I wander around my apartment. I’m filled with a nervous energy that I haven’t been able to shake. This is basically my last free weekend before I start training hard. My building has a fitness room, so I worked out this morning to at least do something.
Now as I pace, I’m reminded that I don’t have any friends. There’s no one to call and hang out with, but what would one expect, since I spend most of my time training for my next fight?
Earlier I tried to find something to watch, but there was absolutely nothing that appealed to me. I check my phone, it’s two o’clock in the afternoon on a Saturday and I have no clue what to do with myself.
If I’m desperate enough I know I could go hang out with Gio and his family, but I’m the reason he’s gone a lot and don’t want to intrude on his break, especially before everything starts to get crazy.
I can’t help but wonder what Dalton’s doing—he’s probably got a hot date tonight. He’s good looking, and I’m sure he’s got girls falling all over him. My cellphone rings and I see it’s my mom. I tilt my head back and stare up at the ceiling and take a deep breath.
“Hey, Mom.”
Of course she starts in on me right away. “How could you send your father away like that after everything he’s given up for you?”
It is always the same thing over and over again. “Everything he’s given me…right. He should’ve been there to protect me, but he wasn’t.”
“You need to get over that…”
I don’t even let her finish because it’s obvious that our conversation is going nowhere fast. I close my eyes and drop my phone on the couch. The desire to punch something overwhelms me and I close my eyes tightly, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth.
The pain tries to return, it tries to overwhelm me, but instead of letting it—I get down on my floor and start doing push-ups until my arms feel like jelly. I drop to my stomach and don’t move from my spot. I just cross my arms and rest my forehead on them.
I pop up and do some burpees until sweat drips from my chin and still I feel unsettled and upset. I grab my phone and before I can change my mind I send a quick text to Dalton.
I stare at the screen, impatiently waiting for the dots to start bouncing. It’s ten minutes before they do. It’s Saturday. I bet he’s getting ready to head out for the evening and I’m just bothering him.
I sigh before I start typing.
Oh God, I sound like a total freaking loser.
“What am I doing?” I whisper to myself.
I look down and I am so sweaty now. I should just text him back and tell him not to bother. It’s not his responsibility to entertain me, but instead I run into the bathroom. After I pin my hair up, I rinse off in the shower and wash my face.
After I climb out, I dry off and then moisturize. I slip on a nude cotton bra and pantie set. Being as fit as I am, my boobs are on the small side. I’ve thought about implants, but one blow to the chest and they’d possibly pop.
I throw on pair of worn, holey jean shorts and a black, blousy V-neck t-shirt. I don’t bother with makeup and opt for some moisturizer. I let my hair down and grab my blow dryer, using it to fluff up my hair. My hair hangs down to the bottom of my bra strap with a natural wave, but I don’t usually wear it down, so I brush it up into a topknot.
I slip on some socks and then my white and red Nikes. There’s a knock on my door and wonder who it could be because I have to let up whoever comes over. I look in the peephole and see it’s Dalton and he looks pissed.
With a flick of my wrist I flip the deadbolt and open the door. “Hey.”
He pushes the door open and steps inside. “I slid right in with no one stopping me. That’s a huge problem for me. I’ll be setting up a meeting with the head of security here.”
“I always keep my deadbolt engaged. I don’t answer the door until I look through the peephole. I’m not careless.”
Dalton steps toward me. “I didn’t say you were, but it should be difficult for someone to get up here. This is supposed to be a secure building.”
“I’m not in danger. If I were, wouldn’t you be around me twenty-four/seven?” I grab the crossbody bag I carry.
“We’ve got eyes on this place. You don’t have to worry about that. Let’s go.” I lock up and walk side by side with him to the elevators. He steps to the side, letting me get on first.
We’re both silent as we ride down to the ground floor. Dalton’s car is parked at the end of the street. “Where are we going?”
“Back to Reece and Delilah’s.” He looks at me and then to the road. “They’re all from Rogue. You’ll like them.”
Again silence surrounds us, but it’s comfortable. Thirty minutes later we pull down a street of nice houses. They look homey and well cared for. We park in front of a two-story home with a pink motorcycle on the sidewalk. Shit, they have kids—I’m awkward around them. Don’t get me wrong, I like them, I just haven’t really been around any other than Gio’s.
I climb out, standing on the sidewalk as I wait for Dalton. My palms start to sweat and I try to wipe them off without him noticing.
