Isaak: The Counterpunch Series Book 1

by K J Ellis

  Chapter Forty-One

  Remme

  Isaak has been promising me for the last two weeks—since the press conference—that we would spend some time together. It’s yet to happen. I know he’s an extremely busy man with everyone wanting a piece of him, whether it's training camp, another press conference, interviews and whatever else he needs to do in preparation for the fight.

  I’m aimlessly wandering around the house finding anything to clean or do, waiting for him to finally finish for the day.

  A text message comes through so I swipe my phone from off the arm of the sofa, opening the message.

  Isaak: Get dressed, I’ll be there in 10 mins. You get to spend the rest of the afternoon with your hunk of a man :) Love you Sweetcheeks X

  I jump up full of joy and excitement at the idea of getting to spend the day with my ‘hunk of man’ as Isaak put it. He’s not wrong.

  I’m already dressed, so I quickly top up my makeup and run a brush through my hair again. I grab my sunglasses and sandals from the wardrobe and head into the lounge, just as Saxon walks through the sliding patio doors at the back of the house.

  “Jesus, Saxon. I nearly gave birth just now,” I yelp in fright, covering my baby bump protectively.

  “Sorry. Isaak called me earlier. Said he had plans to head out today and wanted me and another one of my guys to tag along with you.” He walks further inside the house. “That okay with you?”

  “Yeah, course. You know I love winding Isaak up where you’re concerned,” I joke, giving him a playful wink. I’ve become rather fond of Saxon. He, too, has become like family to me. What started out as just a little game I liked to play with Isaak has now turned into a full-on shindig. Saxon is in on it and likes to play along, purely to wind Isaak up. Don’t get me wrong, Saxon is one hell of a looker, but I only have eyes for one man, and that is Isaak.

  “You’re a naughty girl, Remme,” Saxon says pulling me into his arms for what can only be described as a sisterly hug, at the same time the front door slams shut.

  “What the fuck?” Isaak bellows from the front door.

  I look from Isaak to Saxon and back again, before Saxon and I burst out laughing.

  “Saxon, remove your hand from my woman. This shit isn’t even funny anymore.”

  “Aww baby, it really, really is.” I walk over to him, now trying to control my chuckles that want to slip out as I step away from Saxon. “You know I love it when you go all caveman for me,” I say seductively as I wrap my arms around his waist the best I can with my bump in the way.

  “It’s a fucking good job I do.” He peppers a couple of kisses on my forehead before he addresses Saxon.

  “You all set to go?”

  Looking to Sax, I see him nod.

  “All good, I have one of my men meeting us there in a separate car,” he informs him.

  “Good. Let’s go. We have baby stuff to buy,” he sings as he heads for the door again, taking me with him.

  “Wait, you’re taking me baby shopping?” I say surprised.

  “Yes. I told you I was going to spend some time with you and I also know you wanna start getting the baby’s things together. You can thank Devon and me later... just not in the same way.” That Goddamn smirk of his is going to get me in serious trouble one of these days.

  “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

  “Yeah, but I like hearing it fall from your lips.” He leans down, giving me a quick peck on the mouth as we leave the house, locking up behind us and jumping in the car.

  Forty minutes later, we’re pulling up just a short walk from Harrods.

  We all jump out of the car as another one pulls up alongside us. I recognise instantly that it’s one of Saxon’s men.

  Saxon heads over to him and shoots out instruction for how they want to play it today. Where they will be standing and what to do if the situation escalates whilst we’re out in public.

  Once that’s out of the way, Isaak takes a firm grip of my hand, entwining his fingers with mine, and we walk further up the road and hit the city centre where the top designer shops are. Luckily, there is no paparazzi out. Saxon is a couple of steps behind us and his other man is standing to the side of me. I can honestly say having three hugely built machines flanking me makes me feel completely safe and protected.

