He still wore the jeans Zeke loved. They were slightly worn and cupped Korey’s ass. As always, Zeke forgot all the reasons they shouldn’t be together while staring at Korey. “You didn’t answer me. Where are you going?”
Korey’s gaze skirted away. “Out.”
“You need an overnight bag to go out?”
Korey’s chest expanded. His gaze found Zeke’s. “I accepted Maverick’s invitation to go to Vegas. We’re leaving later tonight.”
Zeke blinked while trying to control his temper. He cleared his throat before responding. “You didn’t want to go with me?”
A muscle jumped in Korey’s jaw. “I don’t want to be someone’s mistake. So far, Maverick has been straightforward about what he wants. I’d prefer to go with someone who won’t regret me.”
“Maverick will break your heart,” Zeke said with more spite than he intended. Zeke could never regret Korey. He equally couldn’t believe the man would leave his bed and head straight for another.
“He won’t be the first,” Korey shot back. His mark hit home.
Zeke couldn’t stop. “Maverick only wants one thing.”
Korey shrugged. “At least he wants me and doesn’t see me as a naïve child. He doesn’t look at me and see an obligation to my brother.”
“It sounds like maybe you should go live with Maverick and he can support you while you finish medical school.” As the words left his lips, Zeke regretted them, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t know how one person could be so goddamn blind. Did Korey honestly think Zeke had kept him around all this time for Charlie’s sake? He could’ve set Korey up in an apartment and checked on him every few months.
Instead of flying into a rage, as Zeke would’ve done in Korey’s place, Korey dug through his stuff and came out with his checkbook. He scratched something on the paper before tearing off a check and handing it over. Zeke reached for it without thought. He glanced at the check. It was for fifty thousand. His brows snapped together. “What’s this?”
“It’s what’s left of Charlie’s life insurance money. I’ll have my stuff out by the end of next week.”
“This money is supposed to keep you in books and whatever else extra stuff you need for school until you graduate.”
Korey shrugged as he snatched up his overnight bag. “Now it’ll go to cover having me under your roof the past two years. I’m sorry I stayed where I wasn’t welcome. If I’d been in my right mind when Charlie died, I might’ve realized it sooner.”
Zeke’s temper shot through the roof, making his earlier outburst seem minuscule by comparison. “You know good goddamn well you have always been welcome here. Take this.” He tried handing the check back. Korey sidestepped him.
“I don’t know anything anymore.”
Zeke ripped the check to shreds and tossed it at Korey’s chest. “You’re the smartest goddamn idiot I’ve ever met.”
Korey finally snapped. He tossed his bag aside. “No shit, Zeke. You think I don’t know that? I’m the one who sat around here for two years, waiting for you to notice I fucking love you, while you were wishing I’d figure out I’m a goddamn burden. Tell me what you want because I can’t pretend anymore. I want to be with someone who wants me too. I don’t want to be someone’s mistake.”
Zeke’s brain didn’t move past Korey’s claim of loving him. His mouth opened. No sound emerged. He snapped his teeth together.
Korey snorted. It was an ugly sound. “That’s what I thought,” Korey said, scooping up his bag, obviously intent on leaving. Maybe Zeke didn’t have Korey’s courage with words, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel. Unfortunately, by the time his brain found an argument, Korey was gone. Zeke raced through the house. He made it to the garage in enough time to see Korey pull away. The most ridiculous thought hit in his time of desperation. He should’ve bought Korey a new car while he’d had a chance. Korey had a brake light out.
Ugly rage mixed with crippling pain to wreck Korey’s mind. He drove with no real destination in mind. Vegas was no longer an option. Maverick was Zeke’s friend. The only way Korey would ever get past this was to cut all ties. He couldn’t leave Maverick hanging, though. That wouldn’t be fair. He equally couldn’t back out of something as huge as a trip to Vegas via text. That wasn’t cool.
With a sigh, he changed lanes and headed for the address Maverick had given him. Korey tried like hell to keep his mind blank. He was half a breath away from falling apart. Since Charlie’s death, Zeke had been Korey’s rock. Now there was nothing standing between him and the massive loss. Despair was a tidal wave waiting to drown him. Each breath came harder than the last. Korey tried counting backwards from a hundred while measuring his breaths. A set of townhomes came into view, making Korey realize he’d somehow made it to Maverick’s without dying. He found building R and pulled into a parking spot next to a familiar-looking red Dodge Ram. For a moment, he stared at nothing and absorbed the silence of the night. The last thing he needed was to fall apart the second Maverick opened the door. Korey squeezed his eyes shut, hoping to clear the haze coating them. It didn’t help. Everything hurt.
Fuck it. He needed this chore done so he could find a quiet place to fall apart—no witnesses. He eyed the yellow siding of the two-story buildings. It seemed like a quiet place. He wondered if they had anything available for rent. Korey snorted. He probably couldn’t afford it. Even if Zeke never accepted Charlie’s life insurance money, fifty thousand would only last him so long without a job. He still had years left of school. Between interning, studying, and a million other things he had coming his way, there was no way he could pay his bills by himself. All that bullshit paled in comparison to the destruction Zeke had wreaked on his heart. He was in tatters. Concentrating on his monetary problems was the only thing keeping him sane. Korey stopped outside Maverick’s door. After bending at the waist, Korey braced his hands on his knees and sucked air. Hyperventilating was right around the corner. He could feel it. Everything looked insurmountable and piled on top of losing Zeke. Korey couldn’t deal. Everything hurt. He straightened, determined to get through this life. As his knuckles skimmed the door, Korey tried swallowing down his pain. He half expected to choke on it.
The door swung open. Maverick was shirtless. Korey almost forgot why he was there. Damn. Maverick was beautiful. Maverick eyed Korey while wearing a self-satisfied smile. He motioned Korey inside. “Come in.”
Korey waved off the suggestion. “No. I can’t stay. Sorry. I hate doing this on such short notice, but I just stopped by to tell you I can’t go to Vegas with you this weekend.” Korey couldn’t meet Maverick’s stare.
“That’s okay. Are you all right? Would you like to come in?”
Korey imagined he looked every bit as broken as he felt. He couldn’t even work up a lie. “No. I have to find a new place to live before it gets too late.”
“Damn. That doesn’t sound good. Come in. You can stay with me until you’re settled.”
Despite the shit night he’d had, Korey managed a smile. He finally met Maverick’s stare. “I couldn’t, but thanks.”
Maverick snagged his arm and dragged him inside. “I wasn’t asking. No offense, but you look like hell. Zeke would kill me if I let you drive away this upset.”
Korey tried going back out the door at the mention of Zeke’s name. “Fuck Zeke. He doesn’t care about me, and I don’t need anyone telling him where I am.”
“Nope,” Maverick said, blocking his exit. Korey might’ve tried pushing his way out, but then he would’ve had to touch Maverick’s sexy bare chest and that couldn’t happen. “You’re staying,” Maverick said, sounding firm. “I didn’t say a word about telling Zeke where you are. You’re a grown man. He doesn’t need to know where you are at all times.”
Maverick’s words had the tension draining from Korey’s shoulders. He nodded. “Thanks. It’s been a rough day. If you’re cool with me crashing on your couch, I’d be forever grateful and out of your hair in the morning.”
Maveri
ck motioned toward the couch. “I have a guest bedroom and you’re not in my hair. Things haven’t exactly been great for me either today. You’re doing me a favor by agreeing to keep me company.”
Even though Korey felt certain Maverick was only placating him, he was too upset to care. He moved to the couch and sat. “Why was your day bad?” Korey needed to concentrate on something other than his issues.
Maverick chose the opposite end of the couch and kicked his feet up onto the coffee table. For a moment, he stared into space, looking thoughtful. Korey’s breath stuttered as he caught a glimpse behind Maverick’s usual cocky mask. He was broken. Just like Korey.
Maverick shook his head. “It’s nothing.” He flashed Korey a smile. “Tell me about Zeke. I know he didn’t put you out, so why are you looking for a place to live?”
Korey dropped his head back on the couch and eyed the ceiling. Without thought, he crossed his arms over his chest to protect his heart. No matter how hard he searched his mind, Korey couldn’t think of a place to start that didn’t make him sound like a damn fool. “I put myself out,” he said finally. “Zeke never would’ve done it and it needed to be done.”
“How long have you been in love with him?”
Korey blinked back tears at the question. Damn, it hurt. A snort escaped him. There was no sense in lying. Everything was lost. “Since day one. God,” Korey breathed. “I’m such a dumbass.”
“No. He is.”
Maverick’s claim had Korey meeting the man’s gaze. He needed someone to tell him he wasn’t being childish or stupid.
Maverick didn’t let him down. “A man like Zeke doesn’t keep someone around and give them as much as he’s given you unless he wants something in return. The way he watches you, I’d say he wants everything from you.”
Korey snorted and went back to staring at the ceiling. “He’s already had all of me. Now he’s over it.” There was no sense in playing the innocent at this point. “Fuck.” He needed to move on. He met Maverick’s gaze. “If you already knew about Zeke and me, why did you ask me to go to Vegas with you?”
Maverick eyed him, going as far as to tilt his head to one side, looking for something only he understood. “I think we’re a lot alike, and maybe we’d be better together.”
“Better than what?”
A sad smile touched Maverick’s lips. “Better than with someone who’s never been told no. Someone whose money has bought them whatever and whoever they want. Just better,” Maverick said, sounding sad. He looked away and crossed his arms over his chest, mimicking Korey’s heart-shielding pose. “Yesterday... I don’t know. I saw something in you.” He shook his head and flashed Korey a sad smile. “Never mind. You’re hot. We’re young. Why don’t we go ahead and hit Vegas? You can leave before Zeke’s fight, and get your things out while he’s otherwise occupied. I’d make it worth your while.”
Despite everything, a smile tugged at Korey’s lips. “I’m tempted to take you up on that just so I’ll stop feeling like I’ve been kicked in the balls.”
“Let’s do it then,” Maverick said, shifting to his feet.
“But,” Korey said, stopping him. “That wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Maverick’s usual cocky demeanor returned. “Babe, I’m eyes wide open and willing.” His smile slipped. “You’d be helping me too.”
A loud sigh escaped Korey. He had a bad feeling he would regret this one day. “All right. Let’s go,” Korey said, coming to his feet. It wasn’t like he had anything left to lose. Zeke had already stolen everything from Korey a long time ago.
Three
Zeke: Here’s my hotel information in case you need me.
Zeke: What time does your flight leave and where are you staying?
Zeke: I’m not trying to pry. Have a safe flight.
Zeke: Even a “go fuck yourself” is better than not answering.
Zeke: Okay. Guess I’ll go fuck myself then.
There was no such thing as a quiet spot inside an arena with twenty thousand screaming fans in attendance. Zeke’s fight wasn’t the only one taking place. He stayed hidden inside the back room he’d been assigned. Security had been posted outside his door. Zeke couldn’t stop pacing. It was impossible to not be nervous before a bout. An official had already signed off on his tape. Zeke would have to repeat the process outside the cage, but for now, he had nothing to do but wait. Was Korey out there? Since the man had been ignoring Zeke’s texts, there was no way for him to know. He could text Maverick, but that smacked too much of desperation. If he looked at things too closely, Zeke already felt like an idiot for falling for a man fourteen years younger than him. He’d never thought he’d be that guy, taking care of a younger man and still trying to fake at not being in love. What the fuck was wrong with him? Korey had admitted to loving him, and Zeke had let him walk away. He couldn’t stop trying to kick his own ass over that one. Now he was moments away from a huge match, and Korey wasn’t with him. Zeke had no one to blame but himself.
“It’s time,” Hendrix, Zeke’s corner man, said, pulling him from his thoughts.
Zeke locked his jaw and gave Hendrix a sharp nod. He cleared the door to ear-blasting screams. Then, all sound died away, muffled by his tunnel vision. Zeke was in fight mode. This was his job. He’d been training for months. This was his fourth title match, and he’d held on to the title after each one before now. Zeke wouldn’t let this next guy take his strap. He paused outside the cage for inspection. The second judge signed off on his tape before Zeke made his way inside. Nothing except the sound of each breath he took penetrated his focus.
Deshawn Oliver had a longer reach. It wouldn’t mean shit. The man was also ten years younger than Zeke. That didn’t matter at all. Zeke was better. Rules were read. Zeke tuned it all out. He knew them by heart. The match began, and Zeke fell into wait and see mode. Sometimes, striking hard and fast wasn’t the best move. Tonight was one of those nights. He planned to let Deshawn tire himself out. Zeke had the stamina. Then, Deshawn dipped his left shoulder, teasing Zeke with an opening. He took it, striking out and connecting with Deshawn’s jaw. The man made him pay by landing a blow to Zeke’s right cheek. He felt the skin split, but no pain penetrated the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Zeke pulled off a leg sweep before Deshawn regained his balance. The man went down but popped back up.
Five rounds went by with more of the same. They each got their hits in. Zeke already knew he was winning in scores. Deshawn would make his move soon. He couldn’t win with hits at this point. The man needed to take Zeke out. That made him twice as dangerous. Zeke’s muscles felt the wear of battle, but he had enough strength to last. Deshawn had a tell. He led with his right foot. Zeke saw his next move coming a half second before the man tried taking him to the mat. Zeke dodged, unbalancing him, and struck before the man could recover. With a shove and a twist, Zeke had Deshawn pinned. He kept the man’s arm rotated at an odd angle, putting all his strength behind the move. He didn’t see Deshawn tap, but the bell rang. He’d won by submission. The roar of the crowd rushed back to his ears, nearly deafening him. His arms were raised, and a microphone shoved beneath his nose. In truth, Zeke had no clue what he said. His gaze moved from one seat to the next, searching. He knew it was unlikely he’d spot Korey in the crowd. His brain refused to give up the hunt. Nothing mattered if he couldn’t share it with Korey.
Everything passed in a blur as he was shuffled from interview to interview. Still, it seemed like time moved at half its pace. All Zeke wanted was to find Korey. He had no clue where the man was. Giving in, he texted Maverick.
Zeke: Where are you?
Maverick: Sudden Skies bar inside The Luna hotel.
Zeke: I might catch up with you there.
Maverick: I’ll be here. BTW, Congrats. You were awesome.
The Luna hotel was within walking distance. Zeke pulled up the hood on his hoodie, put his head down, and made his way through the crowd. No one tried stopping him. Of course, he imagined he didn’t give off
a friendly vibe. Zeke’s man was here with someone else. That was something he couldn’t accept. No matter how tired he was, he had to get to Korey. He liked Maverick, but Zeke had no qualms about stealing Korey out from underneath him. Maverick hadn’t spent the last two years loving Korey. Zeke had.
When he cleared the door, Zeke spotted Maverick right away. Korey was nowhere in sight. He cut through the crowd. Zeke didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Where’s Korey?”
Maverick turned. His bright smile fell when his gaze landed on Zeke, making Zeke wonder if he looked as deadly as he felt. “He cancelled on me, saying he had to move this weekend.”
Zeke’s throat swelled. “What?”
Maverick nodded, as if Zeke had asked a yes or no question. “Surprised me too. I thought you would’ve said something if Korey was moving out.”
“He said something about it, but I thought he’d change his mind,” Zeke said absently. He was over five hundred miles away. It would take time to get home even if he raced there this second.
Maverick’s gaze moved over Zeke’s face, as if searching for answers. “Let me buy you a drink.”
Zeke shook his head.
The line between Maverick’s brows deepened. “You won. You should be celebrating. Hell, it wasn’t even me and I’m celebrating.”
“No, thanks.” He couldn’t stop shifting from foot to foot. Korey wasn’t there. Zeke needed to fix things. Nothing else mattered.
“Am I trespassing?” Maverick asked, catching Zeke off guard. “I mean, I’ve always assumed you thought of Korey as a little brother, but I don’t know. Since I invited him here, you’ve been acting weird. I thought we were friends.”
Zeke didn’t know how to respond. He couldn’t deny he’d treated Maverick differently. Zeke searched his mind for something that wasn’t a lie. “Of course we’re friends. Thanks for showing up, and I have no claim on Korey. We just had a fight.”
Sugar Fighter Page 3
