by Matson, TC
She takes a deep breath, refocusing herself and finally gives me the perfect combination—left, right, overhead left—causing me to duck and weave. Now, my hands are up blocking them.
“That’s what I wanted,” I say keyed up with satisfaction. “Make me use my hands. Make me move ‘cause I need to so I’m not in danger.”
She continues at me, but her strikes and kicks are lifeless. They’re missing the thirst, lacking perseverance. There’s no solidity, power or influence. It’s all weak and she’s pissing me off.
Quickly, I charge and drop her back to the mat and hold her arms above her head. “Where the fuck is your hunger?” I growl. “One of your last trainings before your first sanctioned fight and I’m getting sparring action from a fucking ten-year-old. I want a fight, dammit,” I snarl.
Her amber eyes burn with embarrassment, flicking back and forth. “You’re not padded. I’m…” she trails.
“You’re what? Scared you’re gonna hurt me. Do it!” I gruff.
“Get off me!” She bucks underneath me, trying to pull her hands out from mine.
“No. Get me off you.” I smirk.
“You’re like eighty pounds heavier than me.”
Oh she’s pissed and I’m liking it. She has to channel her spunk. She’s worried about bullshit. I lean closer to her face and bear down more weight. “If I let you up, I want a fucking fight. Do you understand me?”
She swallows hard and nods.
I pop off her and back away. She stands slowly, then homes in on me wiping the sweat from her chin. Her eyes have a different feel. She’s mad but there’s a backbone now. She rushes me, stepping inside my guard and strikes me with a right hook. Then she follows up with a kick to the thigh.
“Wooo!” I yell, excited about the display of her new-found determination. “This is what I’m talking about!”
I return a flurry of soft-thrown punches—just enough to send her guarding and blocking—and she does a damn good job backing away, keeping her distance. But this is her fight. I’m not chasing her. As I stand still, she circles me. Sizing me up and debating on her next move. Although I know in a fight this only allows your opponent to refuel, I’m going to let her find that out. I need her to advance on me for now.
I swat at the lifeless jabs and slide out of the way of her kicks. I need her to start throwing sloppy punches so we can work on them. She needs to learn how not to gas out so early. You have a fifteen-minute fight or a twenty-five-minute fight. Either way, you need to keep up or your opponent will shatter you.
Her patience unwavering, I call the stop. Immediately Katie doubles over, begging for air. I know this feeling all too well. Pushing yourself to the brink of puking all over the mat. Blood, sweat, and tears…it’s a hell of a challenge to get to the very end.
I pat her on the shoulder heading out of the ring. “You’re gonna do well.”
“I can’t land a single punch on you and you think I’m going to do well?” she snaps bitterly, stopping me dead in my tracks.
I stalk back to her, grab her arms and stand her straight up. “You think you become great overnight? You have to work your fucking ass off. Get off your little pity-bitch-horse. I’ve been in the game for years. You’re just starting. You’re in the wrong fucking business if you can’t gather a morsel of confidence.”
Her chest rises and falls, breathless and angry.
“You want me to blow your ego up and let you land the punches? What the fuck will that prove to you? You’ll have your ass handed to you if I did that. Do you think Tabitha is crying to her trainer about you? Hell no. That bitch is ready to kick your little whiny ass. Get your shit together, Katie. You’re gonna whoop her ass. Fuck! If I believe in you, then you should.”
I’m too fucking pissed to care what she has to say and I leave her standing there when I drop out of the ring. Ripping my bag from the bench, I storm out the door. I don’t bother to even put a shirt on. I’ll be damned if I’m going to watch her melt down.
Should I have let her land some punches? Probably, but the only way to become better is to challenge yourself. If she wants this, her ass better step up to the fucking plate.
Chapter 8
I came back to the hotel after my long session with Katie today. I took a shower and grabbed something to eat before planting my ass on the couch and watching a show about two dudes rummaging through junk to find something worth selling. Our training went over so much that I missed my opportunity to talk to Paige before she went to work. Of course I’ve sent her a few text messages to let her know she’s on my mind. She loves them, and I aim to please.
