Fighting Chance (Rock Hard Gym Book 5)

by Ember-Raine Winters

  “Easy there, little lady.” Bubba gently takes the gun from me while keeping it trained at my father’s head.

  As soon as the weapon is Bubba’s responsibility and not my own, I sob out in relief and search the room for Connor. I find him standing surrounded by his friends and my heart bursts into a rapid beat, my feet quickly carrying me to him.

  He engulfs me in his arms, squeezing me to him. The hold is tight and hinders my breaths, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

  Connor kisses the top of my head before pulling back and roughly pressing his lips to mine. “God, Freckles, don’t ever do that again.”

  His concern makes me smile. I want to promise him that I will never willingly hold a gun again, but Big Tom decides he is done being quiet.

  “How touching. It doesn’t matter in the long run. Soon the O’Malleys and even the Belikovs will be nothing but history. The Kennedy empire will rise to rule—"

  His words are cut off when Bubba smashes the butt of the gun to the side of his head. “Oops.”

  “Jesus, Bubba.” Buck admonishes the big man, then turns toward the rest of us. “What do you want to do with him?”

  I wait for someone to issue my father’s death sentence, and even though he is an evil man who turned on his own flesh and blood, part of me still wants to let him live.

  Silence drones on for several minutes until Connor clears his throat. “It’s your decision, Ceara. What do you want to happen?”

  I feel my brows climb up my forehead when my eyes widen. “You want me to decide what to do with a sadistic criminal?”

  “He’s your father, Freckles. You should get a say in his future.”

  I swallow the bile that has returned and eye my father sprawled on the motel floor. Can I sentence a man to death? Can I sentence my father to death? This shouldn’t be my choice.

  “I don’t want to decide his fate.” I look around and everyone seems to be deferring to Buck, gazes seeking his to ask what’s next. “I just have one request. Don’t kill him. Please. I know he’s a bad man, but he’s still the only family I have.”

  Everyone seems to burst into shouts and expletives, but Buck meets my eyes in silence. He contemplates me for a minute before giving me a slight nod and putting his fingers to his mouth and letting out a shrill whistle to quiet the room.

  “The lady has made up her mind and I will honor her wishes.”

  With that he and Bubba grab up my father and his man and leave the motel. I stare at the door long after they leave, half listening to the conversation around me.

  “We’ll see you back in Rockmound. Don’t stick around longer than you need to. I don’t know what Buck and Bubba have planned, but I have a feeling that Big Tom is not going to let his plan to rule this city go so easily.”

  “Thanks, Max. I really appreciate everything.”

  I look away from the door to see Max give Connor a hug. A real hug, not one of those half-hearted side squeezes most guys give their friends. When they separate, I see tears in both men’s eyes.

  “That’s what family does, Connor. I know you’ve found your blood relations, but that doesn’t mean you are no longer my family.”

  Max squeezes Connor’s shoulder and heads out, followed by Lennox and Tanner, leaving Connor and I alone to figure out what’s next.

  Chapter 33

  Connor

  We leave the hotel and I don’t let Ceara go. I have to keep touching her. The fact that I almost lost her keeps running through my head. My car had literally blown up in my face and she was promised to a sadistic asshole.

  “How are we gonna get back to Rockmound?” I wonder aloud.

  “What do you mean?” Ceara looks at me strangely. I think she is still in a little bit of shock. Watching her hold a gun to her father's head like an avenging angel had been scary. I never want her to think she has to protect me. I pull her in closer at the thought.

  “You’re gonna fly, but first you need to go to the mansion and get your things.” I hadn’t even realized that Marcus was there, so his words startle me.

  “We can’t go back there,” Ceara says startled, holding her hand to her chest.

  “Big Tom isn’t there.” He raises an eyebrow at her.

  “What about Theo? What did you do with him?”

  “I may have called in a tip about the car bomb and dumped him at the police station. He won’t be bothering you again.” Ceara smiles at his words.

