The Fight for Forever: The Legend Trilogy, Book 3 (Legend Trilogy #3)(11)

I reach out and lay my palm against his chest. “I may not have dealt with anything like this before, but I’m not a coward. I stand and fight. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this together or not at all. Understand me, Gabe? I’m in this with you. Whatever happens, happens to both of us. I love you.”

He bows his head, and his voice turns hoarse. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done, Scarlett. You should want to throw me out of your life, not pull me closer.”

“Listen to me, Gabriel Legend.” I poke him in the chest. “Everyone has a past. What you did isn’t who you are. You have to let it go eventually.”

He lifts his gaze and snags my fingers. “I’m fucking ashamed. I did this. I brought this to us. You shouldn’t be mixed up in it, shouldn’t even know shit like this exists. I hate that it’s touched you, even a little.”

My spine straightens as regret and guilt roll off him in waves. “Listen up, because you need to hear me and hear me well. I love you for who you are. Past mistakes, flaws, and all. I wouldn’t change you or trade you for anything. You are it for me, Gabriel. So we fight this. We fight for us. And you know what? I don’t lose.”

His arms shoot out and yank me against his chest until I’m plastered against the hard heat of his body. “You’re it for me too. I’ll find a way out of this. I promise you that.”

His lips press against the crown of my head, and I lean into his warmth.

“Good. Now, let’s pack your stuff, stud.”

“I like that one,” he says with a wink, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Of course you do.”





Eight





Legend





Bump was so excited to go with Big Mike that he didn’t put up a single word of protest as I helped him pack clothes and toiletries. The only thing he said to me before he waved good-bye was, “Make sure you give Roux extra treats! I slip them to her when you aren’t watching. That’s why she loves me best.”

As soon as I promised him I would, he strode off with Big Mike.

Hal followed Scarlett and me to Curated, and I parked my Bronco on the street out front. Maybe it’s not the smartest thing to do—advertising to Moses exactly where I am—but I’m also not naive enough to think he wouldn’t find out anyway. If he’s been watching me close enough to find the tunnel entrance to Legend, then there’s a damn good chance he knows many of my secrets by now. And by bringing the Bronco, I have transportation if I need it, and I don’t like being without a vehicle.

Hal also set up shop out front, where he has a view to the side door and the main entrance. I’m going to owe him a shit ton of money, but that’s something I’ll worry about later. One thing at a time.

Right now, I’m worrying about my old coach getting back to me. My text to him was short and to the point.



Legend: I’ve got a fight in a month. Time to get to work. Let me know when we can meet to discuss a training plan.



It’s been three hours since I sent it. My clothes are now in Scarlett’s closet and drawers, and I still don’t have an answer.

Scarlett is in the shower, where I plan to join her, when my phone buzzes.

I whip it out of my pocket, expecting to see Johnson’s name on the screen. But I don’t. It’s Silas Bohannon. What the hell does he want?

After I unlock the screen, I read his message.



Bohannon: Just came from the gym and heard that Black’s training with the coach you used to use. He’s spreading the word that he’s getting ready to crush you.



I scan the words again to make sure I’m reading it right. What in the actual fuck?

Shock and betrayal tear through me. If what Bohannon is saying is true, I want to reach through the phone to strangle Johnson myself.

I type out a quick message to Bohannon.



Legend: Are you sure they said it’s Ron Johnson training him?



Then I send another one to Johnson. My blood is boiling as I pace and peck at the screen.



Legend: If you’re training Bodhi Black for this fight, you need to tell me right the fuck now.



Bohannon’s response comes first.



Bohannon: I know what I heard and the source is reliable. I figured that means you’re going to need a new coach. I just wrapped up two weeks early on this MMA project, and my guys said they could take you on. They’re top level talent, and not to be a dick, but that’s what you need to win this thing.

Legend: What’s the catch? How much?

Bohannon: They’ve already been paid for the two weeks. The rest, they’ll do as a favor for me.

Legend: Why are you helping me?

Bohannon: Because you need it and I can.





His answer tells me nothing. Normally, I wouldn’t accept help without understanding motives, but I don’t have a lot of options right now. I’d be a fucking idiot not to take Bohannon’s offer.



Legend: Thank you. Tell me when and where to meet your guys, and we’ll get started.

Bohannon: Smart man. I’ll text you details.





The shower is still going, so I leave my phone on the dresser and head for the bathroom. I’m not wasting this opportunity either.