there.”

  Immediately, I stiffened and it felt like a huge lump had taken root in my throat. “I don’t know if I’m going to see him again,” I murmured honestly. I didn’t want to see him again.

  “Well, it’s something he’ll find out tonight at the fight anyway, but I thought he would like to know beforehand.” He paused for a second, and in the background I could hear the baby crying. I wished I was there to hold him.

  “I’m retiring, Gabby,” he told me. “I’m not going to fight anymore.”

  I gasped and held my breath. Did I hear him right?

  “Oh my God, are you serious? Why are you doing that?”

  I could hear the smile in his voice and the sound of my nephew’s coo in the phone; he was holding him. Suddenly, I knew why he was giving it up. Our father was never around and left us when we were younger, but Matt wanted to be different … to be there.

  “I don’t want to be gone all of the time, Gabby. My family is important to me and I don’t want to miss a single second of it.”

  If anyone understood that, it was me.

  “Also, the reason I wanted you to talk to Tyler was because now that I’m retiring, the Heavyweight title will be up for grabs. He’ll have a chance to get it without having to beat me. I’m sure he’ll be happy about that.”

  His dreams of being a Heavyweight champion will finally come true. I wanted to tell him so badly, but I couldn’t; I was leaving and not going back.

  “Oh, wow. You know he’s going to be pissed that he doesn’t get to fight you for it. He’s been dying to beat you in the ring.”

  Matt chuckled. “I know, but he’ll most likely be up against Kyle for it. Surely, he’d rather fight him than me. Besides, I think I might go into the coaching business. Do you know of any fighters who needs a coach?”

  I scoffed. “I’m sure every fighter out there would get rid of their coach just to have you. I wouldn’t worry about that.”

  “I was talking about you, Gabby. Are you interested? My sponsor called me last night and asked if I knew of any good female fighters. They’re looking for a fresh face and I think you have it.”

  “I … I don’t know what to say,” I stuttered. “This isn’t a joke, is it?”

  “No, it’s no joke. I tell you what, why don’t you think on it and let me know. Ryley told me to loosen up on you, so I’m trying to do that and let you do your own thing. I could see the passion in your eyes when you fought Jaden, and I honestly think you have what it takes. You’ve always wanted to follow after your big brother, right?”

  “You know it,” I said, smiling. “Okay, let me think everything through and I’ll let you know. I’m just ready to get home.”

  “All right, baby girl. Call me when you get back into town.”

  As soon as we said our good-byes and I hung up the phone, the incessant beeping of unread texts chirped its annoying sound over and over. All I wanted to do was go to sleep for a few hours and then go home. There was no way I could function any longer.

  Slowly, I stood on my feet and took one last look at the gardens before trudging to the elevators. My eyes started to burn and my teeth felt like they had sweaters on them; I was sure I looked disgusting with my makeup all smeared and my dark hair in a messy ponytail.

  A shower would be good, but I was afraid I’d slip and bust my head wide open. The last thing I wanted was for the maid to find me naked and knocked out in the shower.

  Thankfully, on the way up to my floor I didn’t see anyone that I knew and went straight to my room. Breathing a sigh of relief, I slid the key card in and opened the door, locking it behind me. Just a couple of hours of sleep and I’d be good to go. That was all I needed.

  Yawning, I walked to the bedroom with my eyes half closed and fell on to the mattress, burying my face in the fluffy pillows. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and curled into the blankets, but a familiar smell caught my nose.

  A sound came from the bathroom, making my body jerk, but I was too tired to even open my eyes. It was probably just the beginning stages of a dream, but what did I smell?

  A warm hand gently brushed across my cheek, bringing with it that familiar smell. I was dreaming. I felt the touch again, only this time it was down my arm, making my skin break out into chills.

  This was no dream.

  My eyes burst open, but since they were burning and blurry, I couldn’t tell who the figure was lying beside of me. I reacted instantly and screamed, but a hand came down over my mouth … silencing me.

