Ty

 

He hated hotels. Brian had tried to insist that Ty come home with him last night, not wanting him to go back to his apartment until the heat died down. But, he’d politely refused. Ty could feel Brian’s strong urge to watch over him and guide him like his father had requested, but he’d probably meant when Ty was still a teen. Brian was years late. Soon, he was going to ask him why he’d waited so long. In the meanwhile, he’d read up and learn his new profession, his new lifestyle. On the ride over to Duke’s last night, Brian had sat in the back with him and explained exactly what it was he did. What it meant to be a bail recovery agent. Ty didn’t argue when Brian had suggested he enroll in Duke’s program immediately, because the job duties sounded important, official, like the services they performed helped keep the hood a little safer. Ty was all for that.

Ty knew Black Rock—his new enemy—wouldn’t stop just because Ty hadn’t been in his apartment last night. He’d keep coming until he was back on the block or he’d start searching elsewhere. It wasn’t that Ty had committed the ultimate crime against Rock, he was coming after Ty because that’s what Rock’s reputation made him do.

 

Ty stood in the parking lot next to Kell while Duke pointed out two of his transport vehicles. They were Chevy pickups with a high cab on the back and bars on the insides of the windows. He had his business name and logo painted on the rear of each cab.

“If we go after a jumper, we don’t call the police to pick up for us unless another crime has been committed. Otherwise, we are responsible for the safe transport of our bounties back to jail. I stress the word safe. That’s a sure way for an agency to lose their license. Just because our jumpers are criminals, and it was their own stupidity that kept them from going to court, doesn’t mean we have the right rain down any kind of punishment.” Duke looked between him and Kell. “Is that clear?”

“Got it,” Ty answered. No making it personal.

“Yes sir.” Kell nodded.

“All right. Load up. We got the gym for the next two hours.” Duke got into the truck with Quick on the passenger side. “Ty, Kell, you guys ride with us. Brian. You, Ford and Dana follow in your car.”

The gym was almost twenty minutes away. During the ride, Quick started talking to Kell about a new schedule at the dojo. Ty was staring out of the window, not seeing anything, because all his attention was on the conversation. He was becoming more and more impressed as he listened to Kell speak. He looked so young to be talking with such maturity.

“I can still manage my morning classes, Sensei. I don’t have to be at Duke’s until nine.”

“That’s this week. Next week we may have you coming in at four or five a.m.”

Neither he nor Kell flinched at the ridiculous hour.

“I’m having JC cover your classes for now, until your training is complete. I told you we expect twenty-four-hour availability throughout the program and after.” Quick turned and glared in Kell’s direction. “You must’ve forgot.”

“No, Sensei, I did not forget,” Kell answered.

“Good.” Quick was quiet for a bit longer, then went in another direction. “On the mats today I want you to be careful, Kellam. Be mindful that these men are not trained fighters. You could hurt one of them. Duke has asked the gym manager to lend us a few of his biggest guys so we can perform some demonstrations. Use your Judo and Karate only when sparring.”

“Yes, Sensei.”

This time Ty wasn’t discreet as he stared at Kell’s profile. Okay, what am I missing? Is Quick serious? He was concerned about Kell hurting a guy much bigger than him? Kell’s face was mostly covered again, but all Ty had to do was see those light eyes and he could tell that the small—potentially dangerous—man was excited. Ty was too.

The gym was almost empty. It was early on a Monday morning; most people being at work already or any-damn-where else besides the gym. A man with a buzz cut and tattoos all over his neck and massive forearms approached Duke and Quick, giving them both a genuine smile and a one-armed hug. He was breathing hard as if he’d just jumped off the treadmill at top speed to greet them, his thin Nike tank top drenched with sweat. “‘Sup fellas? These must be your newbies.”

Quick’s arms were crossed over his chest as he nodded toward Kell. “That’s the one I been telling you about, Jake. This is Kellam Knight.”

Jake stepped back as if he wanted to get a better look at Kell. Then stood directly in front him, his sweaty chest almost touching Kell’s nose. It was an obvious but lame attempt at intimidation. Ty stiffened for reasons he didn’t understand. Jake moaned then sucked his teeth as if he was eating something tasty, “This young, sweet, tender thing, here? I can’t buy that.”

