Crushing Misery

by Kinsey Taylor

  She wipes it away, as another falls. I bring my mouth to hers for one last kiss.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Kennedy

  Corbin is on fire in the cage. He returned from Denver and was off again to New York and New Jersey. He acquired all the necessary points for his final fight in the UFC Warrior Games for the championship title. Tonight’s fight is a huge deal. My parents keep Ashlynn while Justeen and I travel with the boys. They set us up at the Hotel 100 in the grand suite. I can’t wait to see our room. I’m so excited to be traveling with them and not left behind. I don’t think Corbin’s coach likes the idea of me being here. He is a grouchy old coot, who I can feel staring at me, but the minute I look up, he looks away.

  I know what is on the line with this fight and the importance this win is for Corbin’s career. I’m briefed about his schedule and given a copy so I will know when and where he is. The weigh in is tonight, and I’m to attend with him. Coach, Riggs, and Justeen are attending with me. I’m thankful I’m not here alone because Corbin warned me he wouldn’t be spending much time with me up until after the fight. As soon as the fight is over, and he does the interview with the press, I will be all his. There are posters everywhere I look, and people recognize me from being photographed with Corbin by the paparazzi and from all the attention his wins bring.

  Walking down to the weigh in is a circus. After watching the last few fights on pay-per-view, I have an idea of what to expect, but now that I’m in the limelight, everything is magnified. Coach, Riggs, and Justeen walk up on the stage as the announcer finishes announcing Corbin “The Core Crusher” Nash. I thought I would stay off to the side and watch Corbin weigh in, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. He grabs my hand as he takes the first step. I look up, and he smiles winking at me. I walk each stair with shaky legs. He pulls his shirt up over his head and hands it over to me, then pulls off his sweats. I stand there as he walks past and watch the emotion drain from his face.

  He steps on the scale, and I watch in awe, as I check out my man in all his glory, wearing nothing but his black boxer briefs. The screen lights up showing 185 pounds. He does it; he makes his weight class. The announcer then announces, “The next to weigh in is Marco ‘The Dragon’ Castillo.” I watch on as Marco and his crew, come up onto the stage. I have seen his picture before, but pictures don’t do him justice. The guy is smoking hot, and I can see the arrogance radiating off him in waves.

  He looks me up and down, licking his lips and stops directly in front of me, pulling his shirt up over his head and then pulling off his shorts. I watch as the muscles flex from his movement. Walking past me to the scale, he smiles the whole way there. Corbin’s jaw is ticking with anger. He never shows any emotion, but I can read him well. The screen lights up again with 185 pounds, giving both teams a green light to fight tomorrow night. They both walk up to face each other; Corbin with no expression, and Marco doing nothing but smiling. Corbin turns and walks in my direction, but not before Marco gets in a jab with words.

  “Hot piece of ass you got there, Nash. Wouldn’t mind getting a taste of her when you’re done.”

  I watch as Corbin’s face turns a bright shade of red. Thinking fast, I walk over and grab him by the arm. He knows the minute I touch him it’s me because our invisible connection is magnetic and intent on pulling us together. He reaches for my hand and gives it a hard squeeze. He turns back towards me, still with no expression.

  “In the cage, Playboy. Give him an ass kicking he’ll never forget tomorrow,” I whisper.

  He always loves to hear me call him Playboy, and the playfulness that comes with it. His expression changes and he reaches around and grabs me by my waist, and pulls me into his side, kissing my temple.

  ***

  Corbin is tossing and turning all night.

  “Maybe you being here isn’t such a good idea.”

  He sits up, kicking over his legs and gets up off the bed and walks off. I sit there for what feels like hours only to find it was forty-five minutes. I hear the bath running, and I push the door open. I watch as a very naked Corbin steps inside the tub getting a grand view of his toned ass.

  “You okay?”

  “I don’t know what’s going on with me. I can’t seem to relax. My mind is all over the place.”

  “Mind if I join you? I can help with the relaxing part and give you a nice massage.”

  Nodding is his response. I pull my nightie up over my head, and I step inside, sitting behind him on my knees. I start rubbing his back getting a groan from him.

