Challenge: A Contemporary MMA Romance: Oni Fighters Book 3 (10 page)

It pleased me immensely to see the stunned look on his face. Maybe, just maybe, my surprise confession would give him something to think on other than the fact he was stuck in a bed. Here’s hoping.

Xander had better be on his game. I was more than ready to rumble.

I slammed my fist into the firm mattress with enough force that it jolted my whole body. Pain radiated from my pelvis as if to mock me for my frustrations and stupidity.

Yeah, that damned break and everything else that was wrong with me.

She loved me!

Jesus Christ, what was I going to do with that? She wasn’t supposed to love me. It was supposed to be light, fun, casual. Love—that wasn’t part of the deal at all.

It was just sex and some fun times, we both knew the score—agreed even. Why did she have to go to the “L” word?

And why couldn’t I remember what had happened that night?

It was gone…nothing, and that terrified me. I didn’t drink and drive. Was I still drunk? Had something else happened? The not knowing was driving me to distraction.

The last thing I remembered was her head thrown back and her long hair swirling around both of us, her body ignited in orgasm. My skin felt twitchy at the memory. Fuck, that was some hot sex. I recalled it all, remembered every little sound she made and every shudder that rolled through her as she clung to me like I was a life preserver.

Then…nothing.

Not a damned fucking thing.

I was laying in bed reliving a smokin’ hot session and my dick might as well be dead. Nothing. Fucker was on strike or something. I hadn’t been hard since well…that night and my dick seemed as broke as the rest of my body.

My gut was churning from worry.

And now this—LOVE, she said.

What the fuck!

What was I supposed to do with that?

“What’s got your jocks in a twist?”

Shit! I’d know that voice anywhere, Nurse Nancy.

“Where’s that pretty little girl of yours?”

She stood at the end of the bed with her eyebrow raised and her arms crossed over that bosom. Yup. That was her trademark stance or whatever you wanted to call it.

“What are you doing here? I thought I got rid of you,” I grumbled.

She burst out laughing. “Thought I got rid of you too. ICU’s quiet and they’re short staffed down here at the moment. So, I figured I’d volunteer just so I could look after my
favourite
patient some more.”

“Marvelous!”

“And why is it that I don’t really feel it from you?”

“No idea.”

She was still giggling. “Oh, you’re just too much fun and too damned easy to get a rise out of. “

Nancy obviously wasn’t talking about my dick because that fucker wasn’t rising for anything.

“Whatever.”

She picked up my chart and started leafing through.

“How are you feeling?” She’d moved to business mode.

“Okay, I’d be a damned sight better if I wasn’t here.”

“Are we going to do this again? I was hoping you’d have a new tune to play. Guess I was wrong.”

This woman…grrrr! “Why can’t you just be like the other nurses—polite, professional.”

“Oh, you mean the others that are too scared to call it like it is in case you snap at them?”

“That’d be them.”

“You know, they didn’t even put up a protest when I said I’d take you in my round. Not even that cute little cupcake Narelle. That says a lot. There was many a nurse around here crushing on you hard until you woke up and they realized what a cantankerous grump you are…says a lot, don’t you think? Actually, the rumours are now they all reckon Sophia should get a medal for putting up with you. Or did even she reach her breaking point?”

I dropped my head and turned away from her telling stare. The woman made you feel like she could read your every thought and that was damned disconcerting.

“She said she’d be back. We had a bit of a tiff.”

“Can’t say I’m surprised. Your face looks like thunder.”

I could feel her looking at me some more. “You know the minute you let go of that fear chewing at your gut and just relax you’re going to feel much better. You’ll also heal faster if you’re body isn’t stressed.”

“I’m not scared,” I protested. Was I really that bad? Did people really not want to be around me? I was always friendly and easy going. People wanted to hang with me. This place was fucking me up big time.

“Of course you’re not—my mistake.”

“Am I really that bad, that nobody wants to have me assigned to their round?” I asked quietly.

“Pretty much!”

I sucked in a breath. “Ouch.”

“Yeah, that about sums it up.” Then she sighed and moved up beside the bed. “Seth, you’re going to get better and, chances are, you’ll be one hundred percent fine. Stop pushing everyone away that wants to help you.”

Easier said than done. Nancy didn’t have a dick, that I knew of, to worry about. She might not have a dick but she sure had balls.

“Any idea how long it will be before I’ll be
Fine
?” It just kind of slipped out before I knew it.

She frowned a little in confusion. “Define fine?”

Shit, I’d accidentally started this conversation, now I had to run with it.

“You know!” I motioned with my hand down
there
.

Her eyebrows narrowed into a frown and I could feel heat rush to my head. “You’re worried you can’t get an erection? That it?”

I gnashed my teeth. “Yep.”

