I hang up before cursing when I realize I forgot to ask her to forward my other boxes. I fire off a text before I forget again.
Once I’m done, I head out into the gym and watch as Vega talks to two teenagers sparring with each other in the ring. He shows them how to use their whole bodies when throwing a punch instead of just their arm.
“He’s good with them,” Blink says, walking up to me. The man is shirtless, leaving all his dark and delicious skin on display as he pulls the towel from his shoulder and pats the sweat from his face.
“Is he on the books?” When I fought here, Vega trained too, but he had a different coach. I couldn’t imagine having someone other than Hank in my corner.
“No. He just helps out with the kids occasionally. You could offer him a job, though. People like him, and he’s more than skilled enough that people listen to what he has to say.”
“Hank’s in charge of the hiring and firing. How come he hasn’t offered him a position here?”
He looks at me for a minute, gauging my reaction. “Because he held out hope you’d come home, and he wasn’t sure where the land lay between you two. He knew you crushed on Vega when you left, and then he had to watch Vega lose his shit once you were gone. It took time for everything to calm down, and I guess he didn’t want to be the one to rock the boat.”
“That was a long time ago, for fuck’s sake.” I gripe.
“So, there is nothing left between you?”
I glare at him, but he grins.
“You know I could kill you with my bare hands.”
“Nah, you’d miss me. Plus, you need me if you want a team to enter the games.”
“Yeah, well, that won’t stop me from kicking your ass. I’m still pissed about before.”
“I am sorry. It was underhanded the way I went about things, but I don’t have the connection with you that you do with him. I want you too fucking bad to bow out and let the best man win. I want to be the one who wins, but I’m smart enough to know that perhaps this isn’t a one-man race but a team sport.”
The funny thing is, his thoughts echo Vega’s.
“Are you saying that you’re willing to share me?” It’s the same question I asked Vega earlier.
He shrugs. “I want you any way I can have you. I’m not saying it will be smooth running. I’ve never done this before, but I’d be willing to try. What about you? Are you down with it? People will talk, and I know you like your privacy.”
“Do I look like I give a shit about what people will say or think? No. And let’s be honest, the further we progress in this competition, the more our names are going to garner attention. Notoriety is something we’ll just have to deal with.”
“It won’t be easy, especially since you don’t know if you’re staying or leaving yet.”
“Nothing worth having is easy, but we’ll take it slow. I’d rather have you guys as friends than ruin everything between us. If you don’t think you can do this, then let’s bow out now.” I hold up my hands when he opens his mouth to speak.
“I know you said you’re cool with it, but I want you to be extra sure. Everything gets more complicated when hearts are involved. Just think it over some more. There is no rush.”
He steps closer, his hand going to my hip.
“I’ve thought about nothing else since I tasted your cum on my lips. I won’t back out or change my mind. I’m in this until the end.”
His lips brush softly over mine before he steps back.
“Yo.” I turn at the sound of Vega’s voice as he climbs from the ring and jogs over to us.
His eyes move from me to Blink and back again before his jaw tightens, and he looks at his feet.
“So, I was thinking we need a fourth.”
“Vega…”
“And I have someone that might work.”
“Vega.”