  “I’m sorry,” he says, “Hearing Marco’s mouthing off about you has been screwing with my head this whole time.”

  I smack him on the side of his arm, and he turns confusion evident when he faces me.

  “What the hell was that for?” he questions.

  “Lying to me again and saying hurtful things.”

  “I’m sorry, Kennedy. I didn’t mean it, but Marco got into my head, and that’s something that has never happened before. What he said about you, I can’t stop it from replaying over and over in my head.”

  Getting up, I step in front of him and sit down right in his lap.

  “You know we can’t…”

  Cutting him off, I place my finger over his mouth quieting him.

  “Corbin you shouldn’t let anything Marco says try and jeopardize this fight. This is exactly what he wants. My heart belongs to you in its entirety. I will never be able to understand this connection the two of us have. I can feel you when you walk into a room with me, I can read what you’re thinking by just looking into your eyes. It’s been like this the whole time I’ve known you, and I, without a doubt, know you are my soulmate. I never knew what Grams and Pops meant by it until I met you. I love you, Corbin, and nothing anyone says or does will ever change that.”

  Reaching up, he places his hand against the side of my face.

  “You mean everything to me, you know that. It scares me I care so much for you and it could go away at any time.”

  “Ha! That’s where you are wrong. I’m just as scared as you. You could wake up and realize I’m not who you want anymore. Have you looked in the mirror, buddy? I mean, really. You can have anyone, yet you want me.”

  I gesture up and down with my hand.

  “I look nothing like the girls you’ve been with or the ones who try throwing themselves at you. I’m a plain Jane compared to those girls. It’s seriously so intimidating, Corbin.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. You look nothing like them I agree, and it’s the one thing I love about you the most. You don’t try to fit in. You have this unbelievable natural beauty, but the one thing that makes you stand out the most is how clueless you are to just how beautiful you really are. You dress how you want, never trying to fit into anyone else’s mold. And your heart, even after everything you’ve been put through, is still so damn big, caring, and of pure beauty. You are amazing, and you’re never selfish.”

  “Damn, talk about sweeping a girl off her feet there, Nash,” I tease.

  “Now, can we go back to bed before I look like the zombie’s bride tomorrow for all the cameras? I’m sure the paparazzi will just love taking those pictures,” I joke.

  “So, am I forgiven then?” he questions.

  “Yes, you’re forgiven, Playboy. Now take me back to bed, Nash.”

  The weigh in was nothing compared to the chaos going on around us as we arrive at the arena. Someone grabs hold of my arm, and Corbin about rips his head off before we are even in the building. There are signs everywhere along the building reading: UFC Warrior Games at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, August 16, 2014. Corbin “The Core Crusher” Nash vs. Marco “The Dragon” Castillo. Walking with Corbin and his crew down the hall is very intimidating. I can hear the screams and noise echoing from the crowd. I’m walking with my sister heading to what I think are our seats. I’m grabbed from behind, spun around, and pinned up against the wall. At first I think it is Corbin until I feel
the icy chill run up my spine.

  A tall, muscular man stands before me with a devilish smirk on his face. I first saw him yesterday with Marco’s crew. He is handsome, but the chill running up my arm tells me what I need to know. Corbin’s voice rings in my ear: Whatever you do in any situation, Kennedy, you must think fast, react, and always keep a clear head. The minute you freak out is the minute you let down your guard and most importantly stay one step ahead of them.

  “Hi! I don’t think we’ve met? I’m, Kennedy.”

  Batting my eyes, I think about what my next move should be. I reach up, running my hand along his chest trying to convince him that I’m into him.

  “Oh, what I have planned for you after we win this fight, baby. The things I’m going to do to you.”

  He licks his lips, and that’s when the shit hits the fan; the anger builds then rushes through me tenfold. I roll my shoulder into his chest, swing my arm up and around, bend my elbow slamming up into his nose. I push back against his chest, and he grabs ahold of me hard enough to hurt.

  It deteriorates so fast. I swing my leg around jamming it right into his groin. I bounce backward in a ready position and watch the fucker fall in front of me onto his knees and proceeds to land face first on the floor holding his balls. I pounce jumping on top of him keeping up with my assault striking his face never wanting him to get the upper hand. I’m grabbed from behind up off the floor. I squirm flaring my arms and legs around trying to get away.

