The Fighter

by E. L. Todd

  He chuckled. “Touché. How are things with Finn? Still keeping him in the dark?”

  “Actually…I told him the truth a few days ago. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you.”

  He sipped his coffee and almost spat it out when a cough overtook him. “I’m surprised too. What did he say?”

  “Well, he didn’t pounce on me like I thought he would. He actually said something pretty sweet.”

  “What?”

  “He still has my engagement ring…”

  “Really?” Colton clearly had no idea because his surprise was genuine.

  “Yeah. He gave it to me and told me to put it on whenever I decide I’m ready…and until then, he’ll continue to back off.”

  “Wow…I didn’t think Finn was capable of backing off.”

  “Me neither.”

  “But that is sweet. I really think he loves you, Pepper. I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother. I had my reservations about him in the beginning, but I think he’s really changed. I don’t justify his earlier behavior…what he did was fucked up. But I don’t think he’d ever do something like that again.”

  “Yeah…I’m starting to believe that. I guess I’m just taking my time.”

  “Take all the time you need. I’m sure he’ll wait.”

  “Yeah…” I thought he would too.

  “I’m excited for you guys to get back together. We can all be happy again…and live out our lives together. We can have our families and just enjoy life. No more drama. No more secrets. It’ll be nice.”

  “What secrets?”

  “Um…you know…about you breaking up with Brutus and not telling him.”

  “Oh yeah,” I said. “I guess. I’m eager for a happily ever after too. I guess I still have some reservations…but in time they’ll fade. Honestly, I love him so much that I’m willing to get hurt again. I just hope he doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

  He gave me a confident look. “I don’t think you have to worry about that, babe.”

  We went to the bar that night, Colton, me, and Stella and Zach.

  It seemed like all we’d been talking about lately was Finn, so I avoided that subject—and tried not to think about him either.

  “Have you heard from Brutus?” Stella asked.

  I didn’t realize I hadn’t thought about him once since until Stella mentioned him. “No, he hasn’t tried to contact me.”

  “I’m surprised he didn’t try to get you back,” Stella said. “And I’m still surprised you broke it off with a billionaire.”

  “Money isn’t everything.” In fact, it meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. Finn could be homeless, and I would still love him until my dying breath.

  “Yeah,” Zach said. “You love me, and I’m just an average guy.”

  “Obviously,” Stella said. “But I might love you a little more if you won the lotto…” She brought her glass to her lips and took a big drink.

  “Ignore her,” I said to Zach. “She’s just drunk right now.”

  “Isn’t she always drunk?” Colton asked.

  Like she was living in her own universe, she blurted out, “Where’s Tom?”

  “He’s spending the evening with his parents,” Colton said. “Family night.”

  “You guys have been together for a while.” Zach kept his arm around Stella’s waist, so when she started to sway he could straighten her again. “Think about making it more serious?”

  “Actually…I was thinking about asking him to move in.”

  “You should.” I smacked his arm playfully. “That would be amazing. You guys would be so happy. And we all really like Tom.”

  “I like him too,” Colton said. “Well, I love him…but you know what I mean. I was always afraid that maybe I shouldn’t since he’s my first and we met in a bar…but I don’t feel like I need to find someone else just to validate my feelings.”

  “You don’t,” I said. “If he’s the one, he’s the one.” I rubbed his shoulder. “And he’s so handsome.”

  “But not rich,” Stella said. “That’s the one drawback.”

  “Good thing Brutus isn’t around anymore,” Zach said. “Otherwise, I would have competition, apparently…”

  “Nah,” Stella said. “Friends don’t date each other’s exes. That’s weird.”

  Just when I finished off my glass, a full one appeared right before my eyes. Another vodka cranberry with extra ice. I smiled because I knew exactly who’d slipped this drink under my nose.

  “Hey, baby.” Finn emerged at my side, flashing me his handsome smile as he leaned against the table. He’d made a lot of progress with physical therapy, and now he was strong once again. He would have dull aches and pains for a few more months, but he was back at the hospital, working part time. “I like that dress.”

  It was black and simple, but it showed a great deal of cleavage. “Thanks.”

  He stood close to my side, like he wanted the world to know I was taken without actually touching me. Instead of drinking scotch, he stuck to beer. It seemed like he’d sworn off hard liquor for good. As always, he glanced at my left ring finger, hoping to see my engagement ring. When it wasn’t there, he looked away. “What did I miss?”

  “Colton is gonna ask Tom to move in with him,” I said. “Isn’t that great?”

  Finn’s eyes lit up like he was genuinely happy. “That’s awesome, man. Congratulations.” He moved around me and hugged his brother. “I never wanted to influence you, but I’ve always liked Tom. He’s a good and classy guy. Perfect partner for you.”

  When Colton’s eyes filled with affection, it was obvious his brother’s approval meant a lot to him. “Thanks…I appreciate that.”

  “When are you going to ask?” Finn stood beside him with his beer still in his hand.

  “I don’t know…maybe over dinner?” Colton asked. “I don’t want to make it a formal thing just in case he’s not into it.”

  “He’ll be into it,” I said. “Come on, he loves you.”

