Текст книги "The Bad Boy Arrangement"

Автор книги: Nora Flite

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 22 страниц)

My eyes rolled in my head, lashes fluttering. Holy fucking shit. Huck was dirty, and I did love it. He was playing me like an instrument he'd been holding since he was a kid.

I had a brief moment, my mind wandering—making jumps. How many women has he been with to be this good? He was a stripper, I'd enjoyed his dance skills... did he sway every lady with his words and fingers when he had them alone?

And then, as he slammed his cock into me again, I stopped caring. It didn't matter how he'd become so good with his cock, he just was. And I was enjoying it now. Me. Just me.

Breathing heavy, Huck increased his speed. Gentle strokes become rough thrusts, our skin clapping together in the quiet alley. He was losing himself in me, and that was as much of a turn on as his calm, intentional actions.

His cock swelled inside of me, making me see stars. If I filled my lungs with more air, they'd explode, and yet I couldn't get myself to breathe. The air was made from Huxton, his scent clogging my pores, my veins.

I didn't feel the orgasm coming. It sparked, a firework with no warning. Shaking, I scraped my cheek on the wall. Nothing existed but my cunt and his cock, the two of them intertwined.

Hot, wet, I came with a shout that shredded my voice. Clamping down on his length, I was acutely aware of him twitching. Crushing my hips so hard there would be imprints—tattoos created by Huck just for me—he shuddered.

Even through the condom, I felt the force of his release. Boiling warmth, tiny spasms that went on forever.

He held me to him, sweat from his bare chest dripping onto my shoulder. Our breathing was ragged, we were both drained. Turmoil from our back and forth tension had finally escaped, leaving our bones useless mush.

I started to slip, my knees no longer capable of keeping me standing. Huck caught me, easing me down until he was holding me against his chest. He slid free, grunting in my ear. I wanted him to stay inside forever, but I chewed my tongue and didn't say such a stupid thing.

I didn't know what Huck wanted from this—from us.

I didn't know what I wanted, either.

Saying something so reckless... it risked ruining the moment.

His hands moved to my back, helping me with my jacket. Flinching at the ache in my shoulders, I reclaimed the ability to use my hands. My first action? To grab his hard jaw and yank him to me for a kiss.

He used his tongue, like he wasn't sure how to be sweet. That was fine. I didn't mind the rekindled coals between my thighs.

Pushing my hair from my forehead, Huxton looked down on me. The smile he wore went to his eyes, but not beyond. His cheeks were tinged red, a sign of his exertion—or maybe the cold. “Oh,” I said, leaning over, handing him his clothes. “Shit, put these on before you get sick.”

“I'm too warm to get sick,” he chuckled. Still, he redressed, unfurling the condom and tossing it into the trash all around us. I wanted to scold him about littering. He was too quick, speaking first. Far more serious than I was ready for. “Why the hell did you fight me for so long?”

My mouth fell open. Oh, fuck. He wanted to go there, right now? Frowning nervously, I tucked my knees to my chest. “You won't like the truth.”

He curled his fingers over my knee and said, “I'll take it over not knowing.”

Glancing down, I noted the cuts on his hand. Wounds from knocking down the man who'd wronged me. Yes, he was going to hate my news. “The thing is, even from the start, you reminded me so much of Reese.”

The anger I'd expected bloomed bright. Huck's glare went into my heart, even if it wasn't meant for me. “I'm not Reese.”

“No, I know that now.” Cupping his knuckles, I felt him startle. “But it wasn't just him. It was everyone and everything, before I'd even met him.” I made myself smile. “Reese wasn't the first asshole I got hung up on.”

Some of his anger slipped out of his green eyes. “So you think I'm an asshole.”

I showed my teeth, grinning. “Would you say you're not?”

In defeat, he copied my expression.

“Huck,” I sighed, stroking down to his wrist. “Lots of people have fucked me over. Betrayed me. I want to trust you. It's probably stupid, but you give me a good feeling. I'll do my best not to hold my demons over you, but...” I wrinkled my nose. “It's just hard. Life has been hard.”

