Page 58 of Marked

“Go. Please.”

Laying my head on the porcelain throne, I fought the urge to purge again.

“In sickness and in health.”

“We’re not married, Cowboy,” I whispered in between bouts of nausea.

“I’m practicing.”

Blindly reaching up, I flushed. “I need to get back in there.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” He stood, wrapping a hand around my elbow to help me to my feet. “Do you trust me?”

“With my life.”

“We don’t have time for this,” Koen bitched.

“You’re just mad you drew the short straw.” Keaton teased.

“Yeah, well, you would be too. Lanie doesn’t hit like a girl.”

“That’s because I’m a woman, jackass.”

Noah was an honest to God genius. His idea was precisely what I needed. There was no better way to blow off excess steam like a sparring match in the ring. Since he came up with it, the other two guys played rock, paper, scissors to see who would be my boxing buddy. Duncan was our self-appointed referee, which worked because no one wanted to face-off against him. He could beat all of us blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back.

“Let’s go over the rules,” he announced, climbing between the ropes. “No direct head or groin shots, I don’t need to spend the afternoon in the emergency room because one of you got overzealous.”

“He means you, Lanes.”

“Cut the chatter, Koen,” Duncan admonished.

“Yes, sir.”

“Two points for every direct hit. First one to twenty wins. Are you ready?”

Noah finished taping my hands, then kissed me hard on the lips. “Kick his ass, Darlin’.”

Koen and I bumped fists, then waited for the signal.

“Begin.”

Boxing was an art. It required focus and stamina to make it from one round to the next. One of those I had in abundance, but the other—my focus—had been lost as of late. I’d allowed outside noise to take up too much headspace. It was time for me to take back control.

Find your center and breathe.

We were light on our feet, dancing around the ring, watching and waiting for the other to make the first move. I’d studied my opponent before, so I knew to dodge left and swing right when Koen finally made his move.

“Shit,” he groaned when I connected with his ribs. “Well played.”

“Let’s do this.” I grinned wide.

Sweat soaked my shirt and every muscle in my body burned, but I felt alive. I’d also have a couple new bruises, courtesy of Koen. We didn’t play around when it came to training. It would be a disservice if any of them took it easy on me. The criminals sure as hell wouldn’t.

“Uncle.” Koen bent at the waist with his hands on his knees. I was two points from a win.

“Seriously?” Keaton took out his wallet, slapping cash into Noah’s outstretched hand. “You cost me twenty bucks.”

“You bet against me?”

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