Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)(52)
PAXTON’S DEEP BREATHING was all I focused on until the sun came up, shining through the small window. I didn’t want to move and wake him up, so I stayed there while he slept. His arms were covered in tattoos from his shoulders down to his wrists and intermingled around the celtic symbols was the skull tattoo that gave him access to the Dark Side. I never noticed it before, but Reaper was printed just inside of it. I traced it lightly.
“What are you doing?”
“I was just looking at your tattoos. Does everyone have to get the skull if they want to be a part of the underground shit?”
He looked down at his arm. “Yes. And trust me, I’d take it back if I could.”
Stretching my arms, I sat up and looked for my phone. It wasn’t beside me. “Do you know where my phone is?”
Paxton slipped it out of his back pocket and handed it to me. “Mason called while you were sleeping, so I answered it.”
I took it from him. “What did he say?”
“I tell you what,” he said, getting to his feet. He held out a hand and I took it so he could lift me up. “How about we spend this day not talking about tonight? I think we need to concentrate on the good in our lives.”
“What do you suggest?” I asked.
Instead of answering, he gazed down at me with those sea green eyes of his, the intensity making me tremble. Sliding his fingers underneath my cami straps, he pulled them down my shoulders and over my breasts, exposing my bare flesh. His kisses started on my lips and trailed down my neck, only to stop at my sensitive peaks. He was on his knees now, staring up at me as he sucked my nipple into his mouth. My legs grew weak, but he held me tight, licking his way down my stomach as he lowered my shirt and shorts past my hips to the floor.
I dropped to my knees and let him guide me down on the mat. He covered me with his body, keeping his gaze on mine as he thrust deliciously hard. No words were said, it was just our bodies moving together. The perfect sound. Holding my body tight, he picked up the pace, his grunts deep and hot as his breath hit my ear. His grip was almost painful, but yet I held him with just as much need. I was close to losing control. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I squeezed them hard and rocked my hips.
Taking my face in his hands, he pulled my bottom lip between his teeth—the pleasure and pain of it sending me over the edge. My body tightened around him at the same time he released inside me. We laid there connected and in each other’s arms for what felt like only seconds, but it ended up being hours. No words, just us.
Once Paxton and I decided to separate from each other, I chose to take a shower and relax while he continued with his brutal training. There actually wasn’t any relaxing going on, but I had to at least pretend everything was right in the world. If only for a couple of hours. Sitting by the window, I could see Paxton in his garage staring off into space. I could only imagine what was going through his mind.
I had two hours before I needed to be at my apartment and still no one had gotten in touch with Paxton to tell him he was going to fight. We had no clue who was going to come for him. When Ryley had to fight, it was Scar who showed up at the arena.
My phone vibrated. “Hey, Mason,” I answered, keeping my focus on Paxton.
“Did Paxton tell you I called?”
“Yes, but he didn’t tell me what you talked about.”
He sighed. “Look, Gabby, tonight is gonna be no joke. I’ve dealt with these kinds of people before and they’re hardcore. Most likely, someone’s going to get hurt. I mean seriously hurt. I just want you to be prepared.”
“I’m ready, Mason. You know I’m strong.”
“And here’s where I need you to be stronger,” he began. “Rage isn’t just going to settle for this fight with Paxton. He wants you, win or lose. What I want from you is your full cooperation.”
“What do I need to do?” I asked.
“If something happens and Rage gets his hands on you, I want you to play along. If you fight and tell him to f*ck off, it’s going to piss him off. Not to mention, right now he thinks you’re engaged. Don’t provoke him. I’ve seen his record and he doesn’t take very kindly to rejection.”
Dread settled into the pit of my stomach. “What if he tries to rape me?”
“That’s when you fight, Gabby. Whatever happens, I’m going to be close. Are you ready for this?”
No, but I had to be.
I HAD TEN minutes left before I needed to leave. Paxton thundered up the steps and when he got to the room, his deep breaths were all I could hear.
“What are you doing?” he asked, coming up behind me. I took the ring off my finger and gently set it on his dresser. “I talked to Mason. The last thing Rage needs to see is the ring on my finger. Besides, I don’t want anything to happen to it.” It was strange, but I didn’t want to take it off. I’d only worn it for one day, but it felt like it was a part of me. “Has Camden or anyone called you yet?” I asked, turning around.
He was on edge, his fists clenched tight and his jaw firm. “No. And they probably won’t until you’re gone.”
This was it. This was what we dreaded . . . having to say goodbye. Stepping around him, I grabbed my bag, making sure I had my phone and plenty of money in case I needed it.