Tipping my chin up, he graced me with a serious stare. “I'll do my best not to make it harder.”

Unnerved by this side of him, I ached to ease the mood. “Was that a dirty joke?”

“No. It was a dirty promise.”

Shit. My heart was slamming into my ribs. “I'm wary about promises. People break them. But, I think... I'm okay with that one.”

Hugging me to his chest, he put his chin on my head. “That's enough for me.”

Listening to his lifeblood, I closed my eyes and wondered if maybe...

It could be enough for me, too.

– Chapter Nine -

Zoe

I woke up smiling.

Light filtered across my eyes, making me squint lazily. For once, it didn't bother me. I'd never noticed what a pretty color the ceiling turned with the sunflower yellow casting over it. Peaceful. That was a good word for it.

For how I felt.

Turning on my side, I pulled the covers over my face and just... laughed. Holy shit. Did last night really happen?

A single, swinging fist. That was all it took to send me tumbling like a domino. I saw Huck in my mind's eye, standing so proud and fierce in the ring. Magnus, a wreck at his feet.

Then he'd turned—and found Reese.

Pushing the pillow between my teeth, I bit down as hard as I could. Fuck, it'd been amazing. Huxton was stunning, a warrior that had stomped through the staring faces and taken down my old enemy.

My heart started buzzing. I lavished in the sensation.

Learning that he'd done it all for me. That had put me over the edge. I kissed him, I reminded myself. Pushing the pillow away, I touched my lips, felt them for what seemed the first time.

I Kissed Huck. Then he kissed me.

And then...

Sitting up, I shook the hair from my eyes. I was getting too warm, reliving the events. I couldn't take any of it back. I didn't think I wanted to.

Last night, I'd fucked a stripper.

It would blow Huck's mind to learn he wasn't the first one I'd been with.

Sighing, I hugged myself and rolled onto my side. Don't make things complicated. They didn't have to be. It could just be fun. Huxton and I, well... why not just lavish in the pleasure and rush of our interactions?

Because already... I'm wanting more.

Tapping my cheeks, I jumped to my feet. Wanting more from this was irrational. I'd just been saying yesterday that I couldn't give in to this guy.

But I did.

Dammit. I needed to know where this path was headed. Stepping fast, I shoved out into the hall. I need to talk to Eliza. She knew Huck, they were old friends. If I told her what had happened, she had to give me some info about him.

Would my roommate high-five me... or reprimand me?

“Eliza?” My voice was weird in the still air. “Eliza, are you home?” Heading to her door, I knocked gently. I could hear noise inside. She had to be awake. “Eliza, I need to talk to you. It's important. I'm coming in, okay?”

No answer. Alright.

Twisting the knob, I cracked the door and leaned in. “Eliza, sorry, but I—Oh my god!”

Sprawled across her bed, illuminated by the glow of her laptop, Eliza flashed her wide eyes at me. She was naked. Entirely fucking naked.

I'd never seen so much of Eliza before. That wasn't the worst of it.

The screen of her computer showed a few chat windows, the red light of the camera blinking. Her legs were spread, back against the headboard. In one hand she held a shiny purple dildo. Or, well, she had been holding it. When she saw me, she threw it so hard it bounced off her closet door. “Zoe, what the hell!?”

“I'm so sorry!” I shouted, throwing my arm across my face. Oh shit oh shit. I hadn't expected to walk in on... on whatever that was.

Slamming the door, I stumbled into the hall—bounced off the wall, sitting heavily on the floor. My heart hammered in my chest, eyes hurting from how they strained. I rubbed my eyes, the visual of Eliza haunting me.

What the fuck had she been doing?

Shaking, I scuffled on all fours until I was in the kitchen. Grabbing at a chair, I got myself on my feet, sitting back down just as heavily on the cushion. “Fucking fuck,” I said out loud. That had been... very uncomfortable.

In the hall, hinges creaked. I sat up sharply, like my spine was made of diamonds, unbendable. Without moving my head, I watched Eliza as she approached me. She'd thrown on a bathrobe, her bare feet quiet.

