“Damn,” Rhys breathed unsure of what to think. “I knew he owned a massive death wish, but I had no idea.”
Dane looked away and took a deep pull on his water bottle. With his eyes glued to some point in the distance, he finally spoke. “You had no clue about a lot of things.”
With a helpless gesture, Rhys did his best to grapple with the way Dane’s voice had gone flat. “I don’t understand. I mean, I realize Dad had his problems. We might have been starved for affection, but he never laid a finger on us.” Not that he needed to, Rhys silently conceded. The emotional abuse they’d suffered daily was enough to fell a full-grown man.
Dane let out a mirthless laugh as soon as the words left Rhys’ mouth. “He never laid a finger on you, because he knew we would kill him. We took it on the chin, and he left you alone almost as if we had a silent agreement. Knox was too passionate to keep his head down. He was always half an inch away from having it knocked from his shoulders. It’s no wonder he can take a damn beating better than any man alive. He’s had a ton of practice. Of course, then there was me.” He paused, and since Rhys was watching his profile, he caught a glimpse of the sardonic smile passing briefly over his features before disappearing. “I was the constant reminder of mom’s infidelity.”
Rhys’ mouth fell open. Never in memory had someone caused him such a level of disbelief. “What?”
Dane flashed him a mocking grin before looking away. “Come on, Rhys. You seriously have never questioned why I am the only blond-haired, blue-eyed member of an otherwise dark-haired family? I don’t look anything like any of you.”
He didn’t, but genetics were crazy sometimes. “So what? Blond hair doesn’t mean you’re not our father’s son.”
“I’m sorry but it’s true.”
Rhys didn’t know what to say. It explained so much. He didn’t want to accept it. Dane didn’t wait for him to dredge up some half-ass response. “Things have changed for everyone since his death. It was almost as if he was a black cloud suffocating us. Of course, Mandy is truly the one who set Knox free. He needs her, you know?”
Thankful for something else to cling to, Rhys grasped hold of the topic. “Yes. I do. They both needed me to leave in order to move forward with their lives. Maybe I looked like a dick for pulling up stakes without a word. It wasn’t a good idea for me to stay.”
Dane nodded absently and tipped back his water again.
“I should have stayed for you, though,” Rhys admitted.
“No.” Dane’s one word came out with enough bitterness dripping from it that Rhys was taken aback. He’d never heard Dane sound so hardened. When he looked over at him, he almost looked like Knox for a moment. There was a family resemblance, after all. “There comes a time when you need to man-up, Rhys. I was a mess, and I want your word you’ll never clean up after me again. Hopefully, there will never come a time where I’ll have to call this promise in. Nonetheless, I want you to swear to me you won’t.”
His heart sank. “Don’t ask this of me, please? You’re my brother.”
Dane nodded. “And I always will be, but you have to let me sink or swim all on my own.”
“But this thing with Kerry,” Rhys argued. To his surprise, Dane threw his head back and roared with laughter before he could finish voicing his concern. “I’m not finding any of this particularly funny,” Rhys grumbled.
“Dude,” Dane said, turning shining eyes his way. “Kerry is my wife.”
“What? You’ve got to be joking? There’s no way. It’s not possible. Fuck! I’ve had some form of sexual contact with both of my brother’s wives.”
“You slept with Mandy?”
Rhys groaned at the question as he recognized his mistake. “Let’s focus on one thing at a time.”
Dane released a low whistle. “I can’t believe you’re still breathing if you touched Mandy.”
Cutting his eyes at Dane, he gave in. “It was before they got together.”
“Still,” Dane said with a shrug. “Knox is not exactly known for his reasonable thinking.”
Dragging them back on topic, Rhys felt moved to point out the obvious. “Yet you don’t seem the least bit upset about Kerry.”
“I think it’s time you accept something.”
“Really? What else could I possibly need to deal with tonight? It’s been pretty enlightening already.”
“This family is filled with sexual deviants.” In spite of the situation, Rhys barked out a laugh at Dane’s answer. His brother looked almost embarrassed as he added. “So, um, you know the club where you met Kerry last night?”
