Taking the Fight, page 22
“Tap out!” I shouted, implementing more pressure on his neck.
With my heart pounding against my chest and the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my body shook as I waited for those two words to slip out of his mouth. I was so close to snapping his neck. I have never been so consumed with hate or rage that I thought I’d enjoy killing someone. There would be no remorse, no sadness … just the knowledge that I made him suffer by my hands. But if I killed Finn, it would seal my fate. Death in the ring was not part of the contract. His family would have a bullet in my head before I could take another step.
As much as I hated to let him go, I did.
Finn sucked in a breath and started to get to his feet, but I powerhouse kicked him in the face, his body falling limp with a loud thud as he landed on the mat. I waited for him to move, but all was still. Finn’s father and Tanner jumped into the ring to check on him while Seth joined me.
“It’s over,” Seth said.
Not if Finn was dead.
Tanner felt for a pulse, and he nodded over at Paul. “He’s good.”
Tanner and one of Finn’s other guys picked him up and out of the ring, and they disappeared down the back hallway. With a stony expression, Paul came over and shook Seth’s hand. “It’s over. There’ll be no more trouble.”
Nodding, Seth released Paul’s hand. “Glad to hear it.”
Paul looked at me and nodded once before turning away and climbing out of the ring. Seth chuckled under his breath and clasped my shoulder. “You’re free now. Let’s get you the hell out of here.”
Now that everything had come to a close, I could feel the pain throughout my body. I peered over at Reagan, who had tears streaming down her face. She smiled and it was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.
“Yes,” I agreed, turning to Seth. “I never want to see this place again.”
CHAPTER 38
REAGAN
FOUR WEEKS LATER
* * *
Trying to hide both mine and Braden’s injuries from our families was easier than I thought. We took a page out of Emma and Carter’s book. They’d left town after Carter’s big fight so he could heal, and that was exactly what we did.
It was crazy to think that mine and Braden’s fights were almost a month ago. It was now September, and we’d just closed on our house. I was glad to leave August behind.
Braden and I spent a week at my family’s cabin in Sierra Nevada. It was good to get away without worrying about someone trying to hunt us down. About a week after the fight, I got word that Annika did indeed move back to New York with no plans of ever coming back to California. Finn was still going to stay in town, and I hoped and prayed we never saw him again. Sadly, I had a feeling our paths would cross at some point. Nikolai still had a vendetta against my brother, Ripp, and our friends in Vegas. Their time would come, and it made me sick to think about it. After everything Braden and I went through, I could only imagine what kind of horrors awaited them.
“Hey girl,” Peyton called out. “Are you trying to slack off?”
I glanced at her over my shoulder and lifted my brows. In her arms was a massive box with the word “kitchen” written on it. “Seriously?” I fired back teasingly. “I’ve brought in ten boxes to your one. I think I’m allowed to have a few minutes to rest.” Plus, I couldn’t get away from looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room to Santa Monica Bay. Every time I’d go out to the moving truck to grab a box, I’d have to take a few minutes to enjoy the view.
Peyton giggled and disappeared down the hall to the kitchen. A few seconds later, she came back and stood next to me. I kept thinking she’d change with stardom, but she was still the same Peyton I grew up with. Her dark hair was a few inches shorter and curled with beachy waves; I loved it. Her familiar honeysuckle scent made me smile. I’d missed her.
I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, and she slid hers around my waist. “I’m glad you’re back.”
Peyton turned her bright green eyes my way; they were the same color as Braden’s. “It’s good to be here.” Her smile faded. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me.”
“No, Peyton,” I said, shaking my head, “it’s a good thing you weren’t. You were safe in Charleston. I didn’t want you involved.”
She blew out a breath and looked back at the ocean. “With Nikolai going after you, Braden, Emma, and Carter, it makes me wonder when my time will come.”
I squeezed her shoulders. “Hopefully, it doesn’t.” But, of course, we both knew that was wishful thinking. “Whatever happens,” I said, keeping my voice low, “you won’t be alone. I’ll do whatever I have to do.”
Peyton winked at me. “Thanks, Ray, but you’ve already been through too much. There’s no way in hell I’d drag you through more craziness.”
Laughter echoed down the hall, and I could hear my mom joking around with Gabriella, Braden’s mother, who was also my second coach. Before she left to join Peyton in Charleston, I’d trained with her more than my dad. Now that she was back, I had a feeling she was going to be harder on me than before.
When she and my mother turned the corner to the living room, I let Peyton go and smiled at them. Gabriella and Peyton could pass for sisters instead of mother and daughter. My dad and Paxton were right behind them, claiming they each put the beds in the two guest bedrooms faster than the other. I was happy to have them all here helping; the house was finally complete.
Gabriella held out her arms and hugged me tightly. “Welcome to the family, Reagan.” She let me go and smiled. “I’m glad you finally gave my son a chance.”
My mother grabbed my arm and pulled me in for an embrace. “Me too. We’ve been planning this for years. I knew one of our sons and daughters had to get paired up.”
Letting her go, I grinned. “Hey, you still have Peyton and Ethan. Something could still happen there.”
