Worth the fight

Chapter 23

Nico

“We’re all set. Five weeks from Saturday you take on Kravits. The Commissioner himself gave me his word that it’s a one win hurdle to the title bout. You kick Kravits’ ass and we’re back in the belt.” Preach always sets me up, knows what I want to take away from a fight.

I nod and start swinging the jump rope.

“They want some new pics for the promo by Wednesday. Their dime, their shoot. All we have to do is bring the girls you want in the shots with you for the eye candy.”

I whip the rope faster, taking two turns with each jump. “No girls.”

Preach looks at me like I have two heads. “Whatta you mean, no girls. You’re Nico the fucking Lady Killer. Your shots always have ladies.”

I can hear the rope slicing through the air, each turn whistling as I increase the speed. “Yeah, well. Not this time.”

Preach squints as if he’s trying to read words that are written across my forehead. “This have anything to do with the girl?”

I don’t respond. It’s none of his business anyway.

Preach ratcheted up the workout today and I’ll probably be sore as hell tomorrow, but right now I’m running on sheer adrenaline. I do an extra five mile run after he leaves, sprinting almost the entire time. I just can’t seem to tire myself out, I’ve felt this way for the last few days.

I let the hot water work its way into my muscles, blasting the shower on the massage setting. My muscles don’t hurt yet, but I know they will when I come down. I’m restless and I can’t seem to relax. I give in to the mental debate I’ve been having since yesterday about not coming on too strong with Elle. I don’t want to scare her, but, fuck I want that woman. And more than in my bed. I send off a quick text, before I change my mind. I’m acting like such a pussy. Can’t get you out of my mind. What are you doing? I’ll throw the ball in her corner and see where things lead.

I’m surprised when my phone chimes back quickly, indicating a new text has arrived. Me too. About to order dinner.

What are you in the mood for? I deliver.

You.

I don’t respond to the text, but twenty minutes later I’m at Elle’s door.

She opens it and smiles. “Where’s my dinner?”

“I’m right here.”