Page 20 of Dali: The Demolisher

“I hadn’t thought about it like that,” I admitted, leaning against the bar. “He’s just so young. Thirty years old. Like… who am I to stop him while he’s in his prime?”

“That’s fair. And just being honest, Dali might not have liked what you said but I know he respected it. Realistically, he might have had ten more years in him before wanting to retire regardless of what the two of you had going on. Maybe that would have been another ten or fifteen fights. I’on know, sis. I don’t think that matters to him more than you do.”

“But you don’t think he’ll regret retiring too soon?”

Dynasty shrugged. “Maybe.” He smiled. “I imagine he’ll have moments where he misses it like any other athlete does. But I also imagine being loved by you… waking up to you… raising babies with you… that would make it worth it.”

Sighing, I chewed my cheek. “Do you think I made a mistake, Dynasty? Because I think Kennessy does. Tell me the truth.”

His head tilted then shook. “I can’t answer that. All I can say is, Ken and I are on the outside looking in and we know how the two of you feel about each other because of unspoken words you won’t share with each other. Instead of focusing on what he gave up, ask yourself why.”

“If a man loved me enough to not just give up his career but the millions that came with it, that would be the ultimate show of how much he loved and wanted to be with me,” Mona said. “I get where you’re coming from, cuz, but I really think you should let him prove how much he values you.”

“I agree,” Dynasty added. “Don’t look at it negatively or like he doesn’t have anything to gain because he does. My brother got some ways about him, but he was planning to give you that godly unconditional love. That sacrificial, selfless love. Those don’t come around often.”

They had changed my perspective and gave me a lot to think about. I hoped I hadn’t ruined my chance of being with Dali. If he decided to start boxing again, I couldn’t even blame him. I’d just have to learn to deal with it—if he still wanted to be with me.

11

Kassadee

The Past

After Camila’s Death

“Sis, you sure you good?”Ken asked for what had to be the fifth time.

Kas had no idea how she appeared outwardly, but internally, she was a nervous wreck. It was the first fight of Dali’s that she’d agreed to come to since Camila’s funeral, and the violence that usually didn’t faze her had her on edge. Every time a fist was thrown, she cringed. It got to the point where she had to leave and didn’t come back in until it was time for the main event—Dali’s fight.

Things had been progressing between them fairly well. Though they hadn’t confessed their love for each other or committed to one another, they were basically together. Gone were the days of school or the opinion of her brother being an issue for them. Ken might not have been completely on board with them being together all the time because he was alwaysdragged into the middle when they had issues, but he knew there was nothing he could say or do to keep them apart.

“Kassadee,” Ken called, gripping her arm. When she flinched, he released it. “Sis, what’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing. I just…” Her head shook. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mhm.” After forcing a smile, Kassadee released a shaky breath. “I’m good. Promise.”

She cupped his cheek and gave it a quick, soft brush with her thumb to assure him, then turned to face the ring. It didn’t matter how much she told herself what happened with Camila was not the same thing as what she saw being done in the ring, it still made her anxious. Still, Kassadee planned to push those feelings down to support her unofficial man. Regardless of the relationships she’d had, no man made her feel as safe, loved, and wanted like Dali did.

Dali didn’t just demolish his opponents in the ring; he demolished her pussy too.

She couldn’t wait for his match to be over so he could celebrate inside of her.

When the announcer began Dali’s introduction, she closed her eyes and pulled in a deep breath. Rocking back and forth, she said a silent prayer for his health and a win as she always did.

Dali strolled out to the ring, looking as fine and cocky as ever. His wide stance, bowed legs, and chiseled face made fans out of women who’d never been interested in boxing or MMA before. He shot her a wink and growled before hopping into the ring and beating his chest. The louder cheers grew from the crowd the more amped he became. As Kassadee cheered, she felt herself calm down, believing everything would be okay.

Except it wasn’t.

The moment the match started, and Dali went to work, her nervous system went haywire. Sweaty palms, a racing heart, and ringing ears combined with an inability to breathe. Each time Dali punched his opponent, Kassadee’s mind showed her Camila being punched by Brandon. When Ken realized what was happening, he tried to console her, but it wasn’t his face she saw—it was Brandon’s. When he reached for her, she screamed, thinking back to Brandon manhandling her and knocking her out.

Kennessy didn’t relent, choosing instead to carry her out in hopes that would help her center. It wasn’t until they were outside that she felt like she could breathe again. He coached her through deep breaths, keeping his hands off her though it was clear he wanted to hold her.

When she finally realized where she was, Kassadee began to sob. She crumbled into her brother’s arms, unsure what the hell had even happened.

The Next Morning

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