Wordless, she sat across from me. The silence stretched, our eyes flicking to meet—then dancing away again. It was painful.

Finally, she cleared her throat. “Sorry you walked in on that. I thought it was locked.”

My nod was subtle. I kept looking at my hands. “It's my fault. Really.”

Saying nothing, she shifted in cher hair.

Lord, this was awkward.

Turning slightly, I watched her from the corner of my eyes. I mumbled, “Were you doing what I think you were doing?”

Smoothing her forehead, Eliza forced herself to look me dead in the eye. I managed not to flinch away. “Yeah. I'm a cam-girl, Zoe.”

A cam-girl. Jesus. “I would never have guessed,” I said, calming the nervous edge of my heartbeat. “I figured you were... I don't know. Getting money from your parents or something.”

Smiling wryly, she lifted an eyebrow. “You really didn't give it much thought, huh?”

Hanging my chin, I laughed. “I guess not.” Truthfully, I'd been so busy living my own double life, I hadn't bothered to wonder. As long as Eliza didn't pry into my life, I wasn't going to look into hers.

Camming, right in her own bedroom. Just feet away from me.

“Does it disgust you?” she asked, not hiding her sadness.

“No! No, of course not!”

She tugged at her long hair, sighing. “Then why are you all red, why can't you look at me without wiggling in your chair?”

Blushing hotter, I pointedly leaned across the table. Grabbing her hands, I leveled my tone. “Whatever you do is your own business. Okay? I'm just a little shocked, that's all.” My smile was shy. “I wasn't prepared to walk in on that.”

Squeezing my fingers, Eliza softened her eyes. “I heard you knocking. I really thought it was locked.”

Hoping to relax her more, I said, “I thought you were going to stab me with that dildo.”

Peals of laughter, sweet as candy. Letting go of me, Eliza leaned back in her chair and hugged herself. Tears squeezed from her eyes, the knots flooding away. In seconds, I was giggling, too.

“God,” she chuckled. “I closed the cam down so fast, but I bet those guys wondered what I saw that scared me so bad.” Pausing, she took a long breath. “Thanks for being okay with this.”

Shrugging high, I put my elbows on the table. “Like I said, what you do is your business. At least you're not on a street corner, right?”

Something flickered in her stare. “Would that be going too far, you think? Sex for money?”

A jagged pain moved through my stomach. She couldn't know how close she was coming to my deepest fear. “Yes. Sex for money would bother me. No one should be forced to do that.”

“Why do you think I'd only do it if I was being forced?”

Blinking, I looked Eliza over with new appreciation. Her mouth was a hard pucker, fingers half-bent on the table. I'd pushed a nerve. “Eliza... call me nuts, but are you trying to tell me you have exchanged sex for cash?”

She pinched the bridge of her nose and said, “Lying would be stupid at this point. Zoe, I used to be an escort.” I must have looked as surprised as I felt, because she lifted her hands in defense. “Not anymore. It got to be too much for me. Camming... it gives me the parts I loved about escorting, this powerful sort of rush...” Stopping herself, Eliza bit the side of her lip. “Judge me if you want, but I enjoyed feeling so wanted. It was addicting, but the danger wasn't.”

My ears were ringing. I kept waiting for her to say, “Just kidding!” But she didn't. She wasn't joking around. “Holy fuck,” I whispered. I didn't know what else to say to this news.

“Go ahead. Call me a bad person. Every other guy I tried to date seriously did.”

A full body shudder went through me. Eliza had jostled something loose. The part of me that felt worthless. The dark pit I was working to this very day to shine light on and prove wasn't real. Just a boogeyman.

I reached for her again. She dodged me, that time. “Eliza, no. God... you're not a bad person. I'm just trying to keep up.” I gave her a sympathetic frown. “You're the first escort I've ever met. I mean, former escort. Sorry.”

Why was there a dodgy sort of guilt in her eyes? Eliza rocked in her seat, looking away. I thought she wanted to say something. Instead, she stopped herself and reset. “Thank you. I didn't want to tell you. I figured you'd freak out. You uh... always seemed a little virginal, if that makes sense.”

