Rebel: A Brother's Best Friend Standalone Romance

by Brittany Crowley

  Wait a minute. Who says he has all the power?

  I somehow manage to bend my arm at an ungodly angle and unzip my gown. It lays on the ground haphazardly when I open the bathroom door in nothing but the jewels I wore tonight. The heels had to come off for what I have planned.

  The atmosphere of the room ignites when I enter it and find Joss sitting on the bed in nothing but his boxer briefs. He’s fixated on me, and his eyes dart everywhere unsure of where to settle.

  “You know, that wasn’t a nice thing you did back in the limo,” I say seductively swiveling my hips walking over to him.

  “I’d have to disagree.” Joss licks his lips as his eyes become molten. “I was doing you a favor.”

  “Is that so?” I walk to his side of the bed and stand next to him. His hand comes out to touch me giving me the perfect opening.

  In a flash, I roll him until he’s on top of me. I’m on my back with my legs wrapped around his neck. Joss is in a triangle choke, and I clench my thighs to show him who’s in control.

  “Be a good little boy and finish what you started.” I chose this submission hold because his face is literally in my pussy. Right where I need him to be.

  “And if I put up a fight?” He jokes but I can tell he doesn’t mean it. His eyes don’t leave my center which is a few inches from his face. His eyes dart up to mine, and a wicked smile works across his face.

  “You think you’re in control?” he asks as I nod my head. “Bet I can make you tap.”

  “Cages don’t tap, and last I checked I had you in a hold.”

  He shuts me up when he swipes his tongue through my folds. I almost lose my hold when he buries his face in me and begins to attack my clit. Joss has never come on so strong before. Usually, he takes his time and savors me like a succulent treat.

  Not this time.

  He’s proving he’s in charge and I can’t have that.

  I keep my hold while he slays my most intimate area. His hands can’t work their way through my legs, so he improvises. His finger circles around my asshole, and his tongue travels down there once more dragging my wetness.

  He’s not going to…

  Oh yes, he does. Joss begins to slink his finger inside my tight flesh, and I nearly die on the spot.

  It stings.

  It feels forbidden.

  It feels sensational.

  I climax a second later with his finger in my ass and his tongue is assaulting my clit.

  “Joss,” I yell through the room and fight like hell to keep my hold on him. There’s no way I’m tapping out, doesn’t he know how defiant I am?

  When everything becomes over sensitized, I think fast and try to roll us to a different position where I can maintain control. I need his face out of my thighs before I die of ecstasy. My plan is foiled when he takes hold and twists my body.

  “I always knew the Kimura was my favorite. Thought I could help you out on your next hold.” With a wink, his cock prods my entrance, and I push my hips down to meet him. In this hold, I’m on my back with Joss between my thighs. He’s only half-assing it because technically I should be holding his arm at a painful angle.

  Joss thrusts upward and inside me and doesn’t let up. His hips piston his cock perfectly inside me and I begin to come as his dick hits something inside that triggers stars to cloud my vision. The sheer force of his movements causes the slapping of our skin to reverberate throughout the room. A sound so erotic I’m ready to come for the third time.

  “One more, princess.” Joss clenches his jaw and finally releases his hold. His hands cup my tits, expertly rolling my nipples causing all the sensations to flood through my body as I once again fall over the edge.

  “Fuck, baby you have no idea what you do to me.” His thrusts come in a frenzy alerting me that he’s close. With another thrust he’s pulling his cock out of me and spills all over my stomach as he jerks himself to release.

  “Fuck,” I groan watching him jerk himself to a climax. Joss needs to put on a show for me more often because I feel myself growing wetter at the thought.

  He falls onto the bed beside me and throws his hand over his face. “Sorry, I’ll clean you up. I realized I wasn’t wearing a condom and that seemed like the only logical solution.”

  “I like your quick thinking.” I pant and try to hold still so what’s lying on my stomach doesn’t spill onto the bed. “Can I have your shirt or something?” I chuckle.

