Unequaled

by Charity Parkerson

  “As tempting as your offer is, I’m taken, so I’m going to have to pass.”

  She sighed before attempting to cover the sound with a cough. Rhys turned his back on her, catching Asher’s gaze. A tiny smile hovered on his lips. Oh yeah, Rhys was taken. He’d better never forget it.

  “Ten minutes,” Rhys mouthed. Asher’s heart raced. He was a few short minutes away from having him by his side. Rhys headed for the locker room. The reporter followed him with her eyes, but didn’t attempt to stop him again. As soon as Rhys was out of earshot, the woman turned her attention to the man following her around with a video camera.

  “I hope it’s not true. It would ruin his reputation.”

  The balding guy appeared to listen with only half-an-ear. Nonetheless, he still nodded in agreement at her words. “Yeah. Nobody wants to cheer for a gay champion.”

  Asher’s hands clenched. He couldn’t have heard them correctly. Shit. He’d not considered what people would think of Rhys. The pair disappeared but their conversation lingered inside him. It wouldn’t happen. There was no way in hell Asher would allow any damage to Rhys’ reputation. Court was playacting. He could pretend in public. He was good at that. No one ever needed to know about them. Fuck. He couldn’t give him up. For all his strength, Asher was not that strong.

  Rhys reappeared dressed in his usual street clothes. Claiming the empty seat at Asher’s side, he flashed a grin. A dimple appeared in his cheek and Asher moved closer despite his earlier convictions. When Rhys was nearby Asher forgot everything else. Slumping in his seat, Rhys threw his arm across the back of Asher’s chair. To all the world, he might appear relaxed, but Asher could feel the power rolling off him in waves. He cut his eyes at him. Rhys’ smile widened.

  “Hey sexy, what’s your name?”

  A snort escaped Asher at Rhys’ question. He was outrageous. It was addictive.

  “Yours,” Asher answered before he could stop himself. Rhys’ eyes darkened and his voice deepened showing a hint of his lust.

  “Damn straight. Now, what’s a guy got to do to get you alone?”

  “So, do you have this under control for the next couple of hours?”

  Drew’s sudden appearance caught Asher off-guard. It was a bit of ice water in his face after the reporter’s comments.

  “I do. No worries.” Rhys answered Drew’s question without a hint of discomfort over Asher’s presence at his side.

  Asher leaned away keeping his face devoid of all emotion as he carefully turned his attention to the phone balanced on his knee. He no longer knew how to act.

  “Mr. D’Ettore, I think I should look into hiring you to manage my stuff. The attorney I have now, I can’t even get on the phone without scheduling an appointment two weeks in advance, but I see you everywhere.”

  Asher politely tucked the mobile inside his jacket. Focusing on Drew, he offered the man a bland smile. “I’d be more than happy to discuss it with you. Mr. Collier has all my contact information. If you give my secretary a call, she’ll set you up with an appointment.”

  Drew chuckled at his response. His gray eyes shined with mirth. “Damn. You’re putting me off on someone else already? I guess I’ll stick with the lawyer I know then.”

  Rhys’ gaze moved between them. His brows drew together showing his confusion, but he didn’t question the sudden change in Asher’s demeanor or the use of title. Holding onto his business-like manner, Asher nodded.

  “If you should change your mind, I’m sure Mr. Collier will let you know how to get in touch with me.” Damn, there was the title again. He couldn’t seem to stop. “Now, if the two of you will excuse me, I have another appointment scheduled today.” He needed air.

  Drew began apologizing the moment Asher stood. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Asher waved off his concerns. “Think nothing of it. Our business is complete. Please feel free to avail yourself of my empty seat.”

  Drew shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but my wife is waiting for me. I only wanted to stop by and make sure Rhys didn’t need me to stay for a little while longer.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Asher could see Rhys attempting to catch his gaze, but he kept his face averted. “In that case, it was a pleasure seeing you again.” Unable to stand it a moment longer, he focused on Rhys. Dipping his chin in a quick nod, he made his excuses. “I’m going to have to leave you now, Mr. Collier. Until next time,” he trailed off.

  Rhys’ face went hard. “Yep.”

