A Fighter's Desire

by L. P. Dover

  “I’ll do it,” I answered in all seriousness. “Two nights a week after I train I’ll do it if you’ll just advertise it.”

  Dumbfounded, Carter stared at me with wide eyes. “Why is this so important to you? I’ve never seen you this fired up over anything other than kicking someone’s ass.”

  My cousin came to mind, as did Megan. “It just is,” I replied. “I think everyone should know the basics on how to protect themselves.”

  Carter smiled and patted me on the shoulder. “Okay, I’ll get it set up. You can start next week.”

  As soon as he walked off, Megan came strolling through the door wearing a pair of tight black shorts and a pink tank top, her chocolate brown hair in a high ponytail. Her face was clear of any makeup, and I realized she was much more beautiful without it.

  I hardly ever saw women without all of that shit on their faces, so it was hard to get an idea of what lied beneath. She looked innocent … and completely vulnerable; a prime target for cocksuckers like her boyfriend.

  When she saw me, she smiled sheepishly and waved before walking over. “Hey,” she greeted. “I’m a little early, I hope that’s okay.”

  “No, it’s perfectly fine,” I said, getting to my feet. “Let’s get you ready.” She followed me into the ring and sat down on the mat, mirroring my stretches.

  “I want to thank you for doing this, Ryley. And just so you know, I broke up with Alex yesterday. I should have done it a long time ago.”

  “Well, at least you’ve done it now. No woman should have to put up with that. Starting next week I’m going to teach self-defense classes for two nights. Why don’t you sign up?”

  After we stretched and I helped her up from the mat, she looked up at me with her tear-filled honey eyes. “I’d like that,” she whispered, her lip trembling. “Where do I sign up?”

  “Right here,” Carter called out, holding a clipboard. “The class will be available on Tuesday and Thursday nights. You’re his first student.”

  Wiping away her tears, she laughed it off and took the clipboard, signing her name under both days. As soon as she handed it back to Carter and he walked away, she turned to me, determination evident on her face.

  “All right, let’s see what you’ve got. Turn me into a fighter, Ryley. I refuse to be a victim anymore.”

  “Then let’s get to it.”

  THE WEEK FLEW by because of midterm exams, which were most likely going to kill me before I even finished them. I probably drank enough coffee and other caffeinated drinks to last me a lifetime.

  Thankfully, once I turned in my paper to my Marine Biochemistry teacher I wouldn’t have to worry about any more tests for another few weeks. Thank God. The first thing I was going to do when I went back to my apartment was sleep for a whole twenty-four hours.

  Only one more question to go on this exam and I’d be done.

  Once I scribbled in my answer, I breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in my chair. Half of the class was still in the room, including Gabriella who was giddy with excitement. She was my best friend and roommate, and tomorrow night we were going to celebrate by going to a party … and it wasn’t just a normal party, either. Her brother, Matt Reynolds, was a famous UFC fighter, and for the first time ever he’d given her permission to go to one of the after parties.

  Gabriella had wanted to go for so long, but her brother was afraid she’d get caught up and hurt by one of the fighters. What he didn’t understand was that it was her who would most likely hurt them … literally.

  A couple of days a week, her brother trained her in the art of fighting, and now she was a kick ass fighter. I trained with her one time, and when I left with a bloody nose I vowed to never do it again.

  Still, even with all of her fighting skills, Matt would always be the overprotective older brother that she loved and adored. Unfortunately, fighting couldn’t protect the heart.

  After packing up my books, I grabbed my exam paper and tentatively walked up to the professor’s desk. With a deep breath, I slowly held it out to her; in return, she glanced up at me, smiling. “Stop stressing, Ashleigh. I’m almost positive you passed it after all of the studying you’ve done,” she whispered low.

  “I know, but I can’t help it.”