Peyton burst out laughing and shook her head. “I’m too busy to even think about getting serious with someone.”
Paxton came forward, his muscular arms wrapping around me. “If my son mistreats you in any way, I’ll kick his ass. Just let me know,” he said, letting me go.
Gabriella huffed. “Same. I won’t put up with that.”
I laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you.”
Paxton and Braden were so much alike in both looks and personality. As I gazed around the room at everyone, I was grateful to have such an amazing family. Soon, Peyton wouldn’t just be my best friend, she’d be my sister-in-law.
Smiling, my dad draped his arm over my shoulders. “You have a beautiful home, sweetheart. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
I leaned into him. “Thanks, Dad.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Braden’s outside saying goodbye to Ethan and Ripp,” I replied, pointing at the door. “Uncle Camden and Aunt Brooklyn left a few minutes ago. And Emma and Carter left because she had to get ready for her shift at the news station.”
My dad squeezed me once more before letting go. “All right, I guess we’ll get out of your way, too.”
Braden walked through the front door just as everyone was headed toward it. He said goodbye to them, and we watched everyone leave.
Once we were alone, everything was quiet except for the ocean crashing against the rocks below. Braden stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me against him.
He kissed my neck and breathed me in. “How much do you love me?”
I smiled. “More than anything.”
“You know, it’s our first night in the new house together.”
“Yes, it is,” I said, tilting my head to the side, hoping he’d kiss me more.
He nipped my ear, his deep chuckle sending tingles throughout my body. “I can only think of one thing to do now.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
In one quick move, he grabbed me under my knees and lifted me in his arms. “We need to christen the bedroom.”
Grinning, I bit my lip. “Take me there.”
CHAPTER 39
REAGAN
ONE MONTH LATER
(Oak Island, NC)
* * *
The day had come for Emma and Carter’s wedding. It was the perfect day. The sky was clear, the wind minimal, and it was a crisp autumn day. My sister wanted a small ceremony at Carter’s Oak Island beach house in North Carolina, which was precisely what she got.
Once dressed in my long, red bridesmaid gown, I stared out the bedroom window at everyone gathered on the beach below. The harpist started playing and the music was exquisite. Emma and Carter only wanted close family and friends to attend. Unfortunately, the only person who was missing was our cousin, Brooks, who was still away on an undercover mission for the FBI.
Rows of white chairs led to an arch entwined with fall-colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, and green. Emma had always wanted a fall wedding.
Emma finished in the bathroom and came over to look out the window with me, dressed only in her strapless bra and underwear. Her hair was gorgeous in an intricate side braid with fall flowers mixed throughout.
“You know people can see you,” I told her.
Giggling, she waved me off. “It’s nothing the whole world hasn’t seen.” Which was true. She’d modeled in underwear plenty of times for magazines.
We both laughed and continued to watch everyone as they grabbed their seats. Carter and Braden walked out and made their rounds to everyone. All our friends from Vegas were there: the Rushings, the Bennetts, and the Andrews’. Our parents were down there with them, laughing and carrying on as if no time had passed.
“I can just imagine what they were all like back in the day. Do you think their lives were as crazy as ours?” I wondered.
Emma snorted. “They’d shit ten million bricks if they knew what we’ve been through the past few months.”
That was for sure.
“I wonder if we’ll be like them,” I said.
“You mean, getting married, having kids, and then throwing us all together?” Emma added.
I nodded. “Yep. Wouldn’t it be fun if we could continue the tradition?”
Emma turned to me and smiled. “Hopefully, we can.”
The time started to tick by, and Emma still had to put on her dress. Finally, our father left the group as everyone started to find their seats. The preacher stood by the arch with Carter, and Braden was by his side.
“We need to get your dress on,” I urged, pushing her away from the window. “Dad’s on his way up.”
Emma rushed over to the bed where her dress was, and I helped her into it. It was a simple, silky gown that hugged her body elegantly. She didn’t want anything elaborate.
Once dressed, she stepped back, and I took her all in. “You look gorgeous, Em.”
She beamed. “Thanks. So do you.”
Her smile widened. “When are you and Braden going to tie the knot?”
Laughing, I shrugged. “Who knows. We keep saying we’ll do it when the time’s right. In the meantime, we’re living together and I love it.” I looked out the window at Braden. “I’m happy.”
Emma placed a hand on my shoulder. “Good. He’s definitely going to keep you on your toes.”
“You’ve got that right. But, then again, I do the same with him.”
She focused on Carter, and a loving sigh escaped her lips. “I love him so much, Reagan.”
“I know you do. It’s an amazing feeling to love someone that much.”
Her eyes grew teary. “Yes, it is.”
A knock sounded on the door, and I already knew who it would be. “Come in, Dad.”
Our father walked in dressed in his tux and grabbed his chest when he saw us. “My stunning girls. I can’t believe how fast time flies.” He walked over and kissed our cheeks, his gaze teary as he looked at us. “I just want you to know how proud I am of you both. As a father with daughters, you always worry about their future. Will they find someone worthy of them? Will they be treated right? I had it in my head that no one would be able to protect or take care of you as I can. I’ve come to realize that you’ve been able to do that on your own. It hurts my heart to know you don’t need me anymore.”
