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I stare at Tyler. Blinking, I clear my throat, wondering how he can talk so casually about this. “He’s killed two people?”
He nods, and I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans. The reality of all of this suddenly hits me hard. Whoever this guy is has tons of experience, and I’m coming in as a rookie. What the fuck am I gonna do?
“Listen.” Tyler speaks up when I’m unable to say anything. “I’ve heard you’re the same size as this guy. You have the same strength, and you’re levelheaded other than the anger you harbor. You’ll be more than ready, and you know what to avoid, giving you the upper hand. They know nothing about you, or the way you fight, or anything. This is a good thing.”
Unless that means he’ll just be prepared for anything…
“You’re right,” I tell him, yawning, though I’m not sure I believe my own words. “Think I’m gonna take a nap till Maddie gets home.”
“Good idea because tomorrow morning is going to be intense,” he says with a chuckle. “Even more than today.”
“Of course it is,” I deadpan, shaking my head.
Once I’m in Maddie’s bed, I seem to instantly fall asleep. Hours later, I’m being woken to the sound of Maddie laughing in the living room. I get up and walk in to hear her giving Tyler shit.
“Speaking of the devil,” she teases. “Sleep well?”
I stretch and suck in a deep breath. “Yep, but would’ve slept better with you beside me.”
Tyler stands, goes to the kitchen, then returns with a beer before settling down on the couch.
“I’m gonna make some tea. Want some?” she asks me, dropping her backpack on the ground.
“Nah,” I tell her and take a seat in the recliner. “But I’ll take a water, please.”
“What time do you fly out again?” Tyler asks.
“Sunday at ten a.m. Dice wants me to meet him as soon as I land. So that’s gonna be fun,” I say dryly. “Hey, when I’m gone, you’re gonna stay here and keep an eye on Maddie, right? I don’t trust JJ not to pull some shit before the fight.”
As if she was summoned, she returns with my bottle of water. “I didn’t need a bodyguard before, and I won’t need one again.” She crosses her arms.
“But you have to admit, Mads, I’m pretty damn good at it.” Tyler smirks, gloating.
Maddie narrows her eyes. “Honestly, I barely noticed you were there.”
“Damn! I’m pretty sure you just got burned,” I tease, and Tyler scoffs.
“I would’ve killed for you, Maddie. Just know that,” he tells her seriously.
I don’t doubt him for a second, especially after everything he’s risked. Tyler would do anything for us.
Maddie shrugs, but there’s a smile playing on her lips. “Meh. I think I’ve had better.”
“Really?” Tyler asks, grinning. “Who?”
“Liam,” Maddie tells him matter-of-factly. “You know how much cock he’s blocked over the years? Tons!”
“Baby, I live to guard your body,” I say.
The teapot is squealing, and she runs off but not before giving me attitude. “Hardy har har har.”
“I’ll make sure she’s okay. Won’t let her out of my sight,” Tyler tells me. “Wouldn’t let you down, especially now that you’ll be a better fighter than me.”
I smile. “Thanks, man. I appreciate all you’ve done for us.”
“Over the years, I’ve learned that we may not be able to choose our family, but we can choose our friends who become our family. I don’t have a brother, but I’ve found a brother in you,” he admits.
“Means a lot, Tyler. Really I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you for all that you’ve done.”
Maddie comes back in the room, blowing on her tea, and sits on my lap. “What are we talking about now?”
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I kiss her neck, and she nearly spills the tea. “Stop!” She giggles.
“Just discussing how we’re going to repay Tyler,” I say.
“Oh, I’ve thought of something. When we have our first kid, if it’s a boy…”
My eyes go wide at the mention of having a baby, and the moment she sees my reaction, she starts laughing.
“That’ll work,” Tyler says, adding to my mini heart attack. “Firstborn gets my namesake. Love it.”
Chapter Seventeen
MADDIE
It’s been eighteen days since Liam and I have had sex, and I’m moodier than ever.
Tyler’s ridiculous no-sex rule is making me insane.
I might be going crazy because it’s all I think about. I knew once I lost my virginity and really learned what I was missing, I’d be one of those sex-crazed women who’d want it all the time. And I wasn’t wrong. Another reason I was determined for Liam to be my first and hopefully—only.
It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t look hot as sin all the damn time. Maybe if he’d pull back his witty comments and snarky charm, and I don’t know, wear a freaking garbage bag over his perfect face, then I’d be immune. But the asshole likes to torture me—something he’s probably enjoyed for the past four years—and wears cutoff T-shirts that show off his biceps and tattoos.
