An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3)

by K. C. Lynn

  “This is some fucking flu.”

  “You’re telling me,” she mumbles. “Which is why you need to go. You can’t afford to be here right now.”

  “Fuck that. I’m not going anywhere.” Closing the door behind me, I bend down and scoop her up in my arms.

  “Oh god,” she moans, burying her face in my neck. “You better be careful or you’re gonna end up covered in whatever I tried to eat last.”

  “I’ve been through worse,” I grunt. “What was the last thing you ate anyway?”

  She’s quiet as she thinks about it. “What day is it?”

  “Jesus, Sophie, are you serious?”

  “Well, excuse me but I haven’t had much energy. I’ve been drinking a lot of tea. Usually, I find that soothes my stomach, but not this time. I was going to make myself something after my shower but ended up falling sleep. Something you woke me from, thank you very much.”

  Her sass would amuse me if I weren’t so fucking worried about her. “I’ll go make you something.” I enter her room and lay her down.

  “You don’t have to do that,” she protests but it’s weak.

  “I know.”

  When I turn to leave, she grabs my hand, bringing my attention back to her. “Don’t be mad at me,” she whispers.

  My hands drop on either side of her hips as I lean over her. “I’m not mad at you. But the next time I want to come check on you, don’t fucking argue with me about it.”

  I expect her to bristle at my tone but instead her hand moves to my face, her sunken eyes dazed as she stares up at me. “When I wasn’t puking my guts out, I missed you and your bossiness.”

  I smirk and get the urge to kiss the hell out of her, but manage to refrain myself. “I missed you every second, baby, even when I felt like puking my guts out from training.”

  She smiles like I hoped she would. “Mmkay. You win.”

  Chuckling, I press a kiss to her damp forehead. “I’ll be back.”

  Heading into the kitchen, I start rummaging through her cupboards and find a can of soup broth and crackers. While I wait for it to heat, I clean up the few dishes then get her some iced water.

  Ten minutes later, I walk back into her room to find her curled up on her side with an arm draped over her eyes. Sitting down next to her, I put the large mug on her nightstand then gently shake her. “Soph, wake up.”

  “I don’t wanna,” she whines on a tortured moan.

  “I know, but you need to eat something.”

  I help her sit up then have her take some aspirin and don’t miss the way she tugs at her hood, making sure her neck is covered.

  After taking the water from her, I pass her the steaming cup of soup. “I put it in a mug. I figured it would be easier for you to have this way.”

  “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  As she begins sipping, I move to the end of the bed and lean against the wall.

  “How is training going,” she asks.

  “It’s going. I think the kid gets a kick out of it. He enjoys seeing me bust my ass.”

  She smiles. “He’s pretty excited that you’re letting him go ringside with you.”

  “I had a hard time saying no when he asked. I figure it would be good for him to see what it’s like, since he’s been talking about wanting to work toward being a fighter.”

  “How do you feel about that?”

  “I don’t know,” I tell her truthfully. “I guess there’s nothing wrong with it, but I think that smart mouth of his is destined for bigger things.” I shrug. “Or maybe I’m still pissed about the way the industry fucked me over.”

  “I don’t blame you for that,” she says gently, sounding not only tired but also sad. “Are you nervous for Saturday?”

  “No.”

  “I am,” she admits softly.

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want anyone to hit you.”

  Her reply amuses me yet at the same time causes a shift in my chest. Other than my sister, no one has ever given a shit about me.

  When she finishes with her soup, I move to take the cup from her and set it back on the night table before putting my hands on either side of her again. “Don’t worry, if there’s anything my old man taught me it’s how to take a punch.”

  I regret the words as soon as I say them, especially when tears fill her eyes. “That makes me sad.”

  “Don’t be sad for me, baby. He may have been an asshole but it also made me who I am. It made me stronger and fight harder. I made something of myself because of it.”

  Silence descends as her hand moves to my jaw. “How can anyone ever mistake you for being anything other than amazing and kind?”

