When Hayes woke up the next morning, it was with the greatest relief from her knee and thigh pain that she’d felt in a long time. If she closed her eyes tightly, she could almost feel Levi’s hands digging into her muscles again. The warmth and soothing he provided her, not just from the physical pain but the emotional as well when she told him how it had happened, was incredible. They’d connected during that time. He seemed to genuinely understand how she felt, why she was so closed off.

If only she could find the courage to tell him about Ryder. To explain just what the loss of her big brother had done to her heart and mind. They weren’t just siblings, they best friends, and she missed him with every breath in her body, every day. Some days, it only felt like a dream that he was gone, never to come home again.

Slowly stretching as she got up from the bed and went about her morning routine, she passed her window and briefly saw something black outside. Stepping back to peer through the glass, she saw him.

Levi.

He was there, and she was ridiculously excited. She’d overheard her dad tell her mom what they’d talked about and figured she’d never see him again. He wasn’t supposed to overtake her mind; unfortunately, she couldn’t help but let him. Sure, he’d been a complete tool in the beginning, but now, he was showing how interested he was in her, in them.

Rushing down the stairs, she wasn’t shocked when the bell rang. “I got it,” she called to her parents.

Opening the door, she smiled at Levi who held out a cup of something warm and a bag from the bakery she liked. As she went to grab both from him, he moved his hands away, and their lips met. Sparks flew between them as they touched. An aching she didn’t understand rushed through her body when he wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her into him even with his hands full.

“Morning, sugar,” he mumbled when they separated, coming up for air.

“Hi,” was all she could muster.

“Good morning, Levi.” Her mom’s chipper voice came from behind her.

While Hayes’ face heated with embarrassment, Levi looked up and smiled, saying, “Morning, Ma’am.”

She interrupted before her mom could give him the third degree in the same way her dad had done the night before. “See you later!”

“Oh, have a good day!” She sounded disappointed, but Hayes wasn’t ready for that right now. Levi was older, she didn’t think he’d be comfortable with the whole parent thing.

His hand found her back as soon as they cleared the doorway. “I’d have been fine, you know.”

“I wouldn’t have.” Which was really the point.

He chuckled as he opened the door to his car for her. Once on their way to her school, he asked, “You feeling okay? Up for some stretches tonight?”

“Sure.” She tried to hide the excitement in her voice.

“Early dinner first?” he asked casually.

It took her heart a moment to slow its pace before she could answer. “Like a date?” She couldn’t meet his gaze when he looked at her.

“Exactly like a date.” Laughter was evident in his voice.

“Cool,” she breathed out barely above a whisper.

“Gotta hear the words, sugar.”

“Yes, Levi, I’d like that.” She smiled at him.

When they pulled up in front of her school, she figured he’d drop her off and leave, go to work or the gym. He didn’t. He got out of his car and walked around to her side; the look in his eyes was molten lava meant to melt the heart of any girl in his sights.

Lucky for Hayes, she was that girl.

And melt she did.

One of his hands wrapped around her waist while the other tangled in her hair as his mouth met hers. The kiss was pure possession. Staking his claim. But hot damn did it feel good. By the time he was done with her, she was like putty in the palm of his hands, ready to do anything he asked of her.

He nipped along her jaw and up to her ear as he whispered, “Don’t let him fucking touch you.” Her eyes popped open to see Dustin watching them.

“Language,” she scolded him making him chuckle as he buried his face in her neck.

She couldn’t help the smile that lit her eyes when he whispered, “Think of me today, Hayes,” as he kissed her neck before pulling away.

Shaking her head, she smirked and muttered, “Maybe.” Then she walked away.

She could hear his cursing as he drove off, and Lys squealed from the top of the stairs where she waited for Hayes. “Oh boy,” she uttered to herself, knowing her friend was going to drag every juicy detail of that kiss out of her.

* * *

“Got some pep in your step today,” Elianna called to Levi as he walked through the parts door. Lord love Sophia, but her sister had no damn filter.

“Sure, kid.” She hated when any of them called her that.

“Watch it,” she growled at him as he walked past her just as Asher was about to walk in. Levi shook his head. The two of them couldn’t be in the same room as each other without wanting to bash the other’s head in.

He and Nox knew it was because they were attracted to each other, but both were too strong-willed to admit it, so they fought. Soph tried to play peacekeeper which usually ended up with Mac and Joey egging them on.

Since the girls had started working there, it often felt more like a soap opera than a restoration shop. On his bad days, it annoyed the piss out of him, but on days like today, he enjoyed it.