My phone chirps and I jerk up to grab it then crack up at my reaction. Over excited at the thought it could be Paige even though I know damn good and well it’s isn’t.
Katie: Can this whiny ass celebrate with you tonight?
Me: I’m not doing anything exciting. Try Adam.
Katie: You’ll be sorry you didn’t.
I shake my head and set my phone back on the coffee table ignoring her. But then, unfortunately, there’s a knock on the door. Of course, I know it’s Katie.
“Do you not take no for—” I rip open the door to a very confused Adam.
He puts his hand on his hip and smirks. “No. No, I don’t take no for an answer.”
I puff out a laugh at his tone and then move allowing him to come in. “You not have anything to do?”
“Oh, I do, but you’re coming with me. Get your mopey ass dressed and let’s go out for a bit.”
“I’m good,” I dismiss him.
“Get your shit in gear. I’ve got a table reserved. Don’t make me have wasted my breath for that phone call. Plus, you’re in a shit mood. The walls are closing in on you. Get out of this box and get into a bright, full room of beautiful girls…” He quickly jerks his hands up. “Not for you, but for me.”
“I said I’m good,” I repeat.
He grabs my shoulders and shakes the shit out of me. “Where the fuck is the Levi I know?” he yells out jokingly. “You’ve become bland, boring, and honestly, you’re starting to fucking suck.”
I push him off me. “Go the fuck on.”
“See, you fucking hermit. You’re sappy. Where the hell are you, man?”
I rake my hands over my face. “Miserable.”
“Get dressed and let’s get you unmiserable. You have forgotten how to have fun. Relearn it. Come On.”
I ponder the idea. See, since I’ve been with Paige, all my thoughts circle her. I’ve basically stopped living my life because I’m away from her. It’s a shame one person has this much control over me and she doesn’t even know it. I’m on a ball and chain and for fuck’s sake, I’m the one who locked my own leg into the shackle and tossed the key.
“Give me a second,” I tell him over my shoulder, already heading toward my room.
The Pulse is downright slammed. The music is loud. People are dancing. And I’m determined to relax for the night. Untangle the twist in your panties, ladies. I’m only here to unwind.
I’ve made my way up the stairs and am walking toward the table I’ve claimed when I spot her. A smile creeps across my lips. Sneaky bitch. Katie cheeses back at me. Her long black hair is bold-straight, her face soft with makeup on. This is something I’m not used to seeing.
“My bulldog worked,” she says proudly as I take a seat across from her.
She looks much different outside of the gym. Full lips sit on her round face with fiery amber cat-eyes and long lashes. She has a petite nose and perfectly shaped eyebrows. She’s a pretty girl.
I arch my brow. “Sent Adam, huh?”
She’s beaming. “Maybe,” she says innocently. “In my defense, he did say he was worried about you.”
“Uh huh, I’m sure.” I chuckle spreading my hands to the side and flaunting a lopsided grin. “Well, you guys have me.”
She scans over my shirt, etching my chest, raising up to my shoulders, soaking in my face and then lands in a gaze. “You look diffe
rent outside of the gym.”
“Yeah? You realize I look the same. Doesn’t matter, I’m desirable either way.” I lick my lips and shrug. “Have you checked yourself in the mirror? You’ve got long hair and you dress preppy.”
She looks down to her white and black striped shirt that drapes off one shoulder then back to me. “This isn’t preppy. Look at you.” She points.
“Oh yeah, I’m all decked out. Black t-shirt and jeans. Woo.” I twirl my finger. “Watch out now.”
“Water on the rocks,” Adam says placing my glass in front of me.
“Water?” Katie says in disbelief. “You need one drink.”
“I don’t like to drink. End of discussion,” I reply flatly. “You shouldn’t drink with a fight coming up this weekend. Don’t make the weight, don’t make the fight.”
“Quit worrying. I promised myself one drink and that’s it.” She winks, wrapping her ample lips around the straw of her pink little drink.
