Harley
Once I’ve showered and changed into a fresh set of clothes, I take an Uber to Jase’s house. I pause outside for a few moments to take it in. The place is big, modern, and looks expensive. It’s hard to picture Jase, with his tattoos and cocky smirk, being at home here. But maybe there’s a side to him I haven’t seen yet. I wander down the drive and knock on the door. A few seconds later, it swings inward, and I look into a pair of the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
“Uh, hi.” I stick out a hand. “You must be Lena.”
The woman, who has clear skin and red hair, breaks into a smile. “And you must be Harley. It’s so nice to meet you.” She takes my hand and gives it a shake, then holds onto it for a beat longer and squeezes. “I’m glad you came. Things can get a bit overwhelming with all the testosterone at the gym and we figured you could use a break from it by now. Come on in.” She stands aside. I stop in the doorway to kick off my shoes. “Oh, don’t worry about that.”
“Thanks for inviting me,” I say, lining my footwear up against the wall regardless of her comment. I’m not traipsing dirt into this McMansion. “I’m used to the testosterone at this point in my life, but I don’t really know anyone in Vegas so it can be a bit lonely.” Especially when I’m used to being surrounded by people twenty-four-seven and suddenly the only person around me is Seth, who doesn’t talk much. I hold up the container that was tucked under one of my arms. “I brought healthy snacks because I’m in fight camp. Is there somewhere I can put them?”
“Pop them in the fridge,” Sydney says from a doorway that leads further into the house. She smiles warmly. “I made some healthy options too. Lena and I are used to catering for the boys, and we didn’t want you to go hungry. Save yours for later.”
“Oh.” Well, now I feel awkward. Of course these women are used to fighters and their needs. They’re dating them. “Thanks, that’s really nice of you.”
“No worries.” Sydney’s smile might be the loveliest one I’ve ever seen. I can tell why Gabe is with her. She’s his perfect foil. Open and soft where he’s quiet and broody. Not that I’ve met him in person, but we’ve talked a couple of times over the years. She tilts her head. “Come with me, and I’ll show you where the kitchen is. Lena has already prepared a platter of finger foods in the living room.”
I follow her into a mammoth kitchen with a long bench down the center and all the appliances a person could possibly desire. “Whoa.”
“I know, right?” She takes my container and puts it in the refrigerator. “The boys are serious about eating well, and that means making sure they have the right equipment.”
“I’ve gotta tell you, Seth’s kitchen doesn’t look anything like this. It’s bare basics. Oven, refrigerator, freezer, microwave.” But then, he’s not the fancy type. Never has been, even at the height of his fame.
“What does his place look like?” Lena asks from behind us. I turn, and find her expression full of interest. “Neither of us have been. The guys might have, but they’re not exactly into details.”
I shrug. “It’s your basic condo. Two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, and open concept living space. To be honest, I don’t think he spends much time there.”
“Hmm.” Lena’s eyes narrow and her lips purse in thought. “Is there a woman in his life?”
A hard lump of discomfort settles in my gut. “Other than me? Not that I know of.”
I’m not sure how I’d handle it if there was. As far as I’m concerned, he belongs with Ashlin and always will. The thought of him with anyone else is just wrong.
“Okay, enough with the inquisition,” Sydney says, giving me an apologetic look. “Seth is a bit enigmatic, so it’s hard not to be curious.”
Lena turns and heads away. Sydney follows, and I fall into step behind them.
“I don’t think enigmatic is the right word,” I reply. “He just doesn’t have much going on outside the gym, so there’s nothing to talk about.”
“That’s a bit sad.” Lena sinks onto a sofa and Sydney takes an armchair. “He’s a good-looking guy.”
“Ugh.” I pull a face, and sink onto the spot beside Lena. “Can we not go there please?”
She laughs. “Sorry. Like Syd said, he’s intriguing. But then”—she grins—“so are you. It’s not every day we meet a female fighter. What’s it like?”
“Amazing,” I answer truthfully. “I love it so much. I get to do my favorite thing all day every day.”
Both women’s brows shoot up.
“But doesn’t it hurt?” Sydney asks. “Aren’t you worried something will go wrong?”
Lena helps herself to a piece of cheese from the platter on the coffee table, and I reach for a carrot stick and dip it in hummus while I consider my answer.
“Yes, and no. The pain aspect isn’t as bad as most people think. Your body gets used to the kind of impacts that happen during training. Shins toughen up and after a few months, you stop bruising so much. Sparring is usually gentle—at least, it was in Thailand, because people fight every few weeks and can’t afford to be injured.” I smile in memory. Some of my favorite moments have been spent sparring with friends. “It’s almost playful, really. People over here tend to go a bit harder, but still not enough to do real damage, and during a fight, the adrenaline is so strong, you don’t feel much of anything.” Glancing up, I find that they’re both watching me, enthralled. I laugh. “Sorry, I can ramble about muay thai for hours.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Sydney rests her chin on her palm and leans forward. “We’d love to hear.”
