Page 19 of Southie
My father leaned forward in his chair, placing his forearms on the desk. For the first time tonight, genuine relief flickered through his eyes.
“What terms?”
“Train me.”
My father leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. Just like that, we were back at square one.
My father took training fighters seriously. More than a job, it was a way to help men develop into the best individuals possible. Many fighters had approached him hoping to get training from one of the best fighters, now trainers, in the country, and many he’d flatly turned down.
“Train you?” My dad scoffed, shaking his head. “Son, I train those with experience. Semi-pro fighters looking to turn pro, not some novice looking to get in a good workout. That’d be a waste of my valuable time.”
The young man chuckled. “How do you think I got this job, Mr. Jennings? Don’t let my pleasant appearance fool you. I’ve been fighting on the underground mixed martial arts circuit here in Boston for the past six years, ranked first before I took this job. As soon as I learned how to hold my fists correctly, I started fighting on the streets of Southie. I can do it all. Stand up, wrestle, whatever I need to do in the octagon to win.”
“Mixed martial arts ain’t boxing, son.”
“I’m well aware, Mr. Jennings. However, I prefer to box. It’s my passion and has been since I was a kid. I’d like the opportunity for one of the best fighters ever to grace the ring to train me. Your training would allow me to continue with my plan and pay off all your debts. It is a win-win for both of us. So, what do you say, Mr. Jennings? It’s the best I can offer you.”
“And what if I say no?”
“It would be best if you don’t. It would be best for everyone.” He glanced my way. “As I said, I’m a fan, and I’d like your help. But if you don’t accept my offer, this whole situation won’t end well. When Mr. O’Connor sends me, it never ends well. I’m the end, Mr. Jennings, and at this moment your time is up unless you agree to my offer. If you don’t, this debt passes to your daughter, and we don’t want that to happen, now do we?”
The veiled threat didn’t go unnoticed by me or by my father. The way it effortlessly left the young man’s mouth, my body shivered and my palms began to sweat.
I rubbed them against my jeans, trying to calm my nerves. My father may have been stubborn and an asshole sometimes, but he wouldn’t let anything happen to me.
He slumped further down in his chair and raked his hand down his face. We sat in silence until his deep sigh sounded.
“As long as you come here to fight and nothing else,” he stated, pointing his finger at the man. “Keep your bullshit away from my gym.”
“I can do that,” the man replied. “So, do we have a deal?”
“One last thing.”
The man’s head tilted to one side and he pursed his lips.
“Stayfar, faraway from my daughter,” he pointed at me, “and then we have a deal. If you don’t do any of that, you still pay the debt, but I’ll no longer train you.”
The young man stood, and I gawked at his gorgeous as hell body. Mr. Unknown belonged on the cover of a magazine or walking the runways. He’d make a magnificent addition to my portfolio.
I wonder if he’d let me photograph him naked.
Someone’s throat clearing brought me out of my thoughts.
My gaze set on smoldering eyes filled with lust and desire. His face held a smirk which said he’d caught me staring,again. When his smug smile spread into a wide grin, displaying perfect white teeth hidden behind plump pink lips, I rolled my eyes and pushed the lustful thoughts away. It was a terrible idea, lusting over this guy, even for a sex-starved individual like me. Nothing good would come of it.
I peered over at my father to see if he’d caught our interaction, but he seemed to be in deep thought. He hadn’t noticed the sexual attraction between me and the unknown man, and I let out a huge breath. The last thing I needed was my father on my back about some nonexistent relationship between me and this attractive stranger.
I turned my attention back to the behemoth standing in front of me.
“Nice meeting you, Ms. Jennings,” he said, grasping my hand. “Hopefully, I’ll see you again, under better circumstances.”
The shock from his touch had me pulling my hand away much quicker than I would have liked. His eyes narrowed, either from the shock that coursed through our hands or my quick movement.
What should I say?
This wasn’t a friendly meeting, so I nodded in response. But, truth be told, if I had the chance to see this man again, I would, regardless of the situation between him and my father.
He smiled, although this time, it didn’t reach his eyes. He looked as though he had a million thoughts swirling through his mind.
