Page 50 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

“Look, that night was a shit show, but I’m ready to move past it. Like I told you, this is business. I’m only going to see how well he can take a professional punch.”

My brother shakes his head, but his expression simmers. “For your sake, I’ll let it go. For now.”

“Thank you.” Relieved, I throw my arms around him.

He tightens his arms around me. “Can I get in on the match? I’d give anything to see him get knocked out tonight.”

“Sure. A ride would be nice.” I meet his gaze, trying to be chill and not give anything away. “But none of your shit music.”

“Just when I think we’re going to have the wholesome brother-sister relationship.” He pretends to sniff. “Also, you went halfway with the change-up. Would it kill you to dress in shirts that fit you?”

He goes to get ready, and I change into a shirt that is my size just to make my brother eat his words. Not because I want Ash’s attention. He doesn’t even need to know I’m there other than showing him the photos later.

Which is what I swear I’m going to commit to until we get there, and it starts. I take pictures and promise myself everything is fine. Ash takes a punch, and I grab my jeans. A part of me wants to trip the other dude for fucking up Ash’s face because I like kissing it, but that’s stupid.

I’m stupid. I know better. So, I take another picture.

Ash pulls himself up, and I watch his feet work, try to see the patterns between the two. They go back and forth, and I notice that the opponent keeps leaving his left open to attack. It makes sense since Ash is using his right hand every time.

Doesn’t he remember when we were kids, and he’d surprise Chase with the left hook? I look at my brother, and he shakes his head. He keeps commenting with the crowd.

The first round gets called and I sneak past Chase and go over to Ash’s corner, where his coach is already drilling the heck out of him.

“The left is open! Strike with your left, Ash. Don’t make that mistake again, you hear me?”

“Heard, Frank.” Ash glances over and sees me. He comes over at once, throwing his arms over the ropes and smiling wearily. “Hey, bumble bee.”

The bell sounds for the next round and I snap a photo of him, then I find my seat. Within minutes, I watch Ash drop the guy with his left fist. He throws his hands up, and I snap another shot as the crowd roars around us. Chase pats my shoulder. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Are you kidding me? The match is barely over.”

“I’ve seen enough.” He points to my camera. “I’m sure you have, too.”

“Sky!” Ash shouts from the outskirts of the ring. Frank keeps dabbing his bloody face with cotton, but Ash’s eyes are on me.

“Why the fuck is he calling you?” Chase’s arm comes down around me like a leash. “We’re goingnow. I got my taste of bloodshed.”

I give Ash a fleeting look, a silent ‘good job’ and obediently go home with my brother. It’s better this way. No temptation to touch, to kiss, to reveal a damn thing. We’re not a couple. I don’t need him. So why can’t I help but think about playing nurse?

Chapter 15

Ashton

“Good job, son.” My dad says when he walks in to see me icing my face. “I heard you got a K.O.”

“I did.” I’m still trying to process “good job” coming from his mouth as he looks through mail.

“I still don’t understand how this will make you successful in life, but what the heck.”

I swallow a snappy reply.

“You dropped out of college after only a year,” he grumbles. “Do you know how much money and time you wasted when you could have been learning the business?”

“I get it. You’re disappointed. Thank you for the daily reminder,” I grit out.

“Don’t get cheeky with me—”

“Dan, give him a break, will you?” Mom asks softly, coming into the living room.

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