Fighting Shadows (On the Ropes #2)(63)

“Donna! Where is she?” My eyes jumped to the door.

“Oh, she’s not here, baby girl. She shacked up with Slate’s old boxing trainer. She lives in L.A. now.”

“No. Fucking. Way,” I breathed.

“Yep. Jimmy’s a good guy, dotes on her like she’s the Queen of Sheba. She’s still cranky as hell, so brace yourself for when she finds out you’re back. Let’s just say she is not happy with you.”

I laughed. “Was she ever happy with me?”

“Nope.” He shook his head with a smile. “Listen, I’ve got to get back out there. I’m pulling security at the back door. We’ll catch up at dinner after the fight.”

“Okay.” I gave him another hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“You shouldn’t be. You and I are going to have a serious chat tonight about that running-off bullshit.”

I watched him leave then turned to find that Flint had shifted to his chair.

“You,” was all I said as I approached him.

He flipped his computer open, not bothering to look at me. “Me?”

“Wheels, I’m not sure what to say.”

He smiled at the screen.

“You got Max and Donna jobs?”

“It’s no big deal. They helped me search for you when you left. We became friends.”

I teasingly gasped, spinning his chair until he was facing me. “Judgey McGee became friends with two middle-aged, homeless people?”

He shrugged. “They’re good people despite their situation. Some chick with a knack for running away told me that.”

“She sounds awesome.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “She sounds like I’m gonna make her ass red tonight.”

I climbed to straddle his lap, briefly taking his mouth. “She sounds like she would love that.” I smiled and his mirrored mine.

“Get out of here. I have work to do.”

“Does your work involve me riding you in this chair?”

He barked out a laugh. “In twenty-four hours, I’ve turned you into a fiend.”

I latched on to his neck, trailing openmouthed kisses up to his ear. “No, you keep doing sweet stuff that makes me all tingly. I show my appreciation in the same way I apologize.”

“Fuck,” he cursed as I circled my hips over his hardening dick.

I was reaching down to his button when I heard Till’s angry voice behind me.

“You’re late! Oh . . . Shit. Sorry.”

Embarrassed, I buried my face in Flint’s neck, but he let out a loud laugh that had me joining him.

“No, it’s okay. I was about to come find you.” He guided me off his lap. “Ash is on her way to find Eliza.” He pecked me on the lips and nudged me from behind the desk.

“Right. Yes. Find Eliza,” I mumbled, smoothing my hair down.

Till lifted his chin toward Flint as I walked to the door. “You keeping that one in check?”

“I was trying,” I said sarcastically.

He bit his lip to stifle a laugh. “I can see.” He winked and shoved his hands in his pockets as I passed.



I made my way to the row of seats Eliza had pointed out earlier, finding then blissfully empty.

Ducking under the chain blocking them off, I heard, “Sorry, miss. Those are reserved for families of the fighters.”

I spun to find a big guy with dark hair and an olive complexion leaning over the railing. As soon as we made eye contact, his head snapped back and his eyes grew wide.

“Holy. Shit.”

“I’m here with—”

“Flint,” he finished for me. “Hi. I’m Leo James, Slate and Till’s head of security.” He extended a hand.

“Hi. I’m—”

“Ash Mabie.” He once again filled in the blank. “I’ve spent a lot of time looking for you.”

I wasn’t exactly sure how to react. Was he mad?

I went with attitude. “Funny, I’ve heard that a lot.”

“I’m not going to lie. I’m a big fan of yours.”

It was my turn to snap my head back in shock. “Huh?”

“I hated it for Flint, but I was seriously impressed with how long you were able to elude us. You have no idea how many times we missed you by mere minutes. You’re good. Really f*cking good.”

I tipped my head at the strange compliment. “Thanks?”

“I heard they found you, but I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

I blew out a breath. “Well, you aren’t the only one. Flint, however, can be quite persuasive.”

“He’s a good kid. Dealt a shit hand, but what all of those boys have done with their lives . . .” He paused and shook his head. “Anyway, it was great meeting you. Officially. Enjoy the fight.”

I groaned when I caught sight of Eliza approaching as he walked away. Leo paused to hug her before disappearing into the crowd.

“I see you’re making friends already,” Eliza noted as we both sat down. “Can I please just tell you how much I both love and hate fight nights? You would think after all these years that the nerves would be gone. Nope. I want to puke right now.”

I turned my head and mentally grumbled at her attempted conversation before reminding myself to be nice. “You’re nervous? About the fight?”