  She watches me, expecting an answer.

  “Because I kick people’s ass for money?”

  A small giggle escapes her. “Mmm, maybe, but they are all so wrong.”

  I feel like telling her that not everyone is wrong. I might not be the monster some people think I am, but I am definitely as fucked-up as they come. Instead of admitting that to her, I steer the conversation back to the fight. “Are you going to come and watch me if you’re feeling better?”

  Her expression softens, smile remaining. “You want me to come?”

  “Yeah, Soph, I always want you around.”

  “Do you promise not to get hit?”

  Now it’s my turn to smirk. “I promise to do most of the hitting and come out on top.”

  She rests back on the headboard. “Then yes. I’ll come. As long as I’m not throwing up.”

  My eyebrows draw in concern. “If you’re still this sick tomorrow, I’m taking you to the doctor.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t have insurance and they’ll find out who I really am.”

  “Nothing matters more than your health. Not even hiding your identity.”

  She shrugs, clearly not agreeing with me. “It doesn’t matter anyway. It’s the flu and just needs to run its course. I’m already feeling better thanks to you.”

  I’m not sure who she’s trying to convince—me or her. I decide to let it go for now and wait to see what tomorrow brings. Reaching up, I remove her hood before unzipping her sweater, revealing a thin white tank top. “Take this off. You need to keep cool,” I say, helping her remove it.

  When she begins to shift her hair, I grab her delicate wrist then lean in to brush a kiss against her scars, noticing her skin cooler than before.

  She wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me close. “Stay with me tonight.”

  “Yeah, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Getting up, I hit the light before crawling in next to her. My arms come around her as she moves in close and for the first time in days, I finally find peace again. A feeling I never knew was possible for me until she came along.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Sophie

  The entire place is absolute chaos. I’ve never seen anything like this. Thousands of people cheer, anxiously awaiting the fight to begin. I sit in the row that’s been reserved for Kolan’s family and friends. The entire gang is here to support him, even Ryder and Emily, who I met for the first time tonight.

  I’m trying to absorb it all and join in on the excitement, but I find it incredibly overwhelming, probably because I still feel like a zombie. I told Kolan I was feeling better and I was…up until a few hours before we left then it hit me again. I feel like I haven’t slept in a week, even though that’s all I’ve done. I think Kolan could tell when I saw him in his dressing room, but I did my best to tamp it down. I want to be here for him tonight, and I don’t want him worrying about anything but winning.

  “Kate, take it easy, everything is going to be okay. He’s got this.”

  I glance over at Katelyn who is sitting next to me, and see her looking as nervous as I feel. Nick has one hand on her leg while the other is draped around her shoulders. I was apprehensive to see everyone tonight, but especially Nick since he knows about my past.
However, I had no reason to be. He’s been really kind to me, and it’s clear he has kept the information to himself.

  “I know,” she responds quietly. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I just…I hate that he’s back here—hate it.”

  I do, too. Even though I have no idea what to expect. I think that might be what’s most nerve-racking. I’ve never been to a fight or watched one. Violence terrifies me. But looking around the place, it’s clear this is so much more than that. The chain-link fence surrounding the octagon is even more intimidating, making me fear for Kolan’s life.

  “You heard him, Kate. This is the last time. He’s going to put this asshole in his place then he’ll be done,” Nick soothes, kissing her cheek.

  My chest swells with adoration at how attentive he is with her. Actually, watching all of these couples together gives me a heavy dose of envy. The guys look rough and tough on the outside but the way they love their wives is admirable. It reminds me of my mom and dad and the love they share… I shove the thought away when pain pricks my heart.

  “Well, can I just say for my own selfish reasons that I love what Kolan is doing tonight,” Anna says, speaking up. “The proceeds he’s donating from this fight will benefit the Center a lot.”

  “He’s donating all of his proceeds?” Julia asks.

  Anna nods with a smile. “All of it.”

  “Wow.”

  I’m not surprised to hear that. He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met. It’s impossible not to fall head over heels for him.

