I’d never seen that much money.
“Just a little.”
Kase held out a large envelope toward me and winked. He was handsome with his bright blond, perfectly coifed hair, and dressed in a light blue polo shirt that fit snugly around his muscles. His father used to be a heavyweight champion, but Kase didn’t want to compete; he was happy running the Labyrinth.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” he said, coming around the side of his desk to hand me the money. “James doesn’t just recruit any fighter. Then again, there was no doubt he’d offer you a spot.”
I had no clue how much money was in the envelope, but judging by the weight, it was a lot. I smiled over at Kali and then at Kase.
“Thank you. I’m ready to get started.”
“You know what this means, don’t you?” Kali asked, her black heels clattering against the floor as she came over and pulled me in for a hug. I knew exactly what it meant. She let me go and playfully narrowed her hazel eyes at me. “We’ll be competing against each other soon.”
I stared right back at her. “And don’t think for one second that I’ll go easy on you.”
She shook her head and laughed. “Don’t worry, my dear friend. I’m going to kick your ass.”
I snorted. “We’ll see about that.”
It would definitely be an exciting fight. We both chuckled and she hugged me again.
“All right, girl, I’m headed out. You did amazing tonight.”
I squeezed her and let go. “Thanks.”
Her brows lifted when she stepped back. “Are we training tomorrow?”
“You know it,” I promised. “I’ll meet you at the gym in the morning.”
“Be ready for me,” she said with a wink. “Oh, and I brought your bag in here earlier. It’s over there.”
She nodded toward the corner where it sat on the floor. I picked it up while she said goodbye to Ripp and my brother. However, I couldn’t help but notice how Ripp tensed as he watched her leave. I glanced around at Kase and Parker, but they didn’t notice.
Kase shook Ripp and Parker’s hands, and I slid the money into my bag before leaving the room. Several people congratulated me as we walked through the club toward the exit. I had to admit, it was nice being noticed.
When we got out to the car, I hopped in the front seat and Parker slid into the back. I watched Ripp closely as he started the truck; the tenseness was back.
“What’s up with you?” I asked.
He drove out of the parking lot and glanced at me before concentrating back on the road. “What do you mean?” The muscles in his arms tightened as he gripped the wheel.
“There’s obviously something going on. You’re wound up like a fucking spinning top tonight. I saw the way you reacted when Kali left.”
Ripp huffed. “It’s nothing, Wren.”
“It didn’t seem like nothing,” I challenged. “Do you have a thing for her or something?”
Ripp laughed and shook his head, his body slowly relaxing when he met my gaze. “It’s not like that. I don’t see Kali in that way.” He blew out a slow breath. “I’m just protective of you and her.” Before I could even laugh, he held up a hand. “I know, I know. You and Kali can take care of yourselves. You don’t need me to keep you safe.”
Reaching over, I patted his shoulder. “No, but I think it’s sweet. I’ve never had a real family other than Parker,” I said, peering back at my brother, who smiled sadly at me. I focused on Ripp and let my hand slide off his shoulder. “It’s nice to have you and the others now. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Peyton.” I owed her everything.
Ripp chuckled. “Speaking of Peyton, she’s been blowing up my phone. You might want to check yours.”
I dug around into my bag and pulled out my phone. Sure enough, there were a gazillion texts from her and my coach, asking how everything went. I texted them back, saying I would officially be a UFC fighter soon. Peyton’s reply was almost instant.
Peyton: We’re celebrating when you come home!
Me: I look forward to it!
