CHAPTEREIGHT
London
“Guard,” I yell at Oscar.
“Keep your hands up,” Memphis shouts.
I have Oscar training with Silas. Why? Because even though guys make weight, they might be taller than him, have a longer reach, maybe even be a little bigger. So, who better to pair him to spar with than Silas?
“Hands up,” I yell again. I’ve been making him hit the cage hard, preparing for his first fight. I can see he’s almost past the point of exhaustion.
“Listen to them.” Silas sneers. “Daddy is mad.” He’s trying to get a rise out of him, and it works. Oscar lunges and his fist connects with bone. Silas flies back, though not too far. The fucker is huge, but he still goes down, which Oscar should take as an accomplishment.
“Good. That’s enough for today.” I grin, watching Memphis help the big guy up.
Silas nods. “You’re ready.”
Oscar blinks and asks, “What do you eat? You’re fucking huge.”
“People,” Silas deadpans, and I chuckle.
“Dick,” Oscar mutters.
Silas is the calmer of the Thunder Twins. God, if Oscar met Axel in the ring, he wouldn’t live.
“Take the next few days off to rest.” I clap Oscar on the shoulder.
“I feel like I was hit by a freight train,” he mutters, “but I have to thank you.”
“You know I did it on purpose. You need to be prepared.”
“I knew Silas was huge, but fuck.” He grabs a towel and shoves it over his head. “Once he stepped in, I thought I would die, and it was only sparring.”
I chuckle at that. “He’s a teddy bear.”
“Oy. Fuck off.” Silas smirks. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Yeah, yeah. Beers at the house?”
“I’m in,” Oscar says, tossing his sweaty towel in the hamper. “I just need to shower.”
“Lock up. We’ll meet you there.”
“How’s Snow?” Memphis asks as we head to the parking lot.
“I think her sessions with Ariel are really helping.”
“Has she said what she’s going to do?”
Do?
“Not following.”
“Is she staying? Memphis clarifies. “Working?”
A bit of jealousy flows through me. I don’t want her to leave.
“I think she’s staying. She’s mentioned wanting to dance again. And thanks to Sal, that might become a reality. As for money, I think she’ll be okay for a while. I’ll just pay for everything.”