CHAPTER 10
Ashlyn
“What’s that douchebag up to?” I hear Zander question.
I look around and try to find what has his panties in a twist. We’re at the charity fight night and so far, it’s been pretty boring. Nobody will let me do anything. The first set of fighters were the most entertaining, but they all yelled at me when I stood up to cheer. What the fuck? We’re at a MMA fight and I can’t freaking cheer?
“He better steer clear or I’ll beat the shit out of him. We’re not at a fancy charity event this time.”
Huh. I look around some more before narrowing my gaze on Matt Kingsley. Josh is already on edge, this could send him right over. If he provokes Josh we’ll end up with our very own fight night in our seats.
Keep walking, keep walking…. He stops right in front of us.
“Hey Hitman, what’s going on buddy?” He raises his hand for a high five.
Zander just stands there staring him down, definitely not planning on returning the gesture.
“Tough crowd. I hear congratulations are in order Josh. A baby, who would have thought you’d be able to knock someone up. Looking good Ash.” He levels his gaze on me with a creepy ass grin on his face.
“Don’t look at her.” Josh roars.
Zander shifts to the side covering me and Savvy from Matt’s view. Jayden who’s sitting on the other side stands next to his brother forming a wall.
“This guy has a death wish.” Savvy whispers next to my ear.
“Don’t look at her, don’t talk to her and don’t fucking touch her.” Josh growls.
“It’s okay, once we get in the octagon she’ll be begging me to touch her after I kick your ass. She’ll finally be ready to take on a real man.”
Josh lunges but Zander and Kyle catch him. “You know what will happen if you hit him bro. Keep your cool.”
“Well, aren’t you two the sexiest things I’ve ever seen. When you feel like running with the big boys, give me a call.” Does he really think he has game? What a sleaze ball.
“Walk away Matty, before I let Josh go. And don’t ever look at my wife again.”
“Before I got side tracked,” he looks over towards us and winks, “I did have something to say. I’m upping the ante.”
Matt jumps up on a chair and pulls a microphone from the back of his pants. Huh, this isn’t looking too good.
“Ladies and gentleman, before the next fight takes place can I have your attention?” His voice echoes through the speakers of the venue.
“Holy shit, is he going to call Josh out in front of all these people?” I whisper to Sav. She just shrugs her shoulders looking nervous.
“As you all know, I’ve been trying to get Rampage back into the Octagon since our last fight. You all know how that ended, the poor thing hasn’t been able to fight again since. How’s the arm buddy?” He flashes a smile at Josh.
“Don’t do this Matty, you won’t like the outcome.” Zander warns.
“Oh, now “The Hitman” is coming in to save his baby brother. If we were in the same weight class, I’d be coming for your belt. Sorry everyone I got sidetracked again. Now back to what I was saying. I want Josh back in the ring in September, in Vegas, in front of everyone. All you assholes out there that think it was a fluke, I’m ready to prove you all wrong.”
The whole place roars and boos him. At least I know Josh has everyone backing him. He needs to know that I do too. When we briefly talked about this the other night, he said he questioned ever getting back in the ring. I can’t let him give up his dreams.
I scooch behind Zander and place my hand on Josh’s shoulder to get his attention. He turns to face me and I crook my finger at him. When he leans over I speak quietly into his ear. “I’m behind you 100% babe. If you want to fight him, go for it. If it were an option I’d totally kick his ass right now, or at least kick him in the balls. Don’t give up your dream.” I place his hand on my stomach and look him in the eyes. “We’re behind you always.”
He places his hands on each side of my face and lowers his mouth to mine. It’s quick and brief, but I know from that intimate moment I said what he needed to hear.
“Oh, isn’t that sweet. Most of you don’t know that Josh is gonna be a daddy soon. Ashlyn here, sexy as hell, isn’t she? She decided to spread her legs for our Joshy boy. I know, I know. I was surprised too. Way to go bud!”
How does he even know I’m pregnant? Now the whole world knows.
Josh takes a step forward and rips the mic from his hands. Matt has a brief look of shock on his face before playing it off. He starts laughing, looking around and pointing in disbelief. “Someone grew some balls.” He yells.
Josh gets in Matt’s face but doesn’t use the mic. He’s not flashy and he doesn’t need it to get his point across. “You’re on. Don’t come crying to me when I rough you up in the ring.” Then he drops the mic.
“Yes! Drop that mic bro!” Jay yells while fist pumping.
“Ash are you okay? Are you crying?” Savvy asks.
“I’m just so proud of him. Did you see him drop the mic? That was sexy as hell and he totally pulled it off. My mans a badass!”
Security shows up and whispers in Matt’s ear. He nods, salutes us then starts to walk away. Turning around one last time he shouts, “See you in September. I’ll be sure to have the EMT’s on standby.”
“I’ve never wanted to chop someone’s dick off so bad.” I yell.
Josh sits down and pulls me onto his lap. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m really proud of you babe.” I place my forehead against his.
“Thank you for backing me. It would have killed me to turn him down after all of that.”
We sit and wait for the next fight to start. Everything is a blur for the rest of the night as I sit there in Josh’s lap thinking about everything. A few photographers and journalists come up to us asking for comments and photos, but Josh politely tells them all to get in touch with his publicist. I didn’t even know he had a publicist. Hell, up until a day ago, I didn’t even know he fought professionally. I always thought Savvy was a cry baby over Zander’s celebrity life. Now, being thrust up into Josh’s, I completely understand why she had reservations.
I look up at Josh. “Are you going to want me coming to Vegas when I’m a fat ass?”
“Of course.”
“How about when I’m so fat I get winded from getting up off the couch?”
“Hellcat, I’ll pull you off the couch and give you a real reason to be out of breath.”
“Oh.” I breathily moan.