Fight Like A Girl (Part One)

by Dawn Pendleton

  “Something funny?” he asked.

  I tried to get rid of my ridiculous smile, but I doubted I succeeded. “I was just thinking that I’m pretty clumsy.” Nice cover.

  He let out a low laugh. “I can see that.” He shined that half smile on me again, only he added a seductive wink to it and my hormones went into overdrive.

  I barely managed to look away from him, he was so hot. I tried my best to keep it together for the remainder of our walk, but only just barely.

  At the gym, Kingston explained to everyone what happened while Freddie bandaged my hands. The story was simple enough, but something in the way Freddie looked at me suggested he knew there was more to the story. He didn’t say a word, though; he just wrapped my hands up and told me to go home and get some rest.

  “You probably need someone to walk you home,” Kingston suggested, and although I didn’t disagree, I also didn’t want him to walk me. I was fully aware of where that would lead.

  It seemed Freddie did, too. “I’ll walk you.”

  Kingston looked less than enthusiastic, but I was grateful. Even if it meant I’d have to have an awkward conversation with Freddie, I didn’t care, so long as I didn’t have to be alone with Kingston. I knew myself well enough to know I couldn’t be trusted alone with him. He was too hot, too good a kisser. I just needed to be away from him.

  Freddie and I walked side by side toward my apartment. Awkward didn’t even begin to describe the way I felt.

  “Why are you sleeping with him?” he asked after a full three minutes of silence.

  I sighed. “It wasn’t on purpose. We met at a bar last night and things sort of happened. I never imagined Jeff would get arrested or that you’d find Kingston of all people to train me.”

  Freddie nodded. “I get it, kiddo, but take care of yourself. I know you’re an adult, but you can’t trust too many people in this city.”

  I took his warning to heart. “I generally don’t trust anyone, you know that.”

  “That’s what worries me, Max. You haven’t been able to trust anyone since your dad left. He loved you, though, whether you want to admit it or not.”

  I turned to him. “He loved me, huh? Is that why he left me? Is that why he chose to save himself rather than go through the court system? How could he possibly have loved me? Actions speak louder than words.”

  “You have every right to feel that way,” he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “But I’m telling you, as a friend, don’t think the worst of him. Sometimes the only way to protect someone is get as far away from them as you can.”

  “What the hell does that even mean? I’ve had enough speaking in riddles, Freddie. My place is only around the block. I think I can make it from here.” With that, I sprinted to my building, never bothering to check if he followed me.

  It didn’t matter. Dad was long gone and not coming back, but the way Freddie spoke, it was as if he knew something more. I tried not to let it bother me. I dropped my bag on a chair and then made my way to the bathroom. I needed a shower. My phone went off with a text.

  Wynter: Any plans tonight?

  I didn’t want to hang out with anyone, but I thought maybe a girl’s night in wouldn’t be so terrible.

  Max: I’m staying in. Grab a movie and come over?

  I didn’t wait for a reply. Wynter was nothing if not predictable. She would be at the apartment before I was done with my shower.

  I set the temperature and let the water cascade over me, careful not to get my bandages wet. I found the task beyond impossible and finally pulled off the gauze, tossing it in the sink beside the shower. I’d take care of it later. I gently rinsed my hands, thankful the blood had stopped. The cuts weren’t too deep, and I tried to wash my hair. Even though it was painful, I managed to get out the dirt and sweat that knotted my blonde locks.

  With the shower spray pelting my body, I let myself cry for the first time in years. I couldn’t imagine what the guy who threatened me wanted, or what he was trying to prove, but he scared me. I wasn’t the girl who got scared, the girl who knuckled under pressure. I was stronger than that. But the emotions running rampant through my body clouded my normally tough exterior and made me vulnerable.

  I knew things would sort themselves out, eventually. I wasn’t made to be afraid my entire life. I forced myself to take several deep breaths of the steamy air, clearing my mind. I felt somewhat better, too. I turned off the water and wrapped myself in a plush towel. My towels were the one thing in my life I indulged in, spending fifteen dollars on each one. I didn’t have a lot of extra money, but it was worth it to me to spend good money on towels.