  On that bleak note, Asher made his escape, refusing to look back. He would not be the reason Rhys lost everything he’d worked so hard to achieve. No matter how much it hurt.

  * * * * *

  Drew’s eyes followed Asher as he left. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to Rhys the moment Asher was out of sight.

  “You know, when I wear a suit, I imagine I feel the same way a dog does while wearing a sweater. It’s unnatural. But that dude, he reeks of old money and class. I feel a bit like I should stand up straighter or something.”

  “Yeah,” Rhys said for lack of anything else. He was beginning to see Drew didn’t need any real encouragement to keep talking. His wife had once told Rhys that Drew was a motor mouth. He’d not believed it at the time, but the last few months had proven how wrong he’d been.

  “I can’t even imagine having the kind of cash that had people questioning their posture.”

  Even in Rhys’ shocked state, he found Drew’s statement ridiculous. “All you have to do is show up to an event and it’s worth a minimum of two-point-two million. So, exactly how much money can you not imagine having?”

  Drew’s smile reminded Rhys of mischievous child. “Old money,” he answered before adding, “How much do you think he’s worth exactly?”

  Rhys thought Asher was priceless. Unfortunately, it didn’t appear his opinion counted for shit. He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’d guess maybe four of you.” When would this conversation end? No one ever noticed when his world was falling apart. Drew released a low whistle. Rhys couldn’t hold his words back. “I never realized you were such a gossip.”

  “A regular old hen,” Drew agreed. “Anyhow, Aubree really is waiting for me, so I’d better get going.”

  Without Drew’s presence to distract him, Rhys’ mood darkened by the second. He managed to hold it together until he made it to his truck two hours later. The moment his slid behind the wheel, his hands began to shake in some form of delayed ultra-shock. His breathing felt labored as if he was sucking each lungful through a straw. They’d been seen together in public hundreds of times. How had he never noticed? Every moment they spent together ran through his mind. Had Asher ever touched him openly? He honestly couldn’t recall. It seemed as if he had, but when they were together, the rest of the world disappeared, so he couldn’t remember if anyone else had been nearby. There was only Asher. He could have sworn there had never been any signs of secrecy. When he looked at Asher, even the power of his gaze caressed Rhys’ skin. Maybe that’s why he’d never noticed anything lacking.

  However, after the incident with Drew, he couldn’t lie to himself. Asher didn’t want anyone to know about them. His phone vibrated inside his pocket, and Rhys maneuvered it out.

  I really did have a business meeting.

  It took Rhys three tries to read and understand the text message through the red haze of rage coating his vision. Yep. Got it, he texted back.

  Truly. You know how my schedule can be.

  How was it possible for Asher to be so intelligent yet so ridiculously stupid at the same time?

  Got it. Even as he hit reply, he wanted to throw his phone out the window. The man wanted to pretend they weren’t together in public then he shouldn’t know him in private. Rhys didn’t hide. Ever.

  Good. I did not want you to worry. Come see me tonight.

  Rhys ignored the message. The balls on this dude. Exhaustion landed heavy on his shoulders. He’d agreed to stay in this town and work for No Rival. He wou
ld keep his word, but damned if he didn’t regret it now. Every fucking time he thought things were looking up, he got pushed back down again. Maybe he needed to simply learn his place and quit dreaming. His chest hurt. Some people never found happiness.

  “Guess I’m one of them,” Rhys said the words aloud, hoping it would help him accept them. Nope. It was still sitting there on his windpipe cutting off oxygen to his brain. Ten minutes passed where Rhys couldn’t force himself to move. He needed to go home, but the will to do anything seeped out him. Since meeting Asher, he’d spent every night with him. For that reason, he’d not bothered searching for a place of his own. Where was home? It hadn’t been an intentional move. He’d simply not wanted to be anywhere else. Now, he was left with the option of a hotel or going back to Mandy and Knox’s. In his current mindset, he wasn’t sure that was such a good idea. He was a little afraid of himself.

  I’m sorry.

  The two words appearing across the screen confirmed Rhys’ every fear. He knew. It wasn’t only Rhys looking for problems where there were none. Asher fucking knew what he’d done.