  “Enough! It’s over, I got you, Kennedy.” I hear Riggs voice and instantly stop moving. Riggs hauls me down the hall, pushing through the door reading “The Core Crusher.” We walk inside as all heads whip around to us.

  “What the hell is going on?” Corbin asks.

  “Your girl, just gave a beating to one of Marco’s goons. I couldn’t believe it, Nash. I was just going to step in when all of a sudden she got out of his hold and whipped around kneeing him in the balls and then strike after strike followed against his face. Nice moves, by the way, Kennedy. I’m impressed.”

  Corbin steps towards us with such intensity, the anger radiating off him, concern filling his eyes. Taking me from Riggs, he lets my legs dangle but not touch the floor. He stands staring at me examining eyes cataloging me and brings me up against his chest. I can’t help it, I burst out laughing and once I start, I can’t stop. I’m in the midst of laughing when Corbin places me down on the ground. He looks confused.

  “What in the world are you laughing about?”

  “I don’t know, but what Riggs just said… I-I did that, I really did that, and I can’t believe everything you taught me actually works. That guy grabbed me, pushed me up against the wall pinning my arms, and all I could hear was your voice inside my head, going over everything you taught me. It all unfolded so quickly, and my heart’s still racing so fast.” I laugh.

  “Who would have thought, Kennedy Anderson found her kick-ass fighter.” We laugh out in unison.

  “Look here, Nash, that guy is on Marco’s crew. He may not even know what this guy has done, but I want you to go out there and kick his ever-loving ass for me, too. Got it?”

  “Yeah, Boss. Loud and clear.”

  The door bursts open slamming against the wall and in flies my sister like the Tasmanian devil.

  “Oh thank goodness. What happened to you? One minute we were walking together and the next I reached my seat and you were gone.”

  “Your sister here kicked one of Marco’s goon’s ass. It was a sight to see, Justeen,” Riggs says.

  “What? Are you okay?”

  “Justeen, do I look okay? My hands hurt, but yeah, I’m better than okay.” I laugh.

  “Yes, now that you mention it, you do. What’s with the grin there, hooker?”

  “Skank, it’s the afterglow from the crazy adrenaline rush pulsing through me.”

  “Now who’s going to walk me and my sister back to our seats?”

  “You’re not leaving now, Boss. You both will walk out with Riggs, Coach and me. I’ll get someone from security to escort you to your seats safely. Make the call, Riggs. Here babe. For your hands.” He breaks and gives me an ice pack.

  “On it, man.” Riggs says.

  We walk down the hall, and the crowd is deafening, so Riggs hands me some earplugs.

  “Here, these help with the noise.”

  “Thanks,” I say taking them from him.

  Hearing Corbin’s name, the lights, cameras and the crowd are intoxicating. I’m in awe of it all. I’m on a high from the adrenaline running through me from all the excitement and nerves. Corbin turns towards me as they announce his name, and “Heretic” by Avenged Sevenfold starts playing. Walking towards me, he reaches down and plants a soft kiss on my lips, and then winks and turns to face the audience. Jumping on the balls of his feet, he steps out into the crowd. Security walks Justeen and me to our seats and stays close by. It makes me feel relieved he never ventures far from us.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the main event in the three rounds of UFC middleweight division. Introducing first, fighting out of the red corner, a mixed martial artist with a record of eighteen wins and no losses. Standing six feet, one inch, weighing in at one hundred and eighty-five pounds, fighting out of Rochdale, England, your undefeated champion, Marco ‘The Dragon’ Castillo! And now his opponent. In the black corner, mixed martial artist, professional record of twenty-three wins and two losses. Standing six feet, two inches, weighing in at one hundred and eighty-five pounds, fighting out of Seattle, WA, the former WEC middleweight champion, Corbin ‘The Core Crusher’ Nash!”

  My nerves are all over the place, and I have to admit, as scary as this is, it is also surprisingly exciting. The fight starts, and I watch as Marco round kicks Corbin, kneeing him in the nuts. Oh, My Gosh! I stand there watching as Corbin falls. Marco goes over and starts pounding on him. Corbin moves so fast and is back up on his feet. Am I supposed to sit here through three rounds of this shit? I’m not going to make it.

