The Scars of Us(Scars Series)

Oh my God, did I really just do that? I couldn’t believe how impulsive I was—what was I thinking? I was supposed to be keeping my distance from Ryker, not going out on dates with him. But one date can’t hurt, can it?

My resistance was wearing down, especially when he was trying so hard to give me the space I asked for. I knew it couldn’t be easy since we were always touching during class. I could see and feel his desire when we practiced all the techniques he taught me. And I’m sure he could see mine written all over my face.

I felt like I was going to throw up all day on Wednesday since I was so nervous about seeing Ryker that night. None of the figures on my computer screen at work were making sense, my mind too caught up in thoughts of him for me to get anything done. I decided to text Nori and get her thoughts on everything:



Me: Ryker is taking me to dinner tonight :)



Nori: Finally! I was waiting for you to grow some balls and go out with him



I laughed aloud as I text her back:



Me: Idk if this is a good idea :/



Nori: Stop overthinking like you always do just have fun :)



I smiled at her text but didn’t reply back. I tried to focus back on work, to keep my mind off dinner, but it was almost impossible. My phone beeped, and I thought Nori had text me again, but it wasn’t her:



Ryker: Can’t wait for tonight ;)



There was no use trying to fight the goofy smile that took over my lips. Impulsively, I sent the first thing that came to mind:



Me: Me neither :)



Now I’m definitely not going to get any work done.





I anxiously sat on Nori’s bed as she helped me with my make-up for my date. I had told Kamden that I was going to dinner with her, not Ryker. I knew he wouldn’t approve, and I didn’t want to get a lecture from him, not when I was feeling so good.

“Stop moving,” Nori scolded as she applied my eye shadow.

“I’m sorry, I’m just so nervous. I don’t think I can do this,” I said as I started panicking. My palms started sweating as I wrung my fingers together.

Nori stopped what she was doing and put her hands on my shoulders. “Calm down. Deep breaths—in, out, in, out.”

Doing as she said, I slowly inhaled and exhaled until I felt calmer.

Nori looked at me with concern. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Ky.”

“You don’t think I should?”

“No, I think you should. You’ve been giving that poor guy blue balls for weeks now.”

“Nori!” I exclaimed as I smacked her arm.

“What? You have.”

“I know.” I let out a deep breath. “He’s been pretty understanding, but I’m just scared I’ll get hurt. If Kaleb, my own brother, my own blood, hurt me, then how can I possibly believe that Ryker won’t?”

“You don’t know for sure, Ky. You can’t punish everyone for Kaleb’s actions. He has mental issues. Look at Kam—he’s never hurt you and never will, same with Bryce. There are some good men out there.”

Absorbing Nori’s words, I contemplated what she said. Even though she was right, my defense mechanisms wouldn’t fully accept it. I could never completely trust anyone, her and Kamden included.


With pursed lips and a raised eyebrow, she shook the eyeshadow brush in my face. “So, am I finishing your make-up or not?”

Smiling, I nodded. Even with all the conflicting thoughts running through my head, I couldn’t deny that I wanted to see Ryker. Maybe I could let everything go and just have fun for one night. Unlikely, but a girl could hope.

I was about ten minutes late, as usual, and Ryker was waiting just inside the doors. Dressed in a nice, black dress shirt and dark jeans, he had his sleeves pushed up, exposing the tattoos on his forearms.

Our eyes met as he gave me his trademark smirk. Heat flooded my entire body as I took him in, and I wondered why I kept resisting him—he was absolutely gorgeous and made me feel so many amazing things that I’d never felt before. Because you’re crazy, that’s why.

As I approached, he brought me into his arms as he pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. “You look beautiful,” he complimented.

“So do you. I mean handsome—you look handsome,” I stammered. Great start.

His chest rumbled with laughter as he kept me against him. Keeping my hand in his, he pulled away and led me to the hostess stand.

When the hostess directed her attention to us, she gave Ryker a flirtatious smile. “I was hoping she wouldn’t show—my shift ends in fifteen minutes.”

Jealously sparked through me as my eyes narrowed and my hand tightened around Ryker’s. Bitch. I’m standing right here.

