Page 62 of Fight for Forever

It amuses me to see how dazed she is when I step away and then how her cheeks blush when she realizes. I ask her to go sit downwhile I get us both a soda from her fridge, then join her, tossing my hat and coat onto the chair so I can sit right beside her.

“Sam has always gotten his fighters to take random drug tests.”

“Really? Why didn’t you say this sooner, tell the press?” she asks.

“Because Sam wanted to make sure we had everything straight. He doesn’t want any nasty shit coming back on us because we rushed to back ourselves up. So the last few days, he’s got reports drawn up, labs brought in, lawyers dealing with every aspect. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but Sam is a fucking genius. And a hell of an excellent trainer. He’s got me covered from every angle.”

“So they can prove you’ve never taken drugs?”

“Right from the moment I started training with Sam six years ago. I get tested at least six times every year by Sam, and again by the governing body right before every fight.”

“Wow. That’s fantastic news, Joey.”

“Yep and tomorrow I’ve got a press announcement to make. But seeing as how you’re so fucking cute, I think I can fill you in on it before everyone else.”

She pulls a face at me, but I just grin back at her.

“Before I agreed to this stupid fucking fight with Marris, I already had one lined up with another fighter called Perry Jackson. He’s a great guy, a good fighter, and we’re evenly matched. I’d been looking forward to the match because it will be a challenge, and he’s a fucking professional too.”

Her brows lift at the vehemence in my voice, but it’s only because I’m still smarting from Marris’ unfounded and damaging allegations. What kind of fucking man uses lies and bullshit tactics to win a fight?

An asshole, that’s who.

“Joey?”

“Sorry, I got lost in my head there.”

“I noticed. So you’re going to fight this other guy instead?” she worries her lip between her teeth.

I lean closer and pull her lip away so she doesn’t do it any damage, not when I’m going to be ravaging it soon. “Yeah, but not for a couple of months. But we are both meeting tomorrow to announce the fight and to show the world what a fucking liar Marris is.”

“Wow. So you’re doing it all at once.”

“Sam has it all planned. No one knows except the people involved in the fight and the guy interviewing us. Sam has kept it hush-hush. Another reason I couldn’t see family and friends. I have no restraint. I’d tell people in a heartbeat. Only the ones I trust, but Sam wouldn’t even let me do that.”

“So how come you’re here telling me?”

“Because I missed you. I want to tell you everything that is going on with me. What you think of me matters to me. And I don’t want to start out by keeping things from you.”

Meg sits in silence, staring at me with her lips parted. I think I’ve stunned her mute. I’m not afraid to admit my feelings.

“Sam will kill you.”

“Sam can kiss my ass,” I laugh. I move closer and wrap my arm around her shoulders. “I hated the thought of you doubting me. Or doubting yourself. I need you to know this is serious to me. Having your trust means a lot. It’s everything, Megan.”

Her eyes mist over. Fuck, I don’t want her to cry. So I lean in and kiss her, because it’s the only thing I know how to stop her from tearing up. Or maybe that won’t stop her. I’ll do my fucking best to help.

It works because she shifts until she’s straddling my lap. My eyes darken and I itch to touch her, but I sit still and let her unbutton my shirt, spread it open and lean forward to press hot kisses to my skin. A groan escapes me when she unbuckles my belt and tilts her head so she can look at me.

“You have a lot of making up to do,” she tells me, in a low sultry voice that makes my dick jump.

“I’ve always been an overachiever,” I waggle my eyebrows, making her laugh and my heart fucking soars at that sound.

Perry shakes my hand when he arrives at the studio where we’re about to go on live TV.

We had a match back in the day, when we were in a different weight class. Perry has only just bulked up enough to move up into this class and be eligible to fight me. He’s shorter than me, but he’s tough and I know it won’t be an easy fight, but at least I know he cares about the sport.

“That’s some bullshit Marris has pulled,” he says as we make our way over to seats in front of the two huge cameras. “What a dick.”

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