Eli wasn’t wrong, he did have a pep to his step all because of one spitfire girl with a bad attitude. Thoughts of having Hayes with him at the gym and working her out was what was going to get him through the day.

“Levi.” Loch’s urgent whisper had him searching for his brother.

“Where the hell are you?”

“Over here.” His dark head popped out from near the door leading into the front of the shop. “She’s here,” he muttered.

Confused, Levi walked over to him. “Who’s here?” he asked beyond curious.

Loch levelled him with a look, and it hit him. “Yeah, her,” he whispered as Levi looked around the door.

Seeing no one else up front as the pretty, young woman and her mother stood there, he said to Loch, “You wanna know her name, right?” His brother nodded. “You know how old she is?”

“Not a damn clue.”

“Let’s go.” He pulled the door open before Loch could argue, and announced their arrival. “Welcome, I apologize for the wait. How can I help you?” His words were for the mother, but his eyes did a quick run over the girl.

“Oh, hello, I was hoping to see Mr. Hogan.” The older woman’s face was serious and her tone was put upon.

“I’m one of the Mr. Hogan’s.” He stuck his hand out to her. “Call me Levi.” He smiled when he saw the girl’s eyes dart quickly to Loch.

“Mrs. Marlowe,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with another man, though. I’d like to see him.” Her tone was getting less and less friendly, and she wouldn’t take his hand.

Dropping it, he pointed to his brother. “That’s my other brother Lochlan. Was it him you were dealing with?”

“No,” she damn near snapped. “It was another. Perhaps, I’ll just come back.”

The girl's smile died, and Loch froze just as he was about to walk forward. Christ, he knew he had to watch his own attitude for Loch’s sake with the damn girl, but the woman was pissing him off.

“Alright, Mrs. Marlowe. If you and…” He let his inquiry hang so he could get the girl’s name.

“Sage,” she whispered, catching onto what he was doing. Smart kid.

“Sage, if you’d like to have a seat, I’ll give Nox a call and see where he’s at. Can Loch get either of you something to drink while you wait?” He could be diplomatic, dammit.

She looked at him, about to say something, when her mother interrupted. “No. Now please, could you call Mr. Hogan?”

The girl wilted like a flower at first snowfall. Her features crestfallen as she sat. Loch slinked back to the shop, defeat written in his eyes. And the mother, the evil witch of the damn west, had a triumphant look in her eyes.

She was a customer he had to keep reminding himself as he walked back to Nox’s office to call the man.

“Yeah?” Nox answered on the third ring, out of breath, and he knew immediately what the man had been up to since Soph was nowhere in sight either.

“Ya know what? Never mind. Back to the baby making, big bro.”

“Levi!” Nox yelled before he could hang up.

“Yo!”

“What the hell do you want?” he asked.

“Mrs. Marlowe is here.” He didn’t get a chance to say more.

“Daughter with her?” Nox asked.

“Sure is.”

“Brake fluid,” he replied hanging up.

Looking at the phone, Levi muttered, “Alrighty then.”

“God fucking dammit!” Well shit. Asher and Eli had collided.

“Hey!” he snapped and whistled as he walked out of the office. Mrs. Marlowe was pale and horrified at Eli’s outburst, and when she went to smack Asher, the woman damn near fainted. “Shit. Would you two stop? Just stop. I don’t have time for this. Either walk away or go fuck. I don’t care which but piss off already.”

Too late, his words had done their damage, and Sage and her mother were walking out. Loch watched with what could only be described as a broken spirit because they both knew if she left, they weren’t coming back.

“I’ll fix this!” Levi called to his brother, rushing after the two women. “Mrs. Marlowe, wait! Please wait!” She paused by her vehicle.

“What is it, Mr. Hogan?” He had to bite his tongue with her attitude.

“Can I at least check your fluids before you go? Make sure you’re topped up.” He smiled, hoping she’d let him. Brake fluids weren’t to be messed with.

“Quickly.” She acquiesced.

He went through the motions of checking her oil, anti-freeze, and washer fluid. When he got to the brake line fluid, he was shocked to see it full. Nox was wrong. A whispered, “Steering fluid,” had him scowling at Sage as she darted off before her mother saw her.

“Ma’am,” he called to the woman. “I’ll be right back. Your steering fluid is a bit low, and I’d like to fill it up.” He quickly ran back inside to grab one of the containers they kept with different fluids in.

The woman looked to be at her wit's end when he returned. After filling the liquid back up, she wasted no time in leaving. He watched as Sage looked out the back window of the station wagon until they were no longer in sight.

