The Battle Page 4

  Moving a step in closer to her, I hear her breath hitch. The close proximity of our bodies allows me to feel her heart pounding through her chest and against mine. With both hands, I caress the sides of her face, pulling her hair back behind her shoulders and exposing the smooth skin along her neck. Without a thought, I bend down to her and gently kiss along her collar bone leading to the sensitive flesh behind her ear. Arms wrap themselves around my waist and the warmth of her body begins to soothe my anxiety. No longer am I afraid to explore what could be, instead I’m going to take advantage of the beauty with me right now.

  Her hands begin to move toward the hem of my shirt, trailing her fingertips beneath the material and up onto my back. Desire begins to take a hold of my thoughts. Pushing her back, I stop just before she hits the wall. My eyes focus on hers, the shade of blue turning into dark pools. I can feel her pulse, her heat wanting this as much as I do. Lifting her body against the wall, her legs wrap themselves around me. My mouth instantly finds hers. Teeth clink together, our tongues on a wild journey to find on another. Tightness begins to form in my jeans and I can barely stand the pressure. I need a release; I want to sink myself into her. Focusing on the moment, I reach beneath her shirt and latch my hands on the lace surrounding her tits. With a firm squeeze, I tease for a moment before sliding my fingers tips to her warm skin. Her nipples are hard. Tweaking them between my fingers, she releases a moan into my ear. The atmosphere around us becomes intense between the smacking of our lips and the sounds of pleasure. I need to know that she wants this, taking advantage of her isn’t an option. She needs to tell me…want me. Pulling away from her, my eyes lock onto hers.

  “Traci?” I whisper as a question.

  Silence fills the space between us, the hesitation in her response making my blood boil. Was I wrong? Did I read this all wrong? The way her body is responding to mine, I’m sure she’s in this for a good time.

  I repeat her name again, a smile pulling from her swollen lips. With a quick movement she pulls my face back to hers and provides me with the answer I’m looking for.

  Moving away from the wall I walk us over to the bed, allowing her body to fall down onto the mattress.

  Her eyes stay focused on mine as I intently stare down to her. Long brown hair fills in the space on the pillow creating a curtain around her face. As she bites down onto her lip, I can feel my cock resisting the urge to bust through my jeans.

  “You are so beautiful,” I say leaning down and trailing my fingertips along her inner thigh.

  Lifting her body off of the bed, her eyes stare into mine. I can’t help myself; I’m more than drawn to this woman, I need to have her. Moving onto the bed, I straddle my legs over hers. Watching as she seductively looks at me, I move my hands toward the hem of my shirt. As I’m about to lift it, she stops me with her hand.

  “No, allow me,” she says with a sexy smile.

  Moving so that she’s kneeling before me, she takes the bottom of my shirt in her hands. Slowly she begins to lift my shirt, exposing my stomach, then my chest before finally pulling it over the top of my head. With her arms extended, I take the opportunity to run my hands down the length of her arms leading down her sides. She begins to quiver beneath my touch, yet I don’t hesitate to continue. Her hands fall down onto my shoulders as I move to kneel so that we are both positioned on our knees facing each other.

  Tracing the curves of her body with my fingertips, I find the hem of her top. Pulling the material over her body, my mouth begins to water. With a quick snap of my fingers, I unfasten her bra so that her chest is fully exposed to me. My dick begins to twitch, begging for her touch. As I position my hands on either side of her face, I lean forward to place a gentle kiss onto her lips. The short time I’ve spent with her, I don’t know what I’m thinking, but rather than making this a quick fuck, I want to take my time.

  Other women never compared to the one I always wanted, but this one right here, there’s something about her. Not wanting to over think this I push her back down against the bed. With my body now hovering over hers, I begin to trail kisses down her torso. As my lips reach the top of her jeans, I unfasten the button and pull them down along her toned shapely legs. The smell of her arousal peaks my senses. Looking up at her, I see that she’s watching me and it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Gently, I rest my hands on her hips and run the tip of my nose along her panties. I can feel the dampness and how ready she is for me. Pulling at the lacy material, I forgo being a gentleman and rip them away from her body. A gasp escapes her as a coy smirk forms across my lips.