Nancy shook her head slowly before that rye smile slid into place. “And now the truth comes out. This is what’s making you so damned grumpy? You’re worried about sex when you’re beat the hell up.”

When she said it like that…sounded pretty stupid and superficial.

“Well, I’m not exactly worried about doing it
now
. But I’ve never gone this long without some action. I don’t even know if it still works—maybe you lot broke something when you did God knows what to me.”

The best defense, was an attack; right?

“This is really playing on your mind, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I all but screamed in frustration.

She chuckled. I’m here worried I might never get it up again and she chuckled.

She had the audacity to fucking chuckle.

“I very much doubt you have anything to worry about. Your lack of
action
down there…” Now she was mocking me, ahhh, this woman was so infuriating, “is totally normal. Let me remind you, you’ve had bladder surgery and a fractured pelvis. Both of these things contribute to a lack of
action
. Look at it as nature’s way of protecting you from doing things you shouldn’t until you’ve healed enough. Those hips of yours need rest, not anything else.”

God, it was worse than having
that
discussion with your mother. I did feel better though.

“How long?”

“Why am I not surprised that was your next question? I don’t know. When your body is ready,” exasperation was written all over her face. “Ask Dr. Wilkinson, if it’s worrying you that much. He’s the doctor, see what he has to say.”

I didn’t want to talk about it. I just wanted it to work again.

I’d never had a problem talking about sex before, but that was when I
knew
I was damned good at it and I was talking to some chick about how we were going to do it.

Now, shit…I wasn’t sure of anything and it was fucking with my head.

Then, Nancy’s tone changed to actually sounding caring, “Give it another week. If nothing’s happened, then talk to the doctors. By all means, mention it to Dr. Wilkinson when he’s next in if you want to. Totally up to you—just stop stressing over it. You’re normal and you’re getting better. That’s all you need to worry about. Now can we get on with some obs? Apparently you’re not the only patient I have to look after today.”

“Yeah…oh, and Nancy…thanks.”

She patted me on the shoulder. “You’re welcome.”

I did feel a little better after talking to her. Still couldn’t say I liked it. There was just nothing I could do about it.

Now, for my other problem…no way I was mentioning that one.

“
W
hat’s got
up your nose today?” Xander asked as I smashed my fist even harder into the Thai pad he was holding.

“Three guesses and the first two don’t count.”

He chuckled. “What’s he done now?”

“Nothing…that’s the whole problem. He’s just well…so infuriating. Actually, he tried to break up with me today. Can you believe that shit? The fucker told me…’I’m going to let you go.’” I threw a super quick jab cross and then came around with a hook, upper cut, rib kick combination.

“He’s…going…to…let… me…go.” I timed my words to my punches and kicks and they were a little unclear through my heavy breathing from the exertion. I’d been going at it a solid forty-five minutes with Xan and it was only now that I felt able to talk about it.

“And what did you tell him?” Xander looked at me with that amused smirk of his.

I stepped back, bent at the waist, and sucked in air, my hands planted on my knees.

“I told him I wasn’t going anywhere and that it may have started out as friends with benefits but that wasn’t where it was now.”

“What did he say to that?”

“Not much. I kind of didn’t give him an opportunity to let him speak.”

He chuckled. “Good for you. He can be a stubborn arse.”

“Stubborn! That doesn’t even begin to describe him. I think I really blindsided him good though.” How was it that Xander had kind of become my Sensei, father confessor, and big brother all rolled into one? “Anyway…I told him I loved him and stormed out.”

Xander’s eyes went wide as saucers. “You did that and walked out?”

“Not walked…stormed. There’s a difference. A big difference.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen it a time or two. Seems my sweet Gem has quite a
storm
when she wants too as well.”

“You must have done something really bad to piss Eden off.”

“Well, I am male, so I guess it goes with the territory at times. But making up is oh, so good,” he teased.

I moved my gloved hands to my ears…”Lalalalalalaaah. I don’t want to know about you and my sister doing your thing.”

He sniggered and gave me a good natured shove, just like he’d do with Dane or Seth when they trained. It felt good to be accepted like that.

“So, now what?”

“I told him I’d be back later.”

“Let me get this straight.” He looked at me with amusement in those black as night eyes. “You told the guy you loved him, then stormed out.”

I nodded. “Yep, that about sums it up. I did say I’d be back later, but I’ve decided I’m not going back in there tonight. Besides, I’ve got to start getting my resume in order and looking for a new job. I don’t think I can work for John any more. It’s been playing on my mind all week.”

He held up his hand. “One thing at a time. I am only male, after all.”

“At least you recognize your failings.” I quipped not letting an opening like that pass me by.

“Oh, your sister doesn’t seem to mind my
failings
.”

“And just like a man, you’ve made it all about sex again.”

