Shade's Fall (52 page)

Melanie growled, “It was just one mistake.” She didn’t want to tell him that she was making a lot of mistakes. He loved and supported her, but he was too busy with his own career and they both understood he didn’t have the time to train her at this point in his life.

“Where’s Dad?” she asked to change the subject.

Nicholas gave her a knowing look with his piercing blue eyes. Melanie always changed the subject when the conversation was too focused on her.

“He should be here in five. He had to work late.”

Their dad owned a training facility. Nicholas worked with him, but he spent most of his time training for his own fights, receiving money from both fights and endorsements. It provided a nice income, and lucky for her, he was very generous with his little sister. In addition, her dad would not train anyone in the same weight class as Nicholas. He always grew close to the men he trained and didn’t want to ever have to watch a fight between one of his students and his own son. Melanie had long ago buried the resentment of knowing her father could train and grow fond of strangers, but wouldn’t have anything to do with her dreams.

“So how’s your week been?” she asked.

“Still training for my next fight. I’ve been watching Conner’s tapes; I think it will be a good match, but I’ve seen some of his moves when he’s starting to feel fatigued. I think I’ll be able to wear him down and anticipate his next moves.” Nicholas exuded so much confidence in his abilities—not because he was cocky, but because he worked hard and knew what he was capable of in the cage. “I won’t be able to do dinner next week, I’m flying out to Denver to do a Hooter’s commercial.” Nicholas grinned. “It will probably take me several takes before I get it right.”

“Oh, please.” Melanie rolled her eyes. “Their outfits aren’t even that cute; what does everyone see in them?”

“We see ass and we like it. Most men do—if they tell you anything else, they’re lying, for your information. As your brother, I feel I should warn you about men’s weaknesses,” Nicholas taunted her. “Of course, since you have no ass, I can understand your hostility.”

“You can kiss my ass,” Melanie snapped when she felt a presence behind her.

“Hey, kids, sorry I’m late.” Her father gave her a disapproving look.

“Hi Dad,” Melanie mumbled, trying unsuccessfully to keep her bad eye from his view and throw her brother a killing look at the same time. Her dad never missed a detail, but other than a patch, there was no hiding the damage to her eye.

“I see training is going well,” he stated sarcastically. It had taken him all of two seconds.

Resigned, Melanie straightened in her chair, no longer trying to avoid his direct gaze.

“Stop. Don’t do this. Dad, I still don’t understand why you won’t train her. It’s in our blood. But we’re not talking about this tonight, we made a deal about these dinners.” Nick was tired of the animosity between Melanie and their dad.

“It’s not for women. Your mother knew it was a man’s sport. She never would have wanted to watch Melanie get the hell beaten out of her,” their dad quietly replied, picking up his menu.

And didn’t that just say it all
, Melanie thought. He had no interest in her whatsoever.

Leave it to Dad to use their mother to try and prove his point. He knew it was their weak spot.

Melanie decided to take the high road tonight. “Let’s order.”

*  *  *

Melanie let herself into the apartment. Once again, she heard more noises. This time it was Trish screaming as she climaxed. This guy must have a dick that just kept on giving. She wondered if they had been going at it all evening. Yes, she definitely needed her own release. She didn’t need a man to give it to her, though.

She took off her clothes, grabbed her laptop, and climbed into bed. She put in a search for the video she was looking for, pushed play, and then let her hands slide down her body.