  “I understand. I was the same way when I was your age,” she explained, nodding toward the door. “Now go and enjoy your weekend.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  As soon as I opened the door, I saw my friend Colin, leaning against the wall with a grin on his face. “It’s about time you got done with that exam. I swear I thought I was going to have to wait the full two hours on you.”

  Dressed in his green and white baseball uniform, his hat covering the stark blond hair of his head, I had to admit he was sexy as hell watching me with those bright green eyes of his. Unfortunately, he was just my friend since he had a girlfriend back in his Seattle hometown. He was also my lab partner and had been for the past three years.

  “Oh, stop whining,” I teased. “You didn’t have to wait on me.”

  “Well, I thought we could eat lunch together before I leave for the weekend. Our tournament starts tomorrow, so Bradley and I will be gone until Sunday night. He wants to see Gabriella before we go.”

  I chuckled. “That’s no surprise. Is he meeting us here?”

  “No, he said he would meet us at the café.”

  There was a small café on campus that had the best panini sandwiches ever. If we didn’t eat lunch in our favorite spot on campus by the huge black oak tree, we’d always eat in the café. I was going to miss it when I graduated.

  “I swear if they don’t get together soon I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve never seen two people play so hard to get like they do,” I complained.

  “Tell me about it. He annoys the fuck out of me every day about her.”

  We both chuckled and sat down on the bench in the hallway while we waited for Gabriella to get done with her exam. “She should be done soon. You don’t mind if we wait on her, do you?”

  Taking my bag, he set it on the floor and shook his head. “No, not at all. So what are your plans this weekend?”

  “Gabriella and I are going to watch her brother’s fight tomorrow night, and then we’re going to the after party.”

  Colin furrowed his brows. “I thought she wasn’t allowed to go.”

  “Well, apparently she bailed one of them out of jail or something on Saturday night, and for payment she asked him to work his magic on her brother. It worked because he called her the other day and said she could go.”

  “And you’re going, too?”

  “Yeah, she promised her friend she would bring me. I kind of have to go.”

  His gaze darkened, but before he could say anything in response, Gabriella burst through the door. “Thank God, it’s over,” she breathed. “I’m starving.”

  “Well, that’s why we we’re waiting on you,” I chimed. “Colin and Bradley want to eat lunch before they leave. Bradley’s going to meet us in the café.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She sauntered off ahead of us and we followed, but Colin gently took my elbow, holding me back.

  “What’s wrong, are you okay?” I asked.

  His gaze was heated, full of concern. “You’re not going to hook up with any of those guys at that party are you?”

  Incredulously, I laughed and linked my arm with his. “Colin, don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. I don’t want you getting in over your head.”

  “I’m not going to. Besides, I’m single and in college. I think I’m entitled to get a little wild and crazy every once in a while. I was fine when we went to the beach, wasn’t I?”

  He sighed. “Yeah, but you had me there with you. I looked after you.”

  Stopping mid-step, I circled around in front of him and put a hand to his chest. I swear if he didn’t have a girlfriend he would be the perfect guy to be with. He was funny, smart, sexy as hell,
and had the most gorgeous green eyes I’d ever seen. However, he was my friend and that was all it ever would be.

  “I know you looked after me, Colin, and you have no idea how much I appreciate it. You’re a good friend. Your girlfriend is one lucky lady. Maybe one day I’ll find a guy just like you. However … in the meantime I’m going to enjoy the time I have. So whatever happens with me, you don’t have to worry, okay? I know what I’m doing.”

  He blew out a frustrated breath and nodded. “Okay, I believe you. Just make sure you call me if you need me.”

  I kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t I always?”

  “ASHLEIGH, SO HELP me God if you don’t get your ass out of that room I’m going to burn every single one of your books! I don’t want to be late!”

  Gabriella and I were both studying Marine Biology at California State University and heading into our final year before graduation. Ever since I’d met her in our Marine Ecology class, we’d become good friends.

  Eventually, we rented an apartment together so we could get out of the dorms. Burning my books wouldn’t be good because I needed them, unlike her who never had to open one to pass a test.