  We head into Harrods, getting the most important baby equipment, and as soon as we walk through the shop doors, one of the staff approaches us, devoting all of her time with us and making sure we have the best quality products. It makes everything easier for Isaak and me. I think the fact that three strapping males have walked in more than persuaded her.

  We get the pram, Moses basket, crib, bottles, that sort of thing done all in this shop, and arrange for home delivery so we don’t have to carry it around the rest of the shops with us. Getting the big items purchased, takes some of the weight of my shoulders.

  At the till, I almost have a heart attack when I hear the total amount we’ve just spent. I try to hide this from the lady on the till and Isaak, but like always he reads me like a book.

  “Only the best for you, Sweetcheeks, and my little man,” He says, lovingly as pride emanates from him.

  “But, Isaak. Are you sure? I can pay for some of it,” I tell him, even though I know I can’t afford to pay what he’s just paid out all in one lump sum.

  “You don’t need to. Plus, I don’t want you paying for anything. I want to do this, Remme. Please don’t argue with me on this,” he pleads.

  “Fine, as much as I don’t like this, I’ll be good.”

  “Isaak.” Saxon approaches us quietly, jerking his head towards the window, and looking out, we see a handful of paps hanging around the store front. I zone out pretty much as soon as I see the media and cameras waiting for us, but I vaguely register Saxon barking orders.

  “Remme is priority. I’ll guard her. Jason, you flank Isaak.”

  “You keep Remme and my baby safe, Saxon,” Isaak growls.

  “Understood. You ready, Remme?” Saxon whispers, but it still makes me jump.

  “Erm, yeah, I think so,” I say, still unsure. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this kind of attention. If it was a choice between living with it or leaving Isaak to be out of the media’s grasp, though, I would pick Isaak every damn day of the week and twice on Sundays.

  “Baby, everything will be fine, I promise. I’m not going anywhere, and Saxon will be there on your other side. Okay?” he tells me softly.

  “Okay, I’m ready.” With that said, we head for the door.

  As soon as they slide out, we’re bombarded by blinding flashes and voices coming at me from all different directions. I find myself squeezing Isaak’s hand harder and reaching out for Saxon’s arm with my other. Saxon turns to face me immediately, nodding his head at me and mouthing, ‘I got you’, instantly calming my racing heartbeat. Every step we take forwards, the paparazzi are there, following us, matching our every movement with no regard whatsoever for the other pedestrians who are trying to pass by us.

  We eventually make it to the next shop, Mamas and Papas, only a few doors down, but with everyone in our way and refusing to move, it takes longer than it usually would.

  Once we’re in the store, Isaak and Saxon give me a once over making sure me and the baby are okay. I reassure them both that we’re fine, and they finally back off, giving me some breathing space.

  We make this quick pit stop, grabbing a few cute outfits—onesies, bibs, and vests. You name it we buy it. Anything I pick up or say is nice, Isaak picks it back up after me. As soon as I cotton on to what he is doing, I stop commenting and just browse instead.

  This time when we check out, I don’t look. Once again, he refuses to let me pay, and every time I mention it, he says I am bruising his ego.

  “I need to go to one more place before we head home,” Isaak tells Saxon.

  “Okay, sure. Where?”

  “Across the road and
up the street. Last shop,” Isaak informs him. I watch the exchange, noticing Saxon’s eyes widen when he figures out whatever Isaak is on about.

  “Care to enlighten me?” I ask them both.

  “No. It’s a surprise,” Isaak tells me through a tight-lipped smirk. “Saxon you take Rem back to the car. I’ll take Jason with me.”

  Now, I’m fully inquisitive and hell-bent on knowing where he’s going. Before I get the chance to ask him, Isaak leaves the shop, taking most of the paparazzi with him.

  “That’s our cue to make a move, Rem. Come on before they decide to change their minds and turn back.” Saxon leads us back to the car in record time. I jump in as he puts the bags in the boot and expect us to wait for Isaak, but as soon as Saxon enters the car, he puts the pedal to the metal and we’re leaving the city centre.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Isaak

  Three Months Later

  Fight Night

  Yesterday was a hectic day, I had my final weigh-in and face off with Alexander, where he was talking trash and all kinds of shit about Remme and me. He was trying anything to get a rise out of me, but the more I laughed and gave him a cocky smirk, the more irritated he became, his plan backfiring on him. I’m not gonna lie, I enjoyed pissing him off.