“As if I could forget?”
“Hmm, well, I sort of own it.”
Rhys almost fell out of his chair. “Shut the fuck up. You do not.” He could not see his brother as the owner of a fetish club. “I have to know.” Even to his ears, Rhys sounded exactly like a twelve-year old girl digging for gossip. He didn’t care.
“I was kind of numb for a little while after rehab and Jimmy came to me with an offer.”
“Jimmy? Knox’s trainer? That Jimmy?”
“Yep.”
“You know, I’m not surprised.”
“Anyhow,” Dane continued as if Rhys had not interrupted him. “It was a bit of a side business for him, but he’d met some blonde chick half his age. She’d agreed to marry him so he needed to dump it fast before she found out about it.”
“Wait,” Rhys said holding up a hand. “Is this girl’s name Peggy?”
“Um, it’s Penny actually.”
“That old bastard,” Rhys cursed under his breath.
“As I was saying,” Dane pressed on. “Even though I wasn’t in a good place, Max loaned me the money and I bought it.”
“So Max knows about this place too?”
“Yeah. Ryan and he are members.”
Rhys shook his head in wonder. “I can’t believe this.”
Dane nodded. “Those two are some freaky dudes.”
The memory of witnessing Max on his knees floated across Rhys’ mind. “Seems like I heard that somewhere already, but Kerry?” He didn’t bother hiding his skepticism.
“Yeah. I was a bit surprised too the first time I saw her there. Actually, the look on her face when she saw me was priceless.” He fell silent. A smile touched his lips as if he could still picture it.
“I’m happy for you, I think, but I wish someone would have said something. I didn’t want this. Letting go of Mandy was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I know no one believes I love her, but I do. The idea of her spending the rest of her life with Knox,” he shook his head unable to truly express what the knowledge did to him. “If it was anyone else, I would still be on her doorstep doing my best to win her back. Fuck whomever she married. Except, it’s my brother, which changes everything. Now, I got this shit with Kerry on my conscience too.”
Dane crossed his arms over his chest appearing thoughtful for a minute. When he finally spoke, it came out haltingly as if he chose his words with care. “Unlike everyone else, I know you love Mandy. You have since you were sixteen so it’s not likely to change any time soon. The thing is, she needs something different out of life than you do, and I think—deep down—you’ve always known it. Knox and her, they both crave an ordinary life. You can’t give it to her because no matter how hard you try, you’re not normal.”
“Tomorrow, I’m going to look back on this conversation and count how many times I was insulted.”
A line appeared between Dane’s brows. “Why? There’s nothing wrong with being different. I understand your feelings about Kerry, but she did try to warn you. You’re not kinky enough for her.”
Rhys groaned. Damn. Was there no detail Dane did not know?
Dane laughed at his reaction. “Think of the experience as matchmaking. Kerry knew you would be perfect for Asher and she was right. Not to mention, what do you have to feel guilty about anyhow? You saw her naked.” He shrugged. “So? Who cares? She is fucking gorgeous as hell. I get to brag about
her being mine. Do you feel bad she touched your dick? Dude. I’d like to know who hasn’t.” Rhys let out a loud grunt and dropped his head against the back of the chair. The motion only caused Dane to laugh again as he added, “There will never be more between the two of you than last night. Some smoking hot shit goes down inside my club, but Kerry doesn’t share anyone’s bed except mine. I’m the same with her. Let it go. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Damned if he couldn’t hear how much Dane loved Kerry in every word he spoke about her. “I can’t believe you married Kerry.”
“Yet you were more than willing to fuck her at the first opportunity.”
Rhys shook his head in defeat. His tone came out sounding every bit as childish as he felt. “She’s so evil.”
Pride filled Dane’s voice when he spoke. “Yep. She’s amazing. I’m not a bit ashamed to admit I traded one addiction for another. I can’t get enough.”
“Lucky bastard. I hate everyone.”
“Kerry seemed to think you hit things off with Asher.”
Rhys pulled a face as he admitted, “I did what I always do, fucked things up. Not that it matters since I have no idea how to get in touch with him again or anything.”