  “Yeah, but we haven’t been together for two years yet,” Colton said. “I just don’t want to ruin things by moving too fast.”

  “You won’t,” Finn said. “Love doesn’t need to move at a certain speed. It’s different for everyone…and when you know, you know. So ask him and be happy.” He patted Colton on the shoulder.

  “Yeah,” Colton said. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “Stella has had enough. I’m taking her home.” Zach wrapped his jacket around her shoulders then lifted her into his arms.

  Once her head was against his shoulder, she closed her eyes, ready to go to sleep the second she was weightless.

  “I like it when she drinks because she’s feisty.” Zach looked into her dead-tired face. “But when she’s like this, I don’t get any action at all. It’s hard to find that balance. Well…good night.” He carried her out of the bar and to his car in the parking lot.

  Colton had already taken off to see Tom, so it was just Finn and me.

  Alone.

  We’d been alone many times, but now it was more intense than before. We were both thinking the same thing at the same time, wondering when I would put that ring back on my finger so we could pick up where we’d left off.

  A part of me wanted to make out with him in the middle of the bar until he took me home and ravished me the way he used to. But I knew I hadn’t committed to this completely just yet. There was still lingering doubt, like I might be making the worst decision of my life—twice.

  Finn stood beside me with his fingers wrapped around his beer bottle. “Ready to call it a night?” Ever since I’d told him Brutus was gone, he’d kept his distance and didn’t try to rush me into a physical relationship. He couldn’t stop staring at me, but he didn’t try to get me into bed. Knowing we were together without actually being together was enough for him. He was willing to be patient since he was so close to finally having me.

  It gave me plenty of time to think. “Yeah.” I finished the r
est of my drink and left the empty glass on the table.

  “Can I give you a ride home?”

  “I assumed you would.”

  We left the bar and took his truck to my apartment. As always, he parked at the curb and walked with me all the way inside the building and to my floor. His footsteps echoed against the hardwood floor as he accompanied me to my front door.

  I fished my keys out of my clutch and sighed as I prepared to face my empty bed alone. I didn’t just miss sex since Brutus and I broke up. I missed sex with Finn. I missed that passion, the way our sweaty bodies slid past each other as we fucked ourselves into ecstasy. But I didn’t give in to my desires, not when I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet. “Thanks for the ride…”

  “Of course.” He stood in front of me, his hands in his pockets.

  “Well…good night.” I turned away.

  “You know what? I can’t take this anymore.” He grabbed me by the arm and turned me back to him. His powerful arms wrapped around my body, and he pulled me into his chest, hugging me as his lips pressed against my hairline.

  The second I felt his hard body against mine, I closed my eyes and treasured the reunion between our bodies. My arms rested on his, and I kept my forehead against his chest, his scent exploding in my nose. It was just as good as I remembered, just as magical. His affection was just as good as sex.

  His hand cupped the back of my head, and he kissed my forehead. “I love you so much…” He kept his lips in place as he breathed with me, as he enjoyed this unbridled love. His fingers moved in my hair as he relaxed.

  I could stay there all night.

  After a few minutes, he pulled away and looked into my face, his eyes full of longing.

  “I love you too…” I’d missed telling him that, missed feeling him like this.

  His hand cupped my cheek, and he pressed my back into the door before he kissed me. His fingers tugged my hair lightly as his lips massaged mine, trembling slightly once they came into contact with my mouth. He released a gentle breath as the desire struck him so hard.

  It was just as good as I remembered, just as wonderful as I remembered. My hands gripped his arms, and I felt the love and passion I’d been afraid of. I felt myself fall headfirst into this terrifying bliss. I’d never felt this way for anyone else, including Brutus. Kissing Finn was the closest to heaven I would ever get, at least on Earth.

  His mouth opened and closed as he took mine, sucking in breath then returning it at the same pace. The kiss was so delicate, so soft. It was the kiss a man gave when he was in love, not when he was looking for a weekend fling. He pressed me against the door as he made love to my mouth with his, stole my breath away, and gently touched my hair like I was a fragile doll.

  A single kiss with him was better than months of sex with Brutus.

  He ended the embrace abruptly, as if a little voice inside his head was telling him not to push this too far. “I’m sorry… I just miss you.” With his body pressed against mine, I could feel his dick was hard in his jeans, pressing against me like he wanted to break through his clothing to get to me.

  “I know…I miss you too.”

  He rested his forehead against mine for a moment before he pulled away. “I’ll let you go…” He stepped back, pulling back his warmth and tenderness with his movements.

  I didn’t want this to end. I wanted to be weak, just for the night. “Unless you want to stay…” The words tumbled out of my mouth all on their own.

  He turned back to me, his eagerness obvious. “I’d love to stay…if that’s what you really want.”

  “Well, it would just be to sleep…”

  He barked out his answer. “That’s fine with me.”

  I got the door unlocked, and we entered my apartment. Shoes were kicked off by the door before we made our way to my bedroom. I peeled off my dress and let him see me since he’d already seen me naked so many times. I stood in just my thong because I couldn’t wear a bra with this dress.