Of course he does. “Don’t be nervous. These are good people.”
“I’m just not good at meeting people. I was always too busy training or fighting to make friends. God, I’m a loser.” I avoid looking at him as he places his hand on the small of my back. I also ignore the tingles that run through my body because of it.
We reach the front door and he pushes it open. A loud TV blares from somewhere further in the house. The pounding of little feet can be heard before a little brown-haired girl and an older brown-haired boy come running by.
The little girl slides to a stop when she sees us. She runs right to Dalton, who scoops her up in his arms. “This little beauty is Charlie. Can you say hi to Becca?”
Charlie gives me a sweet little smile. “Hi.” He sets her down and the cutie takes off after the boy
I follow Dalton through the home into the family room. They all look at us when we step into the room. “Guys, this is Becca McNeal. Becca, this is Reece, Delilah, and their son, Jackson. You remember Erik, he filled in for me the day you came into the office. The beauty next to him is his wife, Shayla, and the sleeping wee one in her arms is their son, Chance. Their son, Grant, or Grunt as we all call him, was the boy chasing Charlie. You remember Jack, he owns Rogue Security, and this is his wife, Harley. They’re newlyweds.”
They all stand up to greet me—the men shaking my hand and the women hugging me. Delilah, or Del as she told me to call her, drags me into the kitchen where there is a whole spread of food. “I know you’re training but I hope you can eat some of this,” she says while handing me a plate.
“This is actually a free day for me. I start hardcore training on Monday, so my coach said I could have this weekend to eat what I want.” Wow, she’s very easy to talk to.
On my plate I throw on some wings, pigs in a blanket, chips and cheese, and veggies and dip. I grab a napkin while she eats a carrot.
“My husband watches UFC fights, and I’ve seen when they’ve been training. Is it a pretty accurate depiction of what it’s like?”
I nod. “Every day we focus on something different. Like one day I’ll work on floor moves, which is my specialty. Another I’ll work on punches and blocking. In the middle of all of that I run, and lift weights.”
“Wow. You’re my hero. I swear we’re done having kids and I’m going to get into shape.”
I’m not sure what she’s talking about. She’s beautiful and looks in shape to me. “You look great, and if you want, I can help you get started.”
“That would be awesome. Come, let’s go back out there and watch the game.”
I sit down next to Dalton and munch happily on my snacks while the Cubbies win. Baseball is about the only sport I can stand watching. I watch everyone interact with each other and it makes me envious. Sure I have Gio, Clint, and their families, but I hate always feeling like I’m intruding on their time—I already take up enough as it is.
Tonight I’ve learned that Jack is Delilah’s dad and he lives next door to his daughter and her family. It must be nice to have an awesome dad. Not a train wreck like the one I have. I help the girls clean up the kitchen. It’s the least I can do because they’ve all been so nice.
“I’ve watched some of your fights on YouTube and you’re incredible. Do you think maybe I could interview you some time? I’d love to write a romance novel about a female MMA fighter.” Harley, Jack’s wife, is a freaking romance author. That’s so cool. I don’t read much these days, but I always enjoy a good love story.
“Sure, I’d be happy to help. God knows I’ve been doing it long enough.”
It’s not long after that it’s time to leave. Delilah surprises me by hugging me again. “Becca, it was so great meeting you. Maybe we can do lunch sometime?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” We exchange phone numbers before Dalton leads me out to his car. “Thanks for coming to get me. I was going a little stir crazy.” I don’t need him feeling sorry for me, but I’m thankful he came and got me.
On the way toward my place the soft music playing from his stereo fills the space around us. He pulls up in front of my building a little while later. “What are your plans tomorrow?” he asks.
We ride the elevator up to my floor. “I’ll meal prep, and get things ready for the week.” I unlock my door and he does his quick walk through.
“Have fun with that and I’ll see you Monday morning.” Dalton taps me on the nose as he walks by me and out the door.
“See you Monday.” Shutting the door and locking it, I walk into my bedroom. I can’t wipe the smile from my face because this was by far, the best day ever.
“Kick…kick!” Dalton barks as I kick the pads in his hand. We’ve been at this for an hour and my legs feel like jelly. “Don’t give up on me. Kick! Kick!” I kick twice more before Gio stops us.
“Becca, time to stretch.” I get down on the mat and Dalton gets down in front of me, grabs my ankle, and pushes my leg back, stretching my hamstring.
