ooooooooo
When we reached the gym, I climbed out with a little bounce in my step. Something about today felt promising, and Dad and I seemed to have turned the corner. “What’s got you so chipper?” Caleb stared as I came inside.
“What?” I shrugged, tossed my gear near the sparring ring, and followed Dad back to the training room. I was whistling as I walked, and several patrons stared.
“You’re happy!” Caleb sounded confused as he shouted at my back.
When we entered the training room, several women were chatting with each other. I looked for the blonde but didn’t see her. “She’s not here,” I murmured as Dad checked off some things on his clipboard.
“Who?” he asked without looking up.
“I don’t know her name. You wouldn’t tell me, remember? That blonde woman who always rushes away.” I kept my voice low.
It was then that Dad looked up and scanned the room. “If she’s still with whomever is hurting her, she might not have been able to get away for class.”
“You say that like it’s no big deal.” I shifted on my feet.
“It is a big deal, but there’s nothing we can do but offer support. She has to want to leave, if that’s even the issue. She might be sick. You don’t know.” He tossed the clipboard on a chair and turned to the class to welcome them back. “Morning, ladies.” He smiled. “Who wants to break Easton’s nose?” They laughed, but no one volunteered. “Go suit up.” He nodded to me. This time I listened and put on the head gear.
I spent the morning restraining these women as they attempted to escape using the elbow to the nose method. I only got hit once, and it wasn’t a direct hit. I was getting better at it, and Dad and I seemed to make a good team. I was finally starting to understand why he did what he did. I was also getting attached to a woman I didn’t even know.
“All right ladies, next time we’re going to put all of what you’ve learned together. Make sure you get some water, and I’ll see you next week.” Dad waved and the women filed out of the room.
I started stripping off the gear, and tossing it back in the corner. “I don’t know how you do this every day.” I sighed.
“Do what?” Dad was stacking some mats against the wall.
“Teach these women. Some of them have obvious bruises from being abused. How do you ignore that?” I waved my arms in the air.
“I don’t, but I do what I can. I can’t make them leave. I can’t tell them what to do. All I can do is teach them how to protect themselves. They have to take the next step.” He came over to where I was standing. “You ready?” He motioned to the sparring ring.
“For what?” I tipped my head to the side.
“To train.” He stepped around me as he made his way across the gym.
“Last time I checked, I didn’t have a trainer,” I called out as I followed in his wake.
“I may be able to help with that.” He waved me off as he kicked off his shoes and grabbed a pair of gloves.
I shook my head as I laughed before stopping by my bag to gear up. “Last time we did this, you said you couldn’t train me anymore.” I climbed through the ropes and faced him.
“And I meant it.” He nodded. “It appears that some things have changed since then. You’ve changed.” He popped his mouth guard in.
“I hope so.” I mirrored him, and bent my knees.
He waved me over, just like he used to do to his opponents and I charged, swinging at the same time. He ducked, blocked, and swung back, connecting with my shoulder.
I rubbed my shoulder as I shook off the hit, and Dad smirked at me. “So that’s how it is?” came out garbled around my mouth guard.
“Un huh,” Dad nodded as he motioned for me to go again. We went back and forth all morning, until exhaustion made us quit. Dad tossed his gear, and ran his hands through his sweaty hair. “That was a good workout.” He chuckled as we headed to his office. He had several spare sets of clothes so he could change. “I see lots of improvement since you left here. I think you could easily get back in the game. You just need to stay in fighting shape while all of this bad press blows over.”
“How long will that take?” I blew out a breath as I leaned against his door. I was whooped.
“That’s hard to say. If someone else does something stupid, then not long. It could take years though. I was out for years.” He changed shirts and grabbed two waters from the small fridge in the corner.
“That’s what worries me…the years part.” I took a gulp and closed my eyes. “I don’t know if she’s messing with me or if it’s really mine.” I felt so out of control with this whole baby thing.