Eyes burning with unshed tears, I waved my hands at my face to keep them from falling. “Dad, that’s not true.”
Emma hugged him. “We will always need you.”
When she let him go, it was my turn. I embraced him tight and smiled. “You made us strong, Dad. And I’m so glad you did. We love you.”
“I love you both, too,” he said. I stepped back and he wiped his eyes quickly. “All right, it’s time to go.”
He reached for Emma’s arm, and she kissed his cheek. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll lead the way,” I called out, hurrying to the door.
We walked downstairs and I stopped at the back patio door where our bouquets waited for us. When I opened the door and stepped out, the harpist started playing “Canon in D,” the song Emma picked out to walk down the aisle. The wooden walkway down to the beach was decorated in flowers and silky white drapes. Everyone stared at me and I smiled, knowing the most beautiful bride was about to walk down behind me.
My mom had already started to cry, and my brother had to hand her a tissue. I was going to be a blubbering mess soon, but I wanted to try and hold off on the tears for as long as I could. Taking a deep breath, I focused on Carter and winked at him. But then my gaze moved over to Braden, and my heart skipped a beat when his mouth dropped. I couldn’t take my eyes away from him, all sexy in his tux.
I stood in my spot and watched as my sister walked down the aisle to the man she was about to spend the rest of her life with. Before she could make it all the way, I looked over at Braden and he smiled, mouthing the words “you’re so beautiful” to me. I smiled back, mouthing “I love you” to him.
It was going to be a fantastic day.
CHAPTER 40
BRADEN
ONE WEEK LATER
* * *
After the wedding, Reagan and I spent a few extra days in North Carolina. Now we were back in California, training like usual. My mother and Ryley worked Reagan hard to prepare her for her upcoming matches, while my dad did the same with me. He was pushing me harder than ever before. I was set to have my first fight of the season in a couple of weeks, and I looked forward to it.
“What does Reagan think you’re doing right now?” Peyton asked as she got in my car.
I smiled. “Helping you move your furniture around in the apartment. I mean, it wasn’t a total lie. I did help move your couch.”
Giggling, Peyton shook her head. “You’re too much. I must say, though, I am honored you asked me to help you. Jewelry is my expertise.” We were on our way to one of the best jewelry stores in LA to find Reagan an engagement ring. I wanted to have it ready for when the time came. “When are you thinking of popping the question?” Peyton wondered.
“Soon,” I said, smiling. I wasn’t about to tell her. Peyton was my sister and I loved her, but I didn’t trust her to keep the secret. She was Reagan’s best friend and they always told each other everything.
“Has Reagan said what kind of wedding she wants?”
We’d talked about it a lot over the past month. “She doesn’t want anything big,” I answered. “I told her I’ll do whatever she wants.”
Peyton shrugged. “As long as I’m there, I don’t care what kind of wedding you have.”
We came to a stoplight, and I glanced over at her. “Have you decided what to do with the apartment?”
“Not yet,” she answered, furrowing her brows. “I know I need a place to call home when I’m not filming.” Her lips pulled back in a wide grin. “Or … I might just buy a house out where you and Reagan live. I’m in love with your home.”
The stoplight turned green, and I continued down the road. “I’m sure Reagan would be ecstatic about that.”
When she didn’t reply, I looked over at her to see her gaze narrowed playfully. “You wouldn’t be mad?” she asked.
“Of course not,” I replied in all seriousness. “Mom and Dad would probably be happy if you did. That way, I can keep an eye out on you.”
Peyton snorted. “I’m sure they’d like that.” She sighed and slapped a hand on her leg. “You know what? I think I’m going to buy myself a house.”
“You have the money for it. Might as well spend it,” I chimed in.
When we arrived at the jewelry store, I parked and we walked in together. A tall blonde with exceptionally white teeth beamed at us. “Good afternoon. Welcome to …” But then her eyes widened, and she gasped when she recognized my sister and me. “Oh my God, I know you two. You’re Peyton Emerson,” she said to my sister, “and you’re Braden, the MMA fighter.” She clutched her chest. “My name’s Emily. My husband will never believe this. He’s a huge fan of yours.” She turned back to Peyton. “And I’m one of yours. Your movies are awesome.”
Peyton looped her arm with mine. “Thank you. We appreciate that.”
Emily held out her hand and shook my hand, then Peyton’s. “I’m sorry for the fangirling. What can I do for you today?”
Peyton patted my arm. “My brother wants to find a ring for the woman he loves. Her name’s Reagan Jameson.”
Emily nodded and smiled at me. “Oh yes, I know who she is. I’ve seen pictures of you two on the internet. My husband also likes watching her fight.”
That made me laugh. “Reagan’s fun to watch.”
Emily chuckled. “Yes, she’s feisty. Do you know what kind of ring she’d like?”
Peyton answered for me. “Something not overly extravagant, but elegant.”
“Come with me,” Emily said, waving for us to follow her. “We have tons to choose from.”
