by L. P. Dover
* * * *
Ryley’s Revenge
A Gloves Off Novel
Copyright © 2014 by L.P. Dover
Cover design by Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
Editing by Victoria Rae Schmitz, Crimson Tide Editorial
Formatting by JT Formatting
All rights reserved.
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products, bands, and/or restaurants referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
License Notes
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Title Page
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Epilogue
Preview of Paxton’s Promise
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Other Titles
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“ARE YOU IN love with him?” Colin asks.
We’d just walked through the door of my apartment, only long enough for me to sit my bags down and grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator. We were in Vegas because Colin and Bradley had a baseball tournament. Well, that, and to be with my best friend, Gabriella. That’s what I told myself anyway. Deep down, it was because I knew Ryley was going to be there too, fighting. Seeing him again had only awakened what I kept buried inside of me.
I didn’t know what to tell Colin as he stood there looking at me with those bright green eyes of his. The eyes which belonged to a man who was everything I could ever want—smart, loving, caring, and sexy as hell. Not to mention he had a body to die for. Colin was our school’s star pitcher, and on his way to bigger and better things in the MLB.
I still haven’t answered him yet, but if I let the truth come out of my mouth, I won’t be able to take it back. Not even a day ago, I was afraid I was pregnant with Ryley’s child. It was the scariest moment in my life, but what frightened me more was the look in Ryley’s eyes when he thought he was going to be a father. He wasn’t ready . . . hell, I wasn’t ready.
The only problem was, right after I left him for Colin, he went straight back to his old ways with his identical twin. It’s like I was erased from his mind, no longer the girl he fell in love with.
I have too much pride to go back to him, knowing he’ll be whoring around with other women. Colin’s a good guy and he deserves more than a woman whose heart’s divided. I love him a lot, but I’m in love with someone else.
“Ashleigh, please,” he murmurs, taking my hands. “You’ve avoided me all day. Did something happen while we were in Vegas?”
I was never good at lying, and Colin’s always the first person to know when something’s wrong. Sitting down on the couch, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. My stomach is in knots because I know I’m about to break another guy’s heart. Colin’s my safe place, my guarantee at a normal, functional relationship. I just know that if I stay, I’ll never be fully happy. He doesn’t own my heart, but he shares a part of my soul.
I have to make a choice. Opening my eyes, the warm tears fall down my cheeks. Colin doesn’t speak because in my actions he already has his answer. He lowers his head and slowly lets go of my hands, running them through his hair.
“I don’t think I can let you go, Ashleigh. At least, not without a fight.”
Sighing, I wait for him to lift his head, and when he does I lean in to give him one last kiss. “I’m sorry, Colin, but you don’t have a choice.”
Present Time (One Month Later)
“SO WHEN ARE you coming back to California?” Gabriella asked.
When I get the balls to face Ryley again.
But in all honesty, I didn’t know. For the past month, I’d been in Aspen with my family, trying to get away from anything and everything that reminded me of Ryley and Colin. Working in my family’s hotel helped. I loved talking to the tourists and getting them all settled in. It was a good distraction.
I’d been afraid Gabriella would’ve told Ryley by now about my breakup with Colin. So far, she’d kept my secret. Colin, however, refused to give up on me and made sure to keep in touch by calling almost every single day. He’d even visited Aspen twice already. He was my friend before we became lovers, but once you cross that line, it’s almost impossible to go back.
“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “I’m tempted to stay here for a little while longer. I miss being with my family.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.
There was something I hadn’t told her, or anyone for that matter. I thought maybe running away to Aspen would make my problems disappear, but I was starting to think it was just going to make them worse. For the past hour, I’d done nothing but trace and stare at the phone number on the paper in front of me. I was just too afraid to call it.
Gabriella’s laugh echoed in the phone, catching my attention. “Well, all I can say is, you won’t believe the shit that’s happened here the past couple of days, especially when I was in Vegas for the fights.”
Perking up, I held the phone closer to my ear. There weren’t any people in the lobby so I had a few minutes to spare. “Oh yeah, like what?”
Anything wi
th Ryley?
Gabriella sighed. “Well, Tyler’s super serious over a girl now. And, get this . . . It turns out, she’s Kyle Andrews’ sister. Who would’ve thought that, right?”
I gasped. Everyone hated Kyle Andrews. “Oh my God, that’s insane. Have you met her? Are you okay with that?”