“You need to talk to her. She sounds like a ring rat, and they usually just want money.” Dad sat down behind his desk.
“Well, she’s going about it the wrong way. I got nothing because of her.” I threw my hands in the air.
“You’re telling the wrong person. You need to tell her.” He clicked some keys on his computer before glancing up at me. “I need to work on payroll. We’re going to head out in about an hour.”
I waved and stepped out of his office. I didn’t really feel like working out after that brutal sparring match, but what else was I going to do? It was as if the universe was telling me. I lifted my head just in time to see the blonde woman walking through the door. Her hair was down, creating a curtain hiding her face, but I knew it was her. She was wearing the same blue workout gear.
She skirted around the edge of the gym, and made her way back to the heavy bags. She tossed her bag to the side, slipped on a pair of gloves, and started punching one of the bags. It rocked back, and she punched it again. I watched as she moved in slow motion at first. It was as if she was trying to remember what we’d talked about the week before with proper form. She had it all right, except she wasn’t going straight from her shoulder.
My feet started moving toward her without me even realizing what I was doing. I cleared my throat, hoping she’d hear me. She didn’t turn around or acknowledge me. “You’re doing great,” I tried again, and she jumped.
“Geez, you scared me.” She placed her hand on her chest.
“I’m sorry.” I held my hands up. I was a sweaty mess, and probably looked scarier than I was. “You’re angling your punch down. Stay parallel to the ground and you’ll get a better result.” I smiled and demonstrated.
“Thanks.” She glanced away and then stared at the mats on the ground.
“I could help if you want?” I stepped closer, but she moved away. “I’m sorry.” I moved back.
She closed her eyes and murmured something to herself. “It’s not you.” She blinked a few times and took several deep breaths as if she was giving herself a pep talk. “I’m sorry. That would be great.” She stepped out of the way and motioned to the heavy bag.
“Like this.” I demonstrated again and then moved so she could copy me. She threw a few punches before a smile started to emerge. “That’s great. Put your weight into it,” I encouraged and then went around to hold the bag for her.
She stopped after a few minutes and nodded to herself before reaching for a water bottle. “That felt good. Thank you.” She started to walk away.
“Wait!” I reached out, but stopped when she recoiled away from me. “I’m Easton.” I placed my palm on my chest.
“I know.” She smiled softly. “I’ve seen you on TV.” Her voice was soft and timid. She started to walk away again, and then paused before turning back to face me. “I’m Hadleigh.” That was all I got before she rushed back to the front door and disappeared once again.
Chapter 13
Hadleigh
I haven’t been to the gym in two weeks. Josh has been working from home, my home, and I haven’t been able to leave. I go to work, but he drives me. He picks me up too, so I have no free time. When we first started dating, I thought it was cute, but now I know it’s his way of controlling me. I’ve missed the last two classes at McKay’s but I’m hoping I can catch up easily.
“Hey
Babe, can you grab me another drink out of the fridge?” Josh called from where he was sitting at the table, tapping away on his laptop.
“Just a sec.” I was currently folding laundry in the living room.
“No, now!” he barked, causing me to jump. He turned around and his eyes flashed with anger.
“Okay.” I scrambled up from where I was sitting, and scurried into the kitchen. The refrigerator was all of three feet away from him, but apparently, I was the one who needed to get up.
I grabbed a beer and handed it to him. When he reached for it, his fingers wrapped around my wrist instead of the can, and squeezed. I knew not to complain. It would only make things worse. “When I ask you to do something, I need you to do it then. I’m working right now.” He gritted his teeth as he stared at me. I nodded, and he released my wrist. After setting the can on the table beside him, I went back to my folding. My hand throbbed for several minutes before the pain really set in. I knew it would be black and blue in the morning.
When I finished folding the clothes, I was putting them away when Josh turned on the TV. He was grumbling something about lying women when I came back into the room. “Can you believe her?” He thrust his arm at the TV, where a blonde woman was being interview by some gossip station.
