The Fighters Return Book Two

Phoenix POV

"How long are they going to be? It's been 30 minutes already, the fight starts in 15 minutes and we have to be there for the ring change announcement." Benji pipes up and I take a drag of my cigarette. It's a nasty habit I haven't been able to kick. 

"Take it easy kiddo, they'll be finished soon." Colton assures his little brother who huffs but leans his back against the wall anyway. 

The silence is pierced by the sound of the door creaking open, I raise my head and take in this Helix guys' tense posture and I frown. Raelyn comes out of the room looking more serious then I've ever seen and I make my way over to her. "What's happened?" I ask her and she shakes her head causing me to growl in frustration. I throw my cigarette butt on the concrete ground and stamp it out with the heel of my boot. Why can't she tell me? 

"I'll tell you later but I REALLY don't want Benji here for the fight" she whispers to me and I raise a brow, she swallows and turns to get Helix's attention. "If I do this for you, will you keep your promise?" she asks him making everyone look between her and Helix who looks Raelyn dead in the eye. 

"You do this for me, for Myra, and I WILL keep my promise Raelyn, I swear it on my tags." 

A look passes between them and Raelyn nods at him, his shoulders drop like a weight has been lifted from them and more questions arise in my head so I pull Raelyn to one side. "What is going on Raelyn, we promised remember? No more secrets" I remind her and she takes a deep breath and grasps my hand. I grip hers tightly letting her know through touch that I'm here if she needs me. I'm not used to her seeking affection from me but it's nice to know that she's serious about trying. 

"I can't tell you right now Phoenix. I promise, after the fight, when everything is over I'll tell you everything and answer all your questions. That's if you still want me after this" she mutters and I frown. "Why wouldn't I want you? I told you that I would wait for you Raelyn and I meant it. Whatever it is you need from me tell me and it's yours." I swear to her and she tightens her grip on my hand. It takes a second but she begins to speak. 

"I have to do something Phoenix, something that you might not agree with but it NEEDS to be done and not just for Helix and Myra. The thing I need to do, the choice I need to make isn't an easy one and it will haunt me just like the rest of decisions I've made in the last 5 years. I need you to do one thing for me. Please." She begs pleadingly and I feel my heartbeat pick up slightly. 

Swallowing my questions I nod my agreement. "When I get into the ring after I've been announced, the opponent will change, and they'll be a five-minute break in between rounds, Helix will act as my coach. I need you to really be watching Phoenix. Helix is going to pass me a red towel, I'm going to drop it, when that happens I need you to take Benji, Tyler and Colt and all the others out of the building.  You need to be discreet, once you're all out go to the compound and wait for me. I'm going to be gone for a couple of days but I need you to trust me." 

My brain hurries to take in her instructions but I still frown at her. "What? What the fuck is going on Raelyn, you have to tell me more than that. Why will you be gone for a couple of days? How do I know you'll come back to me?" I fire back and she smiles softly. "Trust me" she tells me once more and I take a deep breath and nod placing all my faith and once again, my heart in this woman's hands. "I trust you," I tell her and I find myself meaning every word.

I press a gentle kiss to her lips and pull her into my chest, "guys we need to get going, Kyles opening the ring!" Benji shouts and I feel Raelyn take a deep breath. "Let's go," I tell her and she nods. "Showtime" she mutters cracking her knuckles and she steps forward whilst shaking out her arms showing off all her tattoo's.  I remind myself to ask her about them when whatever this is, is over and done with.