Friction (Oath Keepers MC Book 5) (27 page)

Aria passes me the Dr. Pepper she bought from concessions and I could seriously just kiss her. “Thank you, beautiful!” I yell over the music and she nods happily.

“Gavin had training so we had to get here last minute. We’re all going to Club ATX after the fight; do you want to come with us?” Aria screams at me over the ACDC song playing throughout the room. Her eyes are glittery with excitement. She’s finally gotten as addicted to MMA as much as I am. At first she was a wimp about it all, but she’s gotten a lot better. Now she can watch other people fight besides Gavin and no longer feel like she’s going to be sick.

“I don’t know if I should.” I say quickly, keeping my eye’s glued to the cage, not wanting to miss anymore. “Are many people going with you guys?”

She has a few friends I really don’t care for, and I don’t feel like dealing with their snarky attitudes, especially after I get to watch my favorite fighter. I may go all kung-fu and try to copy a Jace move. That would get me nowhere but jail. I can already imagine the lecture my father would give me over the phone if I had to ask him for bail money.
Yeah, so not happening.

“Well your crush will be there! Gavin already talked to him yesterday when they were sparring together, so naturally I figured you would be in.”

At that news, I nod and beam a smile at her. “Hell yeah, you know I’m down to party. I just have to quickly change beforehand and I’ll meet y’all there.”

Once I hear Jace will be going, it’s on. Any chance of being around him, I want to see how it could possibly play out. I’ll get over any snarky bitches that may go, too, as they won’t even be on my radar anymore.

“Okay cool! Do you want to ride over with us?”

“No, I kind of want to get a cab so I can get fucked up.” I shake my head, watching and sucking in a quick breath as Ford hits Jace in the ribs.
Ouch!
I do tend to be a party girl sometimes, but that’s what happens when you want to forget shit from your past.

“I figured, since that’s your usual choice and all but still wanted to ask you.” I glance over at her, with a tender smile, she knows me too well. She squeezes my arm affectionately in return.

We turn to watch the fight, and I’m in heaven to see Jace in his element. He’s even more gorgeous when he’s fighting than on his poster picture. You can tell that it’s his passion and he trains so hard for it. It’s inspiring just to think of the amount of dedication and discipline it must take to do what all he does to actually win the fights. Not to mention all of those muscles are on display and flexed like a snake ready to strike.

Every time he gets a good hit in, I stand up to scream like a mad woman and cheer for him. My arms flailing in excitement, I probably look like a loon but I couldn’t care less, as he’s going to town on Ford’s stomach, wailing on him over and over.

The fight is crazy. The guys are trading punches—blow for blow. Jace digs in, throwing hits left and right until finally, he clips Ford in the side of the jaw. Ford falls to the floor in a heap, and Jace wins by knockout. He’s kind of known for his KO’s so you’d think his opponents would guard their face when they’re fighting this guy.

The referee steps in and makes sure Ford is okay. After a few seconds he comes to and not very happy. The event people enthusiastically announce Jace as the winner, parading him around the cage with his arms up in the air. It’s pretty amusing that Ford refuses to even look at Jace now, after whatever ugly thing he was saying at the beginning of the fight. It just goes to show you, one should never be too cocky or overconfident over something that doesn’t have a guaranteed outcome.

Jace thanks his trainers and supporters over the intercom—sweaty, breathless and even more amazing than before. Once he’s finished and leaving the cage with his team, we make our way down the bleachers, attempting to beat most of the crowd.

I hold onto Aria’s shirt, following them closely behind. They know this place much better than I, so I don’t pay any attention to the fact that we aren’t headed for the main door. Next thing I know, Gavin is congratulating Jace right in front of me—he’s like maybe two feet away.

My breathing kicks up a notch. The air feels hot, probably from his charged up body and the guys surrounding all of us. I gaze over at him, taking in each little detail on his body. I doubt I’ll remember them all, but I’m gonna try.

I can’t hear a word they’re saying; all I can do is stare at him. I feel like I’m in a fangirl fog or something. I almost want to bow and say “Hail to the King.” Cheesy, but fuck me, it’s true. He has that air around him that screams worship me. My ex was confident when we first met, but he was nowhere near the same level as this man’s confidence.

Jace is shirtless again, having ditched it right after they snapped a photo of him wearing it inside of the ring. Sweat cascades down him in little beads, drawing attention to his hard pecs. He radiates with the kind of excitement and energy you long to be a part of. Sex on a stick doesn’t even begin to describe his appeal. His mouth moves, and I can’t help but wonder what his lips taste like.

His body’s still wound really tight from the fight, evidenced by the way his muscles jump a little from being jacked up on adrenaline. The veins on his body are plumped up from the workout he just had. His jet black hair is still wet from the fight, giving it a just-showered look. It’s super short, and my fingers itch with the desire to rub and lightly scratch across his scalp.

Deep blue irises and a dimple to die for are staring at me while he talks. He’s splattered with little droplets of blood and his face has a red mark on the side that is destined to turn into an ugly bruise later, but gosh he’s never looked more beautiful.

“Chyna! Earth to Chyna! Aria bumps my arm and elbows me in my side. She giggles quietly, but I still catch it. Glancing at her—intrigued and still partially dazed—she smiles broadly and gestures with small nods for me to look back at Jace.

“Yes, Aria?” I grin, cocking my eyebrow. Shit! What did I miss? I didn’t hear a word anyone said once those deep blues caught my gaze. And that sweat dripping down his stomach, I just want to lick him. I bet he tastes salty. Her eyes widen and she flicks them toward Jace.

“Jace was asking if you enjoyed the fight, Miss Space Cadet.”

The fight?
Oh yeah, that’s the real reason I was here in the first place. I follow her eyes and mine land on some amused sparkly baby blues. I feel like I’ve been hit by a tidal wave and sucked under.

Blinking suddenly, I wake completely out of my fangirl daze. I was totally cataloging his image for future book boyfriend reference material.
I wonder if he has a fan page.

“Oh! Yes sorry, it’s so noisy in here!” I gesture around the room attempting to play it off. I know I just lost tons of cool points, however, and my friends won’t let me live this one down.

Ugh,
cringing, I bite my cheek. The first thing I ever get to say to him and its lame! So much for a good first impression. I can’t believe he’s here in front of me right now. Hmmm, I wonder if he would care if I reach out and pet his muscles. Jace smirks, his dimple sinking slightly deeper, almost as if he can read my mind.

“All right, well I’ll catch y’all in a few. Chyna, it was so nice to meet you.”

Holy shitballs, his voice is deep and a little rough, probably from the crazy workout he just went through. Almost makes you think of a piece of chocolate silk pie when he speaks. I wonder if that’s how he sounds after he has sex.
So freaking hot!

I can’t believe I spaced out on everything he’d said. I bet he thinks I’m a hot mess or something. I nod silently in response. It’s probably best though that I don’t speak, there’s no telling what would come out.

Jace winks at me, turning after he does a man hug thing with Gavin and walks away with his posse in tow. He’s like a giant beast man that makes me feel tiny and womanly, and I absolutely love it. Aria turns to me, grinning like the cat that ate the canary and I put my finger on her lips. I don’t want to hear her teasing or chatter about what just happened.

I can’t believe I finally got to meet him. I’ve been to a ton of his fights but he usually doesn’t even look into the crowd. I owe Aria big-time, and she doesn’t even know it! That bitch is getting chocolate, lunch, or something.

After that exciting and gut wrenching—in a good way—experience, we all take off. We each head in our own direction; I’m headed home to change. I pray I’ll get to run into Jace again tonight. This time, I’ll be on my game.

one hour later…

Pulling up to the club, the cab driver circles the lot a few times before parking somewhat near the front. I pay the grungy-looking guy and shoot Aria a text so she can meet me at the front. One positive thing about celebrating with fighters is they always have VIP access with everyone knowing exactly where they are.

The club thing is a little played out to me, since I’ve done it so much in the past, but I’m willing to sacrifice if it means I get to see the man hunk again. It’ll be like watching a wildlife show on TV. I’ll be watching the wild beast out of his natural environment and all that. Giggling to myself imagining Jace in the middle of an African field wearing animal print shorts and surrounded by wild animals, I walk closer to the club entrance.

When I went home earlier I changed into a cute little teal dress that comes mid-thigh but isn’t too tight, so I have plenty of room to dance. I love that this dress is low enough in the back that you can see my tattoo. I have script going across my shoulder blades of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.” God, I love that song—story of my damn life with a drugged out ex still clawing at my heart occasionally and a mother who gave up on me.

I shake that thought off, wondering what Aria decided to wear. I paired my sexy little dress with my favorite pair of four-inch snake print heels. I may not dress too loud, but I always have to wear a pair of killer looking shoes with my outfits.

Aria’s waiting right outside the door, waving at me as I get closer. Love the shoes, but, fuck my life, they kill my feet. My toes scream in protest with each step I take, but after a few drinks I won’t notice that little torture anymore.

JACE

Taking a long pull
off my Coors longneck, I scan the club. I love Austin, and, thanks to 6
^th
Street, there are plenty of cool bars and clubs to go to. With the plentiful amount they usually aren’t overly packed. I’ve lived here the majority of my life, so I’m pretty familiar with the big city.

I check out the different bar stations, booths, the walkways, and the dance floor throughout the club. We’re in the perfect spot to see everything. I’m looking for one particular face amongst the crowd though. Gavin said they were all coming; that’s the only reason why I didn’t back out tonight. I’m not too sore, but I’m fairly worn out following the adrenaline rush of the fight.

Earlier I loved it that Chyna didn’t act like some groupie and treated me normally. Hell, part of me would have thought she wasn’t interested at all. She wasn’t speaking to me; but, she was staring at me like I was dessert. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a clue. I enjoy the occasional groupies though, whenever I need a release; otherwise, I usually don’t waste my time on them. Speaking of, some blonde with big tits keeps trying to talk to me, but, as soon as I see Chyna, I don’t hear a word the blonde says. Just the name Chyna alone, is intriguing to me. Gavin warned me she’s a little wild, but I like them wild when I’m making them scream my name.

Gavin bumps into me with his arm, and I look over toward him, hissing, “Shit, watch it dude! My side is bruised from that idiot today. I think my toe is messed up, too.” Somehow I always end up with a fucked-up toe.

He chuckles, “I see you scoping out Chyna. Just don’t do some stupid shit like break her heart. I don’t want Aria pissed at me because you play but don’t stay with her girl and all.”

Gavin has never been this serious about a chick. He’s wound up tighter than a spring around her and ready to lash out at anyone who appears threatening. I know I’ll end up fucking Chyna, but I’ll have to figure out a way to remain friends in the end. I like Gavin way too much, and I’m really happy he has Aria.

Bumping his arm back with mine, I jazz him up a little—it’s what friends do. “Don’t worry man, she looks like she’s a big girl and can handle herself.” I smirk to myself, remembering how she appeared to be in a trance as she ogled my pecs.

“I mean it, Jace. If you fuck with her, I’m going to have to deal with it. It’s too soon with Aria, I know she won’t put up with it.”

He and Aria have been back and forth with drama over his brother, so I can see why he’s apprehensive. I know I wouldn’t want to be a football star’s brother; I can’t imagine the competition he has to deal with. Even if he’s a really good fighter, football is a more popular sport. I’ve had my own shit to deal with as far as brothers are concerned. Luckily, mine hasn’t been around in quite awhile. I don’t have time to waste on thugs and drug dealers right now. It’ll be best for both of us if he keeps that distance.

My eyes land on Chyna again.
Ahh…here she is. I blink a few times, yup. Fuck, she’s hotter now than when I first met her. Her smile lights up the entire damn room.

Chyna and Aria are grinding with each other on the middle of the dance floor. I nudge Gavin and gesture toward where they’re dancing. I bet Gavin is going lose his shit; this chick has him so wrapped up, he’s probably going to lock her in a room somewhere and never let her out.

He mumbles something as he stares at Aria for a moment. He glances back at me briefly, and then returns his gaze to the dance floor. I hear him growl “motherfucker” and he storms toward the crowd. I look back over and my jaw literally drops when I discover Chyna and Aria making out. There’s like 500 other fuckers watching them, and they’re enjoying every minute. This chick is definitely gonna be screaming my name tonight. Fuck these fools standing around her!

Gavin’s almost to the girls when I quickly storm over to Chyna. I’ve got to make my presence known before any of these idiots get ideas. Once they see me right up on her they should get the message to get lost. I don’t know why I’m feeling possessive over Chyna. No way do I want all these idiots checking her out even more than they have already before the sexy-as-sin make-out session.