“No.” I shook my head in agreement with him. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I knew it was better to just agree with him.
“She says she’s pregnant with Easton McKay’s baby. No way that’s true.” He leaned back against the couch. “He wouldn’t ruin his career with the likes of her.”
I don’t know how or why Josh thinks that. I mean, he’s never met Easton from what I know. I’ve kept my mouth shut about the gym, but even I know that I don’t know him well enough to understand any of this.
“She wants his money!” He slammed a fist on the coffee table in front of us. “He’s loaded, you know that right?” He glanced at me. “His dad was a champion, and he was raised in the sport.”
“Oh, okay.” I pretended to understand all of it.
“You don’t get it.” Josh blew me off. “You’re too much of a girl to get any of this.” He tipped his head back and finished his beer. “This is bullshit. I’m going out. I’ll come by in the morning to pick you up, and when I FaceTime you tonight, you better answer.” He stood, leaving his empty can on the coffee table before stalking to the door, and slamming it shut. I just sat there, too scared to move and wondered how my life got to this point.
ooooooooo
Easton
It’s been almost a month since she’s been in here. I don’t know what happened, but it’s like she just faded away. I’ve had TMZ and several other news outlets calling me daily to respond to Amanda’s accusations. I’ve been staying pretty quiet on most of it, and just waiting for the baby to arrive. I want a paternity test, and if it’s mine we’ll go from there. The fact that she knows I’m in Boston, and hasn’t bothered to come see me, tells me that she’s not a hundred percent sure. I think that she thinks I’m her golden ticket. I mean, I’ll support this kid, if it’s mine, but she’s not getting a dime.
“What’s up?” Caleb nodded when I walked into the gym. I’ve been driving myself again, and just meeting Dad here. My probation and community service are finished, but I’ve been teaching some private lessons to fill my time. It’s taking much longer for the rumors to go away, and I honestly don’t see much changing until this baby comes.
“Not much.” I clicked a few buttons on my phone to silence it. “Damn reporters won’t leave me alone.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t shown up here yet.” Caleb laughed.
“I’ve been doing my best to not let on that I’m here.” I tapped the baseball cap I was wearing. I’d also stopped wearing any clothing that identified me as a fighter. I was attempting to blend in.
“You’re kinda hard to miss.” He laughed.
“What?” I looked down at my shorts and sneakers. I thought I’d been doing pretty good.
“You’re six foot five, Bro, and all muscle.” He shrugged. “It’s like trying to hide an elephant in an empty room.”
“If you rat me out, I’ll help my sister beat your ass.” I pointed at him before waltzing away. I was meeting a client and wanted to warm up first.
“I’m not afraid you.” He laughed and I just shook my head. He may not be afraid of me, but my sister has a mean left hook.
ooooooooo
Most of my day was spent doing one of one training sessions with various clients, some men, some women. In between sessions, I’d work out and keep an eye out for Hadleigh. When she first stopped coming, I worried, but now it’s been weeks. It’s more of a habit to look than anything.
My last client of the day just left, so I decided to head back to the heavy bags and work on form. There weren’t any guys around to spar with, so this would have to do.
I cranked the music in the gym up, and tightened my gloves. Pretty much everyone had gone home at this point. Dad had left hours ago, and other than Caleb, I was alone. It’s the way I liked it.
I rocked on my toes, and swung at the bag. It rocked back, and I lifted my leg to knee it. I practiced the move over and over until I was panting. I stopped to get a drink of water, and as I turned back to the bag, I caught a flash of blue out of the corner of my eye.
“Hey. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Hadleigh waved and I noticed a compression wrap on her wrist.
“You didn’t.” I smiled.
“I had some time tonight, and thought I’d come get a workout in. I was hoping there’d be a night class.” She shrugged.
“We don’t offer classes at night anymore.” I grimaced. “We used to, but not enough enrollment.” I put my hand on the bag to keep it from rocking. “I could help you. I’m here for a while.” I stepped back and motioned to the bag I was using.
