Unexpected Forfeit Read online

  The referee steps in and makes sure Ford is okay. After a few seconds he comes to and not very happy. The event people enthusiastically announce Jace as the winner, parading him around the cage with his arms up in the air. It’s pretty amusing that Ford refuses to even look at Jace now, after whatever ugly thing he was saying at the beginning of the fight. It just goes to show you, one should never be too cocky or overconfident over something that doesn’t have a guaranteed outcome.

  Jace thanks his trainers and supporters over the intercom—sweaty, breathless and even more amazing than before. Once he’s finished and leaving the cage with his team, we make our way down the bleachers, attempting to beat most of the crowd.

  I hold onto Aria’s shirt, following them closely behind. They know this place much better than I, so I don’t pay any attention to the fact that we aren’t headed for the main door. Next thing I know, Gavin is congratulating Jace right in front of me—he’s like maybe two feet away.

  My breathing kicks up a notch. The air feels hot, probably from his charged up body and the guys surrounding all of us. I gaze over at him, taking in each little detail on his body. I doubt I’ll remember them all, but I’m gonna try.

  I can’t hear a word they’re saying; all I can do is stare at him. I feel like I’m in a fangirl fog or something. I almost want to bow and say “Hail to the King.” Cheesy, but fuck me, it’s true. He has that air around him that screams worship me. My ex was confident when we first met, but he was nowhere near the same level as this man’s confidence.

  Jace is shirtless again, having ditched it right after they snapped a photo of him wearing it inside of the ring. Sweat cascades down him in little beads, drawing attention to his hard pecs. He radiates with the kind of excitement and energy you long to be a part of. Sex on a stick doesn’t even begin to describe his appeal. His mouth moves, and I can’t help but wonder what his lips taste like.

  His body’s still wound really tight from the fight, evidenced by the way his muscles jump a little from being jacked up on adrenaline. The veins on his body are plumped up from the workout he just had. His jet black hair is still wet from the fight, giving it a just-showered look. It’s super short, and my fingers itch with the desire to rub and lightly scratch across his scalp.

  Deep blue irises and a dimple to die for are staring at me while he talks. He’s splattered with little droplets of blood and his face has a red mark on the side that is destined to turn into an ugly bruise later, but gosh he’s never looked more beautiful.

  “Chyna! Earth to Chyna! Aria bumps my arm and elbows me in my side. She giggles quietly, but I still catch it. Glancing at her—intrigued and still partially dazed—she smiles broadly and gestures with small nods for me to look back at Jace.

  “Yes, Aria?” I grin, cocking my eyebrow. Shit! What did I miss? I didn’t hear a word anyone said once those deep blues caught my gaze. And that sweat dripping down his stomach, I just want to lick him. I bet he tastes salty. Her eyes widen and she flicks them towards Jace.

  “Jace was asking if you enjoyed the fight, Miss Space Cadet.”

  The fight? Oh yeah, that’s the real reason I was here in the first place. I follow her eyes and mine land on some amused sparkly baby blues. I feel like I’ve been hit by a tidal wave and sucked under.

  Blinking suddenly, I wake completely out of my fangirl daze. I was totally cataloging his image for future book boyfriend reference material. I wonder if he has a fan page.

  “Oh! Yes sorry, it’s so noisy in here!” I gesture around the room attempting to play it off. I know I just lost tons of cool points, however, and my friends won’t let me live this one down.

  Ugh, cringing, I bite my cheek. The first thing I ever get to say to him and its lame! So much for a good first impression. I can’t believe he’s here in front of me right now. Hmmm, I wonder if he would care if I reach out and pet his muscles. Jace smirks, his dimple sinking slightly deeper, almost as if he can read my mind.

  “All right, well I’ll catch y’all in a few. Chyna, it was so nice to meet you.”

  Holy shitballs, his voice is deep and a little rough, probably from the crazy workout he just went through. Almost makes you think of a piece of chocolate silk pie when he speaks. I wonder if that’s how he sounds after he has sex. So freaking hot!

  I can’t believe I spaced out on everything he’d said. I bet he thinks I’m a hot mess or something. I nod silently in response. It’s probably best though that I don’t speak, there’s no telling what would come out.

