A few seconds later, Gabriella’s voice came over the line. “Hey, Wren. You doing okay, babe?”
I was known for speaking my mind and never holding back the truth, but I honestly didn’t even know if I was okay.
“As good as can be expected,” I told her.
“We’re all thinking about you, Wren. We just want you home and safe.”
“And hopefully, I will be soon.”
Gabriella sighed. “I know this might not be the right time, but that scout, James Callahan, contacted me. He said there’s a fight in October if you want it. It’s against Bailey Tober. Her dad fought in the heavyweight division in my day.”
I may not feel much of anything at the moment, but I knew that I shouldn’t turn that fight down.
“I want it!” I shouted. “I’m not letting that douchebag asshole, Nikolai, keep me from my dream. I just hope this shit gets handled long before then. I can’t imagine staying in Vegas for the next three months.”
“All you have to do is remember everything I taught you. Work out and train as much as you can. You can spar with Ripp.”
“I’m sure Mr. Fancy Pants here has a gym in this multimillion-dollar mansion.”
Gabby snorted. “Most likely. Just be careful. You’ve been through so much with saving Peyton a few months ago. And now you have this.”
I lay down on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. “Don’t worry, coach. I have no doubt these men around here will underestimate me. I look forward to showing them what I can do.”
“Just don’t get yourself killed,” she snapped.
“Many have tried and failed,” I said with a sigh. “They’ll fail again.”
We said our goodbyes and I closed my eyes. Unfortunately, all I could see in my mind was blood and vengeance.
CHAPTER12
SETH
“How is she handling everything?” I asked Ripp.
He focused on the staircase which Wren had climbed so she could choose her room. “Honestly, I think she’s numb,” he said, glancing at me with concern. “She broke down when she saw Parker in the hotel room, but that’s it. I don’t think she’s letting herself feel the grief.” He faced me head-on. “That makes her a ticking time bomb. If she gets her hands on your brother, she’ll literally tear him apart. All that grief and rage will come to the surface one way or another.”
There was an affection to his voice when he spoke about her. It made me wonder if something was going on between them.
“Are you two . . .?” I began, letting my words trail off.
I don’t know why, but there was a twinge of jealousy in my gut at the thought of them together.
A small smile spread across Ripp’s face, and he shook his head. “No. She’s like a sister to me and I love her. All I want is for her to be safe.”
A sense of excitement rushed through me. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Although, I’m surprised you haven’t tried to tell me to stay away from her like you did Kali.”
Ripp’s smile widened. “Oh, I’m not worried about that. Wren will have you wearing your balls as a necklace if you piss her off. That girl knows how to take care of herself. Also, word of advice: she doesn’t do well with people telling her what to do.”
I nodded. I knew it was one of the things I was going to like about her.
“I already got that impression.”
Ripp jerked his head toward the back door. “Do you mind if I head out to the pool house?”
“Go,” I said, nodding at the door. “I have a grocery delivery coming in soon. But if there’s anything you want, just let me know and I’ll have it brought in.”
Ripp held out his hand. “Thank you, Michelson. This isn’t exactly ideal, but I would do anything for Wren. I want to ensure she doesn’t get in too far over her head.”