  I glanced at myself in the mirror, taking in my red, puffy eyes. I was stronger than some girl who cried in the shower. Buck up, girl, I thought to myself. I was a fighter.

  “Max, are you done yet? I’ve got Chinese food and a movie!” Wynter called from my living room.

  I smiled at the mirror, glad she didn’t take forever. “I’ll be right out,” I yelled back. I went into my bedroom, pulled on some yoga pants and a tank top and then met her in the kitchen. “It smells good.”

  “Of course it does,” she scoffed. “Do you want a glass of wine?”

  I nodded, accepting the glass of pinot she handed me. I took a long swig and let it pool in belly, enjoying the taste.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “Nope. But let’s get our plates and we can talk about it,” I replied.

  She handed me a plate rounded over with food. “I’m all over it.”

  I laughed at her but made my way to the couch, sitting cross-legged on the cushion. I set my wine on the coffee table and waited for her. Wynter set her plate and glass of wine on the table and then went back into the kitchen to grab the bottle.

  “Alright,” she said once she was settled on the couch. “Tell me everything.”

  “Right.” I had no idea where to start. Had it really been less than twenty-four hours since I’d seen her last? It felt like weeks had passed. “So, I went over to the table where Caleb and Kingston were sitting.”

  “Oh, yeah, thanks for sending Caleb to bug me all night! He was such an arrogant asshole,” she commented.

  “Well, I thought I was doing you a favor. He was cute!”

  She sighed. “Yeah, but just a little too full of himself for my tastes.”

  “I get it,” I said, sipping my wine.

  Wynter raised a brow at me. “Did you go home alone, then?”

  “Not exactly,” I said, shrugging.

  “Oh, come on. Tell me everything,” she insisted, shoving a forkful of rice into her mouth.

  So I did. I told her about Kingston, how incredible in bed he was, and how I never expected to see him again. I told her about Jeff’s arrest and Freddie promising to find me someone to train with. And then I told her about Kingston showing up in my life again, and how difficult it was to see him and not jump his bones. Lastly, I told her about the guy who threatened me.

  “He warned you not to fight?” She was shocked.

  “I know… It’s been a very surreal twenty-four hours.”

  She laughed. “You could say that. Are you going to fight?”

  The thing I loved most about Wynter was her ability to know not to push. When it came to makeup and how I dressed, I’d let her have her way. But when it came to my career… No one made those decisions but me. The problem was, I didn’t know what the hell to do this time.

  “I have no idea. My gut tells me to do it, because I’m not the type to get worried by some asshole who can’t even show me his face, but on the other hand…”

  “You could lose the fight, or worse,” she finished for me.

  “Exactly.” I set my plate down on the table, having lost my appetite. “So what do I do?”

  “You’re asking me for advice about your career?” She looked incredulous.

  I nodded. “I don’t have anyone else, Wyn.”

  “You’re wrong. You have Freddie, and now you have Kingston
, too. And even if Kingston thinks he has another chance of sleeping with you again, he’s not going to give you poor advice when it comes to your own well-being.”

  She was right, but I was still hesitant. I hadn’t fully trusted a man since my father’s disappearance, and letting someone in was terrifying.

  “At the very least, don’t go out alone,” she suggested.

  I stared into my glass. “Yeah.” I chugged the remaining liquid and poured myself some more.

  Two hours later, after a ridiculously cliché rom-com movie and an entire bottle of wine, Wynter and I were both buzzed.

  “That movie sucked,” I complained, trying to pour a few more drops of pinot into my glass. “I hate romance.”

  “You know,” she replied, taking the bottle out of my hand. “You wouldn’t hate romance if you let yourself have some once in a while.”

  “Hey! I have romance.”

