Xavier Cold (Hard Knocks #2)(3)

“I’ve already worked things out with Rex. He’ll agree to save your ass, if I make him the next champion.”

I should be grateful for this easy out, but I can’t stop myself from being pissed.

The muscle in my jaw flexes beneath my skin. Rex getting the belt this way is soul-crushing. That championship should’ve been mine, and had I not lost my f*cking head, I would be on my way to wrapping that gold around my waist. Instead, I practically handed Rex the belt on a silver f*cking platter.

I always f*ck up everything good in my life, which is why I’m holding on to Anna with both hands and doing my best to do right by her. If that means allowing Rex this short-lived victory to keep me from being behind bars, then that’s the way it has to be. I need this job more than anything to support Anna and to prove to her that I can take care of her every need.

“The problem is”—He rubs his chin—“it doesn’t seem like the mandatory vacation I sent you on was enough distance between you and Rex, so I’m suspending you, X. I have to make an example out of you, so the other employees see that, no matter who you are, they cannot pull stunts like this and walk away from this matter scot-free.”

I hate the idea of not being able to work, but it’s a hell of a lot better than rotting in jail or spending all my time on probation. My boss will get no argument out of me on this one.

I sigh. “For how long?”

“Three months,” he answers matter-of-factly. “And during that time period, you will not be permitted in any arena where we hold shows. Hell, I don’t even want to hear about you being in the same city as Tension while you’re suspended.”

I nod. “Fine. Stay the hell away—I got it. Anna and I will head back to Detroit until this is finished.”

“No, only you. This suspension doesn’t apply to Anna. She’ll still be required to show up to every show as scheduled.”

The thought of Anna being alone where Rex and Deena can get to her while I’m not there to protect her is more than I can f*cking handle. I can’t allow that to happen. I’m supposed to watch over her. How am I supposed to do that if I’m hundreds of miles away in another state?

“That’s not going to happen,” I retort. “If I’m not there, Anna isn’t going. You don’t need her.”

“Fine.” He shrugs. “That’s on you, but I will fire her if she doesn’t show up, and when your suspension is lifted, I will not allow her back into the building during any of our shows.”

I narrow my eyes. “You can’t do that. That’s blackmail.”

He releases a bitter laugh from the back of his throat. “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? I own Tension. I can do whatever I please.”

I drag my fingers through my hair.

Fuck.

What in the hell am I supposed to do here? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. There’s only one real option left.

My eyes lock with his. “Maybe I should quit then.”

“To do what? A man with a temper like yours needs this job, so don’t be ridiculous. Anna is imperative to the storylines. That’s it. Play along and do as I ask for the next three months, and all will be forgiven. Then, you can get back in the ring and go after that championship spot.”

I shake my head. I won’t sacrifice being with Anna for the sake of my job.

I open my mouth to tell my boss this very thing when Anna leans forward and quickly glances at me before turning her attention to our boss.

“That’s a generous offer, sir. We’ll figure out a way to make it work. I will be at the shows. I don’t want to jeopardize my privileges to be backstage with Xavier when his suspension is lifted. Being with him is all that matters to me.”

“Anna . . .” I say her name like a warning.

She stares at me. “I know what you’re thinking, but I’ll be fine. I can handle things while you’re gone. Besides, it won’t be forever. We’ll be apart for only a few days out of the month. We’ll get through it.”

“Listen to her, X. She’s smart, and she has your best interest in mind.”

I know she does.

Anna has been nothing but good for me. I trust her. I absolutely loathe the idea of her being at Tension without me, but what other choice do I have than to agree right now? Being hotheaded has done nothing but f*ck things up for me, so I need to learn to be sensible. So, I’ll put on a front that I support this until I can talk some sense into her.

“Fine. But after my three-month suspension is over, you have to give me a chance to win the belt.”

I know it’s ballsy for a man in my position to make any demands, but being the champion is something I still really want.

“Of course. The fans would expect nothing less. I’ll see to it that whoever possesses the belt—”

“I don’t want just anyone. I want Rex in the ring.” That’s one part of my deal that has to be crystal clear. There’s only one person I want to see in that ring when I return, only one person I want to inflict some pain on while I strip him of the thing he values most in this world.

He nods. “That would make an epic showdown. I’ll grant that request—as long as you heed my warning and stay away from the show until your suspension is over, and I’ve had time to promote the buildup of your return.”