  “It’s up to you, Freckles. But we can’t come back, so if there’s anything you want, we need to get it now.” I squeeze her tighter.

  “There’s nothing I want from that house.” My girl is so strong. She was prepared to leave everything behind and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

  “Are you sure, babe?” I kiss her cheek.

  “I just want to go home to Rockmound.” We walk out of the lobby of the hotel and follow Marcus to his waiting car. I slump when reality sets in. My car’s gone. It’s a burning heap of metal in the airport parking lot.

  “What’s wrong?” Ceara squeezes my hand.

  “My car. It’s gone.” I shake my head when tears start to form in her eyes. “Hey, Freckles. It’s okay. It’s not your fault.”

  “Don’t lie. You know it is. My father caused all of this.” I want to shake her. Doesn’t she see this isn’t her fault? Her father is a monster, but somehow Ceara turned into a smart, beautiful, amazing woman.

  “No, babe. It’s your father’s. You did nothing wrong. Quit blaming yourself for his mistakes.” I kiss her forehead before opening the back door of Marcus BMW and ushering her inside. Buck jogs over before I can follow.

  “Hey, kid. I just want you to know that Big Tom Kennedy will never bother you again. We have an understanding.” His evil grin has me chuckling. “But if you ever have any problems with him, you give me a call.”

  “I’ll do that. Buck? Thank you.” I clasp my hand with his.

  “What are friends for?” He grins clapping me on the shoulder.

  I get in the car and breathe out a relieved sigh. I can’t wait to get back home.

  *****

  We’ve only been home for a couple days when reality sets in. Ceara calls me in a panic.

  “My tuition for next semester isn’t paid and he only paid for the dorms until this month. I have no idea what I’m gonna do. I have to get a job.” She rambled on. She was so cute when she did that and I couldn’t help the smile despite the situation.

  “Easy, Freckles. We’ll figure something out. Are you on your way here for dinner? Max and Layla said they have big news. The whole family is coming for dinner.” I try to take her mind off her doom and gloom attitude.

  “Yes, I’m almost there but I was opening my mail on the bus and freaked out.” She huffs. I wish that she didn’t insist on taking public transportation, but she’s never been able to before and I think she is reveling in the freedom.

  “I’ll meet you at the bus stop.” I hang up the phone and grab my keys making sure to kiss Layla on the cheek before I head out. There’s something different about her but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

  “I’ll be back. I’m picking Ceara up at the bus stop,” I say as I walk out the door. Layla smiles and continues what she’s doing.

  “Don’t be late. We have important news.” I hear her say as I walk down the stairs. I love my adopted family. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt wanted for more than my fighting ability.

  Chapter 34

  Ceara

  I get off the bus and look around for Layla’s car. Connor hasn’t had time to replace his Mustang yet, so Layla offered hers for him to use. Not seeing him, I take a seat on the bench set up for those waiting for the bus and reread the notices I have gripped in my hand.

  How am I going to finish school? Where am I going to live?

  Connor pulls up to the curb and greets me, “Hey, Freckles.”

  I stuff the notices into my bag and climb in the passenger seat. I quickly fasten my seatbelt before
turning to Connor. “I’m going to be uneducated and homeless.”

  He lifts a brow at me, and I can see humor dancing in his eyes. “You are going to be fine.”

  “Ugh!” I slump down in my seat and shoot him a glare. “You’re taking this way to lightly. I don’t have the money to pay for my dorm or my classes. You could pretend to be a little worried about my welfare.”

  “I’m not worried because I have a solution. There’s a fight coming up in Vegas, winner gets fifty thousand cash. I’m gonna win the money and pay the rest of your tuition.”

  “Cocky much?” I smirk his way, because yes, he is. “Okay, so you have my tuition taken care of. What about my living situation?”

  “Oh, that’s easy. You’ll move in with me.”

  My jaw drops and I stare. “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah. Look I know I’m staying with Max and Layla, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you stayed there, too. At least until we find our own place.”