  You know what? No worries. It’s all on me. I shouldn’t have let you get inside my head.

  He turned his phone off the second the message went out. There was nothing left to say.

  Chapter Eight

  The French roast was bitter today. Almost as if it sought to mimic Asher’s mood. Nothing tasted the same any longer. Everything he put in his mouth curdled once it hit his stomach. Losing Rhys defied description. His image in the mirror each morning matched the one he’d seen prior to meeting the man who’d broken him. It surprised him every time. The pain inside him, while crippling in its weight, appeared to be invisible to the naked eye.

  “Peccato,” Asher murmured as he touched his cup to his lips.

  “Do you pity the coffee this morning or do you always talk to yourself?”

  He almost choked. Thankfully, out of necessity for his career, Asher was good at keeping his expression blank.

  “It was an observation of life in general. I merely forgot people could see me as it was happening.” Asher snapped his teeth together on the last word. After a horrified moment of reflection, he was forced to concede, he had indeed just said that aloud. He tried to fix it. “I mean—”

  Kurt chuckled, cutting off his explanation. “I’m sure you meant you are not used to people understanding Italian. Therefore, you feel free to say whatever you are thinking without notice.”

  Asher thought it over. “No,” he decided after a moment. “I stand by my earlier statement. Your theory makes me out to be an ass. I’d much rather people think I am insane.”

  Kurt waved his cup toward the empty seat across from Asher. “Do you mind if I join you? If you’re not sitting alone people will simply think you are speaking with me rather than to yourself.”

  It was odd. When Asher had seen Kurt fighting in an unsanctioned bout, he’d looked very different. Hardened perhaps. In the coffee shop where Asher spent his mornings with Rhys, Kurt appeared subdued, almost sad.

  “Please, do join me. Although, I must point out, if you’re sitting here, I am technically talking to you even if I’m not.”

  Slipping into the chair, Kurt trained his green eyes upon him. They seemed even lighter up close.

  “Did that statement make sense in your head?”

  Asher ran it through his mind once more before answering. “It did. Although, I am willing to admit it did not sound as logical when it left my mouth.”

  He was a gentle giant. Asher wasn’t sure what caused his sudden but sure knowledge of Kurt’s character. The massive amount of tattoos combined with his large frame was off-putting. However, if Asher knew anything, it was how to read a person’s face. Kurt was a kind soul.

  “It’s strange.”

  Kurt’s brow drew together proving his confusion over Asher’s broad statement.

  “Are you back to talking to yourself again?”

  “Still musing over life,” he explained. “It is funny how you never notice someone—until you do—then you see them everywhere. Possibly, we’ve been in the same place hundreds of times, yet I never saw you before Affinity. Now, I see you everywhere.”

  Kurt’s expression shifted. His lids lowered, hiding his thoughts. He’d not been quick enough. Asher caught the way the man’s gaze had moved to his mouth.

  “Where is your man this morning?”

  Asher’s lips parted in his surprise. No words came. Kurt didn’t wait for them. “Unlike you, I know exactly how many times we’ve been in this same coffee shop.” Asher’s shock was so thorough, he didn’t know how Kurt continued to ignore it. Somehow he did. “So, I ask again, where is your man this morning?”

  He was helpless to stop the admission. “He is no longer returning my calls.”

  Kurt relaxed in his chair. Slinging his arm across the metal rungs of the empty seat next to him, he no longer bothered hiding his lust. He lifted his cup to his lips, keeping his eyes trained on Asher. “Peccato.”

  “So you do speak Italian,” Asher said in attempt to change the subject.

  “I speak several languages. There are many things I do well.”

  Asher didn’t miss the insinuation. He’d promised Rhys there wouldn’t be anyone else. Rhys was gone. The truth caused him to drop his gaze to the table. He couldn’t hold Kurt’s intense stare.

  “I assume you are going to his match tonight.”

  Thankful for something else to think about, Asher shook his head. “I don’t see the point.”