  “Shit, hang on.” Joss jumps up from the bed, and I watch his ass the whole walk to the bathroom. The faucet shuts off, and he emerges with a wet cloth. When he’s next to me, he stares down at my stomach with his nostrils flaring.

  He likes me covered in him.

  Finally, he wipes my stomach clean then flops back on the bed. I feel like jelly, and my bones wouldn’t work even if I tried to walk.

  “I’m gonna sleep,” I whisper.

  Joss pulls my body into him and pulls the covers over our still naked bodies. With a kiss to the back of my neck, I shiver.

  “Sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you more.”

  Impossible.

  Chapter 32

  Emerson

  The moment my eyes open an energy like no other courses through my veins.

  Its fight day.

  I bound up on my knees and turn to wake Joss up but find he’s not there. “I’ll just have to celebrate on my own.” I jump up and land on my back, kicking my feet in the air as the excitement continues to consume me.

  I would have bet a million dollars, if I had it, that I’d be nervous beyond belief today. Hell, I’ve had nerves all week. The reality that today is the day makes me feel emotions I never expected.

  “Is this some weird exercise I’ve never seen before?” I freeze on the bed and peer around my legs to find Joss standing a few feet inside from the door.

  “No.” I jump up on my feet. “I’m celebrating.”

  “A little premature don’t you think?” He chuckles walking over to me.

  I leap from the bed and land in his arms. He has to take a step back to brace for impact when my body slams against him.

  “No. I’m going to kick Sandy’s ass. Did you see how nervous she was next to me last night? I don’t think she was expecting all this rock-solid perfection under my clothes.” I grip his face and loudly smack a kiss to his lips before jumping down.

  Last night was the weigh-in and overall a general shitshow. I could tell certain fighters were trained to verbally attack their opponents. When it was my turn, I walked up to the scale in my boy shorts and sports bra and nailed my weight. I had to hold back my laughter when Sandy showed up wearing a skimpy bikini that barely covered her ass. She’s in great shape but clearly needed a size larger when her love handles were hanging over the bottoms.

  When we squared off against each other for the photographers, Sandy sized me up and swallowed hard. Yeah, she wasn’t expecting me to have well-defined abs, categorically well-defined everything. I’ve worked damn hard.

  “That man on your arm will be begging to come into my bed after I win tomorrow.” Sandy looks over at Joss and winks.

  Oh, hell no! That triggers me. I step into her space, so we’re nose-to-nose, Preston Matthews putting a hand between us.

  “I don’t think you’ll be able to salvage your career after I embarrass you. You better get used to the view of me on top of you.” I stand at full height and look down on her. I’m at least three inches taller than her small five-foot-four stature.

  Thinking back on last night only gives me more courage, more confidence. Sandy has a big weakness, her ego. The more I show her I’m here to win the more I chip away at her godlike attitude.

  “Check this out, babe.” Joss hands me the paper where there’s a picture of me and Gabe on the cover.

  CAN THE CAGES PULL OFF A DOUBLE VICTORY?

  “I love this quote.” I begin scanning the paragraph he’s pointing out.

 
The reporter was asking me if I was intimidated going up against such a seasoned fighter. Sandy isn’t a chump; she’s been fighting for years. I was quoted saying “I don’t care if you’ve been doing this for a week or your whole life, I’ll take anyone down on my road to the title.” I don’t regret saying it because it’s how I felt, how I feel. I will do what I have to and ensure I climb higher and higher while I make a name for myself that’s not earned solely by having my last name.

  “Finally, a good article in the newspaper.” I nudge his shoulder.

  “Let’s get a good breakfast in you. How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Great. Starving after barely eating anything for the past two weeks. The steak last night didn’t do anything to curb my hunger. I’ll be down in a minute. I need a shower. Is dad here?”

  “Yup. The whole family’s here for breakfast. All your uncles think they can teach you some trick for fight day.” Joss shrugs. “If anyone annoys you let me know and I’ll get rid of them.”

  I walk up to Joss and place my hand on his chest as I reach up and kiss his cheek. “Thanks. I’ll be down soon.”