  “That’s my brother,” Katelyn exclaims proudly.

  There’s a shift in the atmosphere, the chaotic energy of the crowd almost palpable as the lights are dimmed, covering the arena in darkness.

  “Here we go,” Katelyn says with a big breath, looking over at me with a smile.

  Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blares from the speakers, turning the crowd wild. We all stand as Kolan makes his grand entrance. The music is loud but the chanting is louder.

  Dark Warrior.

  I lean around Katelyn to get a glimpse of Kolan. His head is down, a hood shielding me from seeing his face as he follows Sarge and another man I don’t recognize to the ring. I smile at the sight of Benny walking with them. He waves to the crowd, arms pumping up in the air; excitement lit all over his little face.

  Once Kolan enters into the cage, the hoodie comes off, unveiling his powerful, inked body in loose black board shorts. He looks calm and focused as he rolls his shoulders, every muscle flexing beneath his firm skin. Not even the people’s energy breaks his concentration. He blocks it all out—until he swings his dark eyes to our row, immediately locking with mine. It knocks the breath out of my lungs, the connection so strong we could be the only two people in this place.

  The wink he gives me sends a flutter to my tummy and a smile touching my lips. Benny gives me an enthusiastic wave and a thumbs-up, which I return, feeling so excited for him.

  “That kid is a total trip,” Sawyer comments with a chuckle. It’s clear he has also taken a liking to Benny. How can you not? He’s one of a kind, and I have a feeling he’s as good for Kolan as Kolan is for him.

  Ozzy Osborne’s “Crazy Train” booms from the speakers, signaling the next fighter’s entrance. It’s then that a wave of nausea hurdles through me. Taking a deep breath, I try to tamp it down.

  Please let me get through this.

  The crowd erupts once again, but it doesn’t hold the same enthusiasm as Kolan’s did. It doesn’t deter Cortez though. He puts on a show as he walks to the ring, a cocky smile on his face as he points at Kolan.

  “What an asshole,” Katelyn spits, looking ready to tackle him.

  Kolan is unfazed by the challenge. Benny, on the other hand, isn’t so bland about it. He shouts at the top of his lungs and waves a fist at Cortez but it’s too loud to hear what he’s saying. Kolan sends him a light knock in the arm, telling him not to engage.

  Once both fighters are in the ring, the announcer begins his introductions, starting with Kolan. The place becomes deafening once again. It’s obvious whom most are rooting for and it seems he has a lot of fans who are happy to have him back. Satisfaction settles over me when Cortez is announced and the cheers dull. There are even some boos as well.

  After the announcers leave the ring, the gate to the cage is closed and the fighters are called to the center. It’s then my nerves take a drastic turn. I briefly close my eyes, trying to clear the sudden fuzziness in my head. When the overwhelming sensation passes, I open them to see Cortez lifting his hand to touch gloves, but Kolan doesn’t reciprocate and turns his back to him.

  “It’s the first time he’s ever done that,” Katelyn says. “Not that I blame him.”

  Rather than be offended, Cortez only seems amused by it. Kolan takes to his corner, eyes hard and determined. Sarge shoves the mouth guard into his mouth and yells something at him. Then Benny gives him a punch in the arm for good luck. When the bell rings, Cortez begins dancing around, but Kolan wastes no time. He moves for him, striking out hard and fast.

  I flinch at the hits Cortez takes. He throws a few of his own but misses, Kolan’s reflexes faster than his fists. That’s when he charges at him, wrapping his arms around Kolan’s waist to take him down. But Kolan breaks out of it with ease, sending Cortez to the ground with a sickening blow.

  Cheers ripple throughout the crowd, spurring him on. Benny stands in his corner, his little fists punching the air as he mimics Kolan.

  Heated words are exchanged as Cortez hurries back onto his feet. He charges at Kolan again, looking furious, and manages to get a couple of shots in that have me wincing. But it doesn’t faze Kolan. It only has him striking out harder.