  She’s ready, I’m ready there’s no turning back now. Dipping my face into her warmth, I spread her lips with my fingers before licking away at her juices. Her taste is like nothing I’ve ever had before and I can’t hold back. While sucking on her clit, I insert a finger into her pussy. A moan pulls from her lungs and encourages me to push another finger into her. My mouth continues to devour her by licking, sucking, and fucking her with my fingers. The walls of her core begin to tighten and I know she’s getting close. With the sounds coming from her and the way her hips are rocking into me, I’m going to explode soon if I don’t bury myself deep inside of her.

  As I curl my fingers, aiming to hit her g-spot, I lightly bite down on her nub. My name shouts from her lips as I eat the best damn pussy I’ve ever tasted. As her orgasm pulls her from ecstasy, I drink in all that she gives me…wanting more. Her legs fall to the sides of her body as I wipe away her juices from my face. Lifting my gaze, I see her head fallen back onto the pillow, her eyes closed.

  For a moment I take in the beauty that lies before me. Moving myself upward to hover over her body once again, I trail kisses from her chest to her neck and landing on her lips. She pulls at my hair and thrusts her tongue into my mouth. Our tongues tangle together as one and I’m lost in the moment.

  Breaking away from the kiss, she rests her hands on my chest pushing me away from her. I continue to watch the expression on her face as she looks deeply into my eyes.

  “Take your jeans off,” she states in a husky tone.

  Wanting to oblige her request, I step off of the bed and remove my remaining clothing. Standing before her completely naked I can’t help but observe how her eyes are tracing every inch of my body.

  Our eyes lock, she lifts her hand and curls her finger for me to come back into her bed. Sliding over the side, she motions for me to lie down.

  Adjusting the pillows that are now scattered across the top of her bed, I rest my head back and watch as she straddles my hips. Her fingers begin to touch my chest, running the length of my torso and stopping right above the erection that is apparent to us both. Watching as she licks her lips and bites down, I can barely control the need for her to touch me.

  Pulling her on top of me, I can feel the wetness between her legs. Once again she is just as ready for me as I am for her. Lifting her so that the tip of my cock is grazing her entrance, I watch her reaction, waiting for her approval. She smiles back at me and adjusts herself so that she can slide me into her.

  The feel of her tightness around my shaft leaves me panting. I want so badly to pull her down onto me, but I need to give her time. Watching as she leans forward, resting her hands on my chest, she begins to rock her hips. My focus is intent on the way our bodies are aligning as she slides me further into her. With both hands I grab ahold of her hips, pulling her body up and down as I watch my cock slide in and out of her pussy. The sight alone is about to drive me over the edge, but the feel…oh God, she feels so fucking good.

  Just as she’s about to take me balls in deep, I lose control and thrust into her causing her to scream out in pleasure. The sounds of her passion encourage my movements. I gently rub at her clit, wanting her to enjoy this as much as I am. The harder I rub, the faster she rides me up and down. I’m so close I can barely hang on much longer. With a quick thrust and pinch to her clit, she falls down onto my chest while I continue to pump myself in and out of her.

 
; My eyes roll to the back of my head and I quickly pull her off of me as I milk the remaining lust of my climax onto my stomach. This is without a doubt the best fucking night I’ve had in a long time. Not knowing if this was just a quick fuck for her, my mind starts to wander as she gets up from the bed and moves into the bathroom.

  Traci isn’t just a one night stand kind of girl, at least I can’t imagine she is…but to me she was a night that helped me forget the one that got away.

