Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(2)

“For the time being, we’re more like friends with benefits. We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Colin asks about you all the time though. I actually feel bad for the guy. We did come to the conclusion that something’s wrong with you. He’s noticed a difference and so have I. I think it’s time you tell me what’s wrong. And I don’t want to hear anymore bullshit excuses. I know how to kick your ass, so don’t make me come all the way to Aspen to force it out of you.”

Sighing, I held up the post-it note and closed my eyes. If I didn’t tell her something, I could definitely see her flying out here to live up to her promise. “I’ll tell you as soon as I find out, Gabby. I promise.”

“Are you okay?”

“I don’t know, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know. Needless to say, it might take a couple of days.”

“Just as long as you get it figured out. I want my best friend back. It’s not the same here without you.”

I smiled, but the ache in my chest made the burn behind my eyes build. “I miss you too,” I whispered, trying not to choke on my tears.

“Make sure to call if you need me . . . or if you just want to talk. I’m about to head out to the gym and get some training in, but after that, you know I’m free.”

I nodded like an idiot, knowing very well she couldn’t see me. “I will. Have fun with your training. I’ll talk to you soon.”

We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. Once I verified no one was in the lobby, I took a deep breath and picked the phone back up. I’d tried calling the number sitting in front of me numerous times, but always hung up after the first ring.

“Good afternoon, Dr. McCord’s office, this is Lisa, how may I direct your call?”

“Um . . . hi, Lisa. I’m a patient there . . . or at least, I used to be before I moved to California. I’d like to make an appointment. My name is Ashleigh Warren.”

“Of course, dear, just give me a second.” She typed away on the keyboard and then came back on the line. “Date of birth, please.”

I told her my birth date, which happened to be just a couple of weeks ago. Even though I was only twenty-three, it felt like I had aged beyond my years over the past month. Things that used to be important, just weren’t anymore—not when I had responsibilities looming over my head.

More clacking on the computer keys. “Okay, is this for a yearly check-up?”

Hands shaking, I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. “Not exactly.”

“And why do you need to be seen? Is this an emergency?”

Halfheartedly, I chuckled and lowered my head to the desk, my laugh turning to tears. “In my life, Lisa, yes I’d say it’s an emergency.” I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I think I’m pregnant.”





NEVER IN MY twenty-four years of existence had I been knocked down and f*cked in the dry tailpipe like I’d been three days ago. Everything I once believed in was a goddamned lie. What made it worse was finding out the truth from Tyler, and not Gabriella. For a whole month I was led to believe Ashleigh was with her pansy-ass fluffer of a boyfriend, only to find out she dumped him when they got home from Vegas.

It was during that particular trip when I had her in my arms again, thinking she was pregnant with my child. A sick, twisted part of me had hoped to God she was pregnant so that I could have a fighting chance with her. Now, with her running away to Aspen, I didn’t know what to think.

The second Tyler told me what was going on I pretended it wasn’t that big of a deal, even though deep down I wanted to hit something so f*cking hard it’d make my knuckles bleed. For two days, I trained nonstop with my coach and Camden, ignoring every single phone call and text; especially, the ones from Gabby. My mind was a jumbled mess of shit. Ashleigh Warren had head f*cked me into falling for her and then she left. I was a fool to fall, but dammit to hell, I wanted her back.

I was Ryley ‘The Rampage’ Jameson. I had women falling all over themselves just to suck my dick and do whatever I wanted them to. I loved it . . . or at least I pretended I did. It didn’t help that I envisioned Ashleigh every time.

Sweat poured down the sides of my face, arms, and back as I pounded the punching bag, over and over again. My teeth were clenched so tight I could feel the pulse in my temple beating out of control. I was confused, angry, and most of all, I wanted answers. Tyler was right, I needed to find out what was going on.

“Ryley.”

I heard my name, but didn’t want to stop. Hitting and fighting was what I was good at, it kept my mind occupied from the tension pulling at my chest. Just a little bit more and the pain would be in my arms and the muscles in my back, not in—

A hand came down hard on my shoulder, drawing me back. “Ryley, stop!” my coach barked. “You’re overdoing it, son. You need a break.”

“Just a little bit more.”

“Now.” The warning in his tone made me stop. Grabbing my wrists, he lifted my hands, snarling at my busted knuckles.

Danny Echols was my dad’s best friend and the only father figure I’d had for the past couple of years. His silver hair was damp with sweat, and over his shoulder I could see my brother in the ring, taking off his gloves and looking on in confusion. Camden had no clue what was going on with me.