“Sounds to me as if you like him.”
Rhys didn’t miss the hint of hope laced in the statement. A picture of the flush of arousal riding high on Asher’s cheeks and his lips parting on a gasp as he came floated across Rhys’ mind. “Yeah. I like him.”
“Good thing you’ve got me then,” Dane said, bringing Rhys’ gaze his way. “He works out at Grid Iron at the same time every day. I imagine if you turn up there tomorrow around the time you did today, you’ll trip right over him.”
“The resemblance between you and Kerry is amazing right now.”
Dane threw his head back, roaring with laughter at Rhys’ comment. For the first time Rhys realized his brother was healthy. More importantly, he had a brother again. “I’ve missed you,” he admitted before realizing he was going to do so.
Dane sobered at the confession. “I missed you too, little brother. Don’t go away again.”
“You either,” Rhys shot back.
With a somber nod, Dane agreed. “Deal. I do have to go home though. Don’t drink too much.”
Rhys scoffed at the lecture while watching Dane slip back inside the house. Secretly, he’d never been more grateful to have someone scold him.
* * * * *
The shirt slipped over Dane’s head, exposing his toned back. Kerry could tell he was trying to be quiet while fumbling around in the moonlit room. As usual, she’d been unable to fall asleep without him. She’d known the moment he’d snuck into their bedroom. While he pushed his jeans down his hips, she enjoyed the show. The tattooed words, scrolled down his spine, held her gaze. There wasn’t enough moonlight streaming through the blinds to read them. It didn’t matter. She knew them by heart.
“Weakness (noun) An irresistible object of desire. Strength (noun) A degree of intensity or valuable asset. You are my greatest strength and weakness.”
She owned exactly seventeen handwritten copies of the same words. He’d written them to her in a letter, once a week, every week he’d been in rehab and then once more the day he’d asked her to marry him. They were her most treasured possession. When he sat on the edge of the bed, Kerry couldn’t resist any longer. She flattened her palm against the words. Dane leaned into her touch.
“I thought you were sleeping.”
She didn’t bother saying anything since it was obvious she was not. Instead of climbing underneath the covers with her, Dane stared at the wall, turning inside himself. Sometimes he fell into black moods and she couldn’t reach him. She hated it.
After a moment, Dane broke the silence. “I am the older brother. It should have been me taking care of him. Not the other way around.”
“Neither of you are dead yet. It’s not too late to start.”
“He never gave up on me.”
“I know.”
He looked at her then. “How do I repay him?”
“By never allowing it to happen again,” she answered. She’d never meant anything more in her life, but Dane glanced away.
“It’s not enough.” His words were so quiet she almost didn’t hear them. With more force, he added, “Tell me this thing with Asher is going to work.”
“It’s going to work,” she answered immediately. “Asher is strong and proud. He will bend Rhys to his will.”
A smile passed over Dane’s face. “Exactly what the cockiest of my brothers needs.”
“You think he’s the cockiest? I have to disagree.”
Tilting his chin, Dane watched her through half-lidded eyes. “Really?” He drawled.
She nodded slowly. “You have him beat by a long shot.”
Before she realized it was going to happen, Dane pounced and pinned her beneath him. Digging his fingers into her ribcage, he pulled a giggle from her lips.
“I’ll show you cocky.”
“I do love to see your cock,” she teased between gasps for air.
Chapter Four
Drew Alexander, the US Heavyweight Champion and owner of No Rival, was one of the few people Rhys considered to be a friend. At least as much of a friend as anyone was to Drew. The huge, bald man didn’t invite conversation, but the few times he’d confided in Rhys left him thinking highly of the elusive fighter. Even though Rhys had been undecided on whether he would return to Vegas, he’d continued paying his monthly dues to the exclusive training center during his absence. No Rival was part of his blood. His family. The familiar scent of leather, sweat and testosterone let him know he’d done the right thing. The spongy floor, concrete walls and multicolored bags hanging from the ceiling sent a burst of nostalgia rolling through him. However, the sight of Drew attempting to correct one of the new fighters’ stances while holding a blonde-haired baby in his arms, left Rhys feeling downright homesick.
