She whispered against his lips. “A kiss for good luck, not that you need it.”
“I always need your kiss.” He smiled.
“Kick his trash,” Avalyn said.
Bridger chuckled. “You sound like my sister-in-law Cambree now.”
Avalyn smiled. Bridger turned and strode to the ring, jumping onto the side using only his legs, like a weight lifter doing a box jump, and then sliding through. He looked strong, confident, and irresistible.
The men strode toward each other and bumped both fists. Ramsey was grinning, as usual. “It’s been a great ride, my friend. Thank you.”
Bridger inclined his chin. “Not ready to thank you yet.”
Ramsey roared with laughter at that. “You will soon.”
Bridger shook his head. “Nut job.”
They backed away and started circling each other.
Mike gestured to the bleachers. “Would you like to sit?” he asked Avalyn.
She shook her head. “I don’t think I could.”
He nodded and stayed standing next to her. Oddly enough, Avalyn had grown to like some of these bodyguards. Besides the fact they upheld Ramsey’s wishes, were paid mercenaries, and had tasered Bridger last night, they seemed like good guys.
She focused on the men in the ring, who were slowly moving toward each other. Bridger was strong, but Ramsey would most likely do something underhanded. It was his typical mode of operation.
Ramsey led with a solid swing to Bridger’s abdomen. Bridger grunted, but the hit hadn’t fazed him at all, and he moved in close and his fists started swinging. He hit Ramsey with repeated punches, the muscles in his broad back flexing with each punch. Ramsey got in his fair share of hits. Avalyn cringed each time, sometimes crying out, especially when Ramsey slammed his fist into Bridger’s bruised shoulder. After one vicious roundhouse to his shoulder, Bridger fell back, his face contorted with pain.
Avalyn wanted to go to him, hold him. Instead, she stayed rooted to her spot, praying and wringing her hands together. If Bridger won, they would be free and maybe they could figure out their relationship. If he lost … who knew what Ramsey’s next challenge would be?
Bridger had been aching for this fight for the past four days. He came out swinging, and Ramsey didn’t disappoint, trading hit for hit with him. It felt great to slam his fists into Ramsey’s body and let out his frustration and anger over his former friend putting him and Avalyn through these insane challenges.
They pummeled each other for who knew how long, and though the hits hurt, especially the ones to his sore shoulder, he didn’t slow down. Last time they’d fought, neither of them had won, but today he had to win this battle. He would. It was past time to get Avalyn away from this monster and prove that he would love her and only her.
Ramsey popped him in the nose, and in the resulting burst of pain, Bridger heard the crunch and felt blood gush out. “I had to give you something to remember me by,” Ramsey said.
Bridger wiped it away with his hand and moved back in. “You keep thinking you’ll escape once you set me free.” He slugged him hard in the abdomen, and Ramsey grunted. “Have you heard of Sutton Smith and Creed Hawk? We’ll come for you and you’ll be rotting in a prison cell before the end of the week.”
Ramsey laughed and jabbed him in the shoulder again. “That looks sore, Bridge.”
Bridger hit him with an uppercut to the chin. Ramsey’s head flew back, but he simply danced around and grinned. Bridger wiped the blood off of his nose again with the back of his hand.
“You’re ticked at me, right, bro?” Ramsey taunted.
“You have no idea,” Bridger said, slamming his fist into Ramsey’s side. The man had endangered and terrified the woman Bridger loved desperately. Ticked didn’t begin to describe the way he felt toward Ramsey right now.
Ramsey pointed at the side of his head. “Then take me out!” he yelled. “I’ll give you a free shot. You deserve it after these past few days.”
Bridger eyed Ramsey, waiting for the trick. He might break his hand on Ramsey’s skull, but that point on the side of Ramsey’s head—right below his ear—would definitely knock the guy out. It would be worth a broken hand to end this and be done.
“Come on!” Ramsey hollered at him, turning his head to give him an easier shot.
A primeval yell ripped out of Bridger’s throat as he took the shot. He smashed his fist into Ramsey’s head. Ramsey went down hard. His head whiplashed as he hit the mat, bounced, and then settled.