Virginal. Well, she was wrong there.

I made fists on my thighs. Here was my opening. “I had sex with Huxton last night.”

If she had been holding another dildo, she would have chucked it at me. “You what?”

Wincing, I lifted my hands in defense. “Calm down. It just sort of happened.”

“Believe me,” she said, wagging a finger. “Sex with Huxton never just happens. Zoe, what were you thinking?”

I mumbled, “I was thinking it'd feel good.” And it felt amazing. “Now I'm thinking there's a reason you're freaking out. What's wrong with what I did?”

Standing quickly, she started pacing. “Nothing. Everything. Fuck, I told him...” Coming to a halt, she shot me a look over her shoulder. “I didn't think he'd be the kind of guy you'd go for. I thought you liked quiet, classy men.”

Laughing, I smoothed my hair nervously. “Because you think I'm uptight.” An idea hit me, I lifted my eyebrows. “Is that why you had him dress up like a damn Gucci model at my party?”

Blushing, Eliza fidgeted with her robe ties. “I missed the mark, I take it. Look, Zoe, it's fine if you like men like Huck. But uh, it's just...”

“Just?” I pressed.

Eliza sighed heavily. “Okay, you just got out of a relationship with a dude who cheated on you. I know Huxton pretty well. I wouldn't say he's a one-girl type.”

A cold wave trickled through my veins. “We just had sex. It isn't like we're dating.” Not a one-girl type. What does that mean?

Did he have other women on the side?

I felt like Eliza was hiding something from me. I was scared to push and learn more. I'd woken up so happy, and now, my insides were made of acid.

She came to my side, bending down and touching my shoulder. “Zoe, if you like him, go for it. But you might want to talk to him about what he expects... and what you expect out of this.”

Staring at her hand, I thought about Huck's busted knuckles. I just want him to fight for me. I need him.

He's all I have keeping me afloat.

Patting her wrist, I smiled lightly. “You're right. I'll talk to him and clear things up.”

Though she nodded, Eliza still looked wary.

I left the room, heading into the bathroom. I had no clue what was sliding around under the surface of Eliza's fears, but I didn't like it. Until I saw Huck, I could do nothing about the what ifs or the wondering.

So for now... I would take care of something basic.

A hot shower was calling my name.

– Chapter Ten -

Huxton

The welcoming scent of toast filled my kitchen.

In the background, I'd put on some low-tempo music. It kept me company as I scraped butter on the hot bread, my hips swaying lazily to the rhythm. I'd woken up with a song in my brain—a song created by the lovely Zoe Lillith.

Fuck, she'd moaned so loud in that alley.

I'd also woken with a massive erection. It had abated as I made breakfast, but with my memory of the night, it now returned.

Chuckling, I adjusted myself. Cradling my toast, I took a huge bite. I had an appetite; not for food, but something else. This would have to hold me over.

Grabbing my coffee from the counter, I headed into my living room. I had to dodge the brass stripper pole that went from floor to ceiling.

Sitting down on the couch, I spotted my jeans on the floor. I'd kicked them off when I'd walked in the door, leaving a trail of clothes all the way to my bedroom.

Swallowing from my mug, I pulled the pants to me with my heel. One more bite of breakfast, then I set it on the arm of the couch. Grabbing my jeans, I slid out my cellphone. The screen was dark; I hadn't turned it back on after Kaley's text.

Bracing myself, I pushed the button. The phone lit up, buzzing as messages came through. Not just from Kaley; there were a few from Gina, too. I'd left my happy clients very unhappy.

It was so unlike me. I'd never ignored them, not intentionally.

She'd sent three while the phone had been turned off;

Kaley: Oh, plans? That's too bad. You should see how wet I am. You're really missing out.

The next message had come thirty minutes later, a photo attached. Kaley must have done some gymnastics to send me such a crisp picture of her hand deep in her spread pussy.

Kaley: I'll be up all night, just come by when you're ready, babe.

Shifting on the couch, I hesitated—then scrolled past. Fucking hell. If I'd seen that last night, I would have told her to stay just like and wait for me to get there.

Running a hand through my hair, I eyed her final text.

Kaley: Fine. It's one in the morning, guess you really are busy.

You have any hot guy friends that I can call next time?

Sighing, I slumped into the cushions. Kaley wasn't used to being denied. To her credit, she had never been. I'd been with clients into the late hours, and before stumbling home to sleep, I'd still visited her.

She tried to tempt me, and now she feels scorned. Hovering over the keys, I started to type a reply to Kaley's particularly disgruntled last message. Each time I tapped a few letters, I erased it again. What the hell could I even say? Sweet talk her. That's what she wants, and it'll get me back into her good graces. That's what I want.

But my heart wasn't in it. A few more times, I struggled to craft a reply. Setting my phone in my lap, I groaned. My mind was running through my fingers, I couldn't hold it still.

I didn't want to talk to Kaley or Gina.

I wanted to talk to Zoe.

Squeezing my phone, I opened my recent calls, found the number, and dialed. Each time the line rang, it pushed the uncertainty about my clients aside. I could worry about them another time. Wasn't I allowed to have fun, to go with my gut and focus on...

On what? I asked myself, staring around my apartment. On a fling, on a girl who needs my help but fights me every step of the way?

Fuck, I loved that side of her. Zoe's back and forth had made her so different than the plethora of women who phoned me for sex. I really did love my job, but it had been... well. Easy, lately. Repetitive.

Repetitive? No. Where the fuck did that idea come from?

The ringing cut short, Zoe's voice kissing my eardrum. “Hey Huck, what's up?”

Smiling, I sank deeper into the couch. She cleansed me with that voice, but at the same time, she stirred me up. I was already reliving the way she'd moaned with my dick buried to the hilt inside of her.

With just her greeting, she'd gotten me hard. “What's up? Well, that depends on how you mean, doll.” Chuckling, I slid my palm into my boxers, grabbing the base of my cock. Huskily, I asked, “Some parts of me are more awake than the rest.”

Zoe cleared her throat. “Are you doing what I think you are?”

“Jerking myself to the sound of your voice?” Breathing out low, hot, I squeezed myself tighter. “Correct.”

“Huck! Come on!”

“Come on what?” I whispered. “I'm all alone here. Want to come by?”

She made a few noises, all adorable and hilarious. “Did you really call me for this?”

Laughing gently, I let my cock go. “Would that be so bad?” Her pause was long, so I pushed on. “I actually wanted to see if you wanted to go to the gym and practice with me.”

“What?”

“You were the one harping on me to be prepared for these fights. This is something I could really use your help with. You know the Dog House better than me.” Though, I was quickly getting the lay of the land there. It seemed to rotate around 'whatever Nehro wants, goes.'

Zoe spoke calmer, no longer freaking out over the image of me touching myself with her on the phone. “Okay. Sounds good. Which gym should we meet at?”

Poking at my now cold toast, I said, “Wherever you suggest.”

Unease dripped into her words. “The only place I really know of is where Reese trains. What if he shows up?”

I didn't know I was grinning. It had just happened, and now, my cheeks ached from it. “If he shows up, it'll be perfect. What better way to practice than to take him down?”

“Huck... I know you got him down last night, but he wasn't expecting it. Reese has been fighting in the Dog House for a long time. He's a guy to take serious.”

“I'm taking him very seriously.” Standing, I dusted crumbs away. “The problem is, he isn't taking me seriously. He called me a newbie last night. I'm far from that.”

She chuckled and said, “After seeing you fight twice now, I figured you weren't new to this. I was wondering how a stripper-bodyguard had so much skill.”

“I was born skilled.”

“Your business card should say that.”

I laughed, shaking my head slowly. “I'll consider it for my next printing.” Heading into my bedroom, I opened my closet, my phone balanced between shoulder and ear. “Tell me where I'm going, I'll head there now. You need a ride?”