The men crowding around the world’s best MMA fighter hung on his every word. Their rapt attention showed they understood the privilege of learning from Drew.
“Some things never change,” Rhys called out, interrupting them.
Drew tossed a grin in his direction as if he’d known Rhys was there all along. Most likely, he had. “And some things are always changing,” Drew said. Then without warning, he handed the child off to Rhys.
The tiny girl, close to a year in age, with large grey eyes, looked every bit as surprised as Rhys felt. After a moment, she seemed to accept her situation. Wrapping one arm around his neck, she silently turned away to watch Drew. With his arms free, he moved between each of the students, making minor tweaks to each of their techniques. Only when they all had it down did he make his way back to Rhys.
“Thanks man,” he said, attempting to take repossession of his daughter. She was having none of it. A loud screech rent the air, piercing Rhys’ eardrum. Her tiny fingernails dug into the back of Rhys’ neck. Drew held his hands up showing his surrender. “What the hell was I thinking? Even miniature females find you irresistible.”
With a giggle, Adalyn buried her head against Rhys’ shoulder flashing her daddy an adorable smile.
“It’s fine,” Rhys said. “I was planning on hanging out for a bit anyhow.” He looked her over. The same four-tooth smile Adalyn had shown Drew came again at his inspection. “I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten.” She’d been a tiny baby when Rhys had left town.
“Time flies,” Drew agreed, drawing his attention back to him. “I forgot for a second. I don’t see you every day. Are you sure you’re okay to hang onto her for a minute?”
“Yeah. I’m cool.” He started to add a joke about handling females. The sure knowledge Drew would kill him was the only thing stopping him.
“Thank God. I’ve needed to take a piss for over an hour now.” He eyed the men around them for a second, before adding, “I don’t trust any of these dudes with my baby.” Without waiting for Rhys to reassure him again, D
rew disappeared.
“Daddy piss.”
Rhys bit down on his bottom lip, hard. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t stop the snort from escaping at Adalyn’s words. “Your daddy is a bad influence.”
She didn’t seem to care. Popping her fingers in her mouth, Adalyn went back to resting her head against his chest. A few familiar faces ambled over, shaking hands and giving him updates before Drew reappeared.
“Sorry about that. I walked by the office and the damn phone was ringing off the hook.”
“Damn phone.”
Rhys couldn’t hold back his silky chuckle this time at Adalyn’s words. Drew’s reaction didn’t help the matter. Smacking himself across the forehead, he let out a loud groan. “I swear, dude. She only repeats the bad things I say. She has her mother’s naughty sense of humor.”
“Momma naughty.”
Drew’s grey eyes flipped up to the ceiling as if seeking help from a higher power.
“If it’s any consolation, Aubree is the one at fault here. She’s allowing you to keep your daughter in this place.” Rhys shook his head, running down the list of rough men who trained there before adding, “Nothing good could come of that.”
“I’m telling her you said so.”
At Drew’s threat, Rhys immediately began shaking his head. “Uh, no you’re not.”
A smile spread across Drew’s face. “Oh yeah I am.”
In spite of knowing Aubree would be murdering him soon, Rhys felt lighter than he had in a long time. It was just like old times.
* * * * *
Asher drove a Jag. It was the F-TYPE, the most expensive one. Rhys should have known. After spending an hour catching up with Drew, he’d decided he was indeed going to trip right over Asher as Dane suggested. Crossing his arms over his chest and his feet at the ankles, Rhys leaned against the door of his F-150 as he waited for Asher to step out of his car. Asher wasn’t in any hurry. Even though Rhys recognized the man’s game, he took it as his due. He’d insulted him, and Asher was doing his best to make him pay. The aroma of Asher’s cologne hit Rhys first. A part of Rhys worried he’d never get hard again without remembering the scent. The dark grey suit he wore looked sexy as hell. It only made Asher’s eyes seem even lighter in coloration. Doing what he always did when he was nervous, Rhys fell back on his natural charm as Asher eyed him questioningly.
Unequaled Page 5
