Page 87 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Brooks held back his grin as he stripped his shirt off and Aidan held back.
Brooks raised his eyebrow, and Aidan shook his head and let out a sigh.
“I apologize. I do not show many people my scars.”
Brooks shook his head, “No one here will judge you Aidan. And if you wish you may keep your shirt on.”
Aidan nodded, “All right then.” He pulled his hair back into a queue and then unbuttoned his waistcoat and threw it to the floor.
Then he pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it outside of the ring.
Both took off their boots and when Aidan turned around to place them on the floor, his back was a mass of scars.
They were older, but some still were pink from healing, some were smaller, some white with age.
Others were deep, as if it had hit him to the bone and Brooks knew what had happened to Aidan, but it was still shocking to see.
They had long ago forgotten about the scars on his face but seeing something he rarely showed to anyone proved just how much Aidan trusted them.
He felt for Aidan. The pain he must have endured was something Brooks could not even fathom and when Aidan turned to look at everyone, he raised an eyebrow, “What?”
Brooks coughed, “Nothing. Are you ready?”
Aidan nodded, and rolled his shoulders a few times and then his neck.
Brooks did the same and when Aidan dropped into a fighting position, Brooks was ready.
Burk called out, “And FIGHT!”
The two men started circling the other and Brooks looked for any weakness in Aidan.
And found none. Aidan was strong, and not afraid of hard work or a fight.
Aidan gently took a swing at Brooks, as if to test him, and Brooks ducked out of the way, grinning.
“If you are too afraid to actually hit me, we do not have to box.” He said, and Aidan shook his head, “You are my friend. I worry.”
Brooks laughed, “I beat the shit out of Burk all the time and he is my brother.”
Burk barked out a laugh and Aidan did as well.
Jacob chuckled and Burk called, “It’s true. Brooks will kick your ass if you let him.”
Aidan shook his head, “We don’t want that.”
Brooks grinned, “Are you certain?”
Aidan laughed, “Yes, Rhia would probably kick my ass herself if I came back bruised.”
Brooks laughed, “Then I suggest you be quick on your feet.”
He lunged at Aidan, who jumped back in surprise.
Brooks jabbed a fist at the man and Aidan narrowly avoided it, and he threw a punch at Brooks, who rolled to get out of the way.
It was on now, and the two men threw punch after punch. Some hitting, most not.
Aidan took a risk and threw his upper body into Brooks and tried to tackle him to the floor.
