The Ultimate Fight (29 page)

“What’s up baby boy? You seem awfully chipper this morning. I haven’t seen you like this in a little while.” Thomas greeted with a brotherly hug.

“Yeah, what gives?” Ebony asked. “Don’t get me wrong I’m happy to see you happy again but I can’t help but be a little curious as to why.” Mya was now looking at the trio in confusion.

“I’m just loving life. Is that okay?”

“Of course it is. I would be too if I was approaching another championship in this division.” A foreign voice interrupted their conversation. “Mr. B.A. Anderson. I’m glad we could get you in today on such short notice. It’s so hard to find good help these days. The request for a photo shoot should have been submitted to your people months ago.”

“It’s a pleasure in itself just to be considered.” Barron said.

“Barron this is Annette, the creative director.” Thomas made introductions.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Same here.” Annette smiled. He decided to slide his hand around Mya’s waist sending a silent message. “Hello… oh wow, you look like you’re about to pop.” Annette diverted her gaze to a very pregnant Mya with wide eyes as if she didn’t see her there at first.

“Uh… not quite. I still have two months left.”

“We…” Barron inserted sternly.

“Forgive me, we have about two months left.” Mya corrected.

“Oh so the rumors were accurate. You know you can’t be so sure these days of what is true and what’s not.” Before anyone could respond she excused herself to answer her ringing phone. She returned with a frustrated expression on blast for the world to see.

“Is everything alright?” Thomas was the first to ask.

“Ugh, some people are so damn unreliable. The person that, I guess should remain nameless, reneged on the main article of this issue. I know no one else will be available at this short of notice. Nothing interesting that is…” She stopped as she looked at Barron and Mya. They both looked behind them like Siamese cats trying to see who she was looking at. “Thomas can I speak with you for a moment?”

“Sure.” He followed her to the side to hear what exactly she had in mind.

“What was that about?” Mya asked. Barron and Ebony shared a look because they peeped game on the look she gave them.

“We have been approached with a once in a lifetime opportunity right now. Instead of the photo shoot for the bachelor’s part. You have been asked to be the main article of the December issue.”

“Oh wow that’s great Barron.” Mya said excitedly. “Isn’t it? Did I miss something?” She asked when everyone remained silent.

“I can’t help but feel that there’s more to this than that.” Barron said.

“You are very perceptive Mr. Anderson.” Annette said. “We want you as well Ms. Daniels.”

“I’m sorry say what now?”

“Annette can I have a moment with the family please?” Thomas asked.

“Sure, I will be around barking orders.” She stepped away.

“This is really big. There are so many other people they could have chosen. Mya this would be really great for his image. I hate to even ask something like that of you but…”

“I’ll do it.” She said.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” Barron tried to be sure she was alright doing this. He wouldn’t want it any other way but he didn’t want to be selfish.

“I told you last night, I got your back. Whatever you need me to do? As long as you are here, I will feel comfortable.”

“Well damn that was easier than I thought it would be.” Thomas said.

“Girl I got the perfect stuff for you to wear. I’m glad I came prepared. My team can be here in fifteen minutes. Ahh… I’m so excited.” Ebony went on a rant about what they needed to do next.

“From the excitement from this side of the room, can I assume that we are clear to proceed?” Annette came over to the group.

“We’re all in.” Barron said with a genuine smile.

“That is such great news. Well off to makeup and wardrobe you two. Let’s get this show on the road.” Mya and Barron separated to get dressed in what the stylist pictured for the first set of photos.

Barron was speechless when Mya emerged from her side wearing a long fitted grey jersey material mermaid skirt that fit her hips like another skin. The material pooled at her pretty manicured feet with French tips. The long sleeved top was off both shoulders, crisscrossed around her breast that had grown, and ended at the back in a swoop of fabric. Her stomach was bare, the skirt was underneath leaving it out for the world to see. Her hair was in big curls down her back, make up was flawless but accented her natural beauty instead of making her look like a clown.

“Do I look alright?” Mya asked nervously.

“You look beautiful baby.”

“Thank you.” She blushed as usual but recovered. “You look nice yourself.” Barron was wearing some grey denim jeans without a belt to show off the name brand boxers he has as a sponsor and was also barefoot. A fresh haircut and his jewelry was on point to match some of the pieces she currently wore.

“I’m not wearing anything spectacular.” He flirted because it came naturally. “Just jeans.”

“I know.” She said all while looking at his chest. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. They were caught off guard at the flash of the camera. He was happy she didn’t seem to notice because that was indeed an intimate moment.

The photographer directed them into different poses constantly commenting that they made a beautiful couple. Mya was handling everything better than a pro. She made this look easy with her stress-free smile, carefree spirit, and natural charm. Deciding to change the scenery just a bit, the crew decided to go to the park that was located directly across the street from the studio. They even caught them in a laid back mode cracking jokes and laughing after they changed to something resembling them going out for a leisure stroll.