I don’t dare let on that I’m turned on right now—between the scent of him, a mixture of sweat and man, and the fact that he’s shirtless, I’m damp between my legs—it is definitely not sweat.
“You did good today. Your kicks in the past week have gotten a lot more powerful,” Dalton says as he pushes on my leg, his dick dangerously close to my pussy. I focus on the work, not his penis. I do hate to admit that since he’s joined the team, I feel stronger. My form is becoming super tight, and better than ever. Clint was great, don’t get me wrong, but Dalton’s a lot more skilled and he’s bringing out the best in me.
“Thanks,” I pant because I’m fucking exhausted. “My kicks definitely feel stronger, more powerful.”
“Heads up, guys, we’ve got company outside,” Gio announces.
I look toward the front window and find Cal, my number one fan, waving at me. He’s harmless, but Gio’s always been worried. He waves more wildly when he sees me look in his direction. I don’t smile or wave because my team has drilled into my head not to engage in any way.
Dalton’s whole demeanor changes and he moves toward the front door. I will never tell anyone that it makes my pulse race to watch him stalk toward the door. He’s graceful like a jungle cat, and oh so dangerous.
Gio follows behind him and I watch as they step outside. They both talk to Cal and I wish I knew what they were saying. Jamie, another fighter who works out with me sometimes, comes to stand beside me. “Your fan club’s back?”
I look up at him. “Yeah, it would appear so. He’s harmless and has been lurking around for a long time. I’m not scared of him.”
“Yeah, okay, but be watchful. You never know when something could cause someone to flip.” Jamie heads back over to the bags and does a bunch of punches and kicks.
Dalton and Gio come back in, and when I look outside I see that Cal is gone. “Let’s go talk in the kitchen,” Gio says as he walks side by side with Dalton—I follow behind them and feel like a kid who is in trouble, getting ready to be scolded by Mommy and Daddy. Once in the kitchen, Dalton makes me a protein shake. I take it and swallow the peanut butter flavored drink down quickly.
“What’s up? How’d you get Cal to leave?” I swallow the last of my protein shake and set the glass on the table. Dalton takes the glass from me and replaces it with a container of hard-boiled eggs. Sometimes I swear all I do is eat.
“I told him I don’t want him hanging around here right now while you’re training, but there is something I need to tell you.” Gio takes a deep breath. “We never told you that he’s been spotted near your apartment before.”
My eye twitches, which happens when I’m stressed. “For how long? Why are you just telling me now?” I look at Dalton. “Is that why you’re here—because of him? Did he do something?”
“About a year ago was the first time. I was picking you up to go to the fights in Indianapolis—he’d been pacing back and forth in front of the entrance. The second time was three months ago and it was the same thing, just him pacing back and forth. Dalton is here because I want someone around who can keep you safe, should he or anyone else, try something.” Gio sits down next to Dalton.
“What happens now?” I grab my bottle of water and take a huge drink.
“Nothing. Dalton will pick you up and take you home after our training. He’ll start to escort you to and from your door. This is non-negotiable and I don’t care if you have to run to the store—he always goes with you.” He leans forward. “I’ve been your coach for three years and I care about you as if you were family. I want to make sure you’re safe—or safer than you have been.”
My eyes burn so I lower my head to hide the brewing tears. The last thing I want to appear is weak. Once the feeling goes away I look up at the two men. “I’ll do whatever’s necessary…I promise.”
“Now that we have that out of the way, here is next week’s training schedule. We’re going to work on grappling an extra day. We’re also going to increase your weights. Prepare to do a lot of sparring with Dalton. He’s going to start going at you harder and faster. We’ve had him go a little easier on you while you got used to him, but I think you’re ready to take it up a notch.”
I grab the piece of paper and will plug it into my phone later. I’ll also take my adjusted diet and hit the grocery store later. Meal prep is the bane of my existence.
Gio gets up and steps out of the room, leaving Dalton and I alone. I grab my eggs and take a bite of one and when I look up, Dalton is staring at me. “What?”
“You’re not going to fight us on this? Be difficult?” He looks genuinely perplexed.
I swallow the bite of egg down. “Why would I fight this or be difficult? You guys are just protecting me, right? I’ve had enough shit happen to me that I know I always need to be careful.” It’s quite possible that I’ve struck him speechless. Dalton’s mouth opens and closes, but no sound comes out.
