Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)(45)

“I’m sorry you had to see me that way. I was so angry and disgusted with what I had to do. I just snapped seeing all of those men who got hard up over watching a man attack a woman. He wanted to flog me, so I turned the flogger on him.”

Paxton huffed. “And even now it’s not over. We need to call Mason and tell him everything that happened.” He kissed me on the lips and then slid out of bed. “I think I know of someone else who can help, but I need you to be okay with it.”

“Who?” I asked curiously.

Sliding on his boxers, he pulled a pair of shorts out of his drawer and put them on. “He’s someone you don’t like very much. In fact, no one likes him right now, but he might be the key we need.”

“Who?” I repeated.

Once he had his shirt on and headed for the door, he sighed and turned around to face me. “Kyle,” he admitted hesitantly. “He owes it to us to help.”

“What makes you think he’s going to?”

“I don’t know, but it’s worth a try. I’m sure he knows who Rage is and if he does it’ll help us. I have to try.”

Even though I didn’t want that cocksucker helping us, I nodded. “Okay, I trust you. I’ll call Mason, while you deal with f*ckhead.”

As soon as he disappeared down the hall, I laid back in bed and closed my eyes. It felt like a war was coming and I was right in the middle of it. But then thinking of war made me think of Cliff. Oh my God, I don’t know if he’s okay. When I left last night, I was out of it.

My phone was on Paxton’s dresser so I bolted out of bed and fumbled with the keys. They shook so bad I could barely dial. Once his number was punched in, I waited for him to answer. When he didn’t, I called again . . . and again. He never picked up.

“Fuck, this can’t be happening,” I cried. This time I texted him.



Me: Call me back ASAP!

Me: I have to know you’re ok!



Please let him be okay.





I HADN’T TALKED to Kyle since everything went down with Kacey. All I knew was, he could barely walk and was in a wheelchair. The f*cker got what he deserved. I didn’t want Gabriella to hear our conversation so I headed out to my garage. He most likely wasn’t going to answer the phone, but I had to try anyway. After I dialed, it rang about four times. I was about to hang up when his voice came over the line.

“What the f*ck do you want?” he snapped. “To rub it in my face how I f*cked up and everyone hates me?”

Typical Kyle. “Leave it to you to think it’s all about you. I’m not calling to rub anything in your face.”

“Then why are you?”

“How are you?” I asked. He used to be one of my closest friends, and I could only imagine how it must feel to be helpless.

He scoffed. “Like you care. I’m stuck in a f*cking wheelchair, how would you feel?”

“Have you talked to Kacey?”

Kyle huffed, but then his voice turned weary, defeated. “No, she won’t talk to me. Not that I can blame her. I’d do anything to have her forgive me. I didn’t know Liam was going to do what he did.” He paused. “Have you talked to her?”

“No, I’ve been a little preoccupied with some things. I have some questions for you though.”

“Ah, so you need something from me.”

“Yes, and I’m hoping you’ll help me. Do you know a guy named Rage? I heard of him a long time ago, but I never met him.” The line went silent. “Kyle?”

“I know him. I’m just wondering why you have an interest in him.”

“Who is he?” I asked. “What’s his name?”

“Like I’m going to tell you that. The dude’s f*cked up in the head. If word gets out that I told you, my crippled ass will be dead in an alley somewhere.”

“It’s better than Gabriella turning up dead,” I thundered. “But I guess I’m not surprised you don’t want to help.”

“Wait, what does Gabriella have to do with this? Please tell me he’s not stalking her.” When I didn’t answer, he knew the truth. “Fuck me,” he stormed. “What has he done?”

“Let’s see, he wants to kill me and he’s been sending her black roses and cryptic messages. Not to mention he’s been following her.”

“Goddammit. You need to keep her away from him. The guy’s been on the run for years. From what I’ve heard, he raped and stabbed a woman because she cheated on him and then turned around and mutilated the guy before killing him too. It’s f*cked up.”

“And now he’s after me and Gabby. Please, Kyle, I need to know his name. I have to know what I’m up against.” And to see what all we can find out about him. We had no clue what he looked like and if Gabriella didn’t know, then he could be anywhere.

“Are you going to fight him?” he asked.

“Yes. He’s going to challenge me. I have to make sure he can’t ever go after Gabby.”

Kyle sighed. “Permanently?”

“If that’s the only way to make sure she’s safe, I have no issues ending him. He’s no worse than the other men I’ve fought.”

“You were always so noble weren’t you? Always wanting to fight the bad guys.”