Neither Mya nor Barron knew they were actually snapping pictures of their interactions together until they yelled it was a wrap. Their current position was of Mya having her back to Barron with one of his hands resting on her stomach, the other arm was thrown across her chest. Her face was angled looking into his eyes as he looked down into hers displaying to the world that he was mesmerized by the woman in his arms.

“Wow that seemed to go by so quick.” Mya said trying to regain her composure.

“That was beautiful. I’m actually glad the other loser cancelled now.” Annette clapped with excitement just bubbling over. “Now we can get to the interview part. This should be easy.”

Barron was situated with the guy who would be writing the article. One of the first questions was about his relationship with Mya and he just put it out there. He was open and honest. They even touched on the video scandal and kept it to a minimum but denied being a part of it. By the time Mya had joined him they were on safer topics. He was asked about his fame as a fighter. Some about his upbringing and childhood memories. Where he saw himself in the future and those sorts of questions. Then he switched to ask Mya a few things about herself. She was open about everything he asked. Barron even learned a few things about her that he hadn’t known. When asked about the video Barron was supposedly in, she just simply stated she never believed he was capable of anything of that nature. She further put on the record that she would stand beside him through anything because he was such a standup guy.

“That was wonderful guys. I really want to thank you for doing this. I am forever in your debt. Make sure I get my invite when that time comes.” Mya was about to ask what she meant by that but Barron beat her to the punch.

“You got it. Come on baby, you got the other shoot and interview.”

“Oh goodness, I almost forgot.”

“Alright rising star on to the next stop.” Thomas said cheerfully. “And sis, I love you to death but I’m going to need 5% managerial fee baby.”

“I gotcha bruh. You too
Eb.” Mya joked.

“Cool.” They said in unison.

“What about me?” Barron asked feeling left out.

“You already got paid on multiple occasions.”

“Oh my god, too much information.” Ebony said.

“Entirely too much.” Thomas added. Barron and Mya just laughed at their silliness.

The shocks for the day just kept coming. When they arrived at the photo shoot together, it changed from just a single shoot to adding a couple of Barron in there. He intended to only be there for moral support but ended being a big part of her shoot. They stated they would choose six out of the lot they would take. Most of them would be of her alone but the others would be of him and her interacting. Some of the early morning shoots magic flowed over to the
Sistahood one because they were so in tune with one another. The money shot as they called it was him positioned behind her with both hands on her stomach at different angles. Her hair cascaded over one shoulder while she looked over the other one gazing lovingly at Barron as he returned the look with one of his own.

“Damn must be nice.” They heard someone say off in the distance. With one final kiss to the forehead and a love tap to her hip he released Mya so she could get changed.

“You ready to admit you’re in love now?” Thomas asked Barron out of the blue as he watched after her until she had rounded the corner. “If not, we might need to get your cat scanned cause you are blind as well as crazy.”

“You are a fool.”

“And you my brother are a fool in love.”

“That I am
and since the cats out of the bag. I need your help.”

“You know I got you with whatever you need.”

“Good.”

Mya was going through it as of lately. Barron has been the perfect gentlemen over the last few days. Ever since the visit from Taj, they have been co-existing nicely. Nothing sexual but definitely sensual. The night he massaged her feet, he kidnapped her in the middle of the night to put her in his bed where they actually just sleep. Then there was the photo shoot that skyrocketed a million butterflies off inside her stomach. Never in a million years would she have thought they would be so relaxed around one another without having actual sex.

Last night it took all she had in her not to rape him in his sleep, she had some pent up horniness for sure. She forced herself to ignore those urges submitting to a peaceful sleep. Barron was spooning her as usual, when Mya woke up she felt the poke just under her butt cheeks. Wiggling trying to determine just what it was, he groaned and held her tighter. Realizing it was his morning wood she was backing it up on she became ramrod stiff. She gave him a lame excuse about needing to go to the restroom, she tipped away. Only to return to find Barron flat on his back and his joystick was sticking up forming a tent with the sheet. An instant pool of warmness gathered between her lower lips.

“What is that smile for?” Barron asked quietly watching a blush spread across Mya’s cheeks as they quietly ate dinner.

“Just thinking.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“…” Mya contemplated on telling him the truth. Tell him that she was thinking about raping him while he slept. She giggled at the thought. “Uh just that you have a fight coming up, are you excited?”

“Yeah this weekend. I’m anxious but I’m not so sure about excited.”

“That’s to be understandable. I’ll be rooting for you.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that.”

“About what?”

“I was wondering if you would accompany me to Las Vegas. I really would love to have you there for my fight.”

“Las Vegas?”

