“Shut the fuck up, Eden,” he growls out, before punching the wall. “I don’t have to listen to this shit anymore. Your fucking mouth is only a reminder of why I was never happy with you. You wanna know why I cheated over and over again? Why I never came home after a fight? Well, listen to your mouth and there’s your answer.”
“Oh yeah,” I yell out. “How’s my mouth for you now? Get. The. Fuck. Out.” I point at the door with a shaky hand, fighting like hell not to burst into tears of hate and anger. “Leave the child support money and go. Now.”
My whole body is shaking in anger at this point. I’ve never met someone in my entire life that can piss me off as much as Knight can. I wouldn’t even care about the child support money if it hasn’t been over six months since he’s paid any.
“I’ll have it for you in two weeks when I win my big fight. If you want it . . .” He steps into my breathing space and gives me a hard look as if to intimidate me. It has me taking a step back and sucking in a breath as his strong hands grip my waist when he speaks. “Then you can fucking come get it. I’m not being a little bitch and bringing it to you.”
With that, he walks out the door and jumps into his car, making a huge scene as he pulls out of the driveway.
My heart is racing as I stand here and grip the counter. I will not fucking cry anymore. Not even out of anger will I allow that piece of shit to have my tears.
I take a few seconds to calm down and get myself back together, before I join Alec in the jeep.
He’s sitting in the back, playing on his Nintendo 3DS as if he’s already gotten over his father letting him down for the hundredth time this week.
I don’t know how Knight does it. I feel guilty every single time I leave my son when it’s for my own pleasure. Which is exactly why last night was so uncomfortable for me.
If it wasn’t for Joni begging me to come, until I said yes, then I would’ve never went to some party to ogle over some male entertainers. That’s just not what’s important in my life right now. My son has top priority and always will.
I thought spending the whole night texting Hannah to check in on Alec would make me feel less guilty about leaving him, but it didn’t.
All it took was a few seconds of enjoyment as one of the strippers practically fucked me against a wall, to make me lose my shit and run out of there, feeling like shit.
Made me feel like Knight.
That’s the last thing I’ll do to my son.
“Ready, mommy? Hannah is waiting for me. I want to show her my new game.” He starts bouncing around, making all kinds of sound effects for his game. “I did it! I did it! I beat him.”
I nod my head and smile at him through the rearview mirror. “Good job, baby. Let’s go before mommy is really late.”
I wish like hell I could be as strong as that kid. I try like heck to protect him, but sometimes I wish there was someone who could protect me and make me believe that everything in the world is going to be A-Okay.
Someone who could make us both believe, but I have my doubts of that ever happening.
Especially with Knight in my life.
As soon as we pull up in front of Hannah’s house, Alec jumps out, dragging his backpack behind him in excitement.
Hannah is already sitting outside on the front porch, waiting on him like she said she’d be.
She flashes us both a huge smile and bends down to talk to Alec once he reaches the top step. “I’ve got a great day planned for us, kid. But you have to let me beat you in your new game first. Deal?”
Alec smiles and shakes his head. “I can’t do that! I’m really good! I don’t think I can lose.”
I stand back and watch as Alec begins looking around as if he’s searching for someone.
“Is he here? Is he here?”
Hannah laughs and stands up. “Not today, buddy. It’s not Monday.”
“It isn’t?” He tilts his head. “What day is it?”
“Saturday. You’ll see him the next time you’re here. I promise. Now give your mommy hugs and kisses so she can go to work and we can play this new game of yours.” She pats his butt. “Hurry! Hurry!”
Laughing, Alec runs at me, throwing his little arms around my neck, squeezing. “Love you, mommy! I gotta go!”
I kiss his nose and smile. “Love you too, baby. Be good for Hannah, you hear me?”
He nods his head. “Yup! I’m always good. Promise. Come on, Hannah!”
“Who’s he talking about?” I question with a smile once Alec runs through the front door in excitement. “He has a friend that comes over?”
“No, just my older brother Hunter I told you about,” Hannah says with a smile. “He still brings Alec pancakes every Monday morning. They’ve become fast friends, which surprises me since it took so long for him to warm up to me. That’s my brother though. Everyone loves him. They have fun together.”
“That’s nice of your brother to bring him pancakes still after all this time. They are his favorite.” I find myself smiling at the idea that her brother is nice enough to do something like that. But I also find myself a little sad at the knowledge that this guy does something Knight isn’t even capable of doing for his own child.
The last thing I want is for him to get attached to another man in his life that someday won’t be there anymore.
“But don’t worry. He never stays longer than an hour each week. It’s usually just me here. He’s a pretty busy guy.”
“I trust you, Hannah. You take good care of him and he cares about you. I’m not worried.”
“Hannah! Hurry! Come on!”
“I gotta go,” she holds the door open and winks. “The kid’s calling and I’ve got to make sure I beat him. Losing is getting pretty embarrassing.”
“Good luck. He’s already beat me ten times this week, even though I’m not even sure we’re actually playing against each other.” I laugh and pull out my phone, my stomach dropping when I see it’s my work calling. “Shit, I’ve gotta run. Thank you!”
I cuss under my breath all the way to my jeep as I jump inside and quickly answer my phone, out of breath.
“I’m on my way. I’m so sorry. I had to wait for that asshole son of a bitch. He showed up right when I was about to leave . . .
“You’re fine,” Riley says with a laugh. “Just wanted to make sure you’ll be here in time for your first appointment. I have you booked at eight. If not I was going to call them and try to set it back a bit for you.”
“Yes,” I say quickly. “I’ll be there in twelve minutes. Thank you so much. I owe you. I promise I’ll make up for it.”
Relief washes over me as I hang up the phone and take a few seconds to calm down and catch my breath.
If it weren’t for Riley being my boss, I don’t know what I’d do. She’s been lenient on me far too many times in the past, but taking advantage of her kindness is the last thing I want to do.
And Knight keeps pushing me to do that, making me feel like total crap.
So I’ll do everything in my power to prove to her over and over again just how much I appreciate this job.
Showing appreciation is very important to me. It’s something Knight has never shown me over the years, yet I was stupid enough to let him in anyway. It only makes it more important that I show it to others.
I promise to be better than him in every possible way I can. Especially when it comes to my son.
And when I’m ready to let another man in mine and Alec’s lives, you better believe, I’ll make sure he’s better than Knight in every way too . . .
Kash
AFTER SPITTING BLOOD, I SWING out, hitting Zack with a right hook, shaking him up and causing him to stumble back.
I stand still as he circles around me, looking for his opportunity to strike. I’m giving him one chance and then I’m taking his ass out. This has gone on for too long.
These people came for a show and that’s what I give them, even if it means me taking it easy in the beginning, giving my oppo
nent a chance to get a few hits in.
Fighting to catch his breath, Zack swipes his left foot out, but I lift my leg up right as he tries kicking it out from under me. This must give him a reason to try harder, because before I know it he swings out with his elbow and connects it to my right cheekbone before following up with a right hook.
I falter back a few steps, but I’m able to catch myself and connect my right fist to his jaw, sending him back against the ropes.
Blood splatters across his face, causing him to spit red onto his chest, before he comes at me, knocking me against the ropes.
He punches me in the ribs a few times, cornering me in, before I plow my knee into his gut and swing out with my elbow, hitting him in this nose.
He’s worn out now, completely out of stamina and I know what I have to do. There’s no way he’s going to give up before it’s over, no matter how exhausted he is.
I need to put him down.
Standing straight, I flex my shoulders and wipe the blood from my lip, before swinging out one last time, my fist connecting hard with Zack’s already swollen jaw.
Cheers of excitement fill the warehouse as he drops to the mat, knocked out cold.
Adrenaline courses through me as I throw my arms up and look around at all the people here to see me tonight. This warehouse isn’t the biggest, but it’s cram packed and I’ve come to recognize some of the faces over the months.
As much as I enjoy it though, I don’t allow myself to get swallowed up by it and let it consume me like some fighters do. Fighting isn’t really what I want to do.
Training and helping others is my main goal.
I don’t even give myself a few seconds to catch my breath, before I make my way over to Zack to check on him.
One of his guys is standing over him and squirting water over his face to help him wake up, so I give him a few minutes to gather himself before reaching down and helping him up to his feet.
“Good fight, man,” I throw one of my arms around him as I hold him up and encourage him to keep fighting. I’ve known this kid for years and the feeling sucks knowing that I probably broke his nose during this fight. “You’ve got a lot of heart and that’s exactly why you deserve to be in that ring. Got it?”
He nods his head, showing appreciation as I check on his nose. It’s definitely broken. “Appreciate it, man.” He stops a second to catch his breath, before speaking again. “There was a slim chance in hell I’d beat you tonight, but I wasn’t going down without a fight. Your father taught me well and once you take over this place and get all set up, I’m hoping you’ll train me too.”
“Of course, man.” Mention of my father has me fighting back my emotions. It’s moments like this that made me stop fighting after he passed just after my twentieth birthday.
It’s been three years now, but I still struggle with his absence. He was a huge part of my life and every little reminder that he’s no longer here kills me.
But it’s time for me to man up.
Every win brings me closer to the money necessary to get my training gym up and running. It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid and I used to watch my dad train his men.
I always thought we’d open a gym together in the future, but that dream was crushed when he got sick and passed away.
I took a break from fighting shortly after that and just picked it back up in hopes of finally living that dream and making him proud.
Stripping became my biggest income toward making that happen a while back, but these fights are only going to make the process move faster. It’s the only reason I’m fighting.
Not for the afterparties where everyone gets shitfaced or the pleasure of dominating someone in the ring. For the money.
By the end of my second fight, I’m completely drenched in sweat and every inch of my body aches with every single move I make.
Not only from the fights, but from the training and dancing I’ve been doing this whole week, leading up to tonight.
And these fights, are nothing compared to the fight I’ll be training to take on in a couple of weeks. It’s going to take a lot more preparation and dedication than what I’ve been doing for the last six months since I’ve come back.