  The week before that, we both had random drug tests, and Kenny made sure we had someone who could be trusted to undertake Alexander’s because of the last time we fought. It pisses me off that he got away with it the first time around, due to there not being any evidence, but I’m making damn sure it isn’t going to happen again.

  Kenny has spoken to his people about getting a better system in place where drug testing is concerned; too many fighters have gotten away with it. The new procedures are not enough in my eyes, but I suppose they’re a start. This time around the pair of us will do a urine sample straight after the fight, something that hasn’t always happened in boxing. I’m glad it’s coming to light the fact that drugs are being used in this sport. Drugs and boxing don’t mix, misuse of them could end someone's career or worse, someone's life.

  I haven’t seen much of Remme lately as I’ve been that busy. I don’t get home till late at night, and I’m out early in the mornings before she gets up, running and heading to the gym to finish my intense training, making sure I’m every bit ready. Because of my commitment, I’m bigger, stronger, and stealthier than I’ve ever been before in any fight of my career.

  I’m ready to get in the ring now.

  Just walking into the arena, a couple of hours ago had my heart pumping with adrenaline. I can’t fucking wait to get out there and knock Alexander the so called ‘Almighty’ Jenkins out and claim my title back. He doesn’t deserve the title of champion, let alone the honour of wearing my fucking belt, and I’ll do everything in my power to win them both back.

  Remme turned up with Saxon about half an hour ago. I hadn’t realised how much I’ve missed her the past few weeks. Every chance I get, I’m touching her, kissing her… I want to do so much more, but since I started training camp twenty weeks ago, I’ve not had so much as a wank, never mind being buried balls deep inside Remme. She’s gagging for it just as much as I am.

  Just then, the referee pops his head through the door and gives me the five-minute countdown, bringing my focus back to what needs to be done.

  I feel my adrenaline taking on a new high. I had been pumped up and ready when I was warming up, throwing a few punches into thin air, and sparring along with Owen, but now I'm ready to get out there and knock Alexander the fuck out.

  Remme stops her pacing and comes over to me. “You got this baby. Be careful. I love you.”

  She's scared for me: it shows in her eyes. Not because she thinks I'm incapable of winning, but because of the way Alex fights. He's a dirty fighter, hence the damage he caused me last time. I'm not about to let him do it a second time, not after everything he's done to me and then Remme.

  “Always. I'm ready for this.” I give her a bruising kiss before pulling away. I rub my now gloved hands over her swollen belly and caress our baby boy. Just as I place my mouth down on her bump to kiss her there over her clothing, he kicks her good and proper.

  “Jesus, he's going live up to his name. He's a right little bruiser,” she says, smiling up at me now I'm standing at full hight again.

  “Just like his daddy,” I say full of pride.

  “God, help me.”

  I throw her one of my signature smirks as she calls them and give her another quick peck on the lips. “I'll see you out there. Don't leave Saxon’s side, you hear me?”

  She nods, her hands lingering on my overheated torso. I throw a quick look over her shoulder at Saxon as he waits for her. When he clocks me staring, he gives me a stern bow of his head and places his hand on his heart—his only communication; his way of telling me that he'll keep her safe. Only when someone calls time does she move her hands slowly and walk away.

  Owen’s at my side, followed closely by Kenny, Vinny, Bruce, and the rest of my team as I start to make a move towards the door.

  Walking down the tunnel to the arena, I hear the noise of the awaiting fans as Alex enters the ring. I don't miss the chanting—them calling him a cheating bastard. When it starts to die down some, I hear the first chord of my jam kick in, and walking further down the corridor, I see the ring out in front of me at a distance and the fully packed stadium.

