Page 29 of The Fight

Shay tips his head. “What do you mean?”

I fist my hand into the sand, trying to focus on something other than what I’m thinking. Talking about my dad isn’t something I like to do. Not because I don’t love him but because it’s still just… hard. I have so many questions, but unlike in other situations, I don’t think I want the answers.

“I don’t know. Cops just said they couldn’t really put together how everything happened. His brake lines were cut, but it didn’t seem like an intentional way, if that makes sense. Apparently, the cut was jagged instead of smooth or something. So everything was still ruled an accident, but no one knows if the lines were cut as a result of the accident or if someone didit before. They ruled it an accident, though, and my mom won’t talk about it. “

“But if someone did do it, you don’t want to know?”

I shake my head. “My dad was a saint. He had no enemies or anything like that. At least, that’s how I knew him, and I don’t want to know different. I think that’s my mom’s thoughts too. That’s why we just don’t talk about it. What’s done is done.”

I want to tell him more—about the texts and how I have a feeling that maybe they can be linked. But I just watched him beat some guy bloody for touching me a few days ago. I don’t want to unleash that beast again.

Shay opens his mouth to say something else, but I cut him off.

“Maybe we should head back now. I’m sure our parents will start looking for us soon.”

As I stand, Shay stays planted in his spot for a moment, studying me, but he doesn’t make any more comments.

“Yeah,” he finally breaks his silence and stands. “I guess you’re right. Let’s go raid the bar.”

I chuckle and push his shoulder, then lead us back the way we came.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

SHAY

It’s only been a few days trying to navigate whatever it is Blair and I are, so I don’t want to ruin anything, but I can’t stop thinking about shit. About what she said about her dad, about the fight where I lost control, and about Blake and how he very well could hold my future in his hands. Especially tonight.

First fight since I taught that douchebag a lesson when he put hands on Blair. Accident or not, it fucking happened, and I hope every hit I laid into him is a constant reminder.

I stand at the edge of the ring, wrapping my hands in tape. The familiar motion and routine grounds me in a sense, but my mind is still a mess. Blake is beside me, leaning against the ropes lazily, but I can see him watching me from the corner of his eye.

“Hey,” he finally says as I turn around to face the small crowd that’s gathering and stretch my shoulders. “You’re not going to let that shit affect you tonight, right?”

I glance at him briefly, then point my eyes back to the crowd, searching out Blair. I find her off to the side, with Austin next to her, just like I instructed him.

“What are you talking about?” I keep my tone casual, but truth is, my head isn’t entirely in the game.

“You’re not going to break the rules again tonight just because your head’s not straight? I have a lot riding on you here, Shay. I even brought in a few buddies to watch.”

“I’m fine.” The words feel like a lie even as I say them, but it’s easier than trying to open up and explain anything to him.

He doesn’t look convinced. He opens his mouth to say something else, but his gaze flickers to where my eyes have been positioned. Right on Blair.

“Focus, Shay.” He shoves my shoulder, forcing my sights to him.

I nod and look down to my feet, then back up to him. “Right. I got it.”

But even as I move to slide into the ring, I can’t help but take one last look behind me to see her. She isn’t here as a ring girl tonight. She’s just here for… me.

When my feet hit the canvas, the familiar rush of adrenaline hits me hard. I’m floating, letting all of the noise fade into the background, until the bell rings out. Blake’s words echo in my mind:focus.

I shake off the distraction, ball my fists, and wait for the first swing.

My opponent comes at me fast, jabs to my ribs, testing my defense. I parry, but it’s not quite right. My reflexes are a step behind, and my mind is still somewhere else, no matter how hard I try to bring it back. I dodge, then throw a hard right hook, connecting with his jaw. It stings my knuckles, but I don’t back down. He stumbles back, but he’s quick to recover.

With every blow I land, my gaze flickers back to where Blair stands. She’s watching, arms crossed, confusion painting her face. She isn’t moving. She’s just standing there, and something about it keeps pulling my focus right to her.

Breaking my stare, I point my eyes back to my opponent. I land another jab to his chest, but my timing is off again.He pushes forward with a clean hook that catches me in the ribs, knocking the wind out of me for a second. I take the hit, grimacing, and immediately go on defense, circling back.Focus, Shay—I repeat Blake’s words like a mantra, but my body isn’t listening.

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