“That’s where the fight is being held.”

“I know that, I just… I mean I don’t… it’s like party town you know and I can’t do anything besides eat.”

“And?” Barron chuckled.

“Uh alright. As long as you don’t feel guilty about me having to stay in while you go celebrate WHEN you win.”

“Who said I was going out? And I haven’t won yet.”

“See that’s not right. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that you won’t dominate your opponent. You got this.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Of course. So when do we leave?”

“Nine in the morning.”

“Okay last minute much. Well let me go pack.”

“I didn’t want to give you a chance to back out. You do that.”

“How did you know I would say yes?”

“I didn’t but who said I was really going to give you a choice?”

“Mmm, demanding.” Mya moaned but masked that with a look of utter embarrassment from showing how needy she was for him at the moment.

“Very.” Barron kept it simple with his response not showing any signs of recognizing the wanton feelings she harbored.

Mya retired to her room to pack up for a weekend with Barron in sin city. She’s been to Vegas several times before whether it was supporting Damon or a bachelorette party she attended. Each time she lived it up to the fullest so she knows what she is missing out on. Since she has been there and done that, she doesn’t feel too bad that she will mainly be stuck in the room while everyone else does there thing. This would be one of those last ditch efforts at getting to travel before the baby is born. The wonderful part is that she gets to spend time with Ebony and Sheila. At least she has someone to eat and shop with while the boys are busy in the gym.

Waking up the next morning was a little rough and it being chilly outside was just as terrible. Mya felt huge as a house, clothes felt tight, and she was tired of wobbling all over the place. Barron’s long strides were intimidating but he would slow down several times for her to catch up. Finally they were seated in first class and she could get some more sleep. Although Barron was busy discussing business matters with Thomas, he kept a comforting hand on Mya’s stomach relaxing her further. The flight was a straight shot no stops so to her they got there too damn quick but she was more energized than what she started off at.

Ebony went with her to the restroom and then to the waiting SUV to take them to their hotel. Barron and Thomas went to retrieve the luggage. Luckily she decided to wear some comfortable Nike slides because of all the security measures at the airport. It was warmer in Las Vegas so she wouldn’t burn up being dressed properly for the weather. She and Ebony talked about where they wanted to shop at the moment they got a chance to hit the strip. Barry and Sheila had already arrived two hours prior to them getting there. They sent word that they were settling into their room but was waiting so they could eat together.

“So what is our sleeping arrangement?” Ebony asked. Mya secretly wanted to know the same thing but was afraid for the answer.

“We booked one big suite with three bedrooms.” Thomas said.

“Cool.” Mya didn’t reply she just thought about what Thomas just said about the three bedrooms meaning her and Barron would be sleeping in the same room. Of course they slept in the same room at the house but technically everyone was under the impression they were just co-parents. Co-parents didn’t sleep together, well not all of them.

“You alright?” Barron asked when he walked into the bedroom they would be sharing. When
she walked in the view from the top floor was phenomenal. The suite was top of line, the décor was beyond beautiful, and it made her feel privileged to come along on this journey with Barron. Then and there she decided not the dwell on the fact that they were sending false signals out to everyone on the outside of the two of them.

“I’m okay. This room is awesome.” The concierge hung all of their clothes upon arrival and Mya took it upon herself to stand on the patio taking in the scenery.

“Yeah it is. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable with only booking one room. We sleep together at home so…”

“Honestly I was a little uncomfortable about the sleeping arrangements, mainly because everyone is here. I didn’t want them to get the wrong idea.” Mya said and then added lowly. “Me included…” She didn’t want to read too much into his need to have her within arm’s reach either.

“If you would prefer we sleep separately, that’s cool.”

“No!” Mya shouted but then reigned in her eagerness. “My bad, I mean that’s not necessary.”

“My bad, okay.” He held his hands up in surrender.

“It’s not funny. I just didn’t want to hog your… you know.”

“No, I don’t believe I do know. My what?” Barron asked with a curious but sarcastic smirk on his face. There was a knock on the suite door that ended that discussion.

“Saved by the knock.” Mya said quietly. “I’ll get it.”

“No Thomas or Ebony can get it. Let’s finish this discussion.” Barron successfully trapped Mya against the wall next to the huge floor to ceiling window. The look in his eyes was truly predatory.

“Umm… what were we discussing?”

“Something about you not wanting to hog my…”

“You know cramp your style. Celebration wise, you know?”

“Who says I will need my own room to celebrate?”

“Right.”

“Quit assuming, if you want to know something all you gotta do is ask.”

“You are right, same goes for you.”

“Dually noted.”

“Are y’all coming out to join the rest of us today or do y’all need some privacy?” Ebony yelled through the door.

“Coming!” Mya yelled in response. Barron stepped back letting her pass. She went to slide on some flip flops with her long maxi skirt, tank top, and cardigan sweater.

