An Act of Redemption (6 page)

Logan

I watch Anna run into her building, my chest constricting so goddamn tight I can’t take in a fucking breath. As soon as she’s safely inside I head to my apartment and try to wrap my head around tonight’s events.

I knew she was going to the University Of Charleston, and in the three weeks since I was released I only broke down once and came to see her. I parked a fair distance away to avoid being seen, and ended up waiting for almost an hour. I was about to give up when I finally spotted her walking with her friend across campus, and I swear my heart stopped fucking beating. She was everything I remembered her to be—beautiful, vibrant and perfect. She laughed at something her friend had said, and even from where I stood I could hear it. The long, but not forgotten, sound washed over me and brought physical pain. I ached so fucking bad to go to her, to touch her, to pull her against me and never let her go. I’ll never forget the anguish that was in her warm brown eyes all those years ago. It still fucking haunts me. I quickly got the fuck out of there before I did something stupid.

Little did I know I would be seeing her two weeks later, and at the fucking club of all places. The shock that shot through me when our eyes first connected still hammers inside of me.

Jesus, what was she doing there tonight?

I don’t care what she says, that’s not her scene and I’ll make sure she never steps foot in that fucking building again. It’s not a good place for someone as sweet as her. Just thinking about that prick who put his hands on her earlier, has my rage coming back full force.

Once I pull up to my place I park my bike, then head inside and make my way up the narrow staircase until I reach the third floor. I walk into my apartment that to most people would be considered small and nothing special, but was fucking paradise to me.

Just as I close the door my phone vibrates. Pulling it out of my pocket, I see it’s Lewis. I expel a tired breath before answering. “Yeah.”

“Tell me you made it out of there?”

“Yeah,” I repeat, feeling too drained even for small talk. My body aches like a motherfucker from where that guy got a few shots in on my ribs.

“Good. Fucking feds. I have no idea how they found the new location, that shit was under wraps.”

I feel like telling him it could have been from any number of the thousands of college kids he lets in. Either way, Brooks and Davis were supposed to take care of this. How the hell am I supposed to get any information if this shit keeps getting busted up?

“So tell me, who the hell was that chick you were chasing after tonight like a pussy?”

I tense at his question, not liking that he saw me with Anna “No one, just someone I used to know.” My reply is casual, and his silence has suspicion rearing its ugly head. “Why?”

“No reason, just curious. She doesn’t seem like your type. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a fine piece of ass, but in a classy, uptight sort of way.”

“Watch it, Lewis,” I say in warning, making sure my threat is clear.

“Hey, man, all right, chill out. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just surprised. You could’ve been getting pussy for the last few weeks, but you paid no attention to the bitches throwing themselves at you. Then that chick walks in and you fucking chase it.”

I thought about it. I haven’t fucked in four years, and every goddamn offer made me want to fuck for the next four. But every time I considered it, soft brown eyes assaulted my memories and reminded me of the last pussy I had, the sweetest one that I’ve ever felt, and I couldn’t go through with it. So instead I came home and jacked off. But seeing Anna in her skin-tight jeans and snug, white tank top that showcased every one of her slim curves made me so goddamn hard that I was sure my dick would break off.

“You killed it again tonight, man,” Lewis says, cutting into my perverted thoughts. “I think Ricketts is scared. He wants to postpone the fight a week longer than scheduled. I think he wants more time to train.”

I grunt. “He can fucking train all he wants but he won’t win.”

He can’t.

“I think you’re gonna do it, Knight. No one has made it to the final since I came on, but no one like you has entered. Even Boss is impressed.”

I falter at the mention of the name. He’s only said it twice before. I tread carefully, knowing this is what the agents need. “You gonna tell me who this boss guy is?”

He chuckles. “Nope, but you’ll find out at the final, and I have no doubt you will make it to the end, my friend. I have to admit even I’m nervous, there’s a lot of money being put on the line by some pretty influential people.”

“For me or against me?” I ask curiously.

“Some of both, but you know I’ll be putting mine on you.”