  She let out a loud, boisterous laugh. “You? Romance? I don’t think so. You are far too independent and self-reliant for romance. It’s okay, Max. I know why you are the way you are. But men find you intimidating. Not to mention, you could probably kick their asses. Also intimidating.” She waggled her brows at me until we both laughed.

  “Seriously, though, Max,” she said when the laughter died down. “What are you going to do?”

  I took a deep breath. “I’m not sure,” I answered her honestly.

  “Well, whatever you do, don’t be afraid to trust Kingston. I think he has your best interests at heart.”

  I gave her a small smile and clicked off the TV. I gathered our dishes and brought them to the kitchen, all but dropping them in the sink. When the buzzer sounded, my heart stopped. I turned to look at Wynter and her eyes were wide.

  I forced myself to stay calm and clicked the button for the intercom. “Who is it?”

  “Hey, Max, it’s King,” he said, his deep voice resonating through the speaker.

  My heart didn’t slow its pace, although the fast beating was no longer in fear. I wanted Kingston to come upstairs, to take me to bed, and never let me leave.

  “Max,” Wynter said to me. “Are you going to let him up?”

  “Yeah,” I said, pressing the button for entry. “Come on up.”

  “Is that a good idea?”

  I grinned. “Nope. But I’ll never be able to open myself up to romance if I don’t let anyone in,” I said, using her own words against her.

  “Fine,” she said, slipping her shoes on. “Just be safe, okay? And tell him about what happened today.”

  I shook my head at her.

  “Dammit, Max! Don’t make me tell him,” she threatened, tapping her foot against the hardwood floor.

  I narrowed my eyes at her. “Fine,” I agreed through clenched teeth.

  A knock at the door drew both our eyes to the front entrance.

  Six

  “Hey.”

  The three of us stood there awkwardly. Kingston was still in the hallway and Wynter and I were standing in the entry of my apartment. If ever there was a time where awkward wasn’t an awkward enough word, we were living it.

  Finally, Wynter found her voice. “You must be Kingston. I’m her best friend, Wynter. I’m so glad Max found someone to train her. I never really thought Jeff was good enough,” she said as she shook Kingston’s hand.

  He smiled at her. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “Well, Max,” she said, turning to me. “I’m going to head home. Text me tomorrow, okay?” She hugged me and then turned to Kingston again. When she hugged him and whispered something in his ear, I rolled my eyes. She was far too protective of me. “See you later,” she said, trading places with Kingston and closing the door behind her.

  I ignored him and went into the kitchen in search of more wine. All I had was a six pack of beer, so I pulled two out and tossed one to Kingston.

  “You shouldn’t be drinking so soon before a fight,” he said, popping the tab on his can.

  I opened my can and lifted it to my lips, a wry smile on my lips. “Oops.” I took a long swig from the can and closed my eyes, enjoying the taste.

  “Are you always this stubborn?” he asked, making himself at home. He sat on my couch and waited for me to join him.

  “The short answer is yes. What are you doing here?” I walked into the living room but I didn’t sit. I stared down at him.

  “I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he said. He sounded sincere, but who the hell knew what he was thinking?

  “Well, I’m fine. You can go now.”

  He chuckled. “We should probably talk about everything that’s happened.”

  “Actually, I think it would be better if we never talked about it again. You’re my trainer for now, and that’s the only relationship we need to have.” I downed more beer.

  “Max,” he growled.

  I closed my eyes so I didn’t have to look at him. “Listen, I’m not some fragile little college co-ed who thinks we’re in love or something, okay? You don’t have to try to make things okay. You’re my trainer until my first fight. End of story.”

  “Look at me,” he demanded, and I jumped, surprised to hear his low voice so close. I opened my eyes and found him standing in front of me, less than a foot away. “I get what you’re saying. You’re an adult, and I respect that. But I’m not going to treat you like some common street whore, either.” His gray eyes were intense, clouded with desire.

  Despite his words, I had a feeling he had ulterior motives. An awkward moment passed between us. As much as I wanted his sexy body again, I didn’t want to get involved. It was too risky. He wasn’t worth my career.