  As I watch the two battle, I suddenly feel in a trance. It’s as if I’m on the outside of my body looking in. My heart begins to pound in my ears and my vision blurs.

  Please, God. Not now. Not here.

  The wave eventually passes and I’m able to focus once more. Kolan corners Cortez again but this time he doesn’t give him a chance to escape.

  “He’s going in for the kill,” I hear Jaxson say.

  It all happens in slow motion. Taking a step back, I watch Kolan’s feet leave the floor as he jumps up, his powerful body spinning full circle in the air with grace and agility, bringing his foot around to connect with Cortez’s face. He repeats the move in two consecutive rotations—light on his feet—before he rounds the second kick, landing it at the same time Cortez drops to the ground unconscious.

  The entire crowd goes crazy, everyone on their feet, chanting his name.

  “The guy is a fucking beast,” Sawyer roars with a fist in the air.

  I have to agree. I’ve seen Kolan aggressive. I’ve seen him intense, but I’ve never seen him like this before. Controlled yet lethal. In this moment, with his breathing harsh and body stained with blood and sweat, he looks every bit of the warrior he is.

  After the ref lifts his hand for the win, Benny runs at him. Kolan scoops him up and sets him on his shoulders while Sarge does some tackling of his own. The announcer holds the mic up to his mouth, but I miss what he says when I’m hit with another dizzy spell. My head starts to pound, as if someone just took a sledgehammer to it. It mixes with the turbulent storm that’s taken over my body. My hand rests on my stomach as I try to control the overwhelming sensation.

  “You okay, Lia?” Kayla asks, placing a hand on my shoulder in concern.

  I nod and give her a weak smile, but it’s a lie. I’m not okay. Something feels wrong. I try my best to push it aside as we’re escorted to a private room to wait for Kolan.

  With every second that passes, I feel worse. When I break out into a cold sweat, I excuse myself to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It doesn’t help. I inhale deep breaths, my vision blurring as I take in my reflection in the mirror.

  “Just breathe, Sophie. Breathe,” I murmur, my fingers gripping the sink to remain upright.

  I have no idea how much time
has passed when I walk back out to join the group and find Kolan, Benny, and Sarge standing with everyone else.

  Benny runs up to me, his eyes dancing with excitement. “Did you see that, Lia? Wasn’t he awesome? He totally kicked ass.” I smile down at him, holding onto his shoulders not only in affection but also for support. His voice becomes distant as I feel my heart race at a frantic pace, thrumming viciously in my ears. “Hey, Lia, you okay?” he asks.

  I shake my head then immediately regret it when the ground begins to tilt beneath my feet. As I try to find my balance, I look up to see Kolan racing for me just before my world turns black.

  *

  Kolan

  From the moment she walked in, I knew she wasn’t okay. I could see it in her pale face and glossy eyes. As I stand to see if she’s okay, she succumbs to gravity.

  “Shit!” I knock into Jaxson as I rush for her. Nick moves at the same time I do, but I make it first. Alarmed gasps fill the air as I drop to my knees, catching her just before she hits the hard floor. My hand touches the side of her face, caressing her cold, clammy skin. “Sophie, baby, can you hear me?”

  Nothing. She’s completely unresponsive.

  “What’s wrong with her,” Benny cries, terror gripping his voice. The same fucking one ripping through my chest. “And who’s Sophie?”

  Shit.

  Ignoring the question, I search for a pulse but only find a faint thrum of life beneath my fingertips. “Call an ambulance.”

  “They’re going to take too long to get here,” Cooper says, pocketing his phone. “Let’s go. I’ll drive.”

  I cradle her close, pushing to my feet. Just when I’m about to tear out of the room, I twist back to Benny, his wide eyes filled with tears.

  Katelyn wraps an arm around his small shoulders and pulls him in next to her. “Go. We’ll take him home.”

  “You’ll be okay with my sister,” I assure him. “Keep your phone with you, and I’ll call you as soon as I know anything, okay?”

  He nods, wiping his wet cheeks with the back of his small hand.