Page 277 of Second Sets Omnibus
“Sorry to interrupt, Kid. Saw you over here with your lady friend and thought I’d stop by and say hello.” Ruthless offers us a toothy grin as he holds his hands up in surrender.
“Do you come to the library often?” I quip, shaking off the adrenaline pouring through my veins.
Ruthless snorts, nodding to the little person clinging to his hand. “My kid likes the readings. But something came up.” He shrugs. “Haven’t seen you around much,” he says, twirling the toothpick with his tongue. “The crowds miss you. Wantyou back.” He raises an intimidating brow, prodding me for information.
The moment River told me that Lyric didn’t like the marks on my face, I quit. No questions asked. I’d do anything for them. Besides, I couldn’t stand to see Lyric cry anymore for me than she had. It broke me to wipe her tears away, knowing I was the reason that I had bruises on my face.
So, much to Ruthless’ dismay, I talked to him and let him know I was done. Out. No more.
I know he misses the attention I brought to the ring. The money, too. I was Rock Star. One of his best fighters. And I loved it while I did it. But I’m done with that life now. It’s in the past. Just like a slew of other things.
“I’ve found peace,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “I don’t need to fight anymore.”
“Can see that,” he says with a shrug. “If you ever change your mind…” he trails off, grinning more at something behind me. “Ah, you’re the little lady from the crowd.”
River snorts without fear. “Something like that.”
“If your man here ever needs to let out some aggression, well. I got him covered,” Ruthless’s deep voice breaks through the darkness, sending anxious shivers down my spine.
He stares at me like a piece of meat. Like I owe him something. Maybe I do. He saved me from a life of drug consumption. Instead, giving me a way to let it all out in the octagon. I’m forever thankful he stepped in and stopped my self-destruction. But I won’t risk making my daughter cry again.
“It was nice seeing you, Ruthless. But I’m out.”
His dark eyes assess me, and he nods. “Sure thing, Kid. I’m always around. You know where I’ll be.”
I nod. “Of course…” I trail off, thinking about the last time I stepped foot into the old school.
I won’t. That life is behind me. Just like everything that happened before. It’s in the past. The old Callum. I’m new again. With a brand-new outlook on life. I don’t need to ram my fists into anyone’s skull to feel better. All I need is my girl, my brothers, and my daughter.
End of story.
I nod. “Of course. Thanks for the opportunities, man,” I say, holding out my hand.
“You’re a good kid,” he mumbles, clasping my hand with his, and we shake on it. “Miss seeing you around.”
I lick my lips when he walks away, holding tight to his kid. Together, they lean in and have a discussion before disappearing into the parking lot.
“He seems lovely,” River quips, watching as he leaves.
“Lovely and him don’t mix. He’s a solid dude. Good fight coordinator…” And he saved my life. But I won’t go into that detail just yet. “How about we get her home?”
River and I get into the car and take a long way home, enjoying the ocean views. Her hand slips into mine over the center console, squeezing as we take several turns, enjoying the silence. And each other’s company. Finally, after twenty minutes, we pull into her driveway, and I park the car.
“Want to put her to bed?” she asks, inspecting my face in the shadows of the car.
“I’ll put her to bed.” A smile grows across my face when I bring our conjoined hands to my lips and lay a gentle kiss along her flesh. “And then I’ll put you to bed.”
Through the darkness, I only hear a sharp intake of breath before I get out and collect a still-sleeping Lyric. I waste zero time getting this show on the road. My girl needs me. I can practically taste it in the air.
When River unlocks the front door, I follow her all the way back to Lyric’s room, where I lay her down on her bed.
“Good night, Ladybug,” I murmur, kissing her head as River undoes her shoes.
“Daddy,” she says with a groggy voice. “Don’t leave.” Her tiny hand shoots out with deadly accuracy, grabbing me by the shirt.
“Ly,” River sighs, throwing her shoes near her white closet doors.
“It’s okay. You go to bed; I’ll only be a minute.” River raises a brow at my demand, but she does as I say and leaves the room.