“What was it like living in Thailand?” Lena asks. “Was it different from here? Where were you based?”
I grab another carrot stick, warming to the topic. “I lived in a complex attached to a gym in Phuket, just outside of the more populated area. It was beautiful. Really hot, but the climate grows on you.”
Lena whips out her phone and taps at the screen. A moment later, she brings up a picture and shows Sydney. They both sigh.
“It looks gorgeous,” Sydney says.
“It is.” A pang of homesickness shoots through me, tugging the corners of my mouth down. “And the lifestyle is so simple. At least, it was up until the end.”
“If you don’t mind us asking, why’d you leave?” The question comes from Sydney, whose expression is cautious. “You don’t have to explain if you’d prefer not to, but it sounds like you miss it.”
Sighing, I tug a hand through the damp strands of my hair. I’m not going to tell these girls the whole story. I’m not sure if I can trust them to keep it to themselves, but I suppose an abbreviated version couldn’t hurt.
“My coach asked me to throw a fight. I didn’t, and he was furious and kicked me out. Not that I’d have wanted to stay anyway. I don’t represent cheaters.” Or sleep with them, either.
“Fuck him.” Lena’s eyes flash with icy fury. “What an asshole. You’re better off without him.”
“I know.” But somehow that doesn’t make it easier.
We sit in silence for a moment, and I continue to munch on carrot sticks, then Lena speaks. “Can you tell us more about what it’s like to be a female fighter?”
“It’s very satisfying.” I wipe my hands on a napkin and sit back, drawing my knees up to my chest. “Don’t get me wrong, there are challenges. I have to work twice as hard to get people to take me seriously, but once I punch them in the face a few times, they usually come around.”
She laugh-snorts, and her hand flies to her mouth. “Maybe I need to try that.”
“Make sure it’s people you’re allowed to punch,” I warn. “You can’t go doing that shit to just anybody.”
Sydney snickers, and I can’t help feeling pleased. For some reason, I want them to like me. I miss having women in my life.
Lena nods. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“But yeah,” I continue, “being a fighter is all I want. If I can make enough money to pay the bills and keep doing it indefinitely, then I’m happy. It’s rewarding, and even though it’s not always easy, there’s nothing I’d rather do. Plus it’s amazing for self-confidence. I wasn’t what you’d call assertive when I started. I was used to Seth fighting my battles for me, but when he left, I didn’t have much chance other than to start fighting them myself. In the end, it turns out that’s how I prefer it.”
“Wow.” Sydney is shaking her head, although she doesn’t seem to notice. “That’s kind of inspirational.”
A blossom of warmth unfurls within me, and I duck my head, embarrassed by the praise even while I revel in it. “Thanks.”
Lena steeples her hands together. “Would you teach me some basics? I want to surprise Jase.”
“Absolutely.” I grin. I love teaching martial arts nearly as much as I love doing them. “Except for training, I’m free any time, so just say when.”
“Seriously? You’re the best.” She turns to Sydney. “Can you believe it took us this long to meet a female version of Jase?”
I roll my eyes, used to comparisons like this.
“She’s more of a Gabe,” Sydney argues. “A strong, silent type.”
“Actually,” I interrupt, holding up a hand. “I’m a Harley, and that’s all I need to be.”
“Even better.” Lena looks positively gleeful. “Devon is in over his head with you. I can’t wait to see you put him in his place. He’s way too sure of himself.”
My brows pinch together. “What do you mean?”
“Uh, Lena.” Sydney clears her throat. “Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?”
“Doubt it.” She reaches for a glass of wine and sips. “You must know that Devon has a thing for you, right? He’s not exactly subtle.”
Squirming in the seat, I wonder if it’s physically possible for my cheeks to be as red as they feel, because they’re fucking scorching. I’m not used to this kind of girl talk, and I don’t know what a normal response would be.
“You’re making her uncomfortable.” Sydney’s smile is gentle. “Ignore her. We’re just not used to seeing Devon twisted up like this over a girl. He’s more the love ’em and leave ’em type.”
“I know,” I reply, grateful both for the explanation and the reprieve. “It’s kind of obvious.” Turning to Lena, I add, “You’re right that he’s made it clear what he wants, but I’m not looking to be the girl who ropes him. I’m nobody’s exception to the rule, and if I went there, I’m sure he’d have moved on within a week. Besides”—I go for the knockout blow—“Seth is helping me restart my life, and his good opinion matters.”