Fighting in the warehouse is just a warm up to the big guys, I’ve been working my ass off to fight.
That’s where the real prize money sits.
“Good fights, man.” Abe appears next to me, his face swollen and bruised from his fight earlier. I can tell with one look in his eyes that he’s ashamed he messed up his chance of winning tonight. “These other guys didn’t stand a chance against you. Even they knew it. Congrats.”
I smile and nod my head, before patting his back. “You’ll get your win next time, man. Just let my ass know if you want to set up more training sessions. I’ll make time for you, but you’ve gotta show me you want it. Got it?”
He nods and forces a smile. “I might need that. I need to get back on track. No more late night partying for my dumb ass. Especially before a fight night.”
“Alright, man.” I throw the strap of my bag over my shoulder, ready to get out of here before I can get stopped again. “I have an appointment to set up. I’ll see you Monday morning for training.”
I’m just on my way out the door, when Callie rushes over and throws her arms around me, stopping me from walking.
“Congratulations on your wins tonight! Watching you fight is even better than watching you dance. I’m impressed, Kash.”
Callie’s been at Walk of Shame more than enough times for me to recognize her by face now. Not to mention, she’s been spending a lot of money on private dances from me over the last two weeks.
Her coming here tonight was just her way of trying to get me alone without the craziness of the hundreds of women at the club. More of a chance for her to get what she wants.
Which is me, naked, and on top of her.
“Thanks, Callie.” I offer her a smile, while taking my shirt and running it over my sweaty chest, watching as she practically salivates at the sight of my hard body. “Appreciate you coming.”
Not wanting to deal with her groping me and trying to work her way into my bed, I begin walking again in hopes she’ll take off with her friends and forget about me.
“Kash! Wait . . .”
Releasing a slow breath, I stop and turn around to face her, looking her over in her tight jeans and her very sexy V neck top with a laced-up front. Her huge breasts are spilling out everywhere. Cleary, she’s dressed to get attention tonight.
As tempting as she may look, I’m not looking for meaningless fun tonight. I’ve had enough fun over the years and it’s time to take shit more seriously. I’m a different man than I was when I first started dancing at Walk of Shame. I’m slowly beginning to see that.
“Me and my friends are going to the after party. Will I see you there?” Her eyes scan me over from head to toe, taking in my sweaty body, as she waits for my answer.
Unfortunately, she’s not going to get the one she’s looking for tonight.
I shake my head. “Not tonight. You ladies have fun without me.”
Disappointment washes over her eager face as her girls walk over to join her. “You sure? It’ll be fun. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Yeah,” one of her friends joins in. “We’re a pretty fun group. We’ll keep you entertained. Maybe you can invite a few of your friends, too.”
I let out a small laugh, feeling a bit teamed up on now. Double teaming might’ve worked in the past for me, but not now. “Sorry, ladies. I have somewhere to be. Not gonna happen.”
Before they can attempt to entice me anymore, I rush outside and jump into my lifted truck, checking the time.
“Shit.”
Pulling out of the parking lot, I dial Riley’s number in hopes she’s still at work.
I’m surprised when she answers it before the second ring.
“Did you win?” she asks immediately. “I’ve been staring at this darn phone wai
ting to hear news. Spill it.”
I smile into the phone. “Hi to you too, Riley.”
“Oh, please. I’ve known you long enough that I shouldn’t have to say hello anymore. Now, answer my question, Kash.”
“Yes.” I pull out into traffic and head toward Sensual Touches, hoping like hell she says yes to what I’m about to ask. “Think you can fit me in tonight for a quick rub down with one of your massage therapists? I feel like I’ve been hit by a damn semi.”
“Better hurry up. I’m only saying yes since you won tonight and I think you deserve it.” I hear her laugh into the phone before she continues. “One of my ladies is looking for some extra cash. I’m sure she won’t mind staying back for a bit and fitting you in for the night.”
“Thank you, babe. Be there in five.”
Hanging up, I speed up, taking the side roads in hopes there won’t be any traffic to slow me down.
The place closes in less than twenty-five minutes and I’m in desperate need of this relaxation tonight. I don’t care if it takes me dropping to my knees and begging this woman Riley mentioned.
I barely park my truck, before I’m jumping out and rushing for the door as if my damn life depends on it.
The woman leaving the parlor spins around to check me out as I hold the door open for her to pass me.
“Maybe I need to get a job here,” she says with a smile of admiration. “Thanks.”
“For what?” I question with a small laugh.
“Just for being so handsome.” Her face turns red as she waves and turns around to leave. “Damn, I wish I was single.”
Riley is standing right inside the door, grinning from ear to ear when I walk inside. “Couldn’t wear a shirt, huh? As if you don’t distract my clients enough already.”
“You don’t want me wearing that sweaty ass thing in here. Trust me.” I lean against the counter and wait for Riley to tell me which room. “I pretty much used it as a towel after my fight and tossed it in the truck.”
Walk of Shame Series (Books 1-6) Page 71
