An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3) (17 page)

The only way I know.

Some people are cut out for it but Sophie isn’t one of them. After knowing what she’s gone through, the thought of leaving another mark on her body makes me physically sick. It’s the first time that’s ever happened. I’ve found myself in one fucking mess, but it might be the best one I’ve ever been in.

Pulling onto her driveway, I’m about to climb out when my cell phone vibrates. I grab it from my pocket and look down to see it’s Nick.

“Hey,” I answer.

“The next time you ask me to look up a fucking psychopath, you mind giving me a heads-up?”

I relax back into my seat, not surprised to hear how pissed he is. “Yeah, I probably should have. Were you able to find anything for me?”

“You mean other than the fact that the girl you’ve taken a liking to isn’t who she says she is. And what she has hiding under that scarf of hers was done by some creepy bastard who could star in the next fucking slasher flick?”

“Yeah, besides that,” I grind out, feeling rage burn in my gut as I’m reminded all over again what that sick fuck did to her.

“Not a whole lot. At least not yet. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this shit.”

“I need you to find him, Nick, and I need you to do it fast—before he finds her.”

“If you would have fucking told me all of this to begin with, it would have saved time.”

“I didn’t have a chance, all right?” I snap, losing my patience. “I texted you the same night I found out. Just find this fucker then let me know where he is.”

“Why? So you can kill him?” I remain silent, refusing to admit that I’ve entertained the idea. “Jesus, Slade. You think I’m going to hand him over to you just so you can land your ass in prison after you escaped that fate only a few months ago?”

“What do you expect me to do when the cops can’t even do their fucking job?”

“Well, I’ll give you that,” he says. “I have no idea how a kid can outsmart this many cops. From what I’ve been able to tell, he’s on the radar for over half of the forces in this country.”

“Because he’s more than just a fucking kid. You saw what he did to her. I need you to dig deeper, Nick. See what you can find on him, and while you’re at it,
find
him. In the meantime, I’m going to do whatever I have to do to protect her.”

His harsh breath fills the other end of the line. “Okay, listen. Ryder knows one of the officers who dealt with Sophie’s case back in California,” he says, talking about his partner. “He’s getting in touch with him to find out all he can about this guy and where he was last seen. I also have some other resources to follow up with that could potentially turn into some good leads.”

“What are they?” I ask, my interest piqued.

“Not yet. Let me follow them first. I promise to tell you something as soon as I find out.”

“Fine. Other than Ryder, have you told anyone else about this?”

“No.”

“Good. Keep it that way. Don’t even tell Kate. Sophie doesn’t want anyone knowing yet. So as far as you know, she’s still Lia.”

“Yeah, fine, whatever,” he grumbles. “But when your sister does find out, I’ll be making sure she knows you’re the one who told me to keep quiet.”

“You know, it’s almost funny to see how whipped you are…
Almost.
It would be a lot funnier if it wasn’t by my sister.”

“Well, it’s always going to be your sister. So, it’s time to get used to it.”

I’m already used to it, but I decide to keep that to myself.

“I’ll hit you back up when I know more.”

“Hey, Nick,” I say before he can hang up.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

There’s a long pause, as if he doesn’t know what to do with my gratitude. “No problem. See you Saturday.”

“I guess that means you’re coming?”

“Yeah, we’ll be there. I want to see you kick that guy’s ass for what almost happened to your sister. But she’s a mess over you getting back in the ring, so how about after this you retire for good.”

“Don’t worry, this is the last one,” I promise. “I’ll see you Saturday. Tell Kate I said hi.”

“Will do. See ya.”

Hanging up, I climb out of the truck and walk up Sophie’s front steps, the house blanketed in darkness. I knock a few times but don’t get anything. “Soph, it’s me. Open up.”

Concern plagues me when she still doesn’t answer. I’m just about to bust in when I finally hear the lock unlatch. The door opens to reveal a girl I barely recognize. Dressed in sweats with a hood over her head, Sophie’s face is ghost white and eyes gaunt.

“Jesus, you look like shit.” I immediately want to kick myself as soon as the words leave my mouth.