  Gabriella’s thunderous footsteps didn’t mute the obscenities coming out of her mouth as she stormed down the hallway to my room. Little did she know that I had already put away my books, straightened my long, chocolate-brown hair, and slipped on the little red dress she left hanging for me in my room while I was still asleep. I’d been right when I said I was going to sleep for twenty-four hours; once I got back from eating lunch with everyone, I passed out.

  Before Gabriella could barge into my room, I quickly finished the last touches of my makeup and put it all away. I was ready to go.

  The second Gabriella burst through my door and saw me, her eyes went wide and she stepped back, amazed. “Wow, you look so freaking hot right now.”

  Waltzing into my room, she whistled and took me in from head to toe, nodding in approval. She looked amazing as well with her sleek, raven-black hair hanging down past her shoulders and wearing a skin tight black dress that hugged her curves. All of the girls on campus were jealous of her. Hell, sometimes I was … but I loved her.

  “You are seriously going to turn heads tonight, Ash. I know you’ll have a good time. Besides, you need to let loose and have some fun. Exams are over for now, and there’s nothing holding you back. Maybe you could let one of the fighters loosen you up a bit,” she said, waggling her eyebrows. “I’m pretty sure with all of that pent up aggression, they’ll almost be able to keep up with you.”

  We’ll see, I thought to myself.

  “Besides,” Gabriella added with a wink. “I told my friends that I was bringing you and that you were a hard one to crack. The guys need a little challenge in their lives. Believe me, they never get that.”

  Sneaking into my bathroom, Gabriella grabbed my makeup bag and opened it so she could touch up her face with what I had. She’d always liked my makeup better than hers. “I’m almost positive they’ll be what you’re looking for,” she called out.

  So far none of the guys on campus were up to par with what I wanted … well, all but one. Unfortunately, he was taken. I guess you could say I had particular tastes. Most of the guys I dated were older, more experienced. The last guy happened to be someone who’d retired from making porn movies.

  He hadn’t told me until after a year of being together, but I was in love with him; he was a good guy. When he moved to Canada to be with his family, we knew it wouldn’t work. Nobody knew I dated a porn star other than Gabriella, and she thought it was awesome.

  Tonight we were going to the Staples Center in Los Angeles to watch her brother and her friends fight. I had been to a couple of the fights with her over the past two years, but never to any of the after parties. That wasn’t by our choice, but her brother’s. He made it very clear he didn’t want her hanging out with his friends for fear of her getting hurt.

  Believe me, we tried to soften him up, but nothing worked. He was an overprotective, stubborn ass male who couldn’t see that his little sister had finally grown up and was in the real world. If he knew all of the stuff she’d done in her years in college he’d have a heart attack.

  To be able to hang out with some of the sexiest, hardcore fighters in the UFC was going to be a night I wasn’t going to forget. However, even if I did want to hook up with one of them I had a code to live by.

  Yes, I was single and I could do anything I wanted, but I wasn’t the type of girl to fall at anyone’s feet and spread my legs, which was why I had no luck in finding a decent college boy. All they wanted was a quick fuck and that was it. I wanted the chase, the tension, the angst … the passion.

  When Gabriella was done touching up her makeup, she came back into my room and sprayed on some of my perfume. “What friends are you talking about exactly?” I asked. “You never told me who you picked up at the station.”

  Setting down my perfume, she smiled and started for the bedroom door. “I didn’t, did I?”

  I slipped on my red heels and grabbed my purse, following her out to the living room. “Nope. Spill it! And how do you know they can keep up with me? Being a fighter doesn’t mean you’re good in bed.”

  Gabriella shook her head and laughed, grabbing her keys off the kitchen table. “Trust me, Ash, they can keep up with you. I know what you like and I have no doubt they’ll live up to your expectations.” After exiting the apartment, she locked the door. “You know, it’s kind of sad really, but I have to live vicariously through you since my brother would kill me if I got with one of his friends. I just want you to have fun.”

