Chapter 8
It’s been a week since the soft rejection from Roman at Bound. It’s hanging over me like a dark cloud, not that anyone would notice. I’m very good at brushing any negativity away, and I don’t even think anyone ever notices. I pull out the folder I’d asked Drake to put together.
Maddox Levin. He shows up at some major fights and wipes the floor with his opponent.
Sometimes, it looks like he doesn’t even break into a sweat, but there’s no background information.
Nobody seems to know where he trained before he started to make a name for himself.
He turned up with very few followers, and now, he’s some kind of fucking hero.
There’s something about him that just doesn’t seem right.
MMA fighters work so hard to be picked up and promoted.
I should know; I’ve tried it. Not that I wanted to go pro or anything like it.
I just did it as a way to decompress. It’s bloody hard, but it feels so good the moment I step in the cage.
What is it about Maddox Levin that has me wanting to know more?
Because he has caught my eye and I’m not able to look away from him.
I unlock the screen and watch Maddox fight; he’s got skill and, to me, looks like a real talent.
He’s fluid, even relaxed, as he attacks his opponent.
Why is he fighting in Europe, rarely coming to the UK?
If he does, he fights, then leaves again, but to where?
I think about the first time I picked up one of the free weights; Saint and Dad were with me.
The look of pride in Dad’s eyes as I followed his instruction, and as the years went on, he trusted me to run his life’s work.
At this point, I’m unrecognisable as the kid who turned up fighting like an angry cat.
I had days where I hated the way they expected me to turn my back on the past, to push away the memories of the people that broke me down.
Eventually, I asked for help, for someone to walk me through the dark parts of my life, especially when Dean was killed. My therapist, Teresa, was exactly what I needed. I don’t think I took a breath at my first visit, and all she did was ask me to let it all go.
I screamed, I shouted, I threw cushions around the room. I was panting by the time I calmed down. My cheeks were wet from all the tears, my nose was running and snot was dripping. I grabbed the box and wiped my nose and dried my face. When I sat down, Teresa smiled. “You did good, Knox.”
I haven’t thought about her for a long time.
She helped me so much. I learnt how to control my anger and to think before I react.
The gym does the same for me now, and Bound, although not so much these days.
I wish I could put my finger on why that is.
Bound has always been an escape, a way of letting everything go.
But it doesn’t hold me the way it used to, even before Roman turned me down.
Maybe because my blasted brothers are all loved up now.
The fun we had playing together, messing around with cute subs who begged in the most delightful, yet filthy way.
I look out of my office window, and as if just thinking of him conjured him up, Roman walks past the office. His eyes flick to me as he does, and he winks. He’s a cheeky bastard—maybe a naughty boy looking to get his arse spanked bright red.
I stand up, the motion forcing my chair to scoot back behind me and bump the wall.
I open the door with the same gusto, managing to catch it before it smacks the wall and makes people look.
I stalk in Roman’s direction. He’s on one the mats, stretching out his hamstrings; he’s so flexible he could be a dancer.
That has me wondering what he actually does for a job, and why I don’t already know this about him.
I’ve had him on my cock, sobbing for release, and I don’t even know what he does for a living.
Maybe that’s why he’s at a sex club: it’s not real life in there, and perhaps it the place he can be true to himself.
I walk up to him, standing to the side so as not to get in his way. He’s watching me approach, and for once, his eyes and posture reflect his hesitance. Why wink if he’s going to then look apprehensive.
“Roe, it’s good to see you. It’s been a while,” I say casually, knowing it’s only been about a week, but he’s normally here three or four times a week.
“Yeah, I wasn’t sure if you’d want to see me.” His cheeks bloom a pale pink, and I want to pull him up in my arms and kiss the fuck out him.
“You did nothing wrong, Roman. I made you an offer, and you turned me down. That’s your right, in and out of the club.”
He stands up straight with his hands on his hips. “I wanted to say yes, but I also know the post orgasmic high can fade very quickly in another man’s bedroom. The walk of shame is never a good feeling.”
“So maybe it could happen on a night that doesn’t involve the club. Perhaps after dinner somewhere.” I’ve surprised myself by asking him out on a date.
Roman looks at me in complete shock. Has no one ever asked him out before? He’s not a kid—he’s twenty-six. He doesn’t look it; he’s still a total twink, but he’s also a great person. He became so much more after his ‘friend’ Tate left the area and took his toxic attitude with him.
He’s still silent, his face a lot redder now. “What do you say?”
From the look on his face, I’ve made a dick of myself, and he’s going to say no again. Then a small smile perks up the corners of his mouth. “Yeah, I’d like that. Thank you.”
I look up at the tv screens and check the time. “I’ve got a client coming in about five minutes. Will you still be here in an hour? We can check our diaries for a day and time.”
“I can still be here.” His voice still sounds surprised as he confirms.
Just then, Sammi walks up to me and smiles. “I hope you’re planning to work me hard. I’ve had two birthdays at work, so it’s been cake central.” She looks at Roman, then at me. “Did I just break up a moment?”
“Nope, you’re good,” we say in unison.
“Hmm, I think you’re both hiding something. But it’s not my business,”
“See you in a bit, Roe.” I walk away with my client, knowing Roman is watching me. And that makes me feel good enough to put a little swagger in my step.
“You’re ridiculous,” Sammi laughs, nudging me with her elbow.
“And just for that, you’re now in for a world of pain. We’ll start with a warm-up on the treadmill, then I think it’s going to be a leg day.”
An hour later, Sammi is sweating but smiling as she wipes her face with her towel. “That was a good one, Knox. I’m going to be feeling it for a few days, but it’s worth it. Now, go and find that cutie and make him smile like he was earlier.”
When I walk back into my office, Roman is sitting in my chair, legs swinging from side to side as he scrolls on his phone.
“Making yourself at home, I see.” I grin and stride purposefully to the chair, stopping him as he rolls towards me.
As I lean over, resting my hands on the back of the leather chair, I cage him in, my legs on either side of his.
His breath hitches as his eyes dilate, the inky black irises taking over the bright blue.
He’s showered and changed, but still casual in grey sweats and a tight, black T-shirt.
He swallows hard as I dip my head lower to his ear, breathing him in, and murmuring, “You’re so fucking sexy that I could bend you over my desk and fuck you till you scream.
But not today.” I bite down on his earlobe, making him moan.
“Maybe after our second date.” I stand up and lean back against my desk, my hands on the edge on either side of my thighs. “When are you free?”