  His jeans were on the floor, and his eyes were locked to my figure. The bulge in the front of his boxers moved noticeably with a jerk.

  I turned around and pulled a t-shirt over my head, hiding my naked torso from view. When I came to bed, he was already under the sheets, bare-chested.

  He snatched me right away and pulled me close to his chest, wrapping our limbs together as we became one person. He hiked my leg over his hip and rested his large hand on my ass as he held me close. His hard dick was impossible to ignore because it poked me like a very large and hot stick.

  His beautiful eyes stared into mine, not blinking as he took in my features like it was our first night together. It was steamy and intimate, the way we looked at each other with nothing in between us.

  He moved his head closer to mine on the pillow, until his face was just inches away. He could kiss me if he wanted to, but somehow, he kept himself under control.

  I had to do the same.

  “I can’t wait to do this with you every night for the rest of our lives…” With emotion deep in his voice, he said the most beautiful words I’d ever heard him say. Sincerity with a touch of remorse filled the air between us.

  When he left, he’d hurt me so much. But when I saw this look on his face, it was hard to believe he would ever hurt me again. His devotion was concrete. His apology was deep. It seemed like the only place in the world he ever wanted to be was by my side…forever.

  Finn woke me up at the break of dawn. “I’m sorry, baby. I have the morning shift today.”

  “Ugh…” I kept my eyes closed, so comfortable in his arms that I didn’t want him to leave.

  He kissed me on the forehead then the lips. “I’ll let myself out.” He moved his face into my neck and sprinkled a few kisses there, his warmth pressing against my delicate skin.

  I moaned as I felt him kiss me, missing those sessions of morning sex we used to have. He would give me a load before bed and then another first thing in the morning. I tilted my head back so he could kiss me more as his hand slid up my leg. “Don’t go…”

  “I wish I could stay… You have no idea.” He gave me a final kiss on the mouth before he got out of bed and got dressed.

  I stayed under the covers and watched him, seeing that chiseled physique disappear under the clothing that blocked his sexy abs from view. Now that I was awake, I didn’t know if I would get back to sleep, so I got to my feet and walked him to the door.

  He stopped in the doorway and gave me a tight hug. “Come over tonight.”

  “Alright.”

  “Pack a bag if you want.” He kissed my hairline before he stepped into the hallway, like he didn’t want an answer to my request.

  I watched him go before I shut the door and returned to bed.

  The sheets weren’t nearly as comfortable without him there. They were already cold the second he was gone. I lay there wide awake and wondered if I should sleep over at his place. Even without sex, last night was the best night of sleep I’d ever gotten.

  I opened my nightstand and searched through the random crap that turned the drawer in a junk haven. I pushed aside old necklaces and earrings until I found the necklace he’d given me back the night he left.

  His dog tags.

  It had taken me three months to take them off, and I hadn’t thought I’d ever wear them again.

  But now it felt wrong leaving them buried with other meaningless crap.

  I put them around my neck and felt the tags sit against my chest in the exact same spot as before. Like they’d been there all along, they felt weightless. The metal was cold around my neck, but the sensation slowly faded away as the heat brought it back to a comfortable temperature. My fingers played with one of the tags, his name engraved in the metal. I wasn’t quite ready to give myself to him once again…but it was obvious he already had me.

  25

  Colton

  At midday, I went around the corner to the coffee shop to get a refuel of caffeine. I ordered my coffee then lingered in the back,
waiting for the barista to call my name once he finished making my nonfat soy latte.

  I was going to scroll through my phone when I noticed a tattooed beauty walk inside. In her blue scrubs with her hair pulled into a slick ponytail was the woman who’d called me on that unforgettable night. She must have been picking up a coffee before her shift, or maybe she needed a pick-me-up after a long day.

  Since she was the one who had found Finn, it felt weird to ignore her. “Hey, Layla.” I would address her by her full professional name, but I couldn’t remember what it was. “Going to work or just got off?”

  “On my way, actually.” She smiled like she was happy to see me, but there was also a hint of discomfort since I was Pepper’s best friend…and she’d tried to steal Finn away. “Finn is working the morning shift, and I’m so happy he’s back on his feet. That was such a horrific night…he didn’t deserve that at all.”

  “Yeah. I’m glad he made a full recovery. He was in a lot of pain there for a while…”

  “And those painkillers are terrible for the body,” she said. “Hopefully, this is just a bad memory for him now. I can’t believe he didn’t press charges against the asshole who did that to him. I understand the guy is rich and powerful, but that’s no excuse not to fight back.”

  Finn told me it was a pack of nobodies that had ganged up on him, but that never had made any sense to me. The words that just tumbled out of her mouth made even less sense. “Rich asshole? What are you talking about?”

  “They released the security footage to all personnel of the hospital for safety issues. It didn’t take long for people to recognize him. But no one’s doing anything about it…which is ridiculous. I told Finn to press charges and make him pay all of his hospital bills and medications, but he refused.”

  “Recognize who?” My entire body tightened and turned hot at the same time, as if I already knew the answer without hearing it from her lips. The truth filled me with so much dread, so much uncontrollable rage.