“So you’re saying you’ll keep your hands off Devon?” she clarifies, her lips pursed with disappointment. “And here I was hoping to see him fall hard and fast.”
“Not for me.” I examine my fingernails. They’re short and neat. Unfeminine. Hardly worthy of a seductive vixen like Devon seems to think I am. If he ever got me where he wanted, he’d soon grow bored. “Trusting people isn’t something I’m good at, and he has this wild energy that screams unreliable.”
Lena sighs. “Oh, well. I suppose I can’t argue with you there.”
Sydney grabs a remote and flicks the TV on. “Shall we watch the fights? They should be starting soon.”
Devon
I stand on the edge of the crowd, just inside the arena, and watch the action going on in the cage. Jimmy has just finished his fight and I’m officially off-duty as one of his cornermen. Not that I had to do anything more than ice his legs and back. Seth does the hard yards, watching every move and offering advice—or really loud motivation—between rounds. He sees things I don’t notice, no matter how hard I try, but I still attempt to guess what he’s going to say because one day, I want to be the one coaching younger fighters. I’m not stupid. I can’t be a professional athlete forever, but I can be a coach. There’s no age limit on that. No physical limitations either, so it doesn’t matter how banged up I get along the way.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Beside me, Jase is flat-out messaging Lena, and Gabe left the moment Jimmy’s fight ended to return to Sydney. Seth is probably still debriefing Jimmy somewhere in a back room. I grab my phone from my pocket and check the screen. It’s an unknown number. I tap the message, opening it.
Unknown: Hey. We saw you and Seth on TV. Having fun? - Harley
Grinning, I rub the back of my neck with my free hand. She must have gotten my number from one of the girls, which means she put in the effort to find it. She wants to talk.
Yeah, sweetheart, I’m down to talk.
Devon: Lots. What did you think of the fight?
Jase pushes away from the wall and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I’m off, bro. Don’t do anything crazy.”
“When have I ever?”
He raises a brow at that. “Every damn day. See you.”
“Catch you.”
My phone pings again and I hurry to see what she sent.
Harley: Good fitness but a bit too slow on the defense. His low kicks were destroying the other guy but he should try mixing it up with body and head kicks. From what I could tell, the ground work looked good.
My grin broadens. Seriously, how freaking awesome is it to have this conversation with a hot girl? Especially when she’s spot on. I noticed the same thing about his reaction times and preference for leg kicks.
Devon: Needs to improve his flexibility. His body kicks are fine, but he has a hard time getting his leg high enough to go for head kicks.
Not a problem Harley has, I’ve noticed. She can execute a flawless roundhouse kick to the face and land back in fight stance with perfect balance. It’s sexy as fuck. Especially when her lips curl into that arrogant smirk that says she knows exactly what she’s capable of. My dick twitches in my pants, but fortunately decides to chill out.
Harley: I can work on that with him.
My first thought is: I’d like to see that. My second is a flash of brilliance that I’m amazed I didn’t think of earlier. She turned down a date with me, but what if it wasn’t a date? What if it was a reconnaissance mission for her upcoming elimination tournament? We could watch the other girls fight and dissect them like we’re doing now. Meanwhile, we’d be spending time together. Growing closer. And I could prove to her that I can be more than a good-time guy.
It’s genius.
“What’s that massive grin about?” Seth asks as he comes up beside me.
Crap. Immediately, I wipe it off my face. I hate being sneaky around him, but I don’t want to fess up until there’s actually something to confess to—except for having a few fantasies, which is hardly anything he wants to know anyway.
“Just a girl I’m texting,” I answer, which isn’t technically a lie. Still, it isn’t the way I like to operate. I’m an open book, and that’s how I prefer it. There have been enough untruths in my life without me adding to them.
“Right.” He’s not interested in knowing more. If he had any idea what’s going on in my mind, he wouldn’t be so relaxed. “I’m gonna stay to watch the last couple, then head off. You?”
“Same here.”
He cocks his head, giving me a hard stare. “You’re not hanging around to pick up a woman?”
“Nope.”
As if on cue, one of the ring girls—a petite brunette with disproportionately big tits—emerges from the door behind us and sidles over. I recognize her from the rotating collection of people to grace my bed, but I’m coming up blank on a name. Something a little wild-child, I think. Serenity, Breeze, Willow maybe.
“Hey, Dev.” She slides a hand over my chest, and I step back so it falls away. Going up on tiptoes, she whispers in my ear, “I’m free all night, and I miss your cock.”