  I turn to walk away, but a stinging on my ass has me jumping in the air out of instinct. I look back at him with a devilish grin. “Ready for round two of the other night?” I ask.

  “Round two, three and four will be happening after your fight, princess.”

  Tingles shoot through my lower stomach at the thought. Who would have imagined something as kinky as wrestling in the bedroom would be such a turn on? I’m just hoping I don’t think of that when I’m in the Octagon later. How awkward would that be?

  Throughout my shower, the excitement doesn’t necessarily dim, but the nerves definitely push that feeling to the side to make room. I try to shove them away, but it’s no use. Even after toweling off, throwing my hair into a ponytail and dressing. I think the nerves are now here to stay.

  I find everyone downstairs, all of the Cages that could make it out to my fight. All my aunts and uncles and a few of my cousins sit with my parents, Joss and two of my siblings. I wouldn’t expect the entire Cage clan to make it, that’s a buttload of people.

  “Morning, sweetie.” Mom hugs me followed by Aunt Ash, Aunt Soph and Aunt Georgie.

  “You don’t look so good,” Aunt Georgie states while rubbing my shoulders.

  “A little nervous.” My eyes find Joss’s and he cocks an eyebrow. He’s probably remembering how peppy I was upstairs.

  “It’s important to feel everything and let it run its course. Then when the fight comes, you bottle it up and get your job done.” I nod my head knowing she’s experienced nerves and anxiety firsthand. With her upbringing being so sheltered, being thrust into the modern world was difficult and anxiety-inducing for her. If anyone can help me with nerve management, it’s aunt Georgie.

  My uncles drag me to the table where they have plates loaded up with food. That’s right, plates as in plural. There’re eggs, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, and fruit. I don’t know who they think will be eating all that food but it sure as hell won’t be me.

  “Dad, that’s too much,” I complain as he pushes me into a seat.

  “Nonsense. You’re supposed to bulk up on this meal then eat a light lunch,” Dad argues.

  “I think we know what we’re talking about.” Uncle Kyle places his hands on his hips agreeing with Dad.

  “I’ll eat what I can, but I’m not eating to make myself puke.” I dig into a fluffy pancake and moan at the taste. Extra syrup, just how I love it.

  As anticipated, I was able to put a good dent in my food but in no way did I come close to finishing it. I know some fighters have a regimen for fight day and I have to figure out what mine is.

  I’m feeling restless but know I can’t do anything about it. There will be no training, and I can’t do anything strenuous that might injure me. My knee bounces as I sit on the couch until Joss lays his hand on top of my thigh.

  “Guys, I think Emmy needs some time to herself. Why don’t you guys go do your own thing, and we’ll see you tonight?” Joss states.

  “But I need to be here…” Dad argues until my mom places her hand over his mouth.

  “We’ll see you later, sweetie. If I don’t see you before your fight know I’m cheering you on. Good luck.”

  “I better fucking see her before her fight,” Dad murmurs as mom drags him out the door.

  Once we’re alone, the restlessness continues to possess my shaking leg. Joss leaves the room, and the quiet is deafening. Maybe I should take a nap or build a puzzle?

  When Joss comes back in the room, he’s carrying a red box. He places it on the coffee table, and I eye it.

  “What’s that for?” I ask.

  “We’re going to play Yahtzee to keep your mind off of the fight. When you’re sick of it, maybe we can try a nap or another game.”

  I grab the red cup and throw all of the dice inside. Shaking the cup is helping ease my nerves, and when I throw the dice down for the first time, I can’t believe my luck.

  “Yahtzee!” I scream feeling like Lady Luck’s on my side today.

  Chapter 33

  Emerson

  Joss is unable to keep Leo at bay for too long. He ends up showing up in the late afternoon to ride with us over to the arena. He dons a pair of designer jeans and a tee because I put him under strict orders not to reveal my fight colors until I emerge into the arena tonight. I want to keep it a surprise until the last second.