  Linkin Park and Jay-z - Encore filters to my ears as I blur everyone and everything out of my mind and focus solely on my destination, waiting for the beat to kick in before I begin my walk. I head through the rowdy crowd, throwing sharp jabs out in front of me, stretching my neck from side to side to loosen up my muscles some before continuing down the walkway full of determination and pumped up with aggression.

  The closer I get to the ring, the louder the crowd roars. The whole stadium is chanting my name, and if that doesn't boost my ego and the need to win, I don’t know what will.

  As I reach the ring, I spot Remme in my corner with Saxon, Spence, Charlotte, and Devon. Quickly sprinting over, I lock my lips with hers as the audience cheer and holla. I give Saxon a fist bump and a stern nod of my head, just like I always do.

  “Good luck, Isaak,” he tells me.

  “I love you baby. Go get him.” With that Remme places another quick kiss on my mouth, and I leave them to climb the small set of steps up to the ring.

  I bounce around on the balls of my feet, keeping the blood flowing and my body warm. Pacing past Alex’s corner, I give him a wink, and blow him a kiss passing it to him from my gloved-up hand.

  The Ring Announcer gets things underway, and I head to my corner where Owen, Vinny and Bruce are.

  “Okay, Isaak. Get your head in the game now. Keep your feet moving and stay off the ropes. Alex is gonna fight dirtier than before because he needs to,” Vinny reminds me.

  “He can’t withstand blows to his chin, Isaak. You have the power in your arms to knock him down. You just need to find an opening,” Owen adds.

  “I got it.”

  The announcer calls time, so I prepare myself for the first of twelve rounds with Alex. Not that I intend for it to go that far.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to fight night. In the blue corner, we have the reigning champion, Alex ‘Almighty’ Jenkins…”

  I grit my teeth hearing his name and champion in the same sentence.

  “In the red corner, the challenger who is trying to win the belt back, we have Isaak ‘The Bruiser’ Brookes.”

  The crowd erupts into a frenzy of epic proportions. I love the support I get from my fans; they are always there for me when I need them most. The referee enters the ring and waves his hand over to me and Alex, silently asking for us both to walk into the middle.

  “I want a clean fight, lads. No low blows, no biting, and no head shots. Now touch gloves.”

  I hold both my gloves out in front of me and wait for Alex to touch them… He doesn’t. It�
�s no skin off my nose, and the fans clearly don’t like it as the arena fills with loud, low thundering boos.

  Walking back over to my corner, I wait for the first-round bell. I glance down quickly at Remme, noticing she’s biting her nails. She looks nervous. I give her my signature smirk, the one I know she’s come to love, as my way of telling her I’ll be okay and that she doesn’t need to worry.

  The bell signals, letting everyone know that the round is about to start.

  About fucking time!

  We both inch towards the middle of the ring, and I bring my hands up protecting my face. He steps forward, throwing a quick jab my way, but I dodge it easily as I see it coming. What he doesn’t see coming is the fast lightning jab I land on his ribs. He stumbles backwards from the immense impact of my blow and catches his breath.

  They don’t call me the Bruiser for nothing.

  I’m known as the best puncher in my league. My fists cause more damage than a sledgehammer, and Alex needs to remember that. If that blow hasn’t jogged his memory, I bet my next one will.

  Not allowing him the time he needs to recover, I give him a few more, smaller jabs, pushing him back a couple of steps. I stride over to him and clock him one on the side of his face, knocking him back further so he’s leaning against the ropes. I give him my best one-two punch combination, which he tries his best to block with his gloves.

  The bell rings ending the first round. I can hear Remme screaming my name over the whole crowd.

  He got lucky.

  He was saved by the bell.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Remme

  I can’t watch.

  My heart is in my mouth. I feel like I wanna throw up and the fight has only just started.

  “He will be fine, Remme.” I swing my head from Isaak in his corner to see Saxon looking at me. He nods over to where I can’t seem to stop staring.