  “I want to fuck you again,” he declared, his eyes staring into mine. He didn’t blink. His persistence was hard to ignore, especially since I was more turned on by his words than I wanted to let on. “I shouldn’t want you,” he admitted, his eyes closing tight. When they opened again, they were dark. “I just can’t seem to help myself.”

  The feeling was mutual. He leaned closer, his lips only an inch away from mine. I could feel his hot breath against my mouth. I sucked in a breath, willing myself not to lean in.

  “If you don’t want this,” he whispered, his eyes half-closed. “You need to tell me. I’m not messing around.”

  I shook my head, telling myself I wanted it, that I needed it. Part of me thought I could just get him out of my system, that if I used his body enough, I’d be free of him. So I let myself feel, just for one night.

  I pressed closer to him, joining our lips. His tongue slipped into my mouth aggressively, and I let it, wanting to be even closer to him. My hands gripped his neck, bringing our bodies together. He made a sound that was half moan, half growl.

  * * * * *

  The next morning, I was afraid to pop my head out from the covers, dreading the impending awkwardness. From underneath my down comforter, I let my hand slide across the sheets in search of Kingston. When I was sure the bed was empty, I poked my head out. Sunlight filled the room; my curtains had been pulled back and it was blindingly bright. I squinted against the glare, ready to tear Kingston a new one, but I was completely alone.

  I sat up, wondering if our relationship was the one-night stand sort of thing. It would certainly make things easier, but I should have known better. Kingston wasn’t the kind of guy to do anything the easy way. As I remembered how difficult he could be, the aroma of fresh coffee drifted into the room. I inhaled sharply, enjoying the smell.

  Completely naked, I slipped from the bed, grabbed a t-shirt off the floor and yanked it on. I made it halfway to the kitchen before I noticed that it wasn’t my t-shirt. Kingston’s black ACDC shirt from last night clung to my body, his scent enveloping me. The hem hit the tops of my thighs, barely covering my ass.

  It was definitely too late to turn back and change, so I trudged forward, not caring what implications would ensue.

  “God, you look sexy,” he greeted me in the kitchen, setting his coffee on the counter as he moved toward
me. His hands rested on my hips as he kissed me softly. He pulled back before I even had a chance to respond to his touch.

  I let out a shaky breath. “You’ve certainly made yourself at home.”

  He ignored my sarcasm. “How do you feel?”

  “Freshly fucked,” I answered. I allowed a genuine smile escape when he shook his head and laughed. “I need a shower.”

  I went for the coffee pot and poured myself a cup. After I added in far too much flavored creamer, I turned to face Kingston.

  “You need any help in that shower?” he asked, lifting his cup to his lips.

  I remembered all too well how helpful he could be. “Not a chance.”

  I took my cup into the bathroom, turning on the hot water. I set my cup on the counter and grabbed two towels from my linen closet in the hall. After closing the door, I downed the entire cup of coffee, needing it more than I was willing to admit. My emotions were haywire. I was completely unsure what to do about King.

  He seemed nice enough, and I was obviously attracted to him, but something was off. I didn’t know why, but I felt like he was lying to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling, either. I whipped off his shirt and stepped into the hot spray. My hands were much better, so I managed to gently wash my hair. As I poured some body wash on to my loofa, the bathroom door opened.

  “Can I jump in after you?” he asked.

  “Sure. I’ll be done in two minutes.”

  The door closed again and I let out a sigh of relief. Part of me wondered what to do if he insisted on coming in the shower. I didn’t have the will-power to resist him. As suspicious as I was of him, some deep, carnal part of me craved him, as well. I didn’t necessarily like it, but I didn’t hate it, either, especially when he was as skilled, sexually, as he was.

  I left the water running as I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my body. I called for Kingston and he came in, not bothering to wait for me to get our before he dropped his shorts and got into the shower. I got my hair twisted up in the second towel and then went to the closet to get Kingston a towel. I left it on the counter and left the bathroom.