Shooting me a death glare, she begins to slam the door in my face, but I stick my foot in before she can.

“Wait. I didn’t mean that.”

“Yes, you did, because I do,” she says, her teeth chattering. “And I feel like it.”

I pull her trembling body against me, feeling fire radiating off her. “Have you seen a doctor?”

“No,” she murmurs into my chest, leaning all her weight on me as if it’s hard for her to stand. “I don’t need to, it’s just the flu… I think.”

“This is some fucking flu.”

“You’re telling me,” she mumbles. “Which is why you need to go. You can’t afford to be here right now.”

“Fuck that. I’m not going anywhere.” Closing the door behind me, I bend down and scoop her up in my arms.

“Oh god,” she moans, burying her face in my neck. “You better be careful or you’re gonna end up covered in whatever I tried to eat last.”

“I’ve been through worse,” I grunt. “What was the last thing you ate anyway?”

She’s quiet as she thinks about it. “What day is it?”

“Jesus, Sophie, are you serious?”

“Well, excuse me but I haven’t had much energy. I’ve been drinking a lot of tea. Usually, I find that soothes my stomach, but not this time. I was going to make myself something after my shower but ended up falling sleep. Something you woke me from, thank you very much.”

Her sass would amuse me if I weren’t so fucking worried about her. “I’ll go make you something.” I enter her room and lay her down.

“You don’t have to do that,” she protests but it’s weak.

“I know.”

When I turn to leave, she grabs my hand, bringing my attention back to her. “Don’t be mad at me,” she whispers.

My hands drop on either side of her hips as I lean over her. “I’m not mad at you. But the next time I want to come check on you, don’t fucking argue with me about it.”

I expect her to bristle at my tone but instead her hand moves to my face, her sunken eyes dazed as she stares up at me. “When I wasn’t puking my guts out, I missed you and your bossiness.”

I smirk and get the urge to kiss the hell out of her, but manage to refrain myself. “I missed you every second, baby, even when I felt like puking my guts out from training.”

She smiles like I hoped she would. “Mmkay. You win.”

Chuckling, I press a kiss to her damp forehead. “I’ll be back.”

Heading into the kitchen, I start rummaging through her cupboards and find a can of soup broth and crackers. While I wait for it to heat, I clean up the few dishes then get her some iced water.

Ten minutes later, I walk back into her room to find her curled up on her side with an arm draped over her eyes. Sitting down next to her, I put the large mug on her nightstand then gently shake her. “Soph, wake up.”

“I don’t wanna,” she whines on a tortured moan.

“I know, but you need to eat something.”

I help her sit up then have her take some aspirin and don’t miss the way she tugs at her hood, making sure her neck is covered.

After taking the water from her, I pass her the steaming cup of soup. “I put it in a mug. I figured it would be easier for you to have this way.”

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

As she begins sipping, I move to the end of the bed and lean against the wall.

“How is training going,” she asks.

“It’s going. I think the kid gets a kick out of it. He enjoys seeing me bust my ass.”

She smiles. “He’s pretty excited that you’re letting him go ringside with you.”

“I had a hard time saying no when he asked. I figure it would be good for him to see what it’s like, since he’s been talking about wanting to work toward being a fighter.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know,” I tell her truthfully. “I guess there’s nothing wrong with it, but I think that smart mouth of his is destined for bigger things.” I shrug. “Or maybe I’m still pissed about the way the industry fucked me over.”

“I don’t blame you for that,” she says gently, sounding not only tired but also sad. “Are you nervous for Saturday?”

“No.”

“I am,” she admits softly.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want anyone to hit you.”

Her reply amuses me yet at the same time causes a shift in my chest. Other than my sister, no one has ever given a shit about me.

When she finishes with her soup, I move to take the cup from her and set it back on the night table before putting my hands on either side of her again. “Don’t worry, if there’s anything my old man taught me it’s how to take a punch.”

I regret the words as soon as I say them, especially when tears fill her eyes. “That makes me sad.”

“Don’t be sad for me, baby. He may have been an asshole but it also made me who I am. It made me stronger and fight harder. I made something of myself because of it.”

