Tapout

Stop.

Riley's Point of View

Unknown

Be at his office December 24, 1 week before NYKO.

I set my phone down after reading that message. That same message I've read a thousand times since I received it. Since I requested, well demanded the date to be moved up. Today is the 24th. Today is the day I'd be meeting with Felix, today is the day I'll basically find out my fate. I didn't sleep last night, even with Lucas right beside me.

He refused to let me be by myself, not like I'd want to anyways, I can always be with him even if we aren't talking. To say things were back to normal wouldn't be entirely true. He's just as scared as I am that when I see Felix a shit storm of emotions will turn me back around down the wrong path. The anxiety of everything has only fueled my training though. So that's the one positive, I've been running longer, punching harder, moving faster, and quite frankly been kicking ass and taking names.

Sparky has gotten a lot better as well, I really have him to thank for my better defense. Since he's such an offensive fighter, I've had to get better to not get the shit kicked out of me. Johnson has been coming over just about every night to work with me. I owe my speed to him, that's for sure, which makes sense because he trained 'The Eagle'. She's doing a lot better, and didn't tell anyone about the money I gave her, to save what reputation I have so that way it can be fully fucked up in the finals of New Year's Knock Outs.

My writing has become more intense, especially after that night in the rain. He took me to my old home and we just sat there and stared at it. We sat in the bed of his truck, his arms wrapped around me while my back rested against his chest. His steady breathing, calming me unknowingly. I haven't felt that lost and insecure in years, but Lucas like the fucking light of my life that he is, he guided me back to him. Amber's disappeared, as far as we know at least, we've been on winter break. I wouldn't mind if she showed back up though, that'd only mean I get another opportunity to kick her ass.

We agreed to exchange Christmas gifts at New Year's Knockout's. We're just going to spend the day together tomorrow, he's taking me to his dad's. But that's a whole other story that I can't get into right now because I'm walking into Felix's office building. Yes, building. He's a fucking millionaire and not just from owning fight night, he has his hands in a lot of different things that I don't care to know about.

"Ms. Matthews, Felix was expecting you."

"I'm sure." Two men escort me into the elevator and the number 25 lights up. Top floor, my fists press into my pockets as I casually glance behind me to make sure these assholes don't try anything. I can see the guns on their hips and I'm practically praying I don't do any stupid shit.

But, I know myself. I know my temper and all I can do is remember Lucas' words.

Just think of me baby. We're getting the fuck out of here. Think of your future with me, not your past.

"Step out of the elevator please." I do as instructed and as usual there's a man waiting to pat me down. "Do you have any weapons?"

"Nope." I don't need them, I'm not going to do anything that could hurt Sparky. Or put him in any sort of danger. And if I need defense well, that's what I've been training for. I feel a hand cup my ass, not the normal thing to do when being 'frisked'. "Feeling fucking handsy Bennett?" This guy has been working with him for years, and I can't really stand him because he's working for such an arrogant prick at such a young age. Only being a few years older than me I just want to slap some sense into him. "Get the hell off of me."