  I try to hug him but forget about the belt across my chest until it jerks me back. I unbuckle and then climb over the center console to sit sideways in his lap, my back to the driver’s door and my legs stretched over the passenger seat.

  “Uh, Freckles, what are you doing?”

  “Thanking you.” I kiss him, my hands going to the back of his neck and sliding into his short hair. “Thank you for wanting to take care of me. And yes, I’ll move in with you, on one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “We move out ASAP. I’m tired of living under someone else. No offense to Max and Layla, but I just gained my freedom and I don’t want to let it go any time soon.”

  “Deal.” He seals it with a kiss, then gently places me back in the passenger seat. “Buckle up, Freckles. Layla and Max have some news and we don’t want to be late.”

  The short ride is filled with nervous excitement from both of us. Moving in together is a big step, and one most couples wait to make, but what Connor and I have been through has brought us closer to one another, making this the next logical step in our relationship.

  We arrive at Max and Layla’s, and Connor opens my door taking my hand to help me out. He doesn’t let go and we enter the house hand in hand.

  “We’re in here.” Layla calls from the dining room, where we find her setting the enormous table used to seat the entire Rock Hard team and extended family for special occasions.

  “Just in time, have a seat.” She tells us and I follow Connor to two empty chairs near Max. Layla takes her seat on the other side and Max leans over to whisper in her ear and place a kiss to her temple.

  “All this food looks delicious, Layla. Can Max tell us your news now so we can eat?” Lennox asks and Tanner slaps him upside the head while the rest of us laugh.

  Layla smiles at Max and nods. Max clears his throat and once everyone’s attention is on him, he grabs Layla’s hand.

  “We’re pregnant! Well, I mean Layla is. I mean, we’re going to have a baby!”

  Cheers erupt around the table, but Connor loses the grip he’s had on my hand and his body goes rigid. I don’t get a chance to ask him what’s wrong before he pushes his chair away from the table. The legs screech across the floor and everyone watches as he stomps from the room.

  I look helplessly to Max and offer a weak smile.

  “I got this.” Max reassures me and then to the rest of his friends and family, “Dig in. Layla didn’t slave over this for nothing.”

  Layla rolls her eyes at him as he leaves the dining room in search of Connor.

  “Don’t worry, Ceara.”

  I nod at her and pick at the food on my plate. I don’t know what happened with Connor, but I hope she’s right and there is nothing to worry about.

  Chapter 35

  Connor

  I don’t mean to act like a petulant child. I should have known all along that this was the next logical step for my new family. It just makes me wonder if I’m not good enough. Will they even want me around? I’m just a nineteen-year-old kid that they took in because he didn’t have a home.

  “What’s wrong?” I jump at the sound of Max’s voice.

  “Nothing, I’m fine. Go eat. I’ll be okay.” God, I even sound petulant.

  “C’mon, kid. You don’t just storm out of the room after getting awesome news because you’re fine.” He raises a brow at me. “You’re gonna be a big brother.”

  “Am I, though? Or will you and Layla forget that I even exist? I’m sure you could use my room for the new baby.”

  “What are you talking about? You’re more family to me than anyone aside from Layla. You are welcome here for as long as you want. I just helped save you and your girl from a fucking mafia boss. Of course, I’m not going to forget about you.” He claps me on the shoulder and pulls me in for a hug. That’s the thing with Max he’s not afraid to show me he cares.

  “Okay, if you’re sure.” I feel a little better but I’m still weary of the whole situation. It makes me think about Ceara and I have to make another request. “Max? Ceara is gonna get kicked out of her dorm at the end of the month. Her father only paid up to the end of the month.”

  “Say no more. We’ll go later and help her pack up her things.” Max smiles reassuringly.

  “Thanks, Max. I promise we’ll find our own place soon.”

  “No need to rush. That’s what family’s for. C’mon, I have a surprise for you.”