Bridger wanted to dive on him and keep hitting, but he forced himself to unclench his fists. Ramsey’s eyes were shut, but Bridger could see his chest rising and falling. He heard footsteps and looked over to see Ramsey’s men infiltrating the arena. Bridger put up his hands and stepped back. “He told me to take the shot.”
“We know, sir,” Klein said. He gestured out of the ring as other men dropped to their knees next to Ramsey.
Bridger was amazed once again at their devotion. He shrugged it off and strode to the edge of the ring, slid out, and then jumped to the ground. One of the men handed him a wet towel and a water bottle. He used the towel to mop up his face, gingerly touching his nose, which was probably broken. At least the bleeding had slowed.
He focused in on Avalyn. She stared at him for half a beat; then she ran and threw herself into his arms. Bridger pulled her in tight with his free arm. He was sweaty and bloody, but she didn’t seem to care. He held her close, loving her in his embrace.
Avalyn glanced up at him. “You did it. We’re finally free.”
He smiled down at her, but his stomach felt sick. He’d just knocked Ramsey out, but Ramsey had let him, had told him to hit him in the head. Why? He glanced back up at the ring. Men were still surrounding Ramsey.
“I hate to interrupt,” Mike said at Bridger’s elbow, “but our instructions are to get you two back to Miss Shaman’s plane and send you on your way. Her pilot and stewardess have been informed and are awaiting your arrival.”
“What about Ramsey?” Bridger couldn’t believe he cared, but Ramsey had yet to stir. Why had Ramsey given him a fair fight? Why did he taunt Bridger to hit him in the head and end it all? What did that mean? What if Bridger had hit him hard enough to cause brain damage or something?
“They’ll take good care of him, sir.” Mike ushered them toward the door.
Bridger kept one arm around Avalyn, clutching the bloody towel and water bottle with his other hand. He glanced back as they exited the door. He could only see Ramsey’s feet and a cluster of men bent around him. Ramsey still wasn’t moving.
Chapter Eighteen
Mike got them settled in the back of a Hummer and handed Bridger an iPad. “He requested that you see this after you won, sir.”
Bridger met Mike’s gaze. “What’s going on Mike?” Nothing in his racing mind could explain the turn of events today.
“It’s all working out like it’s supposed to.” Mike tapped on a video displaying Ramsey’s smiling face and then shut the door.
Avalyn took the iPad from Bridger, and he smiled his gratitude as he drank from the water bottle, then wiped at his face with the damp towel some more. He must look like a total mess. He’d forgotten to grab his shirt, and his sweaty back stuck to the seat. But all he cared about was that Avalyn was safe and they were done. A feeling of relief washed over him. He said a silent prayer of thanks that they’d survived and Avalyn’s virtue had been preserved.
Avalyn pushed the play button as Mike climbed in and started the vehicle. The video spun for a second, then started playing. Bridger hardly noticed the vehicle pulling out onto the quiet street. His gaze was fixed on the image of Ramsey, standing on the deck of his yacht, grinning like he always did.
“Bridger, my friend. I wanted to say thank you and you’re welcome.” Ramsey eyes twinkled. “The thank you is for making my last days memorable.” He paused.
“Last days?” Bridger questioned Mike.
“Please just watch, sir,” Mike sa
id.
Avalyn pressed into Bridger’s side and stared up at him. He tried to smile reassuringly.
“I have a brain tumor,” Ramsey explained. “It’s wrapped around my brain stem and growing rapidly.”
Avalyn gasped. Bridger felt dizzy. He sucked down another gulp of water, his eyes riveted to his former friend.
“I found out last week when I passed out surfing. The doctors all told me surgery was impossible, and as aggressive as the tumor is, it would put pressure on the brain stem and I would be dead very soon.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Not great news, so I decided to go out with a bang.” With a wink, he said, “I apologize for any stress on you or Miss Shaman. I am prepared to keep her safe, even though you have no way of knowing that. If you’re watching this, it means you’ve won and hopefully you’ve hit me hard enough to speed my miserable end. The research shows a hard hit to my head will end it all.”