  “Kill him Corbin. Rip his fucking head off. Make him pay!” I yell out.

  “Kennedy, I never thought I’d hear naughty words come out of your mouth like that. It’s hot, Sis.”

  The wicked smile spread across his face is wicked scary. He turns and punches Marco square in the nose. I watch as he stumbles back, and Corbin repeatedly strikes Marco, grabbing him and slamming him down to the ground.

  “Yeah, just like that, Playboy! Show no mercy!” I scream trying to get heard over this crowd. I watch the beast get unleashed within Corbin; every cell comes to life the same way it had the day he saved me. Marco never has a chance to recover, but he magically makes it through the first round. Corbin takes every opportunity he has. The second round starts, and as the bell rings. Corbin round kicks him and then punches after his foot hits the mat. I could watch him fight forever. Marco lands back against the cage staggers then falls flat on the floor.

  “Hell yeah!! You did it, Playboy!” I yell out.

  He turns towards me and finds me in the crowd and smiles. He never smiles, but that right there is for me and only me!

  Waiting for the announcer to say Corbin is the UFC Champion seems to take forever. I want to be in his arms. I can see he has some blood on him, and it looks like his eye is swollen, but I can’t wait any longer to be in his embrace.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… referee, Jonathan Hines has called a stop to this contest at just four minutes twenty seven-seconds in the second round by declaring the win by knockout to Corbin ‘The Core Crusher’ Nash!”

  I jump down cheering and trying to push my way through the crowd. My sister and I hold hands, moving through together. I can see him looking out into the crowd for me.

  “I’m coming, Nash!” I yell.

  Riggs grabs on to Justeen pulling her up against the cage. He reaches down and pulls me up to the side. I can’t get to him fast enough. He picks me up, spins me around, and engulfs me to his body.

  “You
did it! I’m so proud of you, Corbin!”

  “Thank you, Boss. I have you to thank for that. I heard you scream at me to kill him. How I knew it was you with this crowd, I don’t know… I’m still not sure how I picked your voice out over everyone’s here. I did it, Kennedy! Having you here to celebrate this win with me is the best feeling. I love you!”

  He smashes his mouth to mine, and I buzz with excitement and love. We spend the next day lying around in our room enjoying each other before we head back home.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Kennedy

  Getting out of bed this morning after the lousy sleep I got the night before, I can’t seem to sit still. For months now, my dad has been writing to me and trying to contact me. I never expect his calls, and just like clockwork he calls every week at six pm on the dot. The letters I hold onto, and after weeks of receiving them, I finally break down and open one. I don’t know what I expected, but I didn’t expect his words to affect me so much. No one knows not even Corbin. If he did, I would never be doing what I’m about to do. I step inside the quiet Irish pub named Molly Malone’s, and I spot him right away, sitting in the rustic booth in the far back corner. Walking the distance, I sit down across from him.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come,” he says.

  “Don’t get all excited. I’m only here to listen to what you have to say, and then I’ll be on my way. I’m not here for a family reunion,” I say sternly.

  “That’s fair.”

  I look up with hatred shooting daggers out of my eyes. Does he think I could ever forgive him? He beat me, making my life miserable in every way. I was timid at such a young age, and it carried on well into my adulthood, all because of the torment he put me through.

  “Please hear me out. I know I’ve done some pretty unforgivable things to you, Kennedy, but I’d like a chance to explain. It was pure torture seeing you every day. It was like a knife twisting in my gut day in day out. I was supposed to pick up your mother that night after work, and I’ll never forgive myself, for drinking too much and falling asleep. Your mom had to walk home from the bakery where she worked. On this particular night, she tried running down the alley, cutting through, thinking it would shave her walk time in half. She never heard him behind her. Your mother later told me a man grabbed her, forced her down on the alley floor and raped her. She came home that night with her dress ripped and covered in dirt and blood. I could hear her ear piercing sobs through the bathroom door. I knew something had happened, but I knew better than to push it. A month later when she wasn’t feeling well, she went to the doctor, and that’s where she found out she was pregnant with you.”