Said cock is limp as a cooked noodle, despite her breathy offer. Apparently, it’s only interested in feisty fighters these days.
“Thanks, but not tonight.” I take another step toward Seth, and jerk my thumb at him. “Me and the big guy have work to do.”
“Aw.” She pouts. “Come find me if you change your mind.”
“Will do.”
As soon as she goes, Seth snorts. “Not interested in round two?”
“Nah. Got other things to do.”
He gives me a strange look, and I can’t say I blame him. It’s rare for me to prioritize anything over training or having a good time. Unfortunately, I can’t explain that I don’t want to touch any woman who isn’t his sister. Jesus, imagine how that would go down.
We watch the last two fights in companionable silence and then part ways. I drive back to my apartment, eager to be alone so I can put my plan into action. I jog up the stairs, unlock my door, and head for the bedroom. Stripping off my shirt, I look in the mirror and evaluate what I see there. Short black hair. Dark skin. Awesome-as-hell abs. I give myself a thumbs up.
“You got this, man.”
I flop back on the bed, select Harley’s number, and hit the call button. It rings and rings and she doesn’t pick up. For the first time, it occurs to me that she might not answer. And then what? I suppose there’s a chance I’ll see her at the gym tomorrow, but Sundays are a rest day for most people. Finally, just as I’m about to give up, the call connects.
“Hey.” Her voice is husky, as if she’s trying to whisper. “Had to get into my bedroom before I could answer, so Seth can’t eavesdrop. What’s up?”
“There’s an event on next weekend. Steel Angels. Some of the girls competing in your tournament are fighting in it. Want to come along and watch?” I suck in a breath and cross my fingers.
She’s quiet for a moment. “With you?”
“Yeah.” I roll my eyes, inwardly berating myself for not making it obvious. “I have some tickets and need company, so I thought of you.” I don’t have tickets. It’s a total lie. But I forgive myself for it because I’ll get my hands on some first thing tomorrow and she’ll never know the difference.
She hums in thought. I can tell she’s tempted, and I let the offer hang in the air. I’m not stupid enough to say something else and risk blowing it. I’ve put it out there, and it’s up to her to take the next step.
“Okay,” she says on a sigh. “That would actually be good preparation, but I have a condition.”
“Anything.”
Yep, that’s me, playing it cool like a boss.
“It can’t be just you and me. This is not a date.”
“Done.” I’ll get enough tickets for Jase and Gabe, and they can be my wingmen. Assuming they don’t rat me out to Seth first. But then, why would they? This isn’t a date. I grin, practically gleeful. “Can’t wait. I’ll text you the details.”
“Great.” She hesitates for a moment, then adds, “Thanks. I’m not sure whether Seth would have mentioned it. He’s got this thing about not worrying me ahead of time. He thinks I’ll see what pros they are with the grappling and freak out, but honestly, that’s not my style. I need to know what I’m dealing with so I can be prepared, and with seventy-six fights under my belt, it’s not as if I don’t have a fairly good idea of what’s coming.”
This may be the most words she’s ever said to me in one go.
“You’re welcome. And can I just say how fucking awesome it is that you’ve had seventy-six fights? I might not have that many in my entire career but you have before you’re even thirty.”
She makes a dismissive sound. “Seventy-six is nothing compared to some of the fighters in Thailand. I trained with guys who had three or four hundred.”
“Whoa.” I whistle. “Okay, you’re right. You’ve got nothing on them.”
A laugh bursts from her, almost as though it’s caught her by surprise, and my heart stutters in response. “I didn’t expect you to agree with me!”
Grinning, I roll onto my side. “Shouldn’t say things if you don’t mean them.”
Still chuckling, she replies, “Yeah, okay. I guess I thought you were a shameless flirt who’d say anything. No offense.”
“Offense taken, Harls.”
“No one calls me that.” I can picture her shaking her head. “‘Harley’ is not the kind of name you shorten.”
My lips twitch. Challenge accepted. “Just watch me.”
She sighs. “I’d better go. Thanks for the invite. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Big plans for the weekend?” I ask, clutching the phone tight to my ear, not wanting her to end the call.
This time, her sigh is heavy. “Shopping for clothes. I don’t really have much that’s not activewear, seeing as I lived at a gym and all, so I’ve got a few essentials to pick up.”
“That doesn’t seem like your kind of thing.”
“It’s not, but you gotta do what you gotta do.” She doesn’t ask about my plans, and I find myself wanting to tell her. But then she speaks again. “Goodnight, Devon.”
I hold all the words I want to say inside of me. They can wait for later. Baby steps.
“Night, Harls.” I hang up, and pump my fist. I’m going to win my girl. It just might take a while.