I laugh as I stand up, grabbing another bottle of water. “What? Did you think I was going to throw a temper tantrum?” When he doesn’t say anything I have his answer. “Oh my God, you thought I was going to throw one. You guys are ridiculous.” I stand up, placing my empty bowl in the sink.
Dalton comes up behind me. “The women in my life have had danger surround them and there was always some sort of tantrum—I shouldn’t have assumed you would throw one.”
The scent of sweat mixed with a manly woodsy scent wraps around me. What the hell? I haven’t been interested in a guy in a long time. Not since before—well, before the day that changed my life. I ignore my hardening nipples and practically run out of the kitchen and head into the locker room.
My locker room is the only one with a lock. I’m the only female that does lock it. I shower quickly and once I rinse off I climb out, wrapping my towel around my body. I use another towel to dry my hair. I spray it with detangler before running my comb through it.
Since I’m just heading home to sleep I throw on some black cotton shorts and a gray tank top over my white bra and panty set. I slip my bare feet into a pair of black Nike slides; I throw the towels into the basket by the door and throw my dirty clothes into my backpack.
As I step out into the gym and find Dalton talking to—I think her name is Kelsey, and she fights in the bantamweight class. I know what he sees when he looks at her; her hair is a bright vibrant blonde, her eyes are a light brown. She’s curvy, but strong and has the boobs, I wish I did. Kelsey could be in a lingerie ad and yes, I’m jealous—plain and simple, and for the life of me I don’t know why.
Dalton must sense me because he turns my way and he smiles. “Are you ready?”
I nod, and step toward them. “Hey Kelsey.” She barely spares me a glance before turning back to Dalton, but he’s looking at me. “I’m ready when you are.” I tell him.
He tells Kelsey goodbye and I follow him toward the exit. Before he opens the door I don’t miss the way he quickly scans the parking lot and only then does he open the door to the outside.
I climb in his car, my body screaming for some rest. Silence surrounds us as he heads toward my building. Once we’re a block away I turn to him. “You should ask Kelsey out. You guys would look really good together.” Ugh, I want to vomit right now. What the fuck was that? I turn away so he can’t see the mortification on my face.
Thank god, he doesn’t respond to my words. We reach my apartment, and he finds a spot on the road, he pulls up in front of my building. He gets out and comes around, opening my door for me. I climb out and he places a hand to the small of my back and leads me inside. The front desk attendant buzzes us in when he sees me and I use my key to open the door that leads to the elevators.
Once we reach my floor he takes my keys and then opens my door. He steps inside, holding the door for me to follow him in. “Stay here.” He says before doing what I’m assuming is a walk-through of my apartment.
It’s not very big so it only takes him a minute before he comes back out. “Everything good?”
He stops in front of me. “Yeah it is. Now what’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?” I set my gym bag down and step around him and head into the kitchen.
“I see a nap in my future and then I’ll do some yoga that way I’m not so sore later. What about you?” I grab a bottle of water for each of us.
“A nap does sound good, but I’ll probably go to the office and check in. If you decide to go anywhere text me and I’ll come take you.”
I shake my head. “No, I can’t let you do that.”
Dalton leans in. “For however long I’m needed it’s my job to see to your safety. Gio wants to beef up your security and that’s what I’m going to do.” He says it with such conviction that I truly believe if something were to happen he’d do his best to see to my safety.
“I just don’t think that it’s necessary.” He raises a brow. “Cal hasn’t done anything to prove he’s out to hurt me. I’ve been jumped, but that’s only because I’m a fucking good fighter. Jealousy is an ugly thing.”
“What happened with your dad? Why is he no longer your manager?”
I shrug and my heart starts to race. Can Dalton see the pain in my eyes? I turn away so he can’t and pick up my bag. It takes me a second to find the bottle and I pull the half of the tiny white pill, popping it into my mouth.
“What did you just take?” His voice sharp in tone and then he sighs, “I’m sorry that I asked, it’s not my bloody business.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s okay, it’s just an Ativan. I just don’t like to talk about it. Maybe some other time, but not today.”
“Okay, I’m going to go. Take your nap, do your yoga, and call me if you need anything.” The door shuts and I’m a little sad that he left, but I appreciate him giving me some space. I throw the deadbolt; grab a protein bar, and head into my bedroom.
After I set my alarm I strip down to just my bra and panties before climbing under the sheets. I fall asleep immediately.