  “Oh, Gabriella, you could always have your fun with one of them and keep it a secret. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be stupid enough to tell your brother.”

  Gabriella laughed. “True, but I don’t know if anyone would risk it.”

  There was one fighter she talked about a lot, and even though she denied it, I knew it pissed her off that she couldn’t pursue him. I felt bad for her.

  “So again, Gabby, how do you know these guys can keep up with me if you haven’t ever slept with any of them?” I asked curiously, lifting my brows teasingly.

  Looping her arm through mine, she pulled me down the stairs so we could be on our way. “Oh, now don’t you dare go insinuating anything. I’ve heard stories from some of the groupies at the fights, and let me tell you, they’re pretty crazy.”

  I was intrigued.

  “Do tell then,” I murmured excitedly. “Are we talking kinky kind of crazy, or just mind blowing sex crazy?”

  When we got to the car, Gabriella faced me, grinning. “Oh, believe me, it’s interesting all right, especially when I tell you that it’s the twins I’m talking about.”

  Ah, yes, I should’ve known … the Jameson twins. I could only imagine the kinds of things they were guilty of.

  I’d seen them both of them fight, and on occasion Gabriella would go and hang out with them when I was busy studying. I’d never forget the times when Gabriella and I would go to Matt’s room after the fights were over, and there would be a slew of women waiting outside of the twins’ door to see if they’d catch their eyes. It was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever seen.

  There was no way in hell I would stand there like a bitch in heat, begging for their attention; it was pathetic. Thank God, I wasn’t like that. If I was, I’d probably kill myself just to put me out of my misery.

  If there was anything I knew for certain, it was that I needed to stay away from those twins. Even though I hadn’t ever officially met them, I could see it in their eyes when they fought… they were trouble. Double trouble.

  There were plenty of other fighters I could take a chance with.

  AS SOON AS we got to the arena, we walked past the mile long line at the front and went inside to find our front row seats. I guess it was the perks of having a friend with a superstar older brother. I never really thought I would like MMA fighting when I first started going with Gab
riella, but they were actually kind of exciting. Hearing the crowd roar and cheer for their favorite fighters was intoxicating; I loved the energy.

  “I’m telling you, this night is going to be amazing,” Gabriella chimed, elbowing me in the side. “I’ve missed the carefree Ash I had a blast with over the summer. Now that fall break is here, we can let loose and have fun like we did at the beach.”

  “You mean with Bradley,” I quipped. “You two are going to drive me insane. Why don’t you just go out with him already?”

  She shrugged, but smiled as her gaze landed on something behind me. A guy wearing a fitted red T-shirt and jeans with short, jet-black hair and striking blue eyes headed in our direction with a smile on his face.

  “Hey, Cole,” Gabriella squealed while jumping in his arms. “Are you not fighting tonight?”

  Chuckling, he held her for a moment before sitting her down. “I am, but I thought I would watch some of the other fights while I had time.”

  “Are you coming to the party tonight?”

  “No, I’m going back to Vegas. Tyler will be there, though. I know he’ll be happy to see you.” He winked, making Gabriella blush. “Maybe next time I’ll be able to party with you. Have fun and stay out of trouble. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.”

  He tapped her on the chin, grinning at both of us, and strolled back to his seat. “What was that about?” I asked. “What did he mean by his last comment?”

  Gabriella waved me off. “Oh, he just knows about my brother’s warning for me to stay away from them.”

  I didn’t believe her, not for one second.

  “Okay, liar. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I have to say, though, I’m kind of jealous you know all of these bad ass UFC fighters. I wish I could trade places with you.”

  “No you don’t,” she groaned. “You know how my brother is and it’s a pain in the ass. I can’t get anywhere near the guys without someone watching me. I bet you a million dollars Matt has someone following me tonight.”