  I raise a brow at him but follow him to the garage. I’m still unsure what we’re doing there when he turns smiling eyes on me. “Open the door.”

  I scrunch down my brows in confusion, but reach out and turn the door knob. I flick the light on and sitting there looking gorgeous is a 67’ Mustang. It looks fully restored and my mouth hangs open in shock. “What is this?” I look at a smiling Max and notice Layla standing behind him smiling.

  “It’s your new car.”

  “No way, Max, that’s too much.” I shake my head, but my eyes never leave the matte black paint.

  “You need a new car.” Max shrugs. “If it makes you feel better you can pay me back.”

  “Fine. I’ll pay you back.” I grin and clasp him in a hug. “Thanks, Max, for everything.”

  I wrap an arm around Layla, squeezing her to me. “I’m sorry I acted like an asshole.”

  “I understand. I’m just glad Max was able to talk some sense into you.” Max, Layla, and I all walk back in the dining room and take our seats. Ceara reaches over and grabs my hand squeezing it.

  “I’m good.” I promise her and pick up my fork. “I’m gonna have a baby brother or sister.”

  “God help us all if it’s a girl.” Lennox grins. It feels good to be with my family even if they are all crazy.

  Chapter 36

  Ceara

  I watch the guys load the last of my stuff into the rental truck and wave at Lennox as he pulls out. They’re taking my things to storage until Connor and I find our own place. I’m only bringing the essentials with me, clothes and such.

  Connor takes my hand and leads me to his new Mustang. Throwing my bag into the back, he gestures for me to get in before closing my door.

  I’m not going to lie, I thought things were going to be strained living with Max and Layla, especially after Connor’s semi tantrum. But things seem to be back to normal just a few hours later.

  “So, what do you hope for? A brother or sister?”

  He puts the car in gear and shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll take either, family is family.”

  His words are meant to reflect that family is more than blood, but I can’t help the small wave of sadness they cause.

  “Hey. I’m sorry. That was inconsiderate.”

  “But you’re right. Family is family.” I shake off the melancholy and force a smile.

  Connor reaches over and takes my hand; he’s constantly touching me since that night with my father.

  “I love you, Ceara. Max, Layla, and the guys do, too. You have a new family now, but that doesn’t er
ase the one you had before, even if you hate the person your father has become.”

  “I know. And I love you, too.”

  He pulls into his spot, puts the car in park and kills the ignition. I hurry to unbuckle and climb out before he can help me. I see the frown on his face. Undeterred, I smile and jump into his arms.

  Connor catches me, his hands gripping my ass and I kiss him, forcing my tongue into his mouth. He lets me take control for a minute, then pulls away.

  “We need to grab your bag and get inside before we give the neighbors a show.”

  I laugh, my heart happy. There is a cloud of longing for who I thought my father was, but I refuse to let it take over my life. I’m ready to move forward and revel in my freedom at last.

  Connor carries me to the front door, setting me on my feet to insert his key in the lock. The door opens before he can twist the knob and Max is standing on the other side.

  “About time. I thought we were going to get a show.”

  I feel the blush creep up my neck and spread to my cheeks.

  “Max!” Layla swats at him playfully.

  Connor looks back at me, “Welcome to the family, Freckles.”

  He grips my hand and drags me upstairs to his room where we spend the rest of the night in bed, making love and learning the finer details of each other.

  “Freckles, I’m so glad you ran into me that day.”

  I groan, embarrassed all over again at my clumsiness that day in the library’s basement.

  Connor continues despite me reliving my humiliation. “It took me some begging and maneuvering to get you to give us a chance, but I’m so glad you did. I love you, Cee.”

  He presses a kiss to my lips, and I smile against him.

  “I love you, too, Connor.”

  Epilogue 1

  Connor

  The nervous anticipation has me shaking out my wrapped hands and hopping from foot to foot.

  So much rides on this one fight. I try my best not to let the stakes overwhelm me to the point where I could lose, but it’s hard. Ceara’s entire education rests on my ability to win.