Page 68 of The Naughty List
Yes, that would’ve been nice.
I wanted more time with Jonah. More time to explore what was happening between us. More time together to figure it out.
Fear settles cold in my bones.
There’s a chance that after this fight, Jonah won’t be Jonah anymore. What then?
Will he still be so passionate about the WDA? Will he still spar with the boys from the group home on Saturday mornings?
Will he still want me?
All I have is questions without answers. Because he’s gone and he’s incommunicado.
Seeing the turmoil on my face, Addi reaches across the table and places her hand on mine.
“For what it’s worth, I used to watch Jonah fight on TV with your brother sometimes. He’s good, Hollis. I mean really good. No one would’ve cared that he walked away if he’d been mediocre. There’s a reason there’s so much at stake here.”
Money, she means money.
But my heart aches straight through my chest.
There’s a lot more at stake here than money.
21
JONAH
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
“She’s where?”
Addison Rossi stands outside the locker room at the edge of the concrete hallway leading to the octagon telling me news I can’t handle at the moment.
“The group home, Jonah. She’s at some New Year’s party for the kids.”
“I need her here.”
Addison takes a visibly deep breath. “Have you ever thought about what she needs?”
After Rock took my phone, I wasn’t able to communicate with Hollis these past two days. I left her a voicemail when I boarded the plane to come home this morning but she never responded. I thought she’d be here. No, I expected it. Because she’s always done what was best for me. Something I’ve taken for granted.
I’ve takenherfor granted.
“What does she need from me?”
Addison looks at me like I’m mentally challenged. “Seriously? If you don’t know then—”
The rest of her sentence is drowned out by the crowd and a group of security guards approaching. It’s insane in here. Flashing lights and cameras and roaring voices waiting for me at the end of the hall.
The Garden is sold out and I can’t hear myself think.
I’m amped up to sonic boom level, testosterone and adrenaline fueling the inferno burning inside me.
“We have to get out there, Jonah,” Rock says, blocking my view of Addison. He pulls the black hood over my head and I see the red edges of the X that spreads across the back of my robe.
I’m swept into the group and escorted toward the octagon. Once I’m in the center, I lower my hood and stare at all of it, remembering the rush. Remembering the soul-deep satisfying feel of victory over my opponent.
For a long time, I thought it was the best feeling in the world. Wondered if I’d ever feel that type of rush again. Figured I probably wouldn’t.
