Theo

Moody isn’t returning my calls and it’s pissing me off. The security company called my cell earlier saying something had triggered the alarm at my apartment. Apparently, Moody checked things out and reported that everything was fine.

That was three fucking hours ago.

And despite my numerous attempts to reach him, he isn’t picking up. Neither is Mac. To say that I’m getting a little paranoid is an understatement. I’m worried sick.

I dial Mac again. Same thing. No answer. I’ve even tried my mom, but nothing.

For fuck sake. I don’t need this shit. Not a couple hours before my fight.

I’m about ready to throw my phone against the cement wall when it vibrates in my hand.

MOM blinks on the screen.

“Hello?” I bite out, my nerves shot.

“Hi, sweetheart.” There’s an edge to her voice, and I pick up on it right away.

“What’s wrong?” Even before she says anything, I know it’s about Mac. “Why is no one answering their damn phones?”

I take a deep breath and curse myself for speaking to her like that.

“Theo,” she says sternly.

“Sorry,” I mutter. “Have you seen Mackenzie?”

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

There’s a small pause on the other end, and I hear Logan singing some nonsense song in the background.

My pulse slows slightly. At least the kid’s fine.

“Mom?”

“Mac had a bit of an accident.”

I have to force the next words through gritted teeth. “What kind of an accident?”

There’s some kind of static, then the sound of her uneven breath.

“What kind of accident?” I repeat, this time unable to keep the panic from clawing its way out in my tone.

“She said she passed out in the shower, but…”

“But, what?”

“It’s probably nothing. I gave her some money to take a taxi to the hospital. She has a small gash on her temple that may need stitches, and most likely a small concussion.”

“Fuck.”

“Theo.” The reprimand is light, but it’s enough for me to clench my lips over the other words that threaten to erupt.

“Sorry.” I rake my hand through my hair, then rub my forehead. “Can you tell her to call me when she gets back?”

“Of course.”

More silence.

“Tell me,” I say, knowing there’s more.

She sighs. “I think someone may have hurt her.”

“Fu–” I slam my fist into the heavyweight bag beside me. If her mother laid a finger on her, I’m going to go loco on the woman. “And Logan?”

I already know the answer, but I need to hear it.

“She’s with me. Safe. I was just about to put her to bed.”

The fact that I’m thousands of miles away makes my growing frustration worse.

“Just get Mac to call me when she gets back.”

I hang up and try Moody again. I’ve no doubt he’s hiding something, that’s why he’s not answering.

When the voicemail clicks, I growl into the phone. “Damn it, Moody, call me back, now.”

I hang up and punch the bag a few more times, then pace the small room, ignoring the looks I get from my trainers. When I’m on edge, everyone’s on edge. But they know enough to leave me alone.

When my cell rings a couple minutes later, I pick it up, barely glancing at the name, and snarl, “What the fuck happened?”

Moody’s heavy breath echoes over the line. “Don’t get your panties in a twist, everything’s fine.”

“It sure as hell doesn’t seem fine when I get a call from the security company saying someone has tripped the system. Then I talk to my mom and she says Mac slipped in the shower and she’s gone to the hospital to get stitches.” I close my eyes and inhale slowly, trying to control my growing apprehension. “What do you know?”

Silence.

“Moody. I swear to God, if you’re–”

“She didn’t slip in the shower.”

Anger bubbles in my chest, heating my skin and burning my throat. I have to swallow back bile before I speak.

“Who was it?”

“I don’t know. Dark hair. Olive complexion. Maybe fifty, fifty-five. Sleazy-looking guy. Had his hands on her when I pulled up.”

Shit. Stefano.

I’m going to kill the asshole.

I pull my arm back to slam my fist against the wall, then stop before impact. Hurting myself isn’t going to help Mac.

“I hope to God you bloodied the bastard up.”

“Trust me, buddy, I wanted to. But he had a gun. Not sure what he would have done if I hadn’t shown up, but his intentions weren’t good.”

Ice prickles at the back of my neck. The entire situation keeps getting worse. Who the hell was this guy, and what did he want from Mac?

“My first thought was to get her and the kid out of there safely. You know I would’ve messed him up if–”

“You did the right thing.”

“I hate to tell you this, but I think she’s in some serious shit.”

Yeah. I don’t doubt it. But what could she have done to have this lowlife after her? I should have pressed her when she told me about the scar, and what the jackass had done to her.

“Did she say anything to you?”

“Just that the guy thinks she owes him something. She didn’t say what, but whatever it is, he’s got something big hanging over her head.”

“I’m coming home.”

My trainer, Evan, looks up from the magazine he’s reading, his eyes wide.

“Don’t be an idiot. You can’t leave. You wouldn’t just forfeit tonight’s purse, they’d sue you for breach of contract.”

He’s right. No matter how much I want to get back, I can’t leave without totally fucking up my career.

“She’s fine right now. I took her to your mom’s. If you want, I’ll go over and check on them.”

“I’ll be on the next flight after the fight.” I drag my fingers through my hair.

“Just keep your head in the ring. You won’t do her any good if you’re laid up in the hospital.”

The hospital. Shit. That’s where Mac is.

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything, man.”

“My mom sent Mac to the ER in a cab. I need you to go and make sure she’s all right.”

“Of course.”

I hang up, and drop to the bench, running my hands over the back of my neck. I’ve never felt so helpless in my life. I’m in dire need to break something. My opponent’s face will have to do for now.

Then, I’ll go after the fucking asshole who hurt my girl.