Zoe was smiling, I could hear it. “What am I supposed to ride? You aren't here.”

In my boxers, my cock jumped. I hadn't been expecting that. “Proud of yourself for that one, huh?”

Now she was chuckling, but it had a warm, breathy quality. “Maybe. I'll text you the address. See you in fifteen or so, Huck. Don't be late.”

Shaking my head, I ended the call. My eyes moved, finding myself in my mirror. Running a hand over my stomach, I grazed my erection.

Fifteen minutes wasn't enough time to get myself off and be punctual.

That sneaky woman had known.

It was a quick ride downtown to the location she'd sent me. The air cleared my skull, helped me focus on what I was doing. Which was good, really.

I didn't think Zoe would want me to crash my bike because I wasn't able to think of anything but her.

Parking my motorcycle, I grabbed my backpack, pushing through the front doors. It was a small gym, but that was normal. It was aimed at MMA, guaranteeing no one who showed up was just someone who wanted to walk for hours on a treadmill.

But, because of that—and the fact it was a Monday morning—it was nearly empty. Looking closer, I saw that someone had strung up some Christmas ornaments and tinsel on the walls.

There was a guy behind the counter, a young kid who nodded at me lazily. In front of him, a big wreath sparkled. Nice to see that even gyms can enjoy the holidays, I mused.

Turning slightly, I gazed at the equipment. There was a raised boxing ring in one corner; heavy bags hanging from chains or standing on strong bases sprinkled throughout. A few weights and other tools were set on another far wall.

I didn't see Zoe yet. Hoisting my bag, I swept across the gym towards the far corner. The shower area was silent, the air cool. Water echoed around me from leaky sinks.

Quickly, I changed out of my typical jeans and jacket. Zoe had been right, I didn't look like a fighter when I'd been in the ring. That hadn't mattered, but working out in jeans—well. It wasn't ideal.

In my defense, I hadn't been ready the first time she'd called me for help. The second time... okay, sure. I could have gone home and changed, like she'd suggested. It would have been a good idea. But being around Zoe...

To me, that was the better idea.

In long, dark green shorts and a black tank-top, I stepped into the main gym. Wrapping my hands as I walked, I nearly dropped the protective tape.

She was waiting for me, her body twisted in profile. Her dark-grey tights fit every curve of her body, a sight I could have gazed on for hours. Zoe's shirt was similar to mine, except it was a rich blue. It enhanced the wild-red of her hair, which she'd tied high on her head in a bouncing tail.

Her eyes were narrowed on the Christmas decorations with clear distaste. When she turned my way, I was sure she caught the lust that was trying to crawl out of my eyes and cross the room to smother her.

“Huck!” she called, hesitating, looking me up and down. I think, like me, she appreciated what she saw.

Grinning, I tied off my wraps and closed the distance between us. “Why were you glaring at all the holiday sparkle? Do you hate Christmas or something?”

I was joking, but she faltered. “No. I mean—not exactly.” Shrugging, she scratched the side of her neck self-consciously. “I love snow. I haven't seen it in a long time.”

“That seems easy to fix. I'm from Colorado, the snow is all over the place there right now. It's a weekend drive, easy.”

Zoe was frowning, trying to stop it and failing. “Leaving isn't that easy for me. I have responsibilities, and lack of funds... you know this.”

Icy guilt spread through my bones. Clearly, this was a sore spot for her. I was eager to change the topic. Indicating her outfit, I said, “What, am I supposed to be fighting you?”

Spreading her arms, she motioned down her body; I was eager to follow. “It's a gym. This is gym wear.” Blinking, her smile went crooked. “If you really want me to spar with you, I can. I'd just hate to embarrass you when I win.”

Reaching for her wrists, I tugged her against me. “Babe, if you win, I'll be something far nicer than embarrassed.”

She felt my cock thickening in my shorts. Blushing, Zoe disengaged and stepped back. I just chuckled, glancing at the kid behind the desk. He hadn't even looked up.