“Who mentioned sex?” He tried to look innocent. Yeah, right!

“You did!”

“No, I didn’t. You took it there,” he accused playfully.

“No. You insinuated.”

He was struggling to stand up, he was laughing that much now. “Seth hasn’t got a chance. Poor bastard.”

“Hahaha.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my face either. “I thought we were supposed to be training.”

“Yeah, we are, but I think we need to sort through what you just landed on me first. Then, you might be able to actually focus on what you’re doing. You’ve got heaps of power from the anger and frustration but your technique and targeting is
shit
.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I fumed. I hated not getting stuff right, particularly when it came to martial arts.

“Wouldn’t have mattered. You needed to work it through. So, you’re going to take a night off going to see him and work on your resume, is that the plan?”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I’d go in to see him but I think we both need a little distance.”

“He said nothing when you dumped the love thing on him?”

“Yes, I mean no. Ahhh!” I yelled in frustration. “He said nothing. Although, as I mentioned, I didn’t give him an opportunity to say much.”

“Wow, girl. You’re a total ball buster.”

I shrugged, not sure whether it was a compliment or what? “He made me mad.”

“Yep, I’ve established that.” Then he went silent and I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. He was thinking about something.

“What’s next?” I tilted my head at the hanging bags.

“Why don’t you and Gem have a girls’ night tonight?”

“What?”

“You know, hang out and watch whatever girly movies you want. Paint your nails that kind of shit. I’ll go see Seth.”

I looked at him suspiciously. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing. Just figured Seth might need a mate to talk to.”

“I’m his friend,” I protested, a little offended.

“Yeah, you’re also the one that’s no doubt screwing up his head at the moment.”

“Fine, but I’m going to work on my resume.”

“Can’t you do both? Go smash that heavy bag for a bit,
Thumper
. Then you can head off and do the resume and still have time to catch up with Eden. I’ll let her know. Hell, I’ll even cook for you girls before I go see Seth.”

“Can’t we just get take out?” I whined. A junk food binge sounded good.

He gave me a frown. “Something slipped your mind…a certain fight perhaps?”

“No, Sensei!”

“And don’t you forget it—wench!”

I grinned at him. I wouldn’t forget it. I loved and respected him too much for that. Eden had gained a husband and I’d gained a big brother. I truly couldn’t be happier about the arrangement.

The best and the worst thing about the hospital was you could set your watch by the activity that happened. It had been the longest afternoon of my life. The minutes dragged on. I was so bored. Five thirty and my dinner arrived. Yep, nothing like reliability and punctuality.

Mmm, delicious, over-cooked vegetables and a substance that looked like lasagna. Awesome! Oh, and the little jelly cups with custard. What, was I fucking six? Who came up with these shit menus anyway? I pushed the whole wheely tray away from me and reached over to the cabinet at my head and grabbed a banana.

Sophia had left a stack of fruit and home made energy bars where I could reach them. At least I wouldn’t starve.

I peeled the banana and pegged the skin at the table where my offending
dinner
sat getting even colder. My aim was better than I expected. The plastic thermo lid went skidding off and onto the end of the bed then finally fell to the floor with a
smack
.

Not bad!

My own strength surprised me.

A passing nurse rushed into the room.

“Everything all right?” She looked between my face, the table, and the lid on the floor trying to make sense of what had happened.

“Just fine,” I said sarcastically.

“Something wrong with your meal?”

“Not if you like eating slops. Me, not so much.”

She looked exasperated. “You have to eat.”

“I don’t have to do shit. And I’m choosing not to eat that crap. I’m an athlete for fucks sake. I don’t eat crap.”

“It’s what the nutritionist…”

“Stop!” I gritted. “Don’t go there. There is no defending that food and no nutritionist or dietician worth a damn would put their name to it.”

“But…”

“Not eating it. Take it away,” I all but bellowed. The nurse grabbed the lid and the tray and took off like a scalded cat. The look on her face said it all. I was a grade A prick apparently.

I sulked back into my bed. What the hell was I doing? I didn’t lose my temper like that, did I? I was the guy everyone loved and wanted to be around. Apparently, not so much anymore.

The banana had looked great when I’d reached for it—vibrant yellow and firm, perfect, bound to be sweet. However, when I bit into it, it tasted chalky and a little under ripe—disappointing, nothing like the packaging. Was that me now?

The guy with the looks, body, but now a personality that well…sucked.

Was that how Sophia saw me too?

I don’t know how long I laid there thinking on that, the banana now discarded and replaced with a juicy apple.

“Did you drop a hundred-dollar bill and find a five instead?”

“What?” I asked coming out of my daze.

“Man, you were miles away,” Xander replied with an amused grin.

“Guess I was.”

I put the apple core on the cabinet beside me and fist bumped his offered hand.