Silence descends as her hand moves to my jaw. “How can anyone ever mistake you for being anything other than amazing and kind?”

She watches me, expecting an answer.

“Because I kick people’s ass for money?”

A small giggle escapes her. “Mmm, maybe, but they are all so wrong.”

I feel like telling her that not everyone is wrong. I might not be the monster some people think I am, but I am definitely as fucked-up as they come. Instead of admitting that to her, I steer the conversation back to the fight. “Are you going to come and watch me if you’re feeling better?”

Her expression softens, smile remaining. “You want me to come?”

“Yeah, Soph, I always want you around.”

“Do you promise not to get hit?”

Now it’s my turn to smirk. “I promise to do most of the hitting and come out on top.”

She rests back on the headboard. “Then yes. I’ll come. As long as I’m not throwing up.”

My eyebrows draw in concern. “If you’re still this sick tomorrow, I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t have insurance and they’ll find out who I really am.”

“Nothing matters more than your health. Not even hiding your identity.”

She shrugs, clearly not agreeing with me. “It doesn’t matter anyway. It’s the flu and just needs to run its course. I’m already feeling better thanks to you.”

I’m not sure who she’s trying to convince—me or her. I decide to let it go for now and wait to see what tomorrow brings. Reaching up, I remove her hood before unzipping her sweater, revealing a thin white tank top. “Take this off. You need to keep cool,” I say, helping her remove it.

When she begins to shift her hair, I grab her delicate wrist then lean in to brush a kiss against her scars, noticing her skin cooler than before.

She wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me close. “Stay with me tonight.”

“Yeah, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

Getting up, I hit the light before crawling in next to her. My arms come around her as she moves in close and for the first time in days, I finally find peace again. A feeling I never knew was possible for me until she came along.

Sophie

T
he entire place is absolute chaos. I’ve never seen anything like this. Thousands of people cheer, anxiously awaiting the fight to begin. I sit in the row that’s been reserved for Kolan’s family and friends. The entire gang is here to support him, even Ryder and Emily, who I met for the first time tonight.

I’m trying to absorb it all and join in on the excitement, but I find it incredibly overwhelming, probably because I still feel like a zombie. I told Kolan I was feeling better and I was…up until a few hours before we left then it hit me again. I feel like I haven’t slept in a week, even though that’s all I’ve done. I think Kolan could tell when I saw him in his dressing room, but I did my best to tamp it down. I want to be here for him tonight, and I don’t want him worrying about anything but winning.

“Kate, take it easy, everything is going to be okay. He’s got this.”

I glance over at Katelyn who is sitting next to me, and see her looking as nervous as I feel. Nick has one hand on her leg while the other is draped around her shoulders. I was apprehensive to see everyone tonight, but especially Nick since he knows about my past. However, I had no reason to be. He’s been really kind to me, and it’s clear he has kept the information to himself.

“I know,” she responds quietly. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I just…I hate that he’s back here—
hate it
.”

I do, too. Even though I have no idea what to expect. I think that might be what’s most nerve-racking. I’ve never been to a fight or watched one. Violence terrifies me. But looking around the place, it’s clear this is so much more than that. The chain-link fence surrounding the octagon is even more intimidating, making me fear for Kolan’s life.

“You heard him, Kate. This is the last time. He’s going to put this asshole in his place then he’ll be done,” Nick soothes, kissing her cheek.

My chest swells with adoration at how attentive he is with her. Actually, watching all of these couples together gives me a heavy dose of envy. The guys look rough and tough on the outside but the way they love their wives is admirable. It reminds me of my mom and dad and the love they share… I shove the thought away when pain pricks my heart.

“Well, can I just say for my own selfish reasons that I love what Kolan is doing tonight,” Anna says, speaking up. “The proceeds he’s donating from this fight will benefit the Center a lot.”

“He’s donating
all
of his proceeds?” Julia asks.

Anna nods with a smile. “All of it.”

“Wow.”

I’m not surprised to hear that. He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met. It’s impossible not to fall head over heels for him.