He heard steps behind and knew it was Loch. “What the fuck was that?” He didn’t know who confused him more, the angry mother or the love-struck girl.

“Sage, huh,” was all Lochlan said.

“Seriously, bro? That is a whole new brand of crazy. You sure you want to get in on that mess?”

“Positive,” he replied.

Shaking his head again, Levi walked away from his little brother. The boy had been knocked around too much if he was really going to get involved with that family.

Putting the whole situation from his mind, he got back to work on the truck he was restoring, hoping to have it ready for paint by Monday, so he wasn’t distracted during his fight on the weekend.

Casper had been bragging that there were going to be sponsors, fighters, and officials from the MMA there. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about being drafted to the professional leagues. Sure, he liked fighting, the adrenaline rush he got from the pain. But as a career? He just wasn’t sure.

He’d never been as into cars as Nox was. The shop had been his big brother’s dream, and it was easy to go along for the ride when he’d opened it up. Now, though, Levi wanted something for himself. Something to focus on and cradle like it was his own.

An image of Hayes smiling flittered through his mind, and the thought that he’d be okay with things the way they were if only she were by his side.

* * *

Waiting for the bell to ring was painful as Hayes watched the clock constantly. She’d hardly gotten any of the work done that she’d been in study hall for. It wasn’t like she had to be in the class, but she hadn’t told Levi when she was getting out either. She wasn’t even sure if he was picking her up, but they’d spoken about going to the gym after an early dinner. However, he’d never specifically said he’d be there.

Great. Now she was insecure again. The man had her in knots, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She should be focusing on her last few weeks of school, not some boy. Well, man, actually. Levi was definitely all man.

Just the thought of him made her shiver.

“Crap on a cracker,” she muttered. Deciding she’d just leave, she shoved her books into her backpack and wandered to her locker intent on finding her own way to his gym. Dustin stopped her as she stepped outside, derailing her plans. “Oh, hey, Dustin.” If playing nice meant she could leave sooner, she’d do it.

“You got a date for prom yet?” he asked her. When his finger moved to trail down her arm, she stepped away from him. Not only because Levi told her not to let him touch her, but also because she didn’t like his hands on her.

He scowled at her move but said nothing.

“No, I don’t know if I’m going.” She wasn’t paying attention to him, rather looking up and down the street for Levi’s black Charger.

“I’d be happy to take you.” He grabbed her hand, drawing her gaze his way. “We could get a hotel room, order room service.” He bit his lip while looking her body up and down in what he probably thought was a seductive look but, in reality, made her skin crawl. “Whatever you want.” He whispered the last part as he took a step closer.

“I said no, Dustin.” Her voice brooked no room for argument but argue he did.

“This because of that fucking fighter?” he snarled. She took a step back, pulling her arm away as she did. His aggression was too much for her.

“No. It’s because I don’t like you like that, and it’d be a waste of time for us both.” Probably not the right thing to say when they were outside, mostly alone.

“You’re a fucking cock tease cripple.” He smirked at the shock on her face from his comment.

“The fuck you say!” Levi roared, pulling Dustin clear from her.

“Levi, please,” she begged, pulling on his arm as he took a step closer to Dustin who was now cowering against the school wall.

The bell rang, and soon, students and teachers were piling out of the school, turning the small argument into something much bigger.

“Listen here, you little punk. She ain’t going with you because you’re a drunk prick, and she’s too fucking classy for that shit.” Dustin attempted to say something, but Levi spoke right over him. “She’s also not going with you because she’s mine. Has been from the moment our eyes met. I catch you touching her again when she has clearly said no, and I will come for you. There will be nowhere you can hide from me. We clear?” Dustin nodded. Levi leaned forward, whispering so only the three of them could hear. “If she has one mark on her from your grip, I will string you up that flagpole by your asshole. Feel me, bro?”

“Levi,” she called him again.

He turned to her as Dustin scampered off to hide in some hole, his smile devastating. Like he hadn’t just threatened a high school student.

“Hey, sugar,” he murmured, pulling her into him, and just like that, her body heated to the core.

Her hand moved up to his temple as a lock of hair fell forward. “Hi,” she answered, loving the feel of his hands caressing her back.

“You alright, Hayes?” Brett asked, walking forward.

Levi tensed at his voice. “Fine, Brett, thanks for asking.”

Tucking her under his arm, Levi extended a hand to him. “Levi, how you doing?”

“Brett.” They shook hands, a look of respect passing between them. “Saw you at the fight last weekend. You’re a badass.”