“Let's focus,” she said, though her eyes kept dancing down to my hips. Tugging at her hair, she faced away, walking further inside.

I didn't mind. The view was amazing.

Following her, I looked on while she set up one of the bags. It hung between us, the chains keeping it in the air jingling. “Warm up,” she instructed.

I was plenty warm. Smiling, I bit my tongue and rolled my shoulders. “I've never had such a sexy trainer.”

Furrowing her brow, Zoe tapped the bag and backed up to give me room. “Right. Tell me about the trainers you've had. I'm trying to make sense of this weird combination of dancer and fighter that you claim to be.”

“Is it that weird?” Bouncing lightly, I threw an experimental jab at the bag. The sound popped through the air, the chains squeaking. “Sparring can get a guy in great shape. Strippers need to be in peak condition.” Winking at her, I swung again. It wasn't hard enough to make the bag swing, I was just loosening my muscles.

Zoe studied me, taking it all in. “Hmm. But wouldn't fighting injure you? You couldn't go getting a busted nose, for example.”

“Are you worried about my pretty face?” Glancing at her, I punched the canvas with more force. Reese had come to mind. Thinking about her ex had shoved adrenaline into my veins.

Folding her arms, she looked away. “I'd like you to make it out of this in one piece. For your sake, and mine.”

The venom in her voice made me pause. Eyeing her, I switched sides, hitting with my other fist. “I'm flattered. Care to tell me more about your end of this, now?”

She blinked. “I said my debt was personal.” Her lips tightened, making it obvious she wanted to end this conversation here.

Double jabs, I started pounding the bag faster, fiercer. “You're grilling me about my past, but not letting me return the favor. How is that fair?”

“It's not about fair. It's about me saying I'm not comfortable going into this with you.”

Grabbing the bag to stop it swinging, I squinted at her. “With me, specifically?”

She stared at her feet, but I spotted the guilt before she hid it. “Huck, please don't press this. Isn't it obvious I don't want to talk?”

“Extremely obvious. Which is why I'm even more curious, now.” Slipping around the bag, I scooped her cheeks up in my palms. The bandage-wraps prevented me from feeling all of her skin, and I hated that. “Secrets are fine. But if your debt is going to change anything about how I feel about you—about what I'm doing?” My thumb grazed the side of her mouth. I heard her inhale, imagined her heart fluttering. “You have to tell me. Okay?”

Zoe held my stare. My intensity won, and in the end, she crumbled and escaped my grasp. My hands fell to my hips, clenching uneasily.

“Okay,” she said, raspy. “Some parts of my debt do affect you.” Looking up at me through her thick lashes, she frowned. “I owe a lot of money. If you stay, and fight every single fight, I think it will take us... a very long time to pay Nehro.”

I tilted my head. “How long?”

Defeat stained her features. Pretty blue eyes went dark, flashing from me, to the far wall, then back again. “Years. Fucking years, Huck.”

Years. My stomach dropped, tangling my feet up. I couldn't walk, but I wanted to go to her and hold her so badly. Instead, my own self-preservation was taking over. I asked, “How many years?”

“I don't know.” She flinched. “No, sorry. I have an idea... I'm just terrified if I say, you'll walk away. You'll open your eyes and realize how crazy this is.” Laughing bitterly, she hugged herself tight. “I have to tell you, don't I? It's only right. I don't want you to hate me the way I hate Reese for misleading me.”

When she cursed his name, it reignited the fire in my belly.

The corner of her mouth lifted, nearly a snarl. Zoe muttered, “Taking half of my fucking winnings, god dammit.” Palming her forehead, she tried to run her fingers in her hair, forgetting it was tied back. The result was her freeing some strands, creating a disheveled, delicious look.

Breathing in, slow and deep, I took a step towards her. She didn't retreat. “Tell me how long.”

Shame swam from her wide eyes, settling in her soft voice. “Ten years.”

Light surged through my skull. I was doing math, adding the numbers and seeing no other logical results. But the answer was too much.

If each fight netted her a grand... and she'd said there were two or three fights a month...

Even at a glance, the number was astounding.