  Jace winks at me, turning after he does a man hug thing with Gavin and walks away with his posse in tow. He’s like a giant beast man that makes me feel tiny and womanly, and I absolutely love it. Aria turns to me, grinning like the cat that ate the canary and I put my finger on her lips. I don’t want to hear her teasing or chatter about what just happened.

  I can’t believe I finally got to meet him. I’ve been to a ton of his fights but he usually doesn’t even look into the crowd. I owe Aria big-time, and she doesn’t even know it! That bitch is getting chocolate, lunch, or something.

  After that exciting and gut wrenching—in a good way—experience, we all take off. We each head in our own direction; I’m headed home to change. I pray I’ll get to run into Jace again tonight. This time, I’ll be on my game.

  one hour later…

  Pulling up to the club, the cab driver circles the lot a few times before parking somewhat near the front. I pay the grungy-looking guy and shoot Aria a text so she can meet me at the front. One positive thing about celebrating with fighters is they always have VIP access with everyone knowing exactly where they are.

  The club thing is a little played out to me, since I’ve done it so much in the past, but I’m willing to sacrifice if it means I get to see the man hunk again. It’ll be like watching a wildlife show on TV. I’ll be watching the wild beast out of his natural environment and all that. Giggling to myself imagining Jace in the middle of an African field wearing animal print shorts and surrounded by wild animals, I walk closer to the club entrance.

  When I went home earlier I changed into a cute little teal dress that comes mid-thigh but isn’t too tight, so I have plenty of room to dance. I love that this dress is low enough in the back that you can see my tattoo. I have script going across my shoulder blades of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.” God, I love that song—story of my damn life with a drugged out ex still clawing at my heart occasionally and a mother who gave up on me.

  I shake that thought off, wondering what Aria decided to wear. I paired my sexy little dress with my favorite pair of four-inch snake print heels. I may not dress too loud, but I always have to wear a pair of killer looking shoes with my outfits.

  Aria’s waiting right outside the door, waving at me as I get closer. Love the shoes, but, fuck my life, they kill my feet. My toes scream in protest with each step I take, but after a few drinks I won’t notice that little torture anymore.

  JACE

  Taking a long pull off my Coors longneck, I scan the club. I love Austin, and, thanks to 6th Street, there are plenty of cool bars and clubs to go to. With the plentiful amount they usually aren’t overly packed. I’ve lived here the majority of my life, so I’m pretty familiar with the big city.

  I check out the different bar stations, booths, the walkways, and the dance floor throughout the club. We’re in the perfect spot to see everything. I’m looking for one particular face amongst the crowd though. Gavin said they were all coming; that’s the only reason why I didn’t back out tonight. I’m not too sore, but I’m fairly worn out following the adrenaline rush of the fight.

  Earlier I loved it that Chyna didn’t act like some groupie and treated me normally. Hell, part of me would have thought she wasn’t interested at all. She wasn’t speaking to me; but, she was staring at me like I was dessert. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a clue. I enjoy the occasional groupies though, whenever I need a release; otherwise, I usually don’t waste my time on them. Speaking of, some blonde
with big tits keeps trying to talk to me, but, as soon as I see Chyna, I don’t hear a word the blonde says. Just the name Chyna alone, is intriguing to me. Gavin warned me she’s a little wild, but I like them wild when I’m making them scream my name.

  Gavin bumps into me with his arm, and I look over towards him, hissing, “Shit, watch it dude! My side is bruised from that idiot today. I think my toe is messed up, too.” Somehow I always end up with a fucked-up toe.

  He chuckles, “I see you scoping out Chyna. Just don’t do some stupid shit like break her heart. I don’t want Aria pissed at me because you play but don’t stay with her girl and all.”

  Gavin has never been this serious about a chick. He’s wound up tighter than a spring around her and ready to lash out at anyone who appears threatening. I know I’ll end up fucking Chyna, but I’ll have to figure out a way to remain friends in the end. I like Gavin way too much, and I’m really happy he has Aria.