  Chapter 5

  Two Weeks Later

  Cool air hits my face and I’m woken up by the streaming sun pouring in through the windows. Rolling over onto my side, I reach for my cell to check the time. Shit, it’s only two-thirty. I still have another hour of restless sleep before I need to make my way to the Cage. Tossing the sheet off of my body, I choose to get up now and start getting ready for the day.

  Moving myself through the empty apartment, I make my way toward the bathroom. As I turn on the shower I adjust the dial setting it to scalding hot. With my right arm extended, I test the temperature before shedding my boxers and stepping inside. The water feels just right as the heat scorches my exhausted muscles and helps to relax the tension building up through my body.

  After the past few weeks, I’ve thrown myself into a new routine. Doing my best to avoid everyone and anyone, I changed my rotation at work and the gym. It may not have been the best choice, but for me I need to stay clear of Hank and Taryn. With much luck, I’ve been able to avoid them at the gym, make sure I’m out of the apartment when he’s around, and spend much needed alone time with myself.

  No matter how much hurt I feel, I need to move on with my life. I never got an explanation about that night, nor do I want one. I wasted so many years pining over a woman that had no need or desire for me. I can imagine it’s killing her, knowing her as well as I do, but I have to do what is best for me. If that means backing away, then my God, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

  The future I thought was in store for her and I was just a dream. Never would I have imagined for things to turn out as they have, but I need to deal with it. I’m tired of the hurt, the lies, and the deceit. I suppose none of it really matters, in her eyes I was just Mike…not the one. Not seeing her has helped, but I won’t lie and say she’s still not on my mind. I loved her. I thought she was the one for me. Now seeing as everything has changed, I have no other choice but to let her go for good.

  I have bigger things I need to focus on right now. The hours working the night shift are bringing me in an extra few dollars an hour and if I want to step out and get my own place, the more money I make the better. Working as a UPS driver isn’t the most luxurious of jobs, but it gives me a decent pay check and lifting the loads on and off the truck has its advantages when I can’t be at the gym. In less than four months the first rounds of fights begin and I need to be in top shape. Knowing that I’ll eventually go head to head with Hank or Trenton is a rush. I can’t…I won’t lose, it’s not an option.

  Stepping back from the now warm spray of the shower head, I finish washing and rinsing my body before getting out. I have a lot to do today and need a clear mind. Today will be the first day I go into the Cage knowing Traci will be working the evening rotation at the desk.

  Shit, I’ve been an absolute ass to her and I’m beginning to feel the guilt. It was wrong of me to walk away after she fell asleep in my arms, but the connection I was feeling toward her scared me. I don’t know if it was the vulnerability of losing Taryn, the alcohol or the feel of her riding me off into a state of ecstasy. It was a lot to take in for one night, I had to leave. Since then, Taryn and Hank aren’t the only ones I’ve avoided, I let my one night of lust with Traci go too.

  But today is different. I’ve made a point to focus on me the past few weeks and I’m feeling on top of the world. Work is good, my training is great, and I’m ready to face my fears head on, even if that means seeing the people that I know will hurt me the most.

  With my radio blasting my favorite band, I pull into the parking lot behind the Cage. My thumbs strum along to the beat of the song as I park my car into an empty spot. One good thing about coming to the gym at this time of day is that no one else is here. I basically get the whole place to myself until the end of the work day members start trickling in. Reaching to the back seat, I pull my duffle bag to the front and exit my car.

  My nerves begin to start acting up as I walk into the back entrance. As I pass through the hallway, I can hear the voices of Birch and Gus coming from an office. Sticking my head inside, I grab the guy’s attention with a wave of my hand and keep on moving. There’s no need to pull them out of their conversation. I know my training routine and my coach should be meeting me here in a few minutes.

  When I step out into the large space, the silence pulls my eyes to scan the room. There is absolutely no one here. Taking a few steps forward, I move toward the row of treadmills, elliptical, and stair master machines. Since Dan isn’t in sight, I figure I may as well begