Page 37 of Repairing the Wreckage

Nervous energy pulses through my veins. I’m charged and ready. Almost frenzied with the need to pound my fists into Naptime’s annoying face and go home.

Now that it’s just the two of us, the show’s officially keeping us separated. The early alarms have stopped too. Underhill collects me every morning and makes me run laps outside, then we train in the gym. There he has two instructors—one black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and one boxing coach—work me to exhaustion. They push me to my limits, leaving me exhausted but ready to do it all over again the next day.

This morning, someone knocks on my door earlier than expected. I crack open the door. Bright lights sear my eyes. I blink and squint. Through the glare Venom and Bear Trap come into view.

“Holy shit.” I stagger backward and pull the door wider. “What are you two doing here?”

“Here to train you for the big fight.” Venom steps over the threshold.

After I won our match, by using a submission technique he helped me perfect, I didn’t think Venom would return, let alone return to help me.

Is it a trap? Part of a larger plot to sabotage me? To get even for losing?

Nah, Venom hates Naptime as much as I do. Even helped me shave Naptime’s head one night after the jackass got wasted and passed out on the patio.

And even though I won our match, Venom had still hugged me goodbye and wished me luck.

This fucking show has made me question everything.

I can’t afford to get lost down a rabbit hole of doubt and mistrust.

Bear Trap follows Venom inside and pulls me in for—what else—a big bear hug. His ring name makes so much more sense. I’m almost sorry we never had a chance to face off in the cage.

“You’re back too?” I slap his back and motion him farther inside, to make room for the two cameramen.

He leans down and in a low voice says, “Hell yeah, I’m back. As long as they don’t stash me in that fuckin’ hotel again when we’re done, I’ll stick around.”

I rear back and stare at him, a frown creasing my forehead. “What?”

“Yeah, you didn’t know that?” Bear Trap says. “Total media blackout until after my episode aired.” He shoots a death glare at Camera Guy Mike. “Fucking bullshit.”

“Hey, I just capture the footage,” Mike protests.

“I didn’t get to go home yet, so I’m guessing my dismissal hasn’t aired.” A sly smile curves Venom’s lips. “But at least they let Kelly come stay with me.”

Bear Trap grunts and rolls his eyes. “Yeah, and based on what came through the hotel’s thin walls last night, he’s desperately trying to impregnate her.”

Venom slowly swivels his head Bear Trap’s way. “The fuck you listening for, perv?”

My remaining doubts ease into gratitude for their presence. I burst out laughing and step between them. “I’m so glad you guys are back.” I lean sideways and stare into the hallway. “Woolly didn’t come with you?”

“Nah, man. He had enough,” Venom says. “Soon as they said he could bounce, he was gone like Tigger the Tiger.”

“Thanks for coming back.” I pat Bear Trap’s shoulder. “You’ve been gone for a while. I thought you would’ve forgotten all about me.”

“How could I forget you?” His voice and posture vibrate with enthusiasm.

We spend a few minutes catching up but it’s awkward with the cameras guys circling us like hungry turkey vultures hoping to pick our carcasses clean.

Underhill’s been a good coach but having my fellow fighters back to support me means a lot more.

“Let’s get this done, Stonewall!” Venom pulls Bear Trap and me in for a bowed-head huddle. Something I’m sure the cameras are enjoying since they zoom in close.

“Something, something profound, something meaningful something encouragement,” Venom mutters.

I snort-laugh at his nonsensical mumbling for the camera. The corner of his mouth quirks but he doesn’t open his eyes.

Venom lifts his arm from my back, ending our huddle.

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