“Can’t really work on punching today.” She held up her wrist.
“Looks painful.” I could see where a bruise was peeking out of the edge of the wrap.
“I had a stupid moment. I was carrying laundry down the stairs, and slipped. I tried to stop myself, but instead of hurting my face, I hurt my wrist. That’s why I haven’t been here, I needed it to heal some.” She tossed her bag to the side and faced the heavy bag.
“I’m glad you’re back.” I smiled and moved to brace the bag for her. “Kicking then, tonight?” She nodded and lifted her knee, making contact. “You should sign up for one of our kickboxing classes. I think you’d like it.”
“Maybe.” She looked so lost. I held the bag as she worked out for almost an hour. She was covered in sweat, and exhausted when we stopped.
“Feel better?” I released the bag when she stepped back.
“Not really,” she mumbled. “You wouldn’t understand.” She shook her head and went back to her bag. After sipping some water, she checked her phone. “I have to go.” She looked panicked as she packed her things and rushed for the door.
“Wait.” I ran after her and out into the parking lot.
“Thanks, but I really have to go!” She glanced around.
“Let me help you. It’s dark out. You shouldn’t be out here alone at night. Something might happen.” I quickly tugged my tee over my head. I’d grabbed it on my way out. “Let me at least give you a ride.”
“You can’t. You can’t help with this.” Her voice climbed as tears started to form.
Against my better judgement, I rushed in front of her and grabbed her hands. “I can help. Did he do this to you?” I lifted her hand and held it between us, showing off the compression wrap. “He doesn’t love you. Whoever he is. What are you afraid of right now?” I refused to let go, even though she was tugging against my grip.
“You don’t know anything!” she yelled. “You’re just like him.” She yanked harder, and I released her. Her phone started ringing, and she turned ghostly white. Her hand shook as she rooted around in her bag. When she lifted the phone, her lip quivered as she answered, “
Hey.” She plastered on a fake smile.
“Babe. Where are you?” A male voice that sounded familiar came through the line.
“I had to run out to pick up food. I was on my way home.” Her smile faltered.
“You know I don’t like you going out at night.” There was an edge to his words. It was like he was saying something else without actually saying it.
“I know. I’m sorry.” Her eyes dropped in a downcast position before she glanced at me and then back to the phone.
“Why are you wearing that in public?” She looked away quickly as if she finally realized she was still in only a sports bra. Mortification covered her face, and she stammered. “I… I didn’t…I’m sorry.” She swallowed.
“We’ll talk when I get home tomorrow.” It came across as a warning. I’d heard my dad when he’d tell my mom stories, so I knew that Hadleigh was in trouble, but I didn’t know how to help. I’d tried to help, and it blew up in my face. She nodded before disconnecting the call, and shakily putting the phone back in her bag.
“Is that him? Is he the one hurting you?” I already knew the answer, but I wanted her to tell me.
“Please…just don’t.” She shook her head as she backed away from me. “You can’t help.” The words came out in almost a whisper before she turned and rushed away.
I had to help this woman; I knew that now. I also knew the man’s voice from somewhere. I couldn’t place it, but I recognized it, and I was going to rack my brain until I figured out how.
Chapter 14
Easton
“What’s gotten into you today?” Dad called as he was walking toward me. I’d come in early, and was currently beating the piss out of a heavy bag.
“I needed to hit something.” I grunted as I swung again. “No one here to spar with, so here I am.” I stepped back and held my arms out.
“Get some head gear.” Dad motioned to the equipment box as he turned toward the sparring ring. In one fluid motion, he yanked his shirt over his head and grabbed a pair of gloves. He slipped on head protection and grabbed his mouth guard. I pounded my fists together before climbing through the ring. “You need therapy? Hit me!” He smacked his gloves and strode to center ring.
Broken Shadows (The Broken Series Second Generation Book 2) Page 9