Bridger’s heart hammered against his chest. Ramsey had used Bridger to kill himself? He hated Ramsey even more right now, but at the same time he felt sorry for him. The guy was certifiably crazy, but Bridger couldn’t imagine knowing you were going to die. What would he do? How would he act?
He felt Avalyn against his side. He wouldn’t have risked anybody else’s life; that was for sure. He’d never forgive Ramsey for that. Even though the man thought he had safety precautions in place, they’d come close to losing Avalyn in the water and in the air.
“So I thank you for being with me at the end and for ending it for me. I’ve always thought of you as a close friend, Bridge. I respect you and bow to your superiority. You always win, but I’m okay with that now.” Ramsey grinned again. “The reason I say you’re welcome is because of me bringing Avalyn Shaman into this.”
Avalyn pulled in a breath. Bridger wrapped his arm around her and hoped his touch was comforting. He probably stunk to high heaven.
“You think your love for her is so secret, but I knew about it years ago. Remember? We were doing a surf competition in Australia, and there was a live feed of Avalyn helping some village on the news. You were glued to it, and when I asked you about her, you said, ‘My dream woman, so out of my league it’s laughable.’”
Bridger grimaced as the memory resurfaced. It was still true.
“I watched you over the years, and no matter how many women you were with, I could see you only wanted her.”
Avalyn stiffened against him. Bridger wanted to correct the way Ramsey had phrased that, but the video was continuing.
“So I set this all up for a fun competition, to spend my last days with my favorite opponent, a man I respect above all others, and to hopefully push your dream woman into your arms. I hope you get the love I know you deserve. You’re the best, man.” He gave a thumbs-up.
“Avalyn,” Ramsey continued, “I apologize for what I’m going to put you through the next few days. I may die at any time, and then you’d avoid some of the challenges. It’ll be fun to see. I hope you give my friend Bridger the love he deserves, and I hope someday you won’t hate me as much as you probably do right now. You can tell your kids about their crazy Uncle Ramsey who brought you two together.” He wrinkled his nose. “A guy can hope, right?”
Bridger hoped she would love him also; the thought of kids made his heart swell. He wanted children, with Avalyn. He knew and understood her reservations. He would work through them, no matter how long it took.
“As you may know, I haven’t been able to burn through my close-to-a-billion-dollar inheritance yet.” He chuckled. “Dang money keeps making me more money. Each of my bodyguards has received ten million dollars and will disappear after the last challenge so they receive no repercussions for their part in this little idea of mine. They are my best friends, next to Bridger, of course. The rest of my money—I believe it’s four hundred million and change—I’ve donated to Health for All, your company.”
Avalyn leaned heavily into Bridger, putting her hand to her mouth.
“I know you have no problem fundraising with friends such as the Hawk Brothers, but I wanted to do my part.” He grinned and spread his hands wide. “Go save the world, pretty lady—with Bridger by your side, of course.” He saluted the screen. “See you in the next life, friends.”
The film stopped, freezing on his broad grin. Bridger’s emotions were all over the place. He hated Ramsey, yet he felt for him and they had been friends a long time.
The vehicle was silent, and Bridger played back his memories of the past four twisted days. His mind went beyond that, and he remembered all the times he and Ramsey had competed, joked, and pushed and challenged each other. It was insane, but he’d miss Ramsey.
Mike was navigating into the airport drop-off zone. Bridger caught his eye in the mirror as he stopped the Hummer. “What happens now?”
“You both fly home,” Mike said. “Miss Shaman’s pilot has the plane ready to go.”
Bridger was grateful for that, but he had to know. “And Ramsey?”
“They’ll take good care of him. They’re taking him to a private island that he loved. As soon as he passes, they’ll bury him there.” Mike offered a grim smile, then pushed his door open and stepped out to get their door.
Bridger slid out and helped Avalyn. Luckily, his nose had stopped bleeding, and he figured he had wiped off most of the blood. He looked at Avalyn. “Think FAA is going to let me into the airport?”