  “GABBY, STOP FIGHTING, it’s me!” Tyler snapped, holding me down.

  He let me go and I angrily rolled off the bed, rubbing my eyes with the palms of my hands; he was still blurry when I tried to look at him.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed. “You need to leave.”

  Getting to his feet, he stalked over to me and held me firm with his hands, squeezing my upper arms. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me where you were last night.”

  He was dressed in the same jeans and green polo shirt from the night before … the night he spent having sex with someone he didn’t know, not even her name. Yes, it was me, but the point was that he chose to live his life like that, with no regrets.

  Feeling the anger boil beneath my skin, I glared down at his hands on my arms and then up to him. “You need to let me go now,” I demanded. “I don’t want to be anywhere near you right now.”

  Letting me go, he furrowed his brows and shook his head. “I don’t understand. I thought this was what you wanted. You wanted a weekend with me and you have it. What more can I do?”

  “It was a mistake, Tyler. I can’t do it and just brush it off like it doesn’t mean anything. You’ve changed and I saw that last night. You guys will seriously just fuck anything that comes your way, won’t you?”

  I tried to walk away, but he grabbed me by the arm and abruptly turned me around. “What the hell are you talking about? I was with you last night until you up and ran away from me. I thought we were having fun.”

  “I was until I realized what I was doing,” I spat. “I thought it would be fun to trick you, but then it all came crashing down on me. If Ryley didn’t put me in the other girl’s place, you would’ve been fucking her instead of me, and then turned right around and fucked me tonight. And it didn’t faze you one bit to screw someone else the night before being with me, did it?”

  Letting me go, he sat down on my bed and ran his hands through his platinum blond hair.

  “See, you can’t even answer the question! You don’t care, just like all of the other guys. All I wanted was to be something more, even if it was just for the weekend, but you couldn’t do that. I have to say I don’t like what you’ve become. You’re not the same Tyler I met a year ago.”

  Turning on my heel, I stormed toward the door. If he wouldn’t leave, I was going to. Before I could walk out, Tyler stopped me with his next words.

  “I knew it was you, Gabriella.”

&n
bsp; When I turned around, his gaze was more serious than I’d ever seen. He approached me warily and continued, “I’m going to say this again … I knew it was you. At the party, when it was time to go into the room, I told Ryley I wasn’t interested and that he could take my place. I didn’t want to be with anyone else this weekend, Gabriella. I wanted you, and if I had to wait until tonight to have you, I was going to do that.”

  My heart pounded in my chest, and even harder the closer he got to me. I could barely breathe, especially when his hand lifted to cup my cheek. He knew it was me the whole time. Damn Ryley for not telling me.

  “Tyler,” I whispered, closing my eyes. “I’m so sorry. I feel like such an idiot now. I thought you didn’t know. I tried not to let my feelings get in the way, but they did.”

  He brushed the hair away from my face and bent down to kiss my lips. “And I tried not to let mine get in the way, but it didn’t work. I thought I could get drunk and pretend it was you I was fucking last night, but when the time came I couldn’t do it. You have no idea how hard it was to keep that blindfold on when all I wanted was to look at you while we fucked. I was tempted to do it, but I thought last night was how you wanted it. I didn’t want to ruin the fantasy for you.”

  Lifting both of his hands to my face, he rubbed my cheeks with his thumbs and smiled. “Now that we have all of that cleared up, how about we finish what we started?” he asked, smirking mischievously.

  My body was tired and sore from staying up all night, and even he looked worn out and exhausted. “I would love to, but I stayed up all night with Jake working on bills for the club. I’m running on zero sleep.”

  His eyes went wide. “You mean you never left the club?” When I shook my head, he groaned. “I can’t believe I didn’t think about looking for you inside of the club. I assumed you left, which is why Ryley and I came back to the hotel. I’ve been waiting for you in here ever since.”