“You eaten?”

I shook my head. “Just some fruit.”

He dug into the thermo bag I realized he had beside him. “Here, try this.”

He moved the table over and took the lid off a plastic food container. The smell was amazing. Chicken, vegetables, rice in some sort of herby, tomato sauce.

“I made it for the girls’ dinner before I left. Figured you could use some as well.” He fished out a splayd and passed that to me as well.

I dug in. The moment I tasted it, I groaned in pleasure. It tasted so good. Real food. Healthy food. The kind my body liked.

“So good. Man, I’d marry you if you weren’t already taken.”

He grinned. “Yeah, a thanks will be fine. I’m very happy with who fills that position thanks.”

I nodded and kept shoveling the food into my mouth.

We talked shit for a while. He filled me in on all the comings and goings of Onigashima.

I finished the meal, pushed it aside, and thanked him profusely. It was amazing the rejuvenating powers of a decent feed. I felt better than I had, well, since…

“Hit the spot, hey?”

“Sure did.”

He nodded. “Good to see a smile on your face for a change. I was beginning to wonder if it would return.”

“Haven’t felt like smiling too much of late, man.”

He nodded. “Understandable. Someone else was not so full of smiles when she turned up for training this afternoon.”

“Yeah, about that. Tell me about this fight.” I’d been worried about it since I’d found out. She was great in training and grading, fighting in the cage was a whole other thing.

“Reed and another guy are putting together an amateur night in a couple of months. It’ll be perfect for Soph to start out with.”

“Who’s she fighting?” I didn’t know many of the female fighters getting around but I’d make it my business to find out.

“Not sure yet, but don’t worry, I won’t put her in a fight she can’t win.”

“Yeah, I know but…”

“You’re still going to worry about her.”

It burned me to admit it, but the answer was yes. I managed a nod, nothing more.

Xander looked at me curiously. “You know, there’s no shame or weakness in admitting you’re into a woman, mate. In fact, the opposite. When you find a good one, you’d be a fool to let her go.”

He knew!

Fuck!!! I felt my jaw tighten and my teeth started to hurt.

“And before you go getting all defensive, it took me forty-five minutes and some crazy hard pad work to get it out of her. Your girl packs a hell of a punch. I knew it after I finished—my arms were spent from holding the pads as she went to town.”

That made me smile. Sophia throwing a punch was a thing of pure aggressive beauty. I could watch her move and hit stuff for hours. Normally, my dick would be twitching just at the thought of all her long, sexy lines in action.

“She’s not my girl,” I protested to counter the silence, his shit eating grin and my frustration at well…

“She’s your girl.”

“Look...” I glanced around to make sure there were no ears overhearing, “regardless what stories you all concocted, it’s not the truth. We’re not a couple.”

His eyes narrowed. “Oh, well, this is interesting. What exactly are you two then and, before you open your mouth, I’ll remind you that Sophia’s now my little sister.”

I let out an angry sigh. “We’re casual, Xan. She knows the score. Two friends that take it a bit further.”

“From what I understand, you two spend most nights together and do a lot of other stuff.”

Fuck
, what had she been telling them?

“And before you go getting all shitty at her, I want you to know it was like extracting teeth to get it out of her when you were first hurt. I’m not sure she realized you two were in a relationship either.”

“Stop calling it that!” I fumed.

“Why? You scared of a word?”

“Fuck yes!”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“No.

“Well, call it whatever you want, you two are together.”

“Sure, we’re together for sex.” I agreed.

“Keep believing that if you want to live your life in denial, my advice, stop fighting it and start enjoying it.”

“Ha, easy for you to say. I can’t do a thing about enjoying her laying here.”

“So, you telling me you don’t enjoy her company? It’s time to grow up, Seth, have an adult relationship.” He all but jumped down my throat and we both knew he was on the attack and he was defending family.

We glared at each other for a few moments.

“Yeah, course I enjoy her company. I just can’t do anything more,” I countered

“It’s not going to be forever. Maybe you should focus on building a relationship that’s not all about sex for a change. You never know, maybe that might work better for you. Experience tells me it does.” It was about as pissed off as I’d heard Xan in ages.

I was caught off guard by his tone and it took me a little while to replay what he’d said in my head.

What?

“Since when aren’t you getting any?”

“Fuck, you can be difficult!” Xander sighed, then looked away scrubbing his face with his hand. I knew he was thinking long and hard about telling me something. It almost felt as if he was wondering if I was
worth
telling. That set me back a bit.

No guy liked to feel that his mates didn’t respect or think them worthy.

Finally, he looked back at me with that way he had of cutting through to your soul and I realized I’d been holding my breath. “I might be getting plenty now. It’s not always been like that. In fact, I’ve insisted it wasn’t like that a couple of times.”