He held me until I finally calmed down, kissing the top of my head before pulling back. “Is that how you got that scar near your eyebrow?” I nodded, and his nostrils flared. “How did your father react?”
“He wanted to kill him. But I begged him not to do anything, and he reluctantly agreed. I still haven’t told him half the things I endured during that relationship, and I never will because my dad really will kill him.”
“I’m telling you right now, if he ever comes near you again, he’s dead. And don’t tell me you don’t want me to get involved, because it’s my job to keep you safe now.”
“No,” I argued. “I don’t want you risking your career for me.” His insistence made me feel protected but also anxious that he’d be put into a situation he shouldn’t be.
He tipped my head upward, his gaze holding mine. “I’d risk everything for you.”
I became lost in the moment, and while I wanted to dissect his words or tell him it was too soon to be making such a big statement, I allowed what he said to wash over me, enveloping me in warmth and comfort.
32
After I’d gone for a run, I met Sophie in the gym for our normal routine before hitting the ring for the second time today. Because my fight was fast approaching, I’d increased my training to twice a day.
Sophie was quiet, but I didn’t believe it had anything to do with me or with us. I assumed her silence had something to do with her ex. He’d texted her again, and although she hadn’t responded to either of his messages, her disheartened state was written all over her face. I wanted to handle the situation for her, but she didn’t want me to get involved. For now, I’d comply, but if he dared to come near her again, all bets were off. Consequences be damned.
Elton, Trevor, and Lance were huddled together as I approached the ring. They talked in hushed tones. There were close to twenty gym members scattered around the room, but all I could focus on was the unease swirling through me at the sight of my team nestled as close as could be. The thought that they could be discussing me and Sophie bothered me. I wasn’t there to defend her if in fact they were badmouthing her. They’d all made it perfectly clear what they thought of me becominginvolved with her, but their opinion on the matter wasn’t wanted.
When I stepped closer, Elton cleared his throat. Subtlety wasn’t high on the list for any of these guys.
“What’s going on?” I asked as I stepped next to Lance, clenching my fists in preparation for the answer.
“Nothing. Are you ready to start?” Trevor asked, trying his best to distract me. But I wanted answers before I stepped one foot inside the ring.
“You were never any good at lying,” I retorted. “Now tell me what’s going on. Is this about Sophie? Because you guys have to drop—”
“It’s not about Sophie,” Elton said. He glanced at the other two men before giving me his attention, stealing an extra moment before he finally spoke. “Jay reached out to me. He wants to see you before the press conference.”
“What did you tell him?” A blend of anger and shock trickled into my bloodstream, and my entire body shook. “You better not have said yes,” I seethed, barely able to control my rage.
“Calm down, Jax,” Elton said, clasping my shoulder. I jerked away from him. “I didn’t respond. I wanted to talk to you first.”
“And when were you planning on doing that? After the three of you made some sort of decision first?” I moved toward the ring. My sparring partner, Nico, glanced from me to my team and back again, the worried look on his face screaming that he wasn’t sure he should be sparring with me right now. I ignored him and looked back at the guys. “There’s nothing to talk about. I’m not seeing him until I have to.”
“Got it,” Elton responded, whipping out his phone and walking toward the back of the gym.
Lance left as well, but Trevor moved closer to the ropes. “Don’t take your shit out on Nico,” he warned.
“I won’t.”
“Okay then. Get to it.”
For the next two hours, I kicked, punched, wrestled, and boxed, working on my agility, speed, and footwork, all while picturing Jay’s face in front of me as Nico gave as good as he got.
Trevor tossed a towel at me, and I patted down my face and chest. “Fuck, I’m exhausted.”
“You should be. You did great. Much better than earlier.”
I didn’t argue because he was right. Unfortunately, my anger focused me, which probably wasn’t healthy, but whatever worked was fine with me.
“How’s your shoulder?” he asked, concern etched into the lines on his forehead.
“Not bad. Sore but nothing I can’t handle. The oil Sophie’s been using on it has been helping.”
“That’s good.”
My trainer shifted his feet and averted his eyes several times.