  Bumping his arm back with mine, I jazz him up a little—it’s what friends do. “Don’t worry man, she looks like she’s a big girl and can handle herself.” I smirk to myself, remembering how she appeared to be in a trance as she ogled my pecs.

  “I mean it, Jace. If you fuck with her, I’m going to have to deal with it. It’s too soon with Aria, I know she won’t put up with it.”

  He and Aria have been back and forth with drama over his brother, so I can see why he’s apprehensive. I know I wouldn’t want to be a football star’s brother; I can’t imagine the competition he has to deal with. Even if he’s a really good fighter, football is a more popular sport. I’ve had my own shit to deal with as far as brothers are concerned. Luckily, mine hasn’t been around in quite a while. I don’t have time to waste on thugs and drug dealers right now. It’ll be best for both of us if he keeps that distance.

  My eyes land on Chyna again. Ahh…here she is. I blink a few times, yup. Fuck, she’s hotter now than when I first met her. Her smile lights up the entire damn room.

  Chyna and Aria are grinding with each other on the middle of the dance floor. I nudge Gavin and gesture toward where they’re dancing. I bet Gavin is going lose his shit; this chick has him so wrapped up, he’s probably going to lock her in a room somewhere and never let her out.

  He mumbles something as he stares at Aria for a moment. He glances back at me briefly, and then returns his gaze to the dance floor. I hear him growl “motherfucker” and he storms towards the crowd. I look back over and my jaw literally drops when I discover Chyna and Aria making out. There’s like 500 other fuckers watching them, and they’re enjoying every minute. This chick is definitely gonna be screaming my name tonight. Fuck these fools standing around her!

  Gavin’s almost to the girls when I quickly storm over to Chyna. I’ve got to make my presence known before any of these idiots get ideas. Once they see me right up on her they should get the message to get lost. I don’t know why I’m feeling possessive over Chyna. No way do I want all these idiots checking her out even more than they have already before the sexy-as-sin make-out session.

  By the time I reach Chyna, Gavin already has Aria locked against him, buffed up and a snarl like he’d rip any of the dude’s heads off that so much as look at her. Good, I’ll do the same. These guys would be flat out stupid to mess with not only one, but two big, well-trained MMA fighters. I get in front of Chyna and smile down at her pretty face.

  “Little Miss Chyna, we meet again. I was wondering if I’d see you tonight.”

  Chyna’s slightly flushed from dancing and hits me with a mischievous smile in response. Eminem’s song “Berzerk” starts playing over the loud club speakers.

  She pulls me to the dance floor with her and immediately starts rubbing against me as we dance. I’m surprised, because she didn’t utter a word to me earlier. Now, she’s brimming with confidence, and, in my opinion, there’s nothing sexier on a woman.

  With eyes bright, she leans toward me and yells to be heard over the music, “I love this song!” Her voice is so sweet and feminine, and she sounds innocent and carefree. Hell yeah, this is my kind of chick. I love that she’s not shy and wants to have fun. This is going to be too easy with her.

  “Yeah, it’s cool. Keep dancing like that, and I’ll dance to anything with you.” She just laughs. I’m thinking she’s had a few drinks already, giving her a little liquid courage.

  This girl can move! And, she’s so sexy doing it. I’m captivated by her smile and the way her body moves against mine. I block everything else out except her; I can finally take a breath and feel my body start to relax for the first time today.

  Pulling her closer, I dance away my leftover stress from my fight, losing myself in her sweet scent and the relaxing beats thrumming throughout the club. Thank fuck Ford didn’t get me very many times, or even the beer wouldn’t be helping me move right now. I got lucky with him being off his game today; it turned into one of the easiest fights I’ve had in the past year. I’m not complaining at all; I’ll never complain when winning a fight. However, I’m a little disappointed that it wasn’t more competitive. I’ve trained my ass of for this fight. Here I am drinking and dancing, when normally after a fight I puke, eat pain pills, and sleep.

  the next day…

  Well, things didn’t go as I had planned last night. Chyna went to her own house instead of mine, but I did get her number. I’m glad, too, because I can’t seem to get her sexy little ass out of my mind. Ever since I got up this morning I’ve wanted to text her to see what she’s up to, but she drank a ton last night and she’s probably hungover. God, last night was a blast.