Barron was excited about the Vegas trip for more reasons than just the fight. His spirit was at ease having Mya with all of her pregnant glory with him through this journey. Even being
seven and a half months pregnant, Mya was gorgeous. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself as of late but not in a perverted way. It was always tasteful but in a loving manner he would rub her stomach when she was near, rest his hand on her lower back, or brush her hair out of her face. When she would fall asleep in his arms at night, he would lay awake memorizing every aspect of her body, from head to toe.

“Hey baby boy. You ready?” His dad asked him when they entered the living room where everyone was waiting on them.

“Yeah, about as ready as I’m ever going to be.”

“Don’t worry you will do great.” Mya said.

“I missed you two something terrible.” Sheila said hugging Barron then hugging Mya.

“We missed you too.”

“I just talked to you not even a full twenty-four hours ago.” Mya laughed. Barron was unaware that they talked so often.

“True but I haven’t seen you face to face in a little while, lil smart mouth girl.” Sheila teasingly swatted at Mya causing her to squeal and hide behind Barry.

“Hey baby girl, excuse the wife. She never stops talking about you.”

“Oh I’m the only one.” Sheila retorted.

“Hey no arguing over the pregnant lady, there’s more of me to go around.” Mya teased hugging Barry. Barron found it funny how they got along like they have been knowing Mya forever. He had to have been blind to not notice what a keeper Mya was from the beginning.

“I hate to break this little reunion up but we do have things to do family. First and foremost we gotta feed these two.” Barron said resting a hand on her stomach while standing directly behind Mya.

“Alright because I’m starving.” Thomas said.

“Thomas, when are you not starving?” Mya asked and everyone nodding wanting to know the same answer.

“I tell you what sister in law, find me a woman to keep me fed and I will see what I can do. Your boy used to be just as hungry as me but you started feeding him well so…”

“Is that true?” Mya asked Barron.

“Yes!” Everyone but Barron answered simultaneously.

“Let’s just go.” He was amazed at how she never bats an eyelash whenever anyone refers to her as sister in law.

The family left going down to one of the restaurants that was inside the hotel. The meal was full of laughs and comfortable conversations. Rarely talking about the upcoming fight other than when they were politely interrupted by fans who just wanted to wish him luck. Because of the upscale atmosphere, fairly expensive rates
, no wretchedness was around at the moment. The women that approached went as far as congratulating him and Mya on the new addition. They often commented on how they really felt about the media buzz involving him, other women, and their relationship. Being very forthcoming about them rooting for them to be the last two standing when the others were exposed for their ugly.

“Did they ever figure out who leaked that video?” Sheila asked. No one wanted to be the barrier of bad news. The siblings hadn’t told their parents of who the snakes were.

“I wanted to talk as a family about this situation with the video and the suspects.” Shane said before anyone else could say anything. He and Jamie was given another opportunity to get away without the kids. Every once in a while they will try to get away by joining the family for Barron’s fights with Jamie’s parents watching the kids

“There really isn’t anything to talk about, it wasn’t me.” Barron said.

“Not all you.” Mya added but everyone noticed there wasn’t a hint of malice in her words. It was just all observation with no accusations or meanness detected. 

“That’s what I wanted to discuss. We know it wasn’t you in the actual act.” Shane looked a little uncomfortable in saying too much. He looked to Mya with sympathy but she waved him off. “The real question is what would those who were involved have to gain by leaking it or staging it?”

“The blurred out chick no doubt is that broad Naomi.” Ebony added.

“Of course it is because she admitted to it.” Mya added. “Well in so many words.”

“What do you mean admitted to it?” Barry asked.

“Oh dang that’s right no one knew about my visitors. I mentioned it to you but we had some words in the mix of that so you may not have paid much attention to that. Then that Kim mess happened.” Mya blew out an exasperated breath.

“Who is Kim?” Everyone asked at once.

“One of her so called friends.” Barron offered.

“Correction, she is one of my line sisters. We were associates never friends.”

“Then why is she throwing your baby shower?”

“She’s what?” Ebony asked.

“That broad is not even invited let alone throwing it. We have been at odds since she found out I was hiding the fact that I was pregnant by you and later moved in with you. I told her that Ebony was throwing my shower and left it at that further pissing her off. She went on and on about seeing you out the night you decided not to come home at all. Hope you and the Deejay had a good time.” Mya covered her mouth when she said
the last part as if she didn’t mean to say all of that. It came out like it left a bitter taste in her mouth. “I apologize that was uncalled for. Anyway, she started acting shady towards me ever since she figured everything out. The day your boy came to the house he said he sent her there for you since y’all share and all. She used to throw herself at Damon but he can’t stand her so that went nowhere.”