Ryker released my hand to wrap his arm around the small of my back, drawing me into his body. He pressed a kiss to my temple, causing her smile to fade as he said, “She was just running late, right, baby?”

Giving her a smug smile, I leaned into Ryker, placing my hand on his chest. “Two, please.”

Her eyes thinned as she huffed and grabbed two menus. Ryker chuckled as she angrily stomped in her heels while leading us to our table.

“What a bitch,” I said after she walked away.

Ryker laughed, “Jealous, huh?”

Yes. “No! She was just rude.”

Ryker gave me a knowing look before directing his attention to the menu. The waiter arrived to take our order after a few minutes, then left to get our drinks.

Ryker grinned. “I have to admit, I was surprised you suggested this.”

You and me both. “One of my rare impulsive moments,” I joked.

“I like the impulsive side of you. You should let her out more often.”

The waiter came back with our drinks, giving me an opportunity to change the subject. “We always talk about me. Tell me about you.”

He propped his elbows on the table as he looked at me. “What do you want to know?”

“Anything—what about your family?”

“My parents died when I was in high school.”

Shit. “I’m sorry. Do you have any other family?”

“I have a brother, but we don’t talk,” he replied coldly, his jaw tensing in anger.

I’m sure he can’t be as bad as Kaleb. F*ck, don’t think about him—change the subject. “How long have you been a personal trainer?”

The anger in his face receded as he answered, “A few years—I went to school for it, and was lucky enough to get a job right after I graduated.”

“That’s awesome—I can tell how much you love it.”

“Yeah, it definitely has its perks. I basically get paid to work out.”

And it shows. I smiled as I thought about his flawless muscles, how they felt when I touched them while we practiced, and how hot he looked when they gleamed with his sweat.

The waiter brought our food, interrupting my delicious thoughts about Ryker, who slyly grinned at me, as if he could tell that I was thinking about him. Blushing, I directed my attention to my food to avoid his heated gaze.

After we finished eating, we had a few more drinks before Ryker paid our bill. Once we reached my car, he wound his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against him as he kissed my cheek. “Goodnight, Warrior.”

Unable to control myself, I turned my face, connecting our lips. My mind reminded me that this was a bad idea, that I’d just end up hurt, but I blocked it out, enjoying the feel of Ryker’s hot mouth on mine.

I almost moaned when his tongue parted my lips, missing his taste after so long. His hands came up to cup my face as he pushed me back against my car.

Nibbling my bottom lip, he gruffly whispered against my mouth, “Come home with me.”

I almost said yes—almost. Lord knows I wanted to, but that scared, broken part of me took hold, making me break away from Ryker as I breathlessly replied, “I can’t.”

Ryker’s face fell, then set in frustration. His voice raised in anger as he stepped away from me. “That’s what you always say, Ky. And we still end up like this every single time.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. You just don’t understand.” I sighed as I hugged myself. No one ever will.

“Help me understand, then. I know you feel what’s between us, so tell me what the problem is,” he demanded as his eyes locked on mine.

“Me! I’m the problem! I’m too f*cked up for this; for you!” I yelled, gesturing towards him before dropping my arms to my sides.

His eyes softened as he closed some of the distance between us. His voice reflected the gentleness in his eyes as he said, “Ky, no-”

I cut him off as I felt tears rimming my lids, “I have to go.”

Once inside my car, I couldn’t contain the tears anymore, and I ended up crying all the way back home. Thankfully, Kamden was asleep, so he didn’t see my puffy, red eyes and blotchy skin. I didn’t want to explain to him why I was crying after dinner with Nori.

As I lay in bed, my mind taunted me, I told you this was a bad idea.

F*ck off, I replied as I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would find me sooner rather than later.





Going to class the next day probably wasn’t the best idea, but I didn’t want to give up on all the progress I had made. I just needed to suck it up and stick with it, no matter if I had to suffer with my emotions. Plus, even though I had ruined things with Ryker, I still wanted to see him.

Things were more tense then normal between us, which I had expected. I didn’t know how he could look at me, let alone touch me after how I treated him.

We practiced all of the escapes that he’d already taught me, reviewing everything to make sure I remembered the moves. I wouldn’t have been able to focus on any new techniques with everything running through my mind, so I was glad that we were doing things I already knew.