“Cheers,” Adam shouts and then takes a swig of his beer. “When we leaving for Arizona?”
“Wednesday,” I say looking to Katie. “Gives you enough time to suck up the jetlag if you get it and makes sure you’re on time for the weigh-ins.”
“Esh. Is that all you think about? Enough about work,” she chirps. “I don’t want to stress it. Let’s just have a good time.”
“Oh, I definitely will be having a good time.” Adam chuckles scanning the women.
Katie slaps him on his arm and giggles as she stands.
“Whoa. Heels?” I spout. “As flat footed as you are? I didn’t know you knew how to walk in them.”
I don’t think she found that too funny. She tightens her lips and leans down. “You’re training me to fight. Would you like me to teach you to walk in a pair?”
I hold up a finger. “Admittedly, I’d break my neck. I’d rather see heels resting on my shoulders.”
“You’re such a pig,” she grumbles walking off.
Adam watches her sway away. I’ve worked with her long enough to know her walk. She doesn’t do it just when she knows someone’s watching like most women. This is a natural, ass-cheek bouncing sway.
“You won’t get that one,” I inform Adam.
“She’s still easy on the eyes.”
I don’t respond.
“Oh, come on man. Admit it.” He slaps the table. “She’s gorgeous and if you were single, you would’ve already had that in the bed.”
“She’s pretty.”
Adam’s brows jump high on his forehead. “Oh, did I just have a Levi sighting? He’s dressed more like a girl, but I think it was him.” He cracks up.
“What do you want me to say? She’s beautiful? That I’d fuck the hell out of her until her voice was hoarse from screaming? I know what those legs are capable of. I see her half naked, leaving just enough curiosity to drive you insane to find out what’s underneath it on a daily basis. I’m her trainer, dickwad. But I’m—”
Of fucking course before I can finish the statement that I’m not interested, guess who pops right the fuck up beside me. I’m glowering at a mischievously grinning Adam. Who the fuck knows what she heard.
She takes her seat back in front of me but doesn’t make eye contact looking over the railing to the dance floor.
I sigh. I know damn good and well she heard what she didn’t need to.
Ladies, let me explain something I hope you already know. Men don’t stop looking at other women just because we’re in a relationship. Many of you have been blessed. Your bodies are curves our eyes enjoy. There’s nothing wrong with looking. Acting upon it makes it wrong. But I don’t jump on the opportunity train anymore. My mind no longer thinks of a sweaty, moaning face with pussy wrapped around my dick. I see beauty and that’s it. Women are beautiful creatures.
So, please quit staring at me as if I’ve done something wrong. I haven’t. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone.
“I’m making my way to the dance floor,” Adam says sliding out of his chair.
I chuckle. “You realize you can’t dance.”
Adam launches a goofy smile. “You’re just mad ‘cause I can get out there and give the ladies a taste of what’s up.”
“You go right ahead.” I wave him off.
Katie grabs my hand and pulls me. “Come on. Let’s all go down and make fools of ourselves. Loosen up and have a good time.”
“Yeah, come on, Levi,” Adam mocks Katie in a high-pitch whiny voice. Then something behind me catches his eye. “I’ve just had a change of heart.” And he’s gone.
Katie watches in disgust as he leaves. “Is he always pigheaded?”
I laugh. “What makes him pigheaded?”
“It’s a different girl every night and he’s not ashamed of it.”
A whisper of a smile pulls my lips. “It’s not every night.”
“You used to be like that, didn’t you?”
I shrug. “Used to.”
“What is so fun about that? Different girl, no commitment, no feelings…nothing. Men are complicated horn-dogs.”
I jerk my head back and then lean in closer. “Did I just hear you right? Men are complicated? Have you read the fucking owner’s manual to a woman? It’s written in an undiscovered language.”
She bursts out laughing. “We are simple.”
“Yeah, maybe when you’re fucking sleeping,” I jest. “Y’all have so many mood swings in a five-minute period…Shit! That too. Your monthly visitor. Y’all are out to murder your own shadow.”