  All day I’ve played board games with Joss and napped off and on. I’m surprised I was able to sleep in the light of day because I’m not a napper. Not usually unless I’m sick anyway. The naps have me feeling recharged and energized.

  We enter the lobby of the hotel and see the pandemonium outside the front door. Joss hands over my bag and I place it on my shoulder because he’s going to need both arms for this endeavor.

  “Keep your head down. Leo, make sure you stay behind her.”

  “I know the drill, Bossy Joss. I won’t let anyone fuck with Rebs, or I’ll fuck them up right back.”

  The doorman opens the entrance doors with a worried look to his eyes. “Careful out there. I can call the police to help if you need it.”

  “We’re good,” Joss answers as we pass him and emerge into mass chaos.

  Questions are being shouted at me from every angle. I do as Joss suggested and keep my head down and my hand is firmly on my bag securing it. If someone tries to steal it, they’ll have one hell of a fight coming their way.

  A lifetime passes before we’re at the car and Joss basically picks me up and shoves me inside. Leo jumps over me, and Joss takes the front seat. The doors are locked, and I can now breathe. Security at the arena makes everything less hectic. We’re able to pull into a fenced off secured area to get into the building.

  “Can you believe we’re finally here, Rebel?” Leo practically shouts from his seat. “I mean, how long have we been at this? Fucking around since you were eighteen, seriously training since twenty?”

  “Yeah, it's surreal. That’s for sure,” I agree, looking out the window.

  The next few hours pass by in a blur. I’m led into the building by Joss and into my changing room. I don’t miss Sandy’s name sign on the door across the way.

  I wonder after so many years if she even gets nervous anymore?

  She must. My dad always told me he got nervous no matter who he went against or what number fight it was for him. He also said being out there is a high like no other, an adrenaline rush you can’t truly explain until you experience it yourself.

  I. Cannot. Wait.

  The pay-per-view event has already begun, and it’s playing on a flat screen hanging on the wall. It’s funny to think that we’re the only female fight tonight. A lot of the women’s fights only air on cable, rarely finding themselves on pay-per-view.

  This is huge.

  It’s time to bust down the walls and show the world what women are capable of.

  There’s a
tap on my shoulder, and I pull an earbud out and look up at my dad smiling down at me.

  “I wanted to catch you before your fight and wish you luck.” He pulls me to my feet, and I’m thankful I have a white cotton robe over my fight clothes.

  “Thanks.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Pretty great. I just want to get in there and start already. I think the anticipation is the real killer.”

  “Remember, you’re a Cage. You were born for this sweetie. I’ll be out there cheering you on. Also, your mother wants me to let you know that win or lose we’ll still love you.” He rolls his eyes. “Lose. Ha.” Dad scoffs.

  “Good to know my family won’t disown me if I lose.” I chuckle. “Thanks. I’ll try to make you proud.”

  “You already have.” I see a weird emotion cross dad’s face that I can’t quite place. It’s gone in the next second, and he’s leaving the dressing room after pulling me in for a quick hug.

  A woman peeks her head in my room after knocking and announces that I have to make my way to the arena entrance in fifteen minutes.

  I use this time to continue listening to my best of boy bands playlist and stretch. When we get a five-minute warning, I remove my white robe, and Leo helps me into the robe I’ll wear going into the arena. I check the tape job my coach did a few minutes ago and make sure it’s to my liking. I don’t want something stupid fucking up my chances tonight.

  Joss steps in front of me when I walk in the door. He looks down and places his forehead against mine. “You. Have. This. Now is your chance to show the world why they should never fuck with Emerson Cage.”

  I nod my head and let him quickly peck a kiss at my lips. “Thanks.”

  “Too bad you don’t have a big ball gown I could climb up. You’d do some serious damage in that mindset.” He chuckles, and I join him.

  Once we separate his face shifts into work mode. He’ll be escorting me to the ring to make sure the fans don’t get too crazy. We walk out amongst them, and I don’t think it will be too horrible seeing as I don’t have a huge fan base outside of Rebels Army yet.