A Fighter's Desire (Gloves Off 0.5 & 0.6)(7)



“No,” I told him. “I’m meeting someone here at seven. I’m going to teach her some self-defense moves.”

Carter laughed. “Ah, is that what you call it these days?”

I set up my weights on the straight bar and smiled up at him before turning serious. “It’s actually not like that this time. This girl really needs help and I’m going to give it to her.”

“Is everything okay?” he asked curiously.

Sighing, I shrugged my shoulders and sat down on the bench. “Have you ever thought about having someone teach self-defense classes here?”

He nodded. “At one time I did, but all of the people who are qualified to do it already have too much on their plate. No one has the time.”

“I’ll do it,” I answered in all seriousness. “Two nights a week after I train I’ll do it if you’ll just advertise it.”

Dumbfounded, Carter stared at me with wide eyes. “Why is this so important to you? I’ve never seen you this fired up over anything other than kicking someone’s ass.”

My cousin came to mind, as did Megan. “It just is,” I replied. “I think everyone should know the basics on how to protect themselves.”

Carter smiled and patted me on the shoulder. “Okay, I’ll get it set up. You can start next week.”

As soon as he walked off, Megan came strolling through the door wearing a pair of tight black shorts and a pink tank top, her chocolate brown hair in a high ponytail. Her face was clear of any makeup, and I realized she was much more beautiful without it.

I hardly ever saw women without all of that shit on their faces, so it was hard to get an idea of what lied beneath. She looked innocent … and completely vulnerable; a prime target for cocksuckers like her boyfriend.

When she saw me, she smiled sheepishly and waved before walking over. “Hey,” she greeted. “I’m a little early, I hope that’s okay.”

“No, it’s perfectly fine,” I said, getting to my feet. “Let’s get you ready.” She followed me into the ring and sat down on the mat, mirroring my stretches.

“I want to thank you for doing this, Ryley. And just so you know, I broke up with Alex yesterday. I should have done it a long time ago.”

“Well, at least you’ve done it now. No woman should have to put up with that. Starting next week I’m going to teach self-defense classes for two nights. Why don’t you sign up?”

After we stretched and I helped her up from the mat, she looked up at me with her tear-filled honey eyes. “I’d like that,” she whispered, her lip trembling. “Where do I sign up?”

“Right here,” Carter called out, holding a clipboard. “The class will be available on Tuesday and Thursday nights. You’re his first student.”

Wiping away her tears, she laughed it off and took the clipboard, signing her name under both days. As soon as she handed it back to Carter and he walked away, she turned to me, determination evident on her face.

“All right, let’s see what you’ve got. Turn me into a fighter, Ryley. I refuse to be a victim anymore.”

“Then let’s get to it.”





THE WEEK FLEW by because of midterm exams, which were most likely going to kill me before I even finished them. I probably drank enough coffee and other caffeinated drinks to last me a lifetime.

Thankfully, once I turned in my paper to my Marine Biochemistry teacher I wouldn’t have to worry about any more tests for another few weeks. Thank God. The first thing I was going to do when I went back to my apartment was sleep for a whole twenty-four hours.

Only one more question to go on this exam and I’d be done.

Once I scribbled in my answer, I breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in my chair. Half of the class was still in the room, including Gabriella who was giddy with excitement. She was my best friend and roommate, and tomorrow night we were going to celebrate by going to a party … and it wasn’t just a normal party, either. Her brother, Matt Reynolds, was a famous UFC fighter, and for the first time ever he’d given her permission to go to one of the after parties.

Gabriella had wanted to go for so long, but her brother was afraid she’d get caught up and hurt by one of the fighters. What he didn’t understand was that it was her who would most likely hurt them … literally.

A couple of days a week, her brother trained her in the art of fighting, and now she was a kick ass fighter. I trained with her one time, and when I left with a bloody nose I vowed to never do it again.

Still, even with all of her fighting skills, Matt would always be the overprotective older brother that she loved and adored. Unfortunately, fighting couldn’t protect the heart.

After packing up my books, I grabbed my exam paper and tentatively walked up to the professor’s desk. With a deep breath, I slowly held it out to her; in return, she glanced up at me, smiling. “Stop stressing, Ashleigh. I’m almost positive you passed it after all of the studying you’ve done,” she whispered low.

“I know, but I can’t help it.”

“I understand. I was the same way when I was your age,” she explained, nodding toward the door. “Now go and enjoy your weekend.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

As soon as I opened the door, I saw my friend Colin, leaning against the wall with a grin on his face. “It’s about time you got done with that exam. I swear I thought I was going to have to wait the full two hours on you.”

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