After leaving Mik to her water and weapon hiding, I took off for the local hardware store. I still have no idea how Kelsie managed to get into the house, as I distinctly remember us locking it when we left and only the four of us have keys. Fuck, we haven’t even had a chance to get one for Bear yet, so how the hell does Kelsie have one? I’ll have to get with Kade and see what we can do about improving our security system now that we have Mikayla with us.
The last thing we need is deranged women sneaking in here in the middle of the night.
Locks changed—with an extra set put on the front and back doors—I grab a cold beer from the fridge and head out to the back patio. I need some time to let my mind process, and lounging beside the pool with the sun beating against my skin warming me up, sounds like a great way to do that.
So much has happened in the last few days that we’ve just been winging it as we go. There have been things I never thought would be possible, changes I didn’t see coming, and information I’m still not sure has settled well within my gut. Bear is back in our lives, living here like we had always dreamed she would. And not only that, but she wants to be in a relationship with all of us. She’s also turned into some bad-ass, gun-wielding, smart-mouthed woman. Which I won’t lie, is sexy asfuck.I would sell my soul for that goddess in a god damn heartbeat.
Mywoman.
Our woman.
My phone going off pulls me from the thoughts of Mikayla, as I focus on whoever is calling. “Ryder Leung,” I answer.
“Hey, Ry. It’s Mike.”
“Oh, hey. How’s it going?”
“Good, good. Listen, Z filled me in on your predicament and before you go off on him, just know he’s worried about you,”Mike states, and I inwardly groan. God damn it, Zane.“I thought I’d call since I have an offer you may be interested in.”
“Mike, though I appreciate the thought, and it’s no secret that you’re one of, if notthebest. But you already have your—”
“Oh, shut it, Boy, and just listen,”he swiftly cuts me off, shoving me in my place with a single command.
Mike has been Zane’s handler and manager for the last six years. Staying right beside my brother through not only the highlights of his career, but also the lows. He pushed Z to new heights when he took him on. Transforming him from this angsty young-adult, deep-rooted with grief and anger. Trying to fight anything with a pulse no matter the consequence, into a professional war machine. Deadly with his hands and swift on his feet.
“My son has finally decided to follow in his old man’s footsteps. You’re correct, I have my hands full. Especially with the upcoming finals and the X-Division Belt, but I think you and him would work well together. Taught him everything I know, and what’s better than having a mini version of me?”
A quick laugh bubbles up my throat as I shake my head. This man is cocky as all hell, but it’s well earned. “Sounds like a sweet deal. Let’s see what he’s got. Have him book something in and we can see how well he’s been ‘trained,’” I chide.
“You know, I’ve always liked you, Ry. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders and a strong heart in your chest. But, if you doubt my abilities again, I may have to show you why my reputation precedes me,”he taunts with no real threat to his tone.
I’d love to see Mike back in the ring. He was a legend in his time and only retired due to his son being born. A respectable man, he moved from the ring to coaching so he could spend time with his family.
“Tommy already has a fight lined up for ya. Took the liberty to start the second I mentioned it to him. I’ll have him send over all the deets, ya?”
“Yeah, of course. Thanks again, Mike.”
“No problem, Kiddo. And hey, don’t give my main attraction too much of a hard time about it, yah?”
I really should have a word with Z, but at this moment I don’t feel any anger or irritation towards him. He knew I was struggling, too proud to beg, and did what he could to assist. If anything, I’m grateful to have him in my corner.
It’s not even minutes later that an email comes through with all the details for my match. This Saturday night, seven o’clock, against Phil ‘Ironfist’ Carter. Staring at the information there is only one thing that crosses my mind as excitement and pride swell within my chest. It’s not the battle, not the pre-match prep or the thrill of getting back in the ring.
The only thing that matters to me right now, is knowing if Mik will come.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Zane
No one tells you how hard it really is to re-wire the way your brain thinks, after going through pain and trauma. They don’t divulge the struggle you’ll go through internally as you remember all the reasons why the nightmares come at night or how to stop them when things change for the better.
After seeing the amount of blood soaking the floors of the Grant house. Living through the agony of the girl I love going missing for an entire decade, and thecountless physical battles I’ve put myself in, my brain has been hard-wired to watch for the pain.
Throughout the years, the compliments kept coming in, telling me that “I’ve handled everything so well.” But the truth is, I didn’t. Still don’t. I was only sixteen-years-old when my world came to a crashing halt. I went insane, lost my spark, bled in the silence of my room. I shattered in private and wore a smile that fooled everyone into thinking things were “just fine.” A lie I’ve managed to perfect over the years.
Now, every time her face sours or her voice is just a hint too quiet, my mind rushes back to its original programming. Bracing itself for the oncoming influx of pain and suffering. The only thing I’ve noticed that cuts right through the wiring, is being in her orbit. Feeling her, smelling her, tasting her, it all combines to break right through me. Mikayla is one that sees me,all of me. Right down to the depths where sixteen-year-old Zane still quakes with fear.
She’s intoxicating to the point my body goes numb whenever she kisses me. When her hands graze against my skin or her attention lies directly on me, I’m ready to pledge my undying love for the woman. The last time I felt this kind of devotion, this intense sensation of loyalty to someone was the day I met Mike.
