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“Look if you really want to learn, go see Kingston at Storm’s Gym. He can help. Be there at eight in the morning,” I nod toward the locker room, shoving the doors open, I fish out a card from my bag with the address to the gym and hand it to him.

“See you there,” he grabs his bag and heads out the door.

I can’t help but smirk, I was like that when I was his age.

“Man, I can’t believe you broke his jaw,” King chuckles.

“I’ve done it before, shouldn’t be a shock to you, but it’s not broken. I just bruised it,” I say.

“Yeah, but he was just a kid,” he points out.

“And he will be at the gym at eight in the morning to see you. He wants to learn and you’re the best,” I pat his shoulder.

“I know. I trained you,” he grins.

“Cocky much?” I roll my eyes.

“Look who’s talking,” he chuckles.

“I’m hungry. I’ll clean up and we can grab a bite to eat,” I say as I head toward the showers.

“Sounds great, I’m thinking burgers,” he pats his stomach.

“You always think burgers,” I sigh.

“That and girls, sometimes,” he smirks.

Funny, he rarely takes anyone home. I actually think he’s a born-again virgin.

I laugh.

“What? I can’t help it if the ladies love me,” he runs his fingers through his hair like he’s a model.

“Keep telling yourself that,” I chuckle.

Half an hour later, I’m showered and dressed in ripped jeans, a t-shirt, and my boots.

I run my fingers through my hair to brush it because the ‘I don’t care’ look is in.

I know I’m good looking. I mean, ladies do throw themselves at me. Black hair, blue eyes, a spectacular combo. While my looks pull them in, it’s my money that puts hearts in their eyes. But I don’t do relationships. I had someone but I left her and I regret it. I’m too damaged for someone to love.

Briar

I haven’t had a moment to myself since lunch rush started. Once I check on my tables and see that they’re all good, I sneak into the back, collapse in a chair and slip off my shoes. I try rubbing circulation back into them.

“Busy day, huh?” Jerry, the cook and owner asks in passing.

“Yeah, sorry. Just needed to sit a minute,” I reply.

“Your shift is almost over anyway,” he says with a smile.

“Thank God,” I sigh.

“Briar, you have a new table,” Marge calls from the door.

“Be right there,” I slip on my shoes and retie my apron.

Lunch is winding down, most of my tables are gone. The door chimes and I see my brother walk in. I smile at Thorn and mouth to him that I’ll be a minute before heading for my table. It’s a secluded booth in the corner, away from everything and everyone. Quiet back here.