“Hormones. What’s y’all’s excuse?” She bounces her finger.
I lift my brow. “Women.” Simple answer to a complicated algebraic scientific math problem.
She shakes her head and takes another sip from her drink. “I like this, you know…getting to know you outside of the gym. You actually have a personality.”
“Wow. Thanks.”
“That didn’t come out right. I see the work you all the time and never the relaxed you. Make sense?”
“That’s because I take my job seriously. I train you as I keep myself in shape. I still have a championship to focus on as well. I want it. I’m winning it. I want the contract, the belt, and the title. I’m pretty focused on that.”
“Yeah but you’re hotter…I mean,” she stammers and I can’t help to chuckle at her fail. She rolls her eyes. “I mean you’re friendlier outside of work.”
I don’t care to push the conversation further. There isn’t a point. I know she’s crushing on me and it’s okay as long as she keeps it to herself. I know I’m good-looking. I’ve been told enough, so I won’t acknowledge her little slip-up and save her the embarrassment.
There’s a brunette chick in a red top on the dance floor who’s politely trying to push off a very sloppy dude. Poor guy can’t dance, but he’s trying his best to impress her. He looks like he’s twitching out there instead of swaying with her hips. I’ve watched her do the escape route glance several times trying to figure out how to get away. Every time he places his hands on her, she dips away or twirls to get away from him. Why the hell doesn’t she just walk away? It’s not that hard.
“Look who I found in the crowd,” Adam snaps me out of my trance. He’s toting Carli on his arm and pulls another tall chair to the table. But she doesn’t take it. Instead, he pulls her into his lap.
“Hey again,” she says impishly.
“Carli, right?” I ask.
It’s the little things that work a woman’s head over. To know I remember her name has her assuming shit. Truth be told, Adam has talked about her several times.
“Yeah,” she answers surprised. “How’s training?”
“Good. How’s…” I pause. I don’t know shit about her. “Adam’s lap?”
Her eyes widen and she blushes, reaching for her drink to cool her cheeks off. I laugh inwardly. She’s acting all shy, but from what Adam says, she’s far from it behind closed doors.
Carli is chatting Adam up from his lap and I’ve been paying mo
re attention to the dance floor than anything else. I can feel Katie’s eyes on me. She’s itching to talk but has no clue what to say. She was right earlier—our relationship is in the gym. We’ve never been out. I’ve never had the urge to know much about her. She’s my student. I’m her trainer. And soon she’ll be on her way to bigger things in her own division.
I know how you women work. You get attached. You set your heart on something and then get your feelings hurt. Her heart is set on having a friendship. Her feelings will get hurt. Soon I won’t see her unless we cross paths at an event. That’s just how it all works.
The reason Adam is with me is by his own choice and the fact that I pay him. He doesn’t just shadow me, basking in the wake of my greatness. Fact of the matter is, he works his ass off. He pushes for sponsors, ensures I have a good hotel and books them. He makes sure I have good transportation lined up, gyms lined up, and whatever else. Plus, he’s one hell of a supporter. I used to joke with him and call him my little bitch, but without him I’d have way too much on my plate. He lives comfortably off what I pay him. I make sure of it.
I check my phone—almost two in the morning. Paige will be home soon. “I’m out,” I announce standing and stretching my limbs.
“So soon?” Katie finally speaks up.
I peer at her from the corner of my eyes. “You realize gym is in four hours.” I pat her shoulder. “Make sure you bring your A-game.”
Home. Showered. Dressed. Bed. And just in time to hear my girl’s voice.
“Hey, baby,” she answers sounding exhausted.
“Rough night?”
“A little. How was your day?”
“Long.”
“Not much longer and I get to see you.” Her voice is full of joy.
I sigh, unsure how I want to break her heart.
“I am going to get to see you, right?” she says irked.
“I’m sorry, Sunshine. Cory put Katie on a fight card for this weekend and expects me to show her the ropes since it’s her first sanctioned fight.”
“Why can’t Cory do this shit?”