She snorted. “Yes, I’m okay with it. It is for the best. I miss talking to him though. Anyway, I met Kacey the other day. She’s actually really nice—although, a little quieter than me.”
“Everyone is quieter than you, Gabriella,” I laughed.
“Oh, whatever. Well, now that Tyler won the title, and Kyle’s paralyzed in the hospital, all is right in the world.”
“I’d say so,” I agreed. Nothing like that ever happened at the hotel; it was quiet and drama free. Only in Gabriella’s life was it interesting. “It sounds like you had a lot going on. How are you and Bradley doing? Still just friends?”
“For the time being, we’re more like friends with benefits. We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Colin asks about you all the time though. I actually feel bad for the guy. We did come to the conclusion that something’s wrong with you. He’s noticed a difference and so have I. I think it’s time you tell me what’s wrong. And I don’t want to hear anymore bullshit excuses. I know how to kick your ass, so don’t make me come all the way to Aspen to force it out of you.”
Sighing, I held up the post-it note and closed my eyes. If I didn’t tell her something, I could definitely see her flying out here to live up to her promise. “I’ll tell you as soon as I find out, Gabby. I promise.”
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know. Needless to say, it might take a couple of days.”
“Just as long as you get it figured out. I want my best friend back. It’s not the same here without you.”
I smiled, but the ache in my chest made the burn behind my eyes build. “I miss you too,” I whispered, trying not to choke on my tears.
“Make sure to call if you need me . . . or if you just want to talk. I’m about to head out to the gym and get some training in, but after that, you know I’m free.”
I nodded like an idiot, knowing very well she couldn’t see me. “I will. Have fun with your training. I’ll talk to you soon.”
We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. Once I verified no one was in the lobby, I took a deep breath and picked the phone back up. I’d tried calling the number sitting in front of me numerous times, but always hung up after the first ring.
“Good afternoon, Dr. McCord’s office, this is Lisa, how may I direct your call?”
“Um . . . hi, Lisa. I’m a patient there . . . or at least, I used to be before I moved to California. I’d like to make an appointment. My name is Ashleigh Warren.”
“Of course, dear, just give me a second.” She typed away on the keyboard and then came back on the line. “Date of birth, please.”
I told her my birth date, which happened to be just a couple of weeks ago. Even though I was only twenty-three, it felt like I had aged beyond my years over the past month. Things that used to be important, just weren’t anymore—not when I had responsibilities looming over my head.
More clacking on the computer keys. “Okay, is this for a yearly check-up?”
Hands shaking, I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. “Not exactly.”
“And why do you need to be seen? Is this an emergency?”
Halfheartedly, I chuckled and lowered my head to the desk, my laugh turning to tears. “In my life, Lisa, yes I’d say it’s an emergency.” I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I think I’m pregnant.”
NEVER IN MY twenty-four years of existence had I been knocked down and fucked in the dry tailpipe like I’d been three days ago. Everything I once believed in was a goddamned lie. What made it worse was finding out the truth from Tyler, and not Gabriella. For a whole month I was led to believe Ashleigh was with her pansy-ass fluffer of a boyfriend, only to find out she dumped him when they got home from Vegas.
It was during that particular trip when I had her in my arms again, thinking she was pregnant with my child. A sick, twisted part of me had hoped to God she was pregnant so that I could have a fighting chance with her. Now, with her running away to Aspen, I didn’t know what to think.
The second Tyler told me what was going on I pretended it wasn’t that big of a deal, even though deep down I wanted to hit something so fucking hard it’d make my knuckles bleed. For two days, I trained nonstop with my coach and Camden, ignoring every single phone call and text; especially, the ones from Gabby. My mind was a jumbled mess of shit. Ashleigh Warren had head fucked me into falling for her and then she left. I was a fool to fall, but dammit to hell, I wanted her back.
I was Ryley ‘The Rampage’ Jameson. I had women falling all over themselves just to suck my dick and do whatever I wanted them to. I loved it . . . or at least I pretended I did. It didn’t help that I envisioned Ashleigh every time.
Sweat poured down the sides of my face, arms, and back as I pounded the punching bag, over and over again. My teeth were clenched so tight I could feel the pulse in my temple beating out of control. I was confused, angry, and most of all, I wanted answers. Tyler was right, I needed to find out what was going on.
