Page 2 of Triple the Danger

“Jesus Christ,” Ty hissed, making her turn to look at him. Where Mater sported battle scars from his time in the ring, Ty had yet to wear off any of the pretty boy shine that he still seemed to possess. At six-two, he had a solid build, but not nearly to the same degree as Mater or some of the other fighters. He made up for that with speed and lightning-fast reflexes. He sported only one scar, above his left eyebrow, and it gave him just a hint of ‘bad boy’ that worked to his advantage, given the number of women constantly surrounding him. Though, his popularity could also have something to do with his curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and slightly crooked smile that showed off straight white teeth.

He moved toward her, his face hard, but his eyes full of concern. Before he could reach her, however, Mater barked out, “Pull her car around back, Ty. We don’t want that cocksucker finding her if he starts driving around looking for her car.”

Ty slowed, and though she saw his hesitation, he nodded and moved around her to do as ordered. She would normally have made a crack about being careful with her car, but she didn’t have it in her to bust his balls right now. The adrenaline was wearing off and she needed some pain meds, pronto. Mater moved to her quickly, ushering her inside the gym without another word.

He led her to his office, then barked at her to sit before reaching for the supplies he already set up on his desk. She groaned as she lowered herself into the chair, eyeing him as he moved toward her. She had nothing to fear from him, but she also knew being gentle wasn’t his strong suit. Still, she’d suffer through any accidental pain since he was doing his best.

She took the pills and water from him, downing them quickly. Then she took the ice pack and put it to her swelling cheek, hissing out at the cold against her skin. “Where did you get this one, the Arctic?” she joked lightly.

Mater didn’t so much as crack a smile as he crouched down in front of her and took her swollen hand gently into his own. “Not broken,” he muttered, more to himself than her. “Bruised and swollen, so you’ll be stiff and sore for a few days. You’ll still be able to do that website shit you work on for those stuck-up fuckers you call clients.”

“They pay me enough that I can afford you, so what are you complaining about?” she tossed back half-heartedly. It was an old argument, and one that he only brought up to mess with her.

He ignored her, moving around her to poke and prod at her back, shoulders, and arms. “Nothing broken, but you’re going to have a hell of a bruise. Stand up and let me check your ribs and stomach.”

“Some might call you a creepy old man for saying that,” she pointed out as she rose to her feet, swaying slightly, but he gripped her elbow to steady her before releasing it.

“I’ve been saying that for years,” Ty quipped as he came into the office. “He’s constantly telling me to take my shirt off. Dirty old man.”

“The only people who want to see your ugly ass naked are the old, the blind, and those without common sense,” Mater grunted, bending down to grip her shirt and lift it up to expose her skin.

She should probably feel awkward, but she normally wore a sports bra and shorts when she was with them, so it wasn’t anything they hadn’t seen. Ty hissed through his teeth when he caught sight of her skin. “Damn,” he cursed. “I hope you like black, blue, and purple, sugar, because you’re about to get real used to those colors for a while.”

She figured as much. She cursed when Mater started probing at her. “Suck it up,” Mater growled, but she could see the worry in his eyes, and it was the only reason she bit back the retort she wanted to give him. “You’re lucky, the pussy didn’t break or crack them, but they’re good and bruised. He only aimed for your right side, so your left should be fine. Your stomach’s got some bruising, but doesn’t look like you have any internal bleeding. Again, you were damn lucky.”

“Certainly don’t feel lucky,” she muttered sarcastically. He narrowed his eyes at her in warning. “The only reason he got any hits in was because he punched me in the back of the head and I went down too fast to block him,” she told him. “Looks like I need to brush up on that,” she added with a teasing smile.

He didn’t return it. “Asshole took a cheap shot because he knew he couldn’t get you down any other way.”

“Hope you kicked his ass,” Ty added, looking at her expectantly.

“I punched him in the face so hard he was out cold instantly,” she told him. “Thought about giving him a taste of his own medicine, but I knew it would leave me hurting more than I am now, and I wanted to get out of there.” She looked down at the floor, shame filling her. “I don’t know how the fuck I didn’t see it. Didn’t know that he was one of them.”

“None of that bullshit,” Mater ordered sharply, making her look up at him. “You don’t let him make you start doubting yourself. Some guys are better hiding it than others, and that’s why they’re able to get away with it longer. Now, you’re going to go upstairs and lie down. I’ll wake you up every couple of hours in case you have a concussion.”

“I don’t,” she assured him. “I’ve had enough of those to know. Like you said, he was a pussy, and that initial blow was more of a stun; I fell because I was moving forward. I protected my head just like you taught me.”

Mater nodded, clearly happy with that tidbit. “Still, I’ll be checking for the first few hours to be sure. You need anything from your place?”

She shook her head. “I still have some stuff upstairs from the last time I stayed here.” Namely when her landlord evicted her and the rest of his tenants because he wanted to demo the property. Thankfully Mater let her stay with him for a couple of weeks until she found her current place.

“Good.” Then he turned to Ty. “You got her car hidden?”

Ty nodded and handed him the keys. “All good. You want me to stick around in case that prick shows up?”

“He doesn’t know about this place,” she assured them both. “I never told him where I went to the gym, and never mentioned anyone here.”

“Smart,” Ty acknowledged. “Beauty and brains are so hard to come by nowadays. Well, with that blow to the head, maybe your smarts aren’t quite the same, but it’s the sentiment that counts.”

She flipped him off, used to his jabs. Mater ignored them both and said, “Head home. We’re good here. Be back ready to actually fucking work by six am. A minute later, and I’ll be putting my boot so far up your ass you’ll be flossing with my laces for a month. And that’s after I give you a matching set of bruises. Got it?”

Used to Mater’s threats, Ty just grinned and nodded. “Got it, Coach. Saylor, you need anything, just let me know.” Then he walked out, whistling like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Soon enough, Mater had her set up in the guest room of his apartment. “Thanks, Mater,” she breathed out as she settled into the bed, uncomfortable, but the meds were kicking in enough she might be able to get some sleep.

“Don’t mention it,” he huffed out. He eyed her for a moment. “You sure you’re alright?”

“Other than being pissed at myself for letting it happen in the first place?” He just watched her, saying nothing. “Not going to lie, Mater, I’m thinking maybe I need to get out of town for a bit. Clear my head.”

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