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“Yeah? And what do you want to do to me?” she rasps, oblivious to the cameras documenting our make out session against her car.
I lick my lips when she challenges me with one look.
“I’ll catch you,” I whisper directly into her ear. “No matter where you run off to.” And that’s a goddamn promise. She can run as fast or as far as she wants, but River West will always be caught by me. Or the others.
“Sounds like a fun game,” she says with a wink, pushing me away from her playfully. “Take us home now, Cal.”
God. I wish she’d say my name like that all the time. All breathy and deep, just begging me to take her right now. If we weren’t in public, I’d rail her against the car. Fuck that camera still flashing.
River’s brows furrow as alarm widens her eyes, focusing on something behind us. My heart rate kicks into overdrive. Her stalker might be gone, but we’ve all been on high alert, scanning for any more threats. Who is to say that he was the only one coming after her? He had friends, after all. Three of them, to be exact. What if they’re upset that their friend is dead because of River?
Swiveling around, I cover her with my body, facing the person who has somehow snuck up on us.
The man grins, plucking a toothpick from between his teeth. His head nods in greeting as a smirk pulls at his lips.
Fuck. I let out a breath but don’t move from in front of River. I’ll protect her from anyone. Even if I know who they are.
“Jesus, Ruthless,” I shudder, blowing out a breath at my former fight organizer.
“Sorry to interrupt, Kid. Saw you over here with your lady friend and thought I’d stop by and say hello.” Ruthless offers us a toothy grin as he holds his hands up in surrender.
“Do you come to the library often?” I quip, shaking off the adrenaline pouring through my veins.
Ruthless snorts, nodding to the little person clinging to his hand. “My kid likes the readings. But something came up.” He shrugs. “Haven’t seen you around much,” he says, twirling the toothpick with his tongue. “The crowds miss you. Want you back.” He raises an intimidating brow, prodding me for information.
The moment River told me that Lyric didn’t like the marks on my face, I quit. No questions asked. I’d do anything for them. Besides, I couldn’t stand to see Lyric cry anymore for me than she had. It broke me to wipe her tears away, knowing I was the reason that I had bruises on my face.
So, much to Ruthless’ dismay, I talked to him and let him know I was done. Out. No more.
I know he misses the attention I brought to the ring. The money, too. I was Rock Star. One of his best fighters. And I loved it while I did it. But I’m done with that life now. It’s in the past. Just like a slew of other things.
“I’ve found peace,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “I don’t need to fight anymore.”
“Can see that,” he says with a shrug. “If you ever change your mind…” he trails off, grinning more at something behind me. “Ah, you’re the little lady from the crowd.”
River snorts without fear. “Something like that.”
“If your man here ever needs to let out some aggression, well. I got him covered,” Ruthless’s deep voice breaks through the darkness, sending anxious shivers down my spine.
He stares at me like a piece of meat. Like I owe him something. Maybe I do. He saved me from a life of drug consumption. Instead, giving me a way to let it all out in the octagon. I’m forever thankful he stepped in and stopped my self-destruction. But I won’t risk making my daughter cry again.
“It was nice seeing you, Ruthless. But I’m out.”
His dark eyes assess me, and he nods. “Sure thing, Kid. I’m always around. You know where I’ll be.”
I nod. “Of course…” I trail off, thinking about the last time I stepped foot into the old school.
I won’t. That life is behind me. Just like everything that happened before. It’s in the past. The old Callum. I’m new again. With a brand-new outlook on life. I don’t need to ram my fists into anyone’s skull to feel better. All I need is my girl, my brothers, and my daughter.
End of story.
I nod. “Of course. Thanks for the opportunities, man,” I say, holding out my hand.
“You’re a good kid,” he mumbles, clasping my hand with his, and we shake on it. “Miss seeing you around.”
I lick my lips when he walks away, holding tight to his kid. Together, they lean in and have a discussion before disappearing into the parking lot.
“He seems lovely,” River quips, watching as he leaves.