She wiped at his cheek. “You’re kind of a mess.”
Mike met them on the sidewalk with Avalyn’s suitcase and Bridger’s bag. He handed them each a passport.
“Where’d you get these?” Bridger asked.
Mike laughed. “You should know by now Ramsey is all-powerful.”
Bridger laughed too. He stuck out his hand.
Mike gave him a firm shake, then backed away. He nodded to Avalyn. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know both of you.”
“Where are you going to go?” Bridger asked.
Mike smiled, rubbing at his bald head. “I’ve been hankering to open a little sandwich and ice cream shop somewhere in the Caribbean. Maybe I’ll find me a local beauty to help me.”
Bridger nodded. “Put lots of sunscreen on that head.”
“Yes, sir.” Mike smiled, tipped his head to them, then strode around to the driver’s side. He slid in, and within seconds he was gone.
Avalyn wrapped her arms around herself. “Ramsey was completely insane, wasn’t he?”
Bridger nodded. He felt a strange letdown that it was over. Competing with Ramsey over the years had been challenging and exhilarating. Now that his friend was gone, what would he do? He glanced down at Avalyn. His first order of business was to convince her that he’d be there for her.
He zipped open his bag, found a T-shirt, and shrugged it on. Straightening, he grabbed Avalyn’s suitcase and his bag. “Ready to go home, Ava Baby?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Bridger had a lot more questions for her, but he’d save them until they were safely in her plane and he’d showered. He needed to smell and look his best if he was going to talk her into his future plans.
Chapter Nineteen
Avalyn reclined into the leather seat. What a relief to be on her own plane and flying toward Long Island. She wanted to hug her family members for a long time.
The sound of water running in the bathroom reached her ears. She longed to hug Bridger again. What was going to happen between them now that they weren’t thrust together in this insane challenge?
Bridger came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, looking handsome in a gray Henley and deep blue chinos. His dark hair was wet and his face was clean of blood. She winced when she noticed his nose looked a little bent.
Avalyn gestured to the chair next to her. It would be much better to have this conversation without him pulling her close. She needed to remain levelheaded. Somehow. As his musky scent washed over her, she knew levelheaded was a lot to ask of herself.
“You look … nice,” s
he said.
Bridger grinned. “I’m like ranch.”
“What?”
“Dressing done right—smooth and creamy.”
She laughed, loving that he could always find a way to tease. He definitely was smooth. “You and your overconfidence.”
He winked, sat, and angled his body toward her. “You doing all right?”
Avalyn’s heart squeezed. How like him to be concerned about her. “I’m tired and emotional and angry and grateful.” She nodded to him. “Confused.”
Bridger took her right hand between both of his. “You don’t have to be confused about me, love. Just know I’m never leaving your side, and it makes it easy.”
Avalyn’s throat went dry, and warmth surged through her. What she wouldn’t give to agree with him. He should definitely never leave her side. Yet how could she figure things out with him nearby? His smell alone confused her thought processes. “Bridge …”
He bent his head closer. “I don’t like the sound of that ‘Bridge.’”
Avalyn pushed out a shaky laugh. “I think we need some time … and space, to figure out where we stand.”
Bridger’s mouth pursed. “I know where I stand—right next to you.”
Avalyn put a hand to her heart. “You’re killing me here.”
The corners of his lips lifted into a cocky smirk. He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. Avalyn trembled from his simple touch and the desire and dedication in his eyes. “After I’ve worked so hard to protect you?” he asked.
Avalyn smiled. “Thank you, Bridger. These past few days …” She shuddered. “The only good part was you.”
He studied her for a few beats. “Yet you still don’t trust me,” he said quietly.
Avalyn pulled her hand free, and she rested her hands in her lap. “I know you’re a good man, one of the best, but your lifestyle …” She shrugged. “I guess you’re right. I don’t trust that you won’t just fall back into old patterns with women as soon as we hit the ground and they flock to you as usual.”
Hawk Brothers Romance Collection Page 54