Levi shrugged like it was nothing, “Thanks. There’s another tomorrow night. Same place. Meet me at seven, and I’ll get you in.”

“Sweet, thanks, man.” She watched as an intensity entered Brett’s gaze. Looking behind her, she figured Lys had to be nearby. Instead, what she saw was a transfer student from a few months ago. The girl was a mess on the outside, but Hayes knew she was smart as a whip and used her messy attire as a shield to ward people away from her. They had Anatomy together, and she’d never spoken more than a few words.

“I think her name’s Allegra,” she told Brett just as Lys joined them. The panic in his eyes was bright as their gazes collided.

“Hey, guys!” Lys was always so damn happy.

Hayes’ stare was still glued with Brett’s, and she shook her head so he knew she’d keep her mouth shut. From talks with Lys, she knew they’d never done anything more than kiss. They mostly hung out, so they had someone around to alleviate boredom. But seeing Brett look at Allegra the same way Levi had often looked at her, she had to wonder what was going on.

“You guys still going to the gym?” Lys asked.

“You bet,” she smiled at her friend.

“Cool beans. I wish I had your determination, but I swear, I’m stuck being lazy.” She laughed at herself.

“You’re welcome to join us,” Levi offered, and she wanted to deck him.

She loved Lys; the girl had been a godsend when she’d arrived at school eighteen months ago. But the girl could talk the ear off a snake.

“Really?” He nodded. She mulled it over. “Not today. I’ve got some stuff to do for prom still. Next week?” Hayes blew out a relieved breath.

“Anytime,” Levi told her.

As they parted ways, her mind wandered back to what he’d said to Dustin. How she’d been his since the moment their eyes met. It confused her because she’d been a jerk to him that day.

“You really think I’m yours?” Hayes asked as they drove, watching Levi. Looking for any deception in his movements.

“Hayes,” his voice was low but heavy with something she couldn’t quite describe. Grabbing her hand, he brought it to his lips, kissing her palm. “I don’t think it, I know it.”

The air whooshed from her lungs in a single breath. He was staking his claim, and they’d never been on a date.

Who did that? The simple answer was…Levi Hogan.

* * *

It was hard not beating that punk to a pulp when Levi had seen the fear in Hayes’ gaze as he’d stepped towards her. Her no at whatever Dustin had asked had been clear. He wasn’t sure what the younger man had asked her, but he should have understood her response the first time.

The only reason Levi hadn’t laid waste to the boy was because Hayes had called to him. She didn’t need to see him demolish some punk and go to jail because he hadn’t staked his own claim on his girl. He’d done it now, and in a very public way to her peers. Anyone messed with her after that, and it’d be their own fault for inciting his fury. He wouldn’t hesitate to give someone a lesson in manners.

They stopped at a little Chinese place on the way to the gym. Not really on his diet, but it made Hayes happy. Being a Friday night, he knew the gym would be busier than the day before.

“There’s gonna be more guys here,” he warned her.

She smiled. “I’ve trained with men all my life, Levi. It’ll be fine.”

She climbed out of the car before he could question her on the training with men. She still hadn’t opened up too much about her past, and it was driving him crazy. He wanted to know everything about her.

They walked in together, his arm around her shoulder, a knowing look on her face. The music was loud as they entered, and the grunting sounded more like an orgy than a gym full of men. As they passed through the reception area, Casper could be heard yelling at someone in his office, and they chose to ignore the man.

“He yells a lot,” Hayes commented making him laugh.

“Hey, kid!” Cam called from his spot by the bags. All eyes were drawn to them at his greeting.

“Thanks, man,” Levi called back.

“How’s the leg, girl?” Cam asked, walking towards them.

“Levi has magic hands.” She smiled. Levi scowled. Cam laughed.

He was regretting his decision to bring her.

Cory and Tank were in the ring sparring and stopped when they saw Hayes. “Dayum.” Cory whistled. “Who’s the chick?” He jumped out of the ring and strutted over like a peacock.

“Awe,” Hayes cooed. “You didn’t tell me you had a rooster in here.” She dismissed the man before he could get more than five feet towards them.

Tank and Cam howled with laughter.

“Bitch,” Cory snapped, ripping his gear off.

Levi went to lunge at him, not willing to put up with any shit where Hayes was concerned, but she beat him to the punch. “Act like a bitch, you get treated like a bitch.” Her attitude changed as she walked closer to him. “Name’s Hayes Morrison. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but if you’re going to be a dick to me, I’ll be a bitch to you. If you’d like to be a human being, I’ll be a friend.” She stepped closer. “If you’d like to continue with the nasty looks, my brother was in the Navy. I know a trick or two.” She winked as she walked past the speechless man. Her threat clear.