I push away the pang of guilt for lying to him. He’s a decent guy; he just needs to get his head screwed on right. I really thought he was going to after he got out. “How did you come into all of this anyway?” I ask easily, keeping my tone light. “I thought you were going on the straight and narrow?”

“Yeah, well, I changed my mind. Boss is someone I know from a long time ago; I used to date his daughter. She’s a crazy bitch but her ol’ man is a big deal so when he offered me this job I took it. Who else is going to hire a convicted felon? This way I make a fuck-ton of money and I get endless pussy.”

In a way I see his point. Making money and finding a decent job when you have a criminal record is probably next to impossible. I’m in the same boat, which is why I’m glad I’m making the money I am now. It’ll be enough to live off of until I have to find whatever shit job will take me after this is over. The whole thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Anyway, thought I would let you know, you now have ten days before the next fight. Use them wisely. I still don’t know where the hell you’re training, but I could help you out if you need?”

“Nah, man, it’s all good.” I don’t want anyone to know where I’m training or with
whom
for that matter.

“All right, that’s cool. Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

Hanging up I head to the shower and wash the sweat and blood from my body. The entire time I think about the only girl I want but one I will never have again.

Anna

T
he next morning I walk into SEAL Extreme and immediately feel a smile grace my lips when I spot some of the greatest men I’ve ever met.

“Hey, there’s our girl,” Sawyer booms with a smile of his own before jumping down from the ring. I know exactly what he’s about to do, but even with me anticipating it I can’t escape it. He puts me in a gentle headlock and messes up my hair. It’s something he always does and it drives me bonkers.

I give my usual growl of frustration then shove at him. “Let go of me, you big brute.”

With a chuckle he finally lets me up, but pulls me against him and lays a loud smacking kiss to my cheek. “How’s it going, kid?”

My heart warms at his affection and I wrap my arms around his waist. He’s one of the three Navy SEALs that pulled me out of hell, and even though I share something with Jaxson that I don’t with the other two they are all like brothers to me. I love each and every one of them, and if not for their sacrifice I wouldn’t be here.

“I’m good,” I lie, still feeling out of sorts after last night’s debacle.

“Hi, Anna!” I turn at the squeal to see Cade jump down from the ring with his daughter Ruthie on his shoulders. They both wear their matching beanies and my heart smiles like always at the sight of them.

“Hi, Ruthie.” I greet her with a smile. Cade bends down so I can kiss her on the cheek then I plant one on the side of his, too.

“What’s up?” he asks.

“Not much. What about y’all?”

“We’re goin’ to the state fair later,” Ruthie replies excitedly, “but the Big Guy had to do a few things here first.”

“Well that sounds like fun.”

“We’re all going,” Sawyer says. “You wanna come? You can babysit the twins so I can get my woman drunk and make out with her behind the rides.”

I shake my head with a chuckle, not surprised by his remark. Usually, I wouldn’t give up the opportunity to hang out with these guys and their families. I babysit for them often and I love their kids, but I’m swamped right now with schoolwork.

“I’d love to, but I can’t. I have a huge test to study for. So you will have to steal kisses from Grace while standing in line,” I say teasingly.

“Why are you studying on a Saturday?” he asks, perplexed. “It seems like that’s all you ever do.”

“Because that is all I ever do.” I sigh, though it’s half-hearted. I really enjoy studying psychology but the workload can be daunting at times, especially since this is my last year before I begin my practicum. “I need to talk to Jaxson. Is he around?”

“In the office,” Cade answers, pointing behind him.

“Thanks.” I kiss them all on the cheek one last time then make my way across the gym, passing by the ring where two fighters are sparring. The other half of the space is loaded with exercise equipment and is almost filled to its capacity.

I stop by the door that’s marked
Office
to see it slightly ajar. Peeking my head in, I see the man I came here for bent over paperwork, a frown marring his handsome face. “Knock, knock.”