“Good. Because I’m not selling it,” Kell quipped. He hadn’t stepped back, even though the man was violating his space. Kell didn’t retreat. He began to unravel his scarf from around his neck; his eyes narrowing to slits as he glanced toward Ty. As soon as they made eye contact a shiver ran down his spine, as if he felt Kell’s irritation.

“All right then. Let’s work out some of this hostility on the mat, shall we,” Duke said in part amusement. “This should be fun.”

“I’m suiting up too, fellas. I want some of your prize pupil, Quick.” Jake the manager pointed at Kell’s back as they made their way to the locker rooms to store their belongings. Ty liked that Kell didn’t bother to turn around or respond to the jab. Instead, he walked next to Ty, his eyes forward and his shoulders back.

Remarkable.

When they were inside, Ty took the locker next to the one Kell chose. “Hey. Don’t let that guy get to you. Duke or Quick could’ve already told these guys to try to press our buttons to see if we lose our cool. This is most likely a test.”

“I hate idiots like that. I’m gonna show his ass just how tender, I am not,” Kell gritted out, removing his jacket with the long, draping hood and replacing it with another garment from his bag. Ty’s eyes seemed to cut over toward Kell every other minute as he dressed. He never saw any skin, but he could see that Kell was toned, by the impressions in the tight black shirt he wore underneath a unique-looking Kung fu jacket. The kind that had to be tied with a belt. Ty’s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets when Kell tied a two and half inch thick, black one around his narrow waist. Ty sat on the bench watching, learning. If this man was to be his partner, there was no reason to be shy.

“So, you’re a black belt?” Ty said, leaving the astonishment in his voice. He could see now his partner didn’t like to be underestimated or judged by his appearance. “I’ve never seen a belt like that before. My father studied martial arts as well.”

Kell took off his socks and shoes, placing them in the locker on top of his bag. “Sensei—my master—presented this to me on my tenth year of study. This is a custom-made, large master’s belt.”

He’s a master?!

Kell wrapped it around his waist twice and tied the knot perfectly over his navel. He stepped closer and held one of the embroidered straps in his palm, pointing out what the Chinese characters meant. “This is my name in Chinese. These symbols each represent the styles I’ve mastered. And this is the representation of my place of practice and study, Sensei’s dojo.”

There were four of them! He’d mastered multiple styles. Beautiful gold stitching outlining each one for all to see… and fear. Ty took the strap from Kell’s hand, his fingers lightly brushing his. He glanced up and saw those bright eyes scrutinizing his actions. He didn’t know Kell’s story, but whatever it was, he knew someone had violated his trust terribly. He seemed the kind of man that you had to first prove you were trustworthy to gain his respect. He wasn’t one who trusted first. “This is amazing. I’m impressed, Kellam.”

“Thank you,” Kell said softly.

Ty could hear the other hunters in another section of the locker room. Thunderous voices talking shit and enjoying the camaraderie they’d already established. Ty needed to cement his connection with his new partner before he could worry about getting in good with the other men. Ty was dressed in a pair blue jogging pants and a thick sweatshirt, but he figured he’d wait. Kell finished by removing his beanie and replacing it with the hood on his karate jacket.

“Why do you keep a hood on?”

Kell put a padlock on his locker and spun the dial. He exhaled heavily and sat next to Ty as if he had something heavy on his heart. He stared straight ahead before he tried to speak. His mouth opening and closing a few times like he didn’t know where to even begin. It looked as if this wasn’t something he shared easily, so Ty waited patiently. The locker room was getting quieter, they needed to get out there soon, but Ty wanted to hear what Kell had to say. He wanted to get past the awkwardness of being strangers as soon as possible.

“My hair is thick and long, or it can grow really long. I keep it at my shoulders now. But… but sometimes…” Kell shook his head as if he didn’t want to admit what he was about to.

“It’s okay,” Ty said. “You can tell me when you’re ready, or not tell me.”

Kell pushed his hood back until the material bunched at the back of his neck. He pulled the black elastic band from the ponytail it held and gave his head a slight shake. Wow. Kell wasn’t exaggerating, his hair was stunning. Dirty blond locks, with long strands of auburn, gold, and wheat, fell and layered naturally in different directions, but all seeming to be in its perfect place. It was a style that hundreds of women paid thousands of dollars a year to achieve. It made Kell look angelic. He blinked at the thoughts in his mind. A fighter, a master, disciplined… and gorgeous.