Once class was over, Ryker asked me to stay behind. “I want to talk to you. I’m going to lock the doors—I’ll be right back.”

I wanted to leave, but he deserved an explanation for last night. I needed to just break things completely off with him, maybe ask to work with one of the other instructors, even though I didn’t want to. It’s best for him. You’ll just bring him down with you.

When he walked back in, he surprised me by saying, “I have a proposition for you—if you can get one good hit on me, I’ll leave you alone.”

My head cocked in confusion as I stared at him, contemplating what he had just said. Would he really leave me alone? Did I want him to? I had just been telling myself to break things off, but I really didn’t want to. “Just one hit?”

“Just one. And a good one, not some weak shit. Are you up for it?” His eyebrow raised in question.

My heart screamed no, but the fear rooted inside me said yes. I didn’t want him to quit pursuing me, but I doubted that I’d ever be enough for him; he didn’t deserve someone as f*cked up as me. So, I went with what was familiar, what I knew, pushing him away. “Yes.”


The smirk that was on his face fell slightly, but he played it off as he took up his fighting stance, holding his hands up to protect his face as he chuckled. “Good luck.”

Narrowing my eyes, I mimicked his pose. He always wanted a challenge, so I planned to give him one. Or at least go down trying.

“Ready?” he questioned as he pulled off his shirt, exposing those immaculate, inked muscles. My eyes instantly traced over them, admiring every inch of his perfection. F*ck.

When I nodded, he advanced on me instantly, landing a soft slap to the right side of my head, toying with me. “Hands up!”

I picked my hands up, but I knew they’d be falling again soon. I always forgot to keep them in front of my face when I got caught up doing combos, and I tended to drop them more when I was tired.

Aimlessly, I threw punches and kicks at Ryker, all of which he dodged or blocked easily. After several attempts, I finally landed something, grazing his jaw with my fist. He cockily smiled in response as he pushed me out of the way, throwing me off balance as he got me with a light side kick.

Stopping, I struggled for air while wondering how he sparred so effortlessly, seemingly unfatigued while I was the opposite. I was utterly exhausted from just a few minutes.

Ryker’s legs swept mine out from under me, causing me to slam to the mat on my back. The impact stung my exposed skin, the force from the fall reverberating through my bones and causing the air to vacate my lungs.

Covering me with his firm, sweaty body, Ryker mounted me, pinning me to the mat as my chest heaved with heavy breaths. “Are you finished?” he gruffly asked.

My heart pounded wildly but not from fear or panic. Ryker was like a pure shot of adrenaline mixed with lust that ramped up my entire being.

I struggled against him, not wanting to concede defeat. I had only been coming for about two months, so I didn’t know that many defensive tactics to aid in my efforts, at least not with sparring.

Ryker grinned as he trapped my hands above my head on the mat. “Why do you insist on fighting what you feel for me? I know that you want me.”

“No, I don’t,” I panted. That was a huge lie, maybe the biggest I’d ever told. I wanted Ryker more than I’d ever wanted anything before, and that scared the shit out of me.

“Oh, really? You don’t want this—want me—to fill your p-ssy?” he challenged as he ground his ample erection against me.

Closing my eyes, I bit my lip as I stifled a moan. Ryker’s firm body pressing against mine was like gasoline to the fire he always set within me, and I was so close to letting the flames consume me.

Ryker’s hot mouth met my neck, causing the moan I’d been withholding to escape. His tongue slowly trailed over my skin before he brought his lips to hover over mine. “Admit it, Warrior. You… want… me.”

Clouded by desire, I breathlessly groaned in response, “Yes.”

He softly grazed my lips with his as he gruffly asked, “Yes, what?”

Voice laced with need, I replied, “Yes, I want you.”

My words set off a passion within both of us. Ryker crushed my mouth with his, eagerly devouring me as his hands roamed over my body. His tongue parted my lips before tangling with mine, the barbell in his mouth adding to the amazing sensations from his kiss.

Instead of fighting him like before, I melted into him, wanting to feel him all over and in me. My hands ventured over the hard planes of his flawless muscles as he mercilessly kissed me, one hand tangled in my hair, the other skimming under my muscle shirt.

His fingers traced over my fevered skin, causing a slight shudder to run through me. All of my thoughts, insecurities, and compulsions were erased by Ryker’s skilled mouth and hands. The only thing I could focus on was the divine sensations he elicited in me as he flooded my senses, making me lose all control in a completely different way.

His hands continued up my body, pushing my shirt up as they explored my skin. Breaking our kiss, he pulled the tank top over my head before reconnecting our mouths, which couldn’t get enough of each other.

Finding the waist of his shorts, my hands tugged on them, needing to remove the remaining barriers blocking his skin from mine. I wanted to feel every inch of him all over me, wanted him to continue to drown out everything else with his touch.

Ryker growled as he swiftly removed his shorts before pulling at mine. “F*ck, baby, I’ve wanted you for so long.”

Maneuvering my body, I allowed him to easily slide my shorts and panties down while I lifted my sports bra off.

His naked body was flush against me within seconds, his thighs opening my legs as his shaft pressed against my slick entrance. I moaned from the contact, wanting and needing more of what only Ryker seemed to be able to give me.

Slowly pushing into me, he blissfully filled me inch by inch with his massive cock. Arching against him, he sank even further into me, the entirety of him still not able to fully fit inside me. We both groaned as he seated himself within me, my p-ssy tight around him as he began to stroke inside me.

My nails dug into Ryker’s shoulders as he nipped and sucked on my breasts. Each thrust was like heaven, giving me an immense pleasure that I’d never experienced before.

Wrapping my legs around his hips, I pulled Ryker deeper within in me, causing him to emit a sound that was a cross between a growl and a groan. “God, Kaiya. I’ve wanted you so badly, wanted to feel your sweet p-ssy clench my dick.”

I moaned in response to his words, unable to think straight, let alone say anything comprehensible. He continued to relentlessly pound into me, bringing me closer and closer to ecstasy with each exquisite thrust.

Perfectly caressing my walls, his cock sent me into orgasmic oblivion. Tremors of bliss flowed through my body as Ryker extended my climax with his perfect strokes. Seconds later, he pulled out before streaming his warm release all over my breasts and stomach. The feel of his cum on my body added to my arousal, making me want him inside me again, filling me over and over.

As we both regained our breath, Ryker grabbed his sweaty shirt off the mat before wiping his cum off my fevered skin. Immediately I became anxious as realization of what we’d just done sank in. Oh my God, I just broke all of my rules. We didn’t use a condom. I’m on the shot, but still. How could I lose control like that? “I have to go,” I stammered as I abruptly stood, grabbing my clothes off the floor.

I awkwardly dressed as I continued to rush towards the door. Shit, shit, shit. Wait until you get in the car to break down—don’t let Ryker see you. Breathe, breathe, breathe.

“Kaiya, wait. Where are you going?” Ryker called after me as I flew out the door of the kickboxing room.

Please don’t follow me. I all but ran towards the main entrance but was stopped by the locked doors. F*ck! I pushed against them, even though I knew Ryker had locked them when everyone left. We were the only ones still there.

Tears began to drip down my face as I realized I had to face Ryker. He’s never going to want to see me again. Why do I have to be such a freak?

Pressing my forehead against the cool glass of the door, I exhaled a shaky breath as I willed back the tears. In, out, in, out. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Just tell him the truth. Tell him the truth? What the f*ck was I thinking?

Ryker interrupted my thoughts as he placed a hand on my shoulder. His soft voice surprised me as he asked, “What’s going on, Warrior?”

Swallowing the huge lump in my throat, I apologized, “I’m sorry, Ryker. I can’t do this. We shouldn’t ha—”


Interrupting me, his harsh voice was a stark contrast to the gentle one from a moment before. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I got what I wanted. I told you I’d have you once, remember?”

My head snapped from the glass toward him, not believing what had just come out of his mouth. My jaw gaped open, my brain unable to form the words needed to express the emotions roiling within me. “You f*cking bastard,” I finally seethed as I slapped him. Hard.

Ryker’s eyes thinned to tiny slits as his nostrils flared in anger. Silently unlocking the door, his muscles tensed, making his tattoos bulge as he held the door open.

Neither of us said anything else as I exited the gym, and I couldn’t help but feel as if I left another broken piece of myself at his feet when I walked out that door.





What the f*ck just happened? I stood staring at the doors to the gym, wondering what the f*ck went wrong. Things went to shit in less than two seconds. I couldn’t believe what she’d said after we just finished having sex, especially when it ranked up at the top of my list. I thought she was blowing me off until I saw her face.

Those watery eyes and tear-stained cheeks made me regret what I’d said. Every. F*cking. Word. It was all bullshit anyway. Why did I have to be so f*cking stubborn?

I didn’t understand what caused the pain in her eyes, but I knew what I’d said made it worse. I wanted to apologize, to take back the lies I defensively spewed out; anything to remove the hurt on her face. But, I couldn’t, my words stuck in my throat for fear of her rejection.

Then, my warrior broke through. Anger replaced the sadness and mixed with the pain that always seemed to linger on her face. Her eyes hardened, and her lips thinned as she slapped me.

Yeah, deep down, my girl’s a fighter.

I wanted to find out everything that made Kaiya who she was, to peel back every intricate layer and uncover what lay beneath her guarded exterior.

I knew her standoffish demeanor was a front that she put up to protect herself. What I wanted to know was from what. Obviously, someone had hurt her—I recognized that type of pain; the kind that embeds in your soul, and never goes away. I endured that scarring pain every f*cking day.

I wanted to erase some of hers, even if it was only a sliver. I would take what she’d give me, if that was anything at all after what had just happened. Damn, I f*cked up.

I couldn’t help what I had said, especially when her words reopened old scars. “I can’t do this.”

That phrase had changed everything, altering my whole life when it was said to me four years ago.



“Ry, we need to talk.”

“About what, babe?”

She exhaled a heavy sigh. “I don’t know how to say this…” she trailed off as a sob broke through.

“What’s wrong? Is it the baby?” I asked with concern as I took her hand in mine.

Jerking her hand away, she stood and clenched her fists. “I can’t do this anymore!”

Confused and worried, I questioned, “Baby, calm down. What are you talking about?”

“This! Us! I can’t stand the lies anymore!” She threw her hands out to the side.

“Lies? What lies? I’ve never lied to you before.” I had no clue what she was referring to.

“The baby’s not yours!” she blurted.

The air caught in my lungs, my heart stuttering in my chest from her words. “What?” I whispered as tears began to burn my eyes.

Her own tears trickled down her face as she coldly repeated, “The baby’s not yours.”

And to twist the knife she had plunged in my heart, she added, “Ethan’s the father.”



F*ck her. And him. The both of them could rot in hell. It was because of them that I was the way I am—hollow and numb, just going through the motions of everyday life without giving a f*ck about anyone else. I never thought that I’d let another person in, but Kaiya was different. She made me want to feel again, to experience life again, kindling a long dead fire inside me. Now, I’d gone and f*cked it all up.

I thought that having her once would be enough to satisfy my desire for her, just as it had with all the others. But, it didn’t; if anything, it had made me want her more. Her sweet sex had become my drug, addicting me the moment I sank my dick inside her.

I watched her angrily storm off to her car before she got in and sped out of the parking lot. Locking the door, I tried to stash away my thoughts of her, unable to process anything with the smell of her still on my skin.

I was off the next day, so hopefully I’d be able to make sense of all the mess after I slept, but I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight.





As I had expected, I slept like shit. Tossing and turning all night, I was unable to get Kaiya off my mind. Memories of her moaning my name, digging her nails into my skin, and feeling her soft flesh against mine as her p-ssy clenched my cock taunted me as I tried to sleep.

Even though it was my day off, I was still going to the gym. I needed to release the pent up frustration from last night. I knew Kaiya wouldn’t be there—she never worked out on Fridays, so I wouldn’t have a chance to apologize to her. I’d tried calling and texting her, but she didn’t answer any of my attempts. I was hoping to run into her at the club later where we had first kissed—she and Nori went there most Fridays. But I wasn’t sure if she’d go after what had happened last night.

I was wound up even after working out, the stress of last night still weighing me down. Why did I have to say those things to her? She’ll probably never want to see me again.

I sent a text to Drew to see if he wanted to go with me to the club:



Me: Club tonight?



