Page 37 of The Fight

He doesn’t pose it as any sort of question, but I feel the need to answer anyway. Things have slowly been shifting between us for days now, and last night was simply the turning point. We’re at a spot now we can’t go back from. Not that I want to, but what happens next?

“We can’t keep doing that, can we? Our parents are getting married,” I finally let out.

Shay nods, still staring at the road in front of us. “I don’t want us to be some secret, though. We can’t live like that.”

I open my mouth to reply. I don’t even know what to say, but I can’t let silence swallow us. Only, I don’t get the chance.

“Let’s worry about it later. Right now, none of that matters. We can figure out the logistics another time, but for now, it’s just us. Our parents are gone, so let’s enjoy it.”

I let out a breath and nod. That definitely sounds better to me.

He turns into the lot for the gym and throws the Jeep in park. Sliding out, he rounds the car and opens my door. We walk into the gym and are immediately met with the smell of sweat and metal. Austin and Blake are already there, huddled next to the ring, but within seconds, their eyes land on us.

Austin juts his chin at us and sprints over. He and Shay exchange a few words I can’t make out, but I hang back, giving them space. I linger around, crossing my arms over my chest, and try not to intrude on whatever it is Shay needs to do. It was evident Blake was pissed the other night, and I don’t want to be a part of that.

The three of them gather at the corner of the ring, exchanging words and hand gestures, but I’m too far away to hear anything that’s actually being said. After a while, Shay nods to both of them, then shakes Blake’s hand before crawling into the ring. Austin isn’t far behind him and slides under the ropes.

As Shay pulls off his shirt and starts stretching his arms behind him, I know he’s slipping into fighter mode. There’s something magnetic about the way he moves—about the way he so easily shifts gears. His focus and intensity draw me in, and I find myself stepping toward the ring.

Stopping beside Blake, I watch as Shay and Austin start dancing around the ring, throwing quick jabs at each other. As I watch them, Blake steps closer to me.

“So,” he starts, crossing his arms over his chest. “How’s it feel watching these two go at it?”

I look at him from the corner of my eye but don’t bother to turn toward him. “It’s impressive. I guess.”

Blake nods. “Yeah. Always interesting to see someone get into the headspace of fighting.” He cuts himself off, then reaches his hand across his body toward me. “I’m Blake, by the way.”

I give him a quick look and shake his hand. “Blair.”

“You’ve been in this mix for a while now, huh? What’s it like, really? Hanging around a fighter, living in a world that’s all about punches and bruises.”

I finally glance at him, a little caught off guard by his question. “It’s different, I guess. But honestly, I’m getting usedto it. Not sure I’ll ever understand the whole thing, but I’ve learned to appreciate the discipline.”

He looks amused with my answer. “Yeah, fighters are a weird breed. But they’ve got heart. Even if it’s a little twisted sometimes.”

I laugh and turn back to Austin and Shay. “I’ve definitely noticed that.”

He tilts his head and studies me as I watch the boys. “So, what’s your deal with Shay? I mean, you two are, well, you know.Obviouslytogether, right?”

I don’t even know this guy, and he’s already trying to pry. I guess it makes sense, considering who he is to Shay, but it’s still fucking weird. “It’s complicated.”

“You know, it’s not easy. Getting into a relationship with someone like Shay, I mean. His world isn’t exactly built for someone to just slip into.”

I frown but quickly wipe it away. “Seems I slipped in just fine.”

Blake shifts on his feet, then glances at Shay and Austin in the ring. “You know, I get that you’re here because of Shay, but I don’t think you really know what you’re getting into.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He doesn’t immediately answer. His gaze stays locked on Shay and Austin like he’s waiting for something. “You just don’t know what it’s like to get close to someone like him.”

I shrug, trying to play it off. “I know Shay well enough.”

He shakes his head. “If you say so. But if I were you, I’d stay away.”

I turn to him fully. “Are you trying to tell me to stay away from Shay?”

He smirks maliciously. “I’m not telling you anything, Blair. I’m warning you—stay away from Shay.”

---