“I cover my hair because men don’t take me seriously when I don’t. No one does, really. My mother, she had long, beautiful hair like a model. She was actually an extra in a hair dryer commercial in the early eighties. Anyway, my hair is the only thing I have of hers that she passed on to me. Otherwise, I would probably keep it shaved off. She died in a car accident when I was eleven.”

“I certainly hope you don’t.” Ty said honestly, looking but not touching Kell’s dark, golden hair. “It’s a part of your mother and also a part of you.”

Kell stared at him as if he was debating if Ty was on the up-and-up. If only Kell knew, Ty didn’t know any other way to be.

Breaking their stare-off, Kell stood with a grim expression and replaced the black band, securing his ponytail at the nape of his neck. “We better go.”

Instead of letting him leave upset, Ty stood and walked up to Kell. They were only inches apart and he secretly liked it when Kell looked up at him. “My father used to tell me that parents aren’t always able to leave their children, land, gold, and wealth, that sometimes all they can leave them are damn good genes.”

It took a couple of seconds then Ty saw the corners of Kell’s peach lips turn up at the corners. He exhaled. That’s a start. He slowly brought his hands up and gripped the edges of Kell’s hood and gently placed it back over his head, covering him again. If Kell didn’t want anyone to see his hair except the ones he trusted, Ty was happy to be included in that small group.

Kell

 

What was I thinking telling him about my mom? Kell stood silently next to his partner while Duke and Quick lectured them on the proper way to take down a runner. He already knew most of the lessons Duke was repeating. Kell had learned early on how to take down someone bigger than him—since most men were. He was relieved it was a tutorial he didn’t have to pay close attention to, because his mind was swirling over his new partner. Tyrell Jenkins was unlike any man Kell had ever met. He stood so tall, walked and talked with such confidence. Even touched another man as if he was too comfortable in his own skin to feel threatened. Again, Kell couldn’t get a definitive read on him.

Ty dressed like he cared what people thought of his appearance. His clothes were expensive and name-brand, pieces that had to be purchased in a department store or from a catalog. He wore real jewelry, albeit minimal, a bracelet, a watch, and a chain that shone like a diamond against his rich skin. Ty’s skin was a warm brown, his lips a deeper shade of cinnamon. Kell had to stop himself from staring which he found himself doing often. But those eyes would catch and hold him every time. In the locker room, under the fluorescent lights Ty’s pupils shone like chocolate quartz gems. They reminded Kell of a sable coat his mother had owned.

When Ty had listened to his story about his hair, he hadn’t dismissed it as ridiculous or a mere insecurity Kell had. No, instead Ty treated him as if he understood his feelings and respected them. Proved it by not only saying what he did but also by taking his own large hands and covering Kell himself before leading them into the main gym.

“Now. I’m gonna step back and let you guys show us your stuff, then we’ll break into groups of three for more personal training. Kell, you wanna go up first?” Duke asked him. He wore black Puma track pants and a white tank top with his logo over his right peck.

Kell nodded and stepped onto the large mat that took up most of the gym. He shook out his shoulders and bounced lightly on his toes with his eyes closed. Stay focused. Stay centered.

“I need someone to spar with him.” Duke announced.

“I’ll take this one,” Jake the gym manager said, coming through the double doors with perfect timing as if he’d been waiting just on the other side to make his entrance. Kell didn’t look into the asshole’s eyes as he slowly removed his still wet tank top, opting to go shirtless with only a pair of nylon bike tights under his shorty training shorts. As soon as Kell opened his eyes, Jake flexed his pectoral muscles, making them jump rapidly.

Clown.

“Don’t be afraid, ’tenderoni, I’ll take it easy on you.” Jake entered Kell’s personal space just like earlier, thinking his height, his bulk, or his buffoonery would throw Kell off.

He wasn’t that weak or simpleminded. Does this man know who my master is? There was very little in his nineteen years of training that his sensei hadn’t prepared him for. Taunting was one of the first things on the list. He’d been up against much bigger challengers, and enemies… and they’d all fallen at his feet. 

The man had the audacity to close the few inches that kept them from touching and whispered in Kell’s ear. “Quick didn’t tell me how pretty you were. Maybe after I pin you to this mat a few times, you’ll let me take you out for a drink after to apologize,” he finished with a creepy, carnivorous laugh.