After a few minutes, he responded back:



Drew: I’m down what time



Me: Your place 11



Drew: Cool



When I got to Drew’s apartment, he opened the door and offered me a beer. “What’s been going on with you? Still talking to Kaiya?”

I took a long swig of my beer and let it slowly roll down my throat before saying anything. “I kind of f*cked it all up last night. She won’t return my calls or anything.” I sat down on the couch. “I’m hoping to see her tonight.”

Drew popped the top on his own bottle as he leaned against the counter in the kitchen. “You really like her, huh?”

Taking another drink of my beer, I swallowed deeply. “Yeah—she’s not like all the girls we run game on all the time.”

“You think she’ll be at the club tonight?” Drew asked as he came and sat on the end of the couch.

“I don’t know. Kaiya says she and Nori go there almost every Friday, but I don’t know if she’d want to go out after last night—she was pretty upset.”

“Even if she doesn’t, we can still get drunk and hook up with some hotties, right?” Drew said as he punched my bicep.

“Yeah,” I replied halfheartedly before taking another long pull of my beer. I didn’t feel like hooking up with anyone else; I just wanted Kaiya. Don’t be such a p-ssy. She can be replaced.

I almost laughed at myself. I’d never find anyone else quite like Kaiya. She wasn’t like the sluts that threw themselves at me all the time—there was more to her than that, something deeper that she didn’t let anyone see.

After finishing off a six pack of beer, we left Drew’s in separate cars. We arrived at the club a little after midnight. The club was so crowded that you couldn’t turn around without brushing up against someone. Music blared as we waited at the bar to order drinks, and I searched the room for Kaiya. Within seconds, my eyes zeroed in on her. My jaw twitched and my fists clenched—she was completely wasted, dancing all over some guy in the middle of the dance floor.


My blood boiled as I angrily stalked through the crowd, making my way to where she was grinding herself against him.

Lightly grabbing her arm, I pulled her to me as I glared at the a*shole dancing with her. “F*ck off,” I seethed, holding back from knocking him out right there on the dance floor.

I turned my attention to Kaiya, who was swaying in her heels. I cupped her chin and forced her to look at me. “What do you think you are doing?” I growled.

Her glazed eyes narrowed as she angrily slurred, “Why the f*ck do you care? You got what you wanted already, remember?” She weakly shoved my chest.

F*ck. I knew she wouldn’t let what happened go so easily, but I didn’t think it would have affected her that much.

My grip on her eased as I softened my tone. “Kaiya, I—”

She pulled out of my grasp, basically falling into the dickhead’s arms. “Leave me alone, Ryker.”

The bastard smugly grinned at me as he wrapped his arms around Kaiya, resting his hands on her ass. I balled my fists as I took a deep breath so that I didn’t end up strangling the guy. I kept trying to tell myself that she wasn’t mine, that I had no claim on her, but everything in me screamed that she was.

F*ck this shit, I’m leaving. I pushed through the crowd towards the exit, getting cussed at as I forced people out of the way.

When I reached my truck, I hesitated as I was about to get in. Don’t let that a*shole punk you out and take your f*cking girl from you. Go back in there and get her.

My eyes scanned the room when I went back in. Kaiya and the tool she was with were in the same spot on the dance floor. As I wound through the mass of bodies, the guy leaned over to whisper something in her ear, then led her towards the back of the club.

Increasing my pace, I followed after them, shoving people that got in my way. F*ck this shit. I’d drag her over my shoulder if I had to; I wasn’t going to let her do something I knew she’d regret.

As I reached the door, I stopped. What are you doing? You’re acting like some stalker. If she wants to hook up with some guy in the back alley of a club, then let her—she’s not your problem.

I tried to turn around, to walk away, but I couldn’t. She meant more to me than that. I’d only wanted a one time f*ck, but she changed things, made me want something more.

I pounded my fist against the door and cursed, “F*ck!”

As I warred with my thoughts, dull voices from outside interrupted my internal debate.

“Come on, baby, you know you want it,” the jackass urged.

Really, guy?

“No. Stop, please,” Kaiya pleaded, the desperation in her voice snapping something within me. Sounds of a struggle followed, and both fear and rage consumed me at the thought of someone hurting her, constricting the air in my lungs as my heart beat increased. I shoved open the door, sending it to slam against the wall as I stepped into the alley. Darting my head from side to side, I searched for Kaiya in the dim lighting behind the club, but I couldn’t find her. Where are you, baby?

I heard shuffling to my left, along with the guy’s voice again. “You’ve been all over me all night—I know you want it.”

Following their voices, I rushed in the direction that Kaiya was speaking now. “Get off me!” she shrieked before I heard a slap.

I could see them in the distance now, on the other side of a dumpster. Real classy, a*shole.

“Oh, you like it rough, huh? I’ll give it to you rough, then.”

I was about thirty feet away when he slapped her back, which sent me into a rage-filled run. I’m going to kill that motherf*cker! Kaiya began to scream as he covered her mouth with one hand, pushing her back against the wall while using the other to grope all over her body. I’m almost there, baby.

Then, my warrior bit him. Good girl. He pulled away instinctively before rearing back again to hit her, but it was too late—I was already there.

Tackling him to the ground, I immediately began punching him, bashing his head into the asphalt with my fists. He tried to fight back, but with the combination of my training and his drunkenness, he was no match for me. Fury took hold, overpowering any other emotion as I continued to beat him until I couldn’t recognize his face beneath the blood and bruising.

Then, I remembered Kaiya. Standing up, I turned to face her—she was huddled against the wall, arms tightly around herself, crying. As our eyes locked, we both began to move towards each other until I wrapped her in my arms.

Burying her face in my chest, her sobbing intensified. I held her tighter, pressing kisses to the top of her head. She clutched the back of my shirt in her hands as her body shook against mine.

“Shh, it’s okay, now—I’ve got you, baby,” I whispered into her hair.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized through her sobs, the sound muffled against my chest.

“You have nothing to be sorry for—I’m the one who should be sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I said last night, shouldn’t have hurt you like that. I f*cked up.”

Looking up at me, she propped her chin on my chest as tears continued to stream down her face. Even with her smeared make-up and blotchy skin, she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.

“Thank you for saving me.”

I brought my hands to her face, stroking the tears off her cheeks with my thumbs as I looked into her eyes. “I’ll always save you, Warrior. You just have to let me.”

Her bottom lip trembled as she nodded. Her hands came up to cover mine as my mouth came down on hers. Unlike our other kisses, this one was gentle, but not less passionate—electricity surged through me as my heart rate up kicked up, just like it did every time.

When we separated, I placed my forehead against hers. “Ready to go?”

She pulled back, looking up at me with reddened eyes. “Yeah, I have to find Nori—she drove.” Her voice was hoarse and knotted with emotion.

“I can give you a ride home.”

She briefly hesitated, unsure as always. Reaching toward her, I waited for her to put her hand in mine. She threaded our fingers together while giving me a small smile as we started to walk towards the end of the alley.

Once we got in my truck, I could tell she was still shaken up. She trembled as tears rimmed her eyes, and a few escaped every so often to fall down her cheeks.

After starting the truck, I placed my hand over hers, hoping I could calm her some. “Hey, it’s okay, it’s over. Please don’t cry anymore.”

She squeezed my hand tightly. “You don’t understand. I… I just…” she hesitated, cutting off her words.

“What, baby?”

Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath. “This just brought back so many bad memories.”

Bad memories? “This has happened to you before?” I asked angrily.

“Not exactly,” she sighed before pausing. Her eyes opened and met mine as I waited for her to continue. “I… I—” a sob broke through, cutting off her words as she shook her head.

“Kaiya, baby, tell me.” I urged.

Our gazes locked, her eyes searching mine as tears streaked her cheeks. Stroking the back of her hand with my thumb, I said, “You can trust me, Warrior.”

She continued to hold my gaze before speaking, her voice cracking, “I… I… I was abused when I was little.”

“What? For how long?” I asked, my anger building back from her words.

Tears were raining down her face as she choked through her sobs, “As long as I can remember. He… he wouldn’t stop. No matter how hard I tried… he always touched me. It didn’t end until… until I was seventeen.”


My body was on fire with rage, even more so than minutes ago when I saw that a*shole hit her. Someone had hurt my warrior for years, making her live in fear.

“Who?” I gritted through clenched teeth.

Her skin paled, making the slap mark on her face stand out even more. I softly caressed the area on her cheek as her eyes closed and she exhaled a heavy breath.

“I can’t,” she whispered as she shook her head.

Even though I wanted to, I didn’t question her further. She’d already opened up to me more than she ever had before, and she’d been through enough for the night. “You don’t have to tell me now—whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here.”

“Thank you,” she murmured softly as she gazed down at our joined hands. “Oh my God! Your hands!”

Grabbing both of my hands gently, she inspected them before looking up at me sadly. Most of my knuckles had split open, and blood splattered the skin.

“It doesn’t hurt, not yet anyway. This is a perfect example of why you should never punch anyone in the face. I just couldn’t control myself.”

She softly smiled as she pressed her lips to my fingers, careful to avoid my injuries.

How could anyone want to hurt someone so perfect?

Once she finished, she leaned over the center console to lay her head on my shoulder, keeping one of my hands linked with hers.

“I need your address for the GPS.”

“19 Pleasant Street.”

By the time we got to her apartment, Kaiya had fallen asleep. Carefully reaching to lift her in my lap, I cradled her in my arms as I stepped out of the truck. Shit, I don’t know her apartment number. “What’s your apartment number, baby?” I asked softly.

Stirring slightly, she mumbled, “Sixteen.”

Once we made it to her door, I pushed the button for the doorbell. After several seconds, the door opened to a surprised Kamden. When he focused on Kaiya in my arms, his expression morphed from shock to anger as he reached for her. “What the f*ck did you do to her?”

Stepping back, bringing her closer into my body, I said, “I didn’t do anything. We need to talk.”

He must have seen something in my face because he moved from the doorway to let me in.

“Where’s her room?”

“I’m not letting you in her room,” he stated gruffly.

“Then, I guess I’m holding her until we finish talking,” I retorted as I looked down at her, sleeping peacefully. She was like an angel, and I couldn’t believe someone had hurt her for so long.

When my eyes went back up to meet Kamden’s, his anger seemed to have receded some. His jaw was no longer tense and his eyes softened as he gazed at Kaiya.

“Her room’s this way,” he sighed.

I followed him down the hallway to the door at the end. After we walked in, Kamden pulled back the comforter so I could lay Kaiya down. As I covered her, I pressed a kiss to her temple and brushed the hair back from her face. “Goodnight, Warrior.”

She drowsily smiled as I pulled away. I shut the door before following Kamden back out into the living room.

“Care to explain what happened?” he asked, his eyes glaring as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Some guy got too handsy at the club tonight. I took care of him.”

He sighed in relief. “Thank you.” He fell back onto the couch and covered his face with his hands. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if something happened to her.”

“Sounds like a lot has happened to her already.” I stood in front of him and folded my arms over my chest. “Care to explain that?”

His gaze snapped up to mine as his body tensed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” he spat.

My fists clenched. “Was it you? Were you the one that abused her when she was little?” If he was, I was going to kill him.

He sucked in a breath, eyes wide with disbelief before furiously responding, “No! I would never do that to her!”

“Who was it, then?” I gritted.

“It’s not my place to tell you—Kaiya will tell you when she’s ready,” he replied firmly.

We both silently stared at one another for I don’t know how long before Kamden finally spoke, “Thank you again for protecting her.”

I nodded, then headed for the front door, but stopped. Turning back around to face him, I asked, “Will you have her call me? I want to make sure she’s okay.”

He hesitated, shaking his head. “Look, you seem to have feelings for Kaiya, but I don’t think you two should see each other anymore.”

I squared my body, pushing my chest out. “Last I checked, Kaiya is a grown woman, and you aren’t her father. She can make her own decisions.”

He stood up with authority and stared me down with a death glare. “And last I checked, you’re a womanizing a*shole. I don’t want my sister getting involved with you.”

“Too late.” I shrugged. “I’m going to see her, whether you f*cking like it or not.”

“Oh, really? We’ll see about that.” There was an obvious challenge in his tone.

“Yeah, we will,” I responded. I turned and walked out the door, slamming it behind me. I was going to see Kaiya, and there was nothing Kamden or anyone could do to f*cking stop me.