Levi was curious what she knew, what her brother had undoubtedly taught her. Passing Cory, he slapped him on the shoulder. “Speechless is a good look on you.”

“She’s half my size,” he grumbled.

“Navy, huh?” Levi asked as he caught up to her.

She looked at him, guilt written in her features. “I’m sorry.”

He was confused. “For what?”

“I haven’t told you anything about Ryder. But that jerk makes me mad, and I spill the most important part about him.” Her head hung in shame.

“Oh, sugar, no. You put a guy who is easily twice your weight in his place. That’s funny as hell.” She looked up to him. “I know that when you’re ready, you’ll tell me about him. You’ve mentioned a Ryder before but nothing else, so I can admit I was a jealous fool. Knowing he’s your brother kind of makes me happy as fuck.”

“Was,” she mumbled as tears pooled in her eyes.

Was.

“Ah fuck.” He pulled her into his arms again. She didn’t need to say it for him to know the man had died.

“He’d be your age now,” she whispered. “I think he’d have liked you.”

“You tease him about the swearing, too?” he asked her.

“All the time. He’d do it just so I’d bust his balls.”

“You know,” he joked, “you swore, a couple times. I get a free pass, right?” She laughed at his earnestness.

“I guess so.” Wiping the tears from her eyes, she asked, “Is that guy always like that?”

“Pretty much, yeah. We don’t get along much.” He knew it was only going to get worse from there on out.

“What a dick.” He raised his brow at her word, and she laughed.

“You get a pass for the weekend.” She smiled, and he couldn’t help the kiss he gave her.

Wolf whistling had him pulling back and shooting the fools a glare cold enough to incite death. If only the ground would open up and swallow them.

“You wanna get changed in there?” He pointed her towards the massage room. She looked towards the door as if begging him not to go anywhere. “I’ll be right here, sugar.”

“She’s a cute one,” Tank said from behind him.

Turning around, he gauged Tank for his meaning. The man had the name for a reason. He was nearly as wide as he was tall. His muscles had muscles. He was a good guy, for the most part, but a total player.

“She is.” Levi agreed.

“Don’t let her go,” was all he said before walking away.

The door behind him opened, so he turned to say something to her when his breath stalled in his lungs. A whistle sounded behind him, and he knew immediately that it was Cam by the laughter that followed.

“Christ, Hayes,” he said. He was fighting between lust and anger at her outfit. Tiny shorts that he could wrap around his hand and have no room to fit anything else. A sports bra that, well, yeah. He could understand how she’d be more comfortable in it. The nail in the coffin was the braid.

He’d never considered himself to be a sucker for a woman’s hair, but god almighty, the fucking braid. It was one of those that wrapped from one side of her head to the other. Perfect. Alluring. He wanted to wrap it around his hand while she rode him hard.

“Levi?” She called his name.

“Sugar?” He hooked a finger into the front of her shorts, pulling her to him. “You trying to kill me?”

She blushed. “It’s what I always train in.”

“I feel you”—boy did he feel her—“but sugar, you’ve never trained with your man before.” Another whistle came from behind them. “Swear to hell, Cam, if you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ma shut you up!”

She laughed.

“Come on.” She pulled him behind her, going straight for the treadmill. “Warm up first.” She smiled back at him, and he was a goner.

They worked through nearly every machine in the gym. Her wanting to get back into shape, him because Casper rode his ass. Before he knew it, it was nearing nine o’clock, and as much as he hated the idea, he had to get her home.

He finished massaging her leg to help work out any kinks she might incur from her workout. He hadn’t let her work her leg more than what he thought was needed to help strengthen it, but she’d worked the hell out of her core. If she weren’t hurting in the morning, he’d be shocked.

When they pulled up to her house, all the lights were out except the porch light. “Parents go to bed early?” he asked as they made it to her door.

“Sometimes, I guess.” She seemed nervous.

“I’ll be training most of tomorrow for the fight,” he told her.

“Could I come?” She seemed shy about asking even though he’d invited her friend Brett.

“I’d like that.” He spoke softly as she stepped into him.

Leaning up on her tip toes, their lips met, her hands resting on his chest as his moved to her back, pulling her tightly to his front.

Their kiss was sweet, lingering. Nothing he was used to but everything she was. “I’d like to spend tomorrow night with you,” she whispered against his lips, shocking him.

“Sugar.” His tone had a warning. “You’re not ready for that.”