  I’m a little sore from the fight, but I’m still happy that I danced with her all night long. She laughed and teased me like we had known each other forever. Now I’m here feeling like I have my own hangover—not from alcohol—from Chyna herself. Hopefully, I’ll get together with her soon since I can’t get her out of my mind. It’s not often that a chick can get her claws into me so quickly.

  The last actual relationship I was in went downhill fast, and since then I haven’t had the interest in trying another out. I’ve dated a few women who had made me think about them more than the norm, but they always turned out to be the same. I know the ladies are attracted to my body, and it’ll usually get me a date or two, but if I go out with someone, I’d like them to be interesting and have something to talk about. I also want sex, but it’s not everything to me. I didn’t get the I’m-an-easy-lay vibe from Chyna. And I respect her for it.

  I make my way to the small gym I frequent. I have to keep training to be in shape for my next fight. I usually take a little time to relax and recoup between fights, but no taking it easy this time. I’m on a strict schedule and have to get my body extremely conditioned.

  The opponent’s skill increases with each fight. I want to be in the best shape of my life when I finally make it to Vegas to fight. The dancing last night, most likely helped keep my muscles from tightening up too badly. The beer definitely didn’t help, but I deserved it after another win.

  I was able to soak in a hot Epsom salt bath this morning for about thirty minutes before my shower. It usually helps out with my sore and bruised muscles. I’ll soak in a hot tub later at the gym as well. The heat and ice therapy tonight should kill the soreness quicker and reduce my recovery time.

  I have to concentrate and keep my priorities in order; fighting is always first, and then comes anything else. I breeze over everything in my mind as I drive. Doing a mental checklist every morning helps keep me organized. I haven’t always been as organized as I am now; I work extra hard to stay on the path that I’ve planned for my life.

  Back in the day, I never would have believed I’d be where I am in my life now. With the road I was on, I could be doing time right about now. Thank God, I saw that poster in the store that day advertising a week free MMA training session at my gym. I thought it would help me become a better criminal. Instead, it opened my eyes to a completely different type of life and goals to set for myself. I hav
en’t turned back since—just firing ahead and becoming the best I possibly can.

  After a short drive, I arrive at the gym and park in my usual spot. I walk across the parking lot, and I’m greeted as soon as I step in the door. Most have seen me here for hours at a time while I train, and I see a lot of familiar faces. I’ve made a few friends, and they’re usually the guys I end up sparing with. We talk fighting, training, and sometimes we have lunch together. It’s refreshing to have friends that have the same goals as mine to eat healthy, train, and become successful, instead of plotting our next robbery or other criminal activity to get money.

  I place my plain black bag away in the locker room. It has around fifty small lockers, a few showers, bathroom stalls, sinks, mirrors, everything a guy needs when working out.

  I love this gym and the fact that it’s strictly MMA training only. It’s not as packed full as the regular gym next door. I do have a membership to go over there also, if I ever feel the need to work out at crazy hours. They stay open twenty-four hours a day. I’ll occasionally pop over to lift weights if I’m having a rough night sleeping or thinking about my family. I prefer to just go for a run close to my apartment if the weather’s not too hot.

  I head over to the jump ropes to start on my warm-ups and nod at a couple of the fighters I’m cool with as I head over toward my trainer, Sin.

  “What’s up, man?” I fist-bump my buddy and fellow fighter, Jaxson “Adonis” Barker. Damn pretty boy—Even when he loses a fight, his face never seems to get messed up.

  “’Sup Jace—good job last night, man.”

  Jaxson sounds drained and looks a little worn out. He’s one of the few guys who actually works out as much as I do. He and I have done a lot of the training classes together and when my buddy Gavin isn’t here, Jaxson and I will partner up if we can.

  I grab one of the black jump ropes and set the timer for fifteen minutes with fifteen second breaks. I know it’s going to hurt like a motherfucker, jumping with my tender muscles and fucked-up toe, but I’m going to power through it reminding myself that pain is weakness leaving the body.