Page 99 of The Catalyst

CHAPTER 39

BETH

Isit in the front passenger seat as Martin exits the highway into Houston and my heart drops when I recognize the direction we’re going.

“Martin,” I warn as I wrap my finger around his, holding into the shift gear.

I swear, if he’s taking me where I think he is, we’re gonna fight.

“Yes, little rabbit?” A sly grin spreads across his face.

“Don’t you little rabbit me, mister. I swear, if you’re taking me to that fighting–”

“Yes, I am taking you there, but you don’t need to worry.”

I roll my eyes. “The only way I don’t need to worry is if you’re fighting someone other than Nigel.”

He shrugs. “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. He won’t get close to you with me by your side.”

“You say that now, but what about when he knocks you out?”

“He won’t,” he says with so much confidence it’s baffling.

“Oh, really? He has never lost a fight and every time I’ve seen you two fight, he always knocks you out. What makes this time any different?” I know I’m freaking out, but I have every reason to. I know he does this as some twisted kind of trauma release, but I don’t like the idea of Nigel hurting him.

“Beth,” he turns his hand upside down to hold mine in his. “He only won because I let him. It wasn’t because of his skill, strength, or speed. It’s because I wanted him to win. This time is different. I’m gonna hit him in all the places that hurt, including walking in there with the woman he wants and lost because he didn’t treat her with the love and respect she deserves. By the time we leave, he’ll know he’s never getting you back, no matter how hard he tries.”

My heart stirs as he focuses his gaze back on the road. I don’t know if I believe it’s all because he lets Nigel win. Sometimes it really looked like he was trying and failing.

I don’t want to see Nigel. I’m scared of what he’ll do when he sees me walk in there with Martin of all people.

Can Martin really protect me from my crazy ex?

* * *

With my hand in his,Martin walks me into the warehouse, but unlike every other time I’ve been here, the place is close to empty. However, anytime Nigel brought me here, we were always running late so maybe that’s why.

“So, why is your brother training Nigel instead of you?” I ask mostly to keep my mind preoccupied instead of thinking of what is going to be happening soon.

“Because he needs the training and I don’t.” He sends me a cheeky smile as he throws his duffle bag over his shoulder.

Cocky much.

Martin pushes open a door and pulls me inside. I find myself inside a locker room with a line of lockers and a big shower in the corner that doesn’t look like it belongs in this warehouse, but I guess they had to make upgrades for hosting these underground fights.

I sit down on the bench in front of the lockers and wait as Martin gets changed. He strips off his baby blue silk button down and his black slacks before moving onto those loafers. Once he’s down to his boxers, he puts on his gym shorts and a pair of tennis shoes. The entire time, I’m just enjoying the view of his glorious chest.

I’ve been successfully distracted and not by any talking but by the anticipation to get him back to the house and ride him like a cowboy. I’ve probably formed an addiction, but that’s fine.

“Come on,” he mutters as I stand up, but before I can take a step, he throws me over his shoulder like I don’t weigh anything.

“Martin!” I screech.

Please, don’t drop me.

“I’m going to have fun with this,” he whispers under his breath but I hear every last syllable.

“I swear, if you drop me–”

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