Page 118 of Back in Black

She said nothing, just closed her eyes.

“I lied, Audrey. I fell a long time ago, almost from the first time you kissed me.” He put a few inches between them so he could see her face. “I love you.”

Her arms wrapped tight around him. “Let’s go home, Brett. Spice is waiting for you.”

THREE MONTHS LATER

DREW sat beside Brett after he’d achieved an impressive knockout the night before. Drew’s arm had healed pretty fast and only a slight scar remained as a reminder of that awful night. Gillian was now officially his fiancée, and she’d already given up her apartment to live with him full-time.

Millie was still being evaluated, though how it could take so long, Drew couldn’t fathom. Anyone could see she was loony. At least they kept her in a high-security facility while the court system worked it all out.

Brett and Audrey were now an item, too. The romance hadn’t negatively affected Brett at all. He was the same hard worker, with the same dedication. But now, more often than not, he had Audrey at his side.

Surrounded by media, flashing lights, and fans, Drew gave a few statements about his plans for Brett in the SBC and then took questions.

Of course, as always, some asshole couldn’t resist asking about Brett’s background. They wouldn’t give up on that and it drove Drew nuts. He’d already banned two persistent reporters who couldn’t refrain.

Drew thought about what he wanted to say, knew Gillian and Fran would both be watching, and decided, what the hell? Sometimes a rough edge was needed.

Staring out at the crowd, Drew said, “Fuck the past. Fighters like Brett are the future of the SBC, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.”

Brett leaned forward. “Let’s put this to rest, okay?” Relaxed, sincere, and comfortable, he gave a brief accounting of his parents’ woes and his dysfunctional childhood. He blew it off as it pertained to him, but then, while he had everyone’s attention, he announced a new charity that he’d started to help abused and abandoned kids.

That inspired lots of personal questions, and Brett fielded them all with information on how others could contribute to help kids in need.

Once the questions died down, Drew covered the mic with his hand and said, “You sly dog. Well played.”

Brett grinned. “It was my and Audrey’s idea to start the charity, but it was Gillian’s idea for me to announce it when the personal questions started again. It not only deflects off of me, it brings some publicity to kids in need.”

He should have known. “Damn,” Drew said. “Smart women are so fucking hot.”

Brett laughed as he pushed back his chair.

Drew led the way out of the back of the press room. He was glad that Brett had finally come to grips with his past and was looking to the future.

“Love the charity idea,” he told Brett. “I’ll donate cash, of course, but let’s have dinner with the ladies to talk about anything else you need.”

“Thanks.” Brett gave him a nod. “Gillian said you already support a boys’ home. She figured you’d want in on this, too.”

“Yeah, well, Gillian tends to see the best in me. It’s thanks to her that I’m back in black.” He clapped Brett on the shoulder. “The future couldn’t look any better.”

Brett agreed.

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