  “You should go.” Kurt’s response surprised Asher enough for him to lift his chin once more. Kurt had leaned forward while he wasn’t watching. He was close enough for Asher to see the way his green irises streaked with amber. The full-sleeve tattoos, pierced nipples clearly showing through the t-shirt straining across his wide chest, and gauges in his ears kept Kurt from being handsome in the traditional sense. None of those things could mask the sexuality oozing from his pores. “Once you see him, you’ll know for sure if it’s over. People such as Rhys, they move on without a backward glance. When you see him tonight, you’ll recognize the truth. The same thing happened to me once. Someone gave me hope then ripped it away. I could make you forget.” He let the words hang between them for a moment, before continuing. “Go see his fight then come find me at Affinity. I promise you won’t remember his name by morning.”

  “And if I decide things aren’t over after seeing Rhys?” Asher had to ask.

  “Then I will meet you here again tomorrow morning. We will pine for someone else together.” Kurt stood without waiting for Asher to comment. Sliding a card across the table, he kept his fingers on top of it for a second. Asher glanced down, taking note of the silver ring on his thumb. There was also an Egyptian symbol tattooed across the top of his hand. He tapped the card. “Here’s my number. In case Affinity is not really your thing, you’ll know how to get in touch with me. I’m not asking for anything.”

  “If you’re not asking for anything then what are you after?”

  Leaning down, Kurt spoke close to his ear. “There isn’t a doubt in my mind. You know exactly how sexy you are. I want to fuck you.” A hint of cinnamon wafted over Asher. “My motives are purely selfish, but I’m very, very good. You wouldn’t regret it. Do I need to pretend I am after something more? I’m not above it.”

  Turning his head, Asher brought the man hovering over him into focus. He wanted to be immune to Kurt’s allure. “I appreciate your honesty.” The space he invaded belonged to Rhys.

  Kurt flashed a quick grin. It was easily the wickedest thing Asher had ever seen. “Don’t lose my number. You’re going to need it.” With his promise ringing in Asher’s ears, Kurt walked away leaving Asher staring after him wondering what the fuck had just happened.

  * * * * *

  It was almost strange the people who showed up at Grid Iron. They would simply stand at the counter and flip through the magazines as if Kerry ran a salon instead of man
aging a fitness center. Kurt was a rare visitor, but not so much so that Kerry questioned his presence. It didn’t hurt that she enjoyed staring at his body. She’d tolerate a lot of things for a hot man. They were her kryptonite.

  Twenty minutes passed where the only sound in the room was Kurt slowly flipping through the pages of his magazine. Finally, he broke the silence. “I spoke to a certain sexy Italian we both know this morning.”

  Kerry only knew one of those. There was something about his tone. No. No. No. Her brain did not want to accept it. Unable to keep the horror from her voice, she growled. “What did you do?”

  Kurt shrugged. “Nothing.” Before she could breathe a sigh of relief, he immediately ruined it by adding, “Yet.”

  “No,” she said in an exaggerated whimper. If anyone in the world was Rhys’ equal in the sexual destruction of others, it was Kurt. While Rhys would charm the clothes from people’s bodies, Kurt used confusion to his advantage. Most people never saw it coming. He left them off-kilter. His bad boy appearance coupled with a gentle nature stunned others long enough for him to slip beneath their radar. Once he was in, he hit them with everything he had. Considering his arsenal included edgy looks, a muscular body, and a way with words that was unrivaled, they were powerless against it. She’d never tasted the wares, but she’d heard stories of his skill. Chill bumps rose on her skin. Asher was in so much trouble.

  “He belongs to Rhys.” She wasn’t sure it would matter. If there were lines Kurt wouldn’t cross, she’d never seen them.

  “Not anymore.”

  “Kurt,” Kerry cried, adding a high-pitched wail to her voice. “You cannot steal my brother-in-law’s lover.” She shook her head as she realized what she said. “Scratch that. I know you can, but I’m going to be really sad if you do.”

  If he was at all moved by her words, he didn’t show it. “For once, I had nothing to do with it. Rhys has stopped answering the man’s calls.”

  “Shut the fuck up.”

  Kurt shrugged at her horrified denial. “His loss is my gain. I don’t intend any harm. With that said, I also will not pass on a good thing due to any misplaced sense of family loyalty on your part.”