Jaxson’s head snaps up at the sound of my voice. His expression immediately softens and his lips lift into one of his famous smirks. “Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

I walk in with a smile. He gets to his feet and meets me halfway before encompassing me in his strong arms. The same ones that carried my broken body out of the nightmare I was forced into at fourteen. I soak in the safety I always feel when I’m with him, and all the turmoil that has been weighing down on me since seeing Logan last night lifts from my chest.

“I’ve missed you, kid,” he admits softly, pressing a kiss to the side of my head. “It’s been almost three weeks.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been swamped with school.”

“Don’t worry about it. I was going to track you down if I didn’t see you in the next day or two anyway. Your dad called for the usual update and I didn’t have much to give him.”

I roll my eyes and step back. “I talk to him at least twice a week. He knows how I’m doing.”

“Yeah, well it’s not reassuring enough I guess.” He chuckles and sits against the edge of the desk, crossing his arms over his chest, looking like his usual badass self. His black swirling ink that’s woven up his cut arms are on full display from the muscle tank he wears. Rumpled hair falls across his forehead, the dark contrast highlighting his icy blue eyes.

I swear he gets better looking with age, they all do. Not that thirty-two is old by any means, but as time goes on they only seem to get more attractive. If I didn’t love them like brothers I would drool over them like every other girl on the planet. However, the thought leaves me feeling all sorts of awkward, but I have to admit, I do see the resemblance between him and…
Don’t go there, Anna.
I take a seat on the love seat across from him and drop back with a heavy breath.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, sensing my inner turmoil.

“I have to tell you something,” I start quietly, anxiety starting to niggle its way up my throat. He’s going to be pissed when I tell him where I was last night, but I’m hoping the shock of Logan will ease that.

“What is it?” he presses, concern etched deep on his face.

“You’re never going to believe who I saw last night.”

Something flickers in his eyes, something that has suspicion rearing inside of me. “Who?” he asks easily—too easily.

“Logan.” His expression never wavers, and I quickly realize that this is no surprise to him. I shoot off the couch and point an accusing finger at him. “You knew!”

“Anna—”

“How could you keep this from me? You of all people!” I shout, betrayal thickening my words.

“It wasn’t my place.”

“Not your place? Just whose side are you on here?”

He takes a step toward me and reaches out but I back away. “Yours. I’m always on yours and you know that.”

“No, I don’t! Not any more,” I grind out.

“Yes, you do, you’re just angry right now, which I get. But I only recently found out myself.”

“You’ve known longer than me!”

He blows out a breath and runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “Listen, this is bigger than us. I couldn’t tell you, and honestly, I didn’t think you would ever see him anyway since…” He trails off and his gaze narrows. “Hold up. Just where the hell did you run into him?”

My heart begins to palpitate, more with nerves than anger now. I twist my hands in front of me and don’t respond but I don’t need to because he knows.

Pure fury resonates on his face, reminding me just how scary he can get when he’s mad. Leaning over he slams the door, and I flinch from the loud bang, surprised that the wood didn’t splinter from the force. “What the fuck were you doing there, Anna?”

With a lift of my chin, I stand my ground. “I took a break for once and went out with my roommate for some fun. Little did I know what the hell I would be walking into, no thanks to
you
.”

His gaze turns downright lethal, clearly not liking that response. “You don’t need me to tell you that place is fucking dangerous. You’re smart enough to know better. What the fuck were you thinking putting yourself at risk like that?”

“How dare you lecture me after what you’ve done. You completely betrayed me!” I argue back, my voice cracking from the emotion burning my throat. “Forget it, I’m out of here.” I start off, hoping to keep my tears at bay until I get outside to my car.

“Wait!” Jaxson jumps in front of me, blocking my way. “Please don’t go.” He pulls me against him, his hold tight so I can’t escape. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, okay? I just… Jesus, Anna, do you have any idea what the fuck it would do to me if something ever happened to you? We didn’t escape that shit all those years ago for me to lose you over a reckless decision.”

My anger deflates at his admission and the dam breaks. I burst into tears against his chest.

“Shit, come on, don’t cry.”