“Ryley.”
I heard my name, but didn’t want to stop. Hitting and fighting was what I was good at, it kept my mind occupied from the tension pulling at my chest. Just a little bit more and the pain would be in my arms and the muscles in my back, not in—
A hand came down hard on my shoulder, drawing me back. “Ryley, stop!” my coach barked. “You’re overdoing it, son. You need a break.”
“Just a little bit more.”
“Now.” The warning in his tone made me stop. Grabbing my wrists, he lifted my hands, snarling at my busted knuckles.
Danny Echols was my dad’s best friend and the only father figure I’d had for the past couple of years. His silver hair was damp with sweat, and over his shoulder I could see my brother in the ring, taking off his gloves and looking on in confusion. Camden had no clue what was going on with me.
Breathing hard, I stepped away and looked down at my hands. They were bloody and split wide open.
“Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but you better figure it out soon. Surely, it’s not because of the title fight is it? I know you and your brother will be battling it out soon, but that’s no reason to let it fuck with your mind.”
Bursting out in laughter, I shook my head, fisting my hands by my side. My knuckles split open even more and I welcomed the pain. The fight with my brother was the last thing on my mind. “Trust me, Danny. I’m not worried about the fucking fight. I have other things on my mind right now.”
“Oh, don’t worry about him, coach,” Camden called. “He just needs a good lay or two.” He winked at me and smiled, thankfully drawing the attention of our coach.
Danny sighed and waved me off. “All right, I’ll back off. But I want you to soak those hands and get them healed. I don’t want to see you around here tomorrow. You got that?”
Turning on my heel, I grumbled, “Yes, coach,” before waltzing off toward the locker rooms. He knew I wasn’t going to stay away.
Luckily, no one was in the showers. The only people who ever used the locker rooms were the fighters who trained in the gym, which happened to only be a handful of us. After turning on the shower, I stripped out of my blue and white fighting shorts and tossed them on the bench. A little blood smeared on the white cloth, but I didn’t care.
Once the room was filled with steam, I stepped into the near scalding water and hissed as it hit my open wounds. Hanging my head, I placed my sore hands against the wall and let the water run down my body, washing away the sweat and tension. It wasn’t long before my muscles began to relax. However, they tightened back up when a set of soft, feminine arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Her hands slid down, one cupping my balls w
hile the other wrapped around my cock, massaging me.
“Don’t tell me you forgot me already?” she whined in my ear.
Her touch did nothing but piss me off. Pulling her arms away from my body, I turned off the water and stalked past her to my locker. She was naked, her body glistening as the shower head dropped its last few drops on her skin. I wished I wanted her, but I didn’t. For the past couple of weeks she’d been mine . . . but not anymore. The only reason I kept her around was because she looked like Ashleigh, with her dark hair and wide-set green eyes. But no matter how I diced it, she just wasn’t the same.
“I’m not in the mood today, Natalie.” Grabbing a towel, I ran it over my body quickly and reached into my locker for a clean T-shirt and jeans.
“Not in the mood? Since when are you not ready for me? We’ve been doing this for how long now?”
Almost every day for the past couple of weeks.
Arms crossed over her chest, she glared at me with anger radiating from those emerald green eyes of hers.
“It doesn’t matter,” I replied, “I’m done.”
“You’re done?” she scoffed. “Just like that?”
Zipping up my jeans, I nodded my head and started for the door. “Yep, just like that.”
I’d been told by many women I was an ass. It didn’t bother me. Not even when Natalie called me every single name in the book as I walked away from her, screaming as loud as she could. Today was shaping up to be one spectacularly shitty day.
My prediction was confirmed when I walked out of the locker room and locked eyes with the one person I’d been avoiding. Dressed in her tiny black shorts and red sports bra, Gabriella was ready to train. It was amazing how fast her body had transformed from slim to outright muscle. But from the looks of her, she didn’t know I knew about Ashleigh.
She was up in the ring talking animatedly to Camden and my coach. When she spotted me, I didn’t smile back at her. She said her goodbyes to my brother and hesitantly walked down to me, stopping a couple of feet away.
“Why haven’t you answered my calls?” she asked.
About that time, Natalie stormed out of the locker room, her hair dripping water all over her tight, white tank top. “Get used to it, honey. I wouldn’t waste your time on this dickwad.”