“I don’t drink,” Kell said dully. His body only looked as if it was in a resting state, but he was poised to strike.

“Back up, Jake,” Quick said from the side of the mat.

“Ohh. Is he getting mad?” Jake chuckled darkly, glancing at Quick before turning back to Kell. “You mad at me, pretty?”

No, he didn’t just call me pretty again.

“Is this how you spar with all men? That master that you’re standing over is here to do a job and you’re trying to score a date.” Ty’s deep, extremely calm voice was unmistakable amongst the others. “Your lack of professionalism is insulting.”

“I’m insulting you, newbie?” Jake aimed at Ty while keeping his sleazy eyes on Kell.

“You’re insulting yourself.” Ty’s voice was so casual Kell couldn’t decipher if he was really upset, or even half as pissed as him.

Ty? He came to my defense. No one had ever done that for him, not even his own father. Only his sensei.

The man didn’t budge at Ty’s words, but a couple of other volunteer guys co-signed with what he said. There was another person who asked the manager to ‘get started already’ but instead of doing that, he kept up his asshole routine. Jake seemed to be enjoying pissing off as many people as he could.

Like Ty said. Maybe this is a test. Maybe this man is supposed to make me lose my shit in front of my new boss. Won’t happen.

And then it did.

“Looks like everyone wants a piece of you and I can’t blame them.” Jake’s eyes went to Kell’s hood. “Let me remove this so I can see all of that pretty fa—”

Kell’s head was slightly bowed, his feet barely shoulders-width apart. He saw Jake’s right hand in his peripheral, aiming to remove his hood. Who the hell does he think he is?

“Kellam don’t!” his sensei said three seconds too late. It all happened in less than two.

Kell caught Jake’s wrist with his right hand, his thumb pressing deep into a pressure point. Kell heard the slight pop. Jake cried out like the punk-bitch he was. All bullies were. His speed and the shot of pain he’d inflicted had stunned his rival for only a moment. With any wrist clutch, there was always a more violent move that immediately followed. Taking full advantage of Jake’s ignorance and shock, Kell planted his right foot behind him, using the momentum in his hips, and slammed his open palm in the center of Jake’s sweaty chest, propelling him out of his space. Jake stumbled backwards comically, having to do a silly shuffle to keep from falling on his ass. When he righted himself, he gripped the vulnerable spot on his wrist and shot an incredulous scowl at Kell and an angry one at Quick.

Quick’s green eyes were on Kell. “Only Karate or Judo, Kellam. No Krav Maga!”

“You said during the sparring use only Karate and Judo.” Kell narrowed his eyes at Jake. “We were not sparring. I was defending myself against unwanted touching.”

Kell heard several men laughing as he kept all his attention on Jake. Duke’s deep chuckle was the loudest of all.

“You playing the innocent card, huh?” Jake murmured, standing up straighter, doing his best to save face. “You wanna roll with the real men, then you’ll be treated like one. Let’s get started. No sucker punches this time.”

Jake stood in the center of the mat, his face twisted with fury. It was never good to fight when angry. That crippling emotion had no place on the mat and it certainly had no influence on Kell’s composure. He came to the center of the mat, turned and bowed to his master then turned and straightened his back to Jake. He wouldn’t give him the respect of even a slight bow. He was a dirty fighter who used mind games and tricks. Dishonorable.

Jake bounced around on the balls of his feet, his fists up in a classic street-fighter style and motioned that he was ready. Kell didn’t move or charge with his Karate. There was no first strike in this style. Karate’s principles were about respect and justice; therefore, not suited for his trickster opponent. So, when Jake bent low and lunged his upper body toward Kell’s stomach, he pulled on his Judo, which was all about unbalancing his foe. He side-stepped as soon as Jake went to grab him around his waist, and spun on his heels while shoving his hand into the middle of Jake’s back. The move was effortless, and it sent Jake’s thick body to the mat with a force no one thought Kell possessed. Especially Jake, who lay staring up at Kell with surprise.

Kell squatted beside him. “You’re a fool to discount a man because of his appearance. Do you still like how pretty I am?” Kell growled low “The more beautiful the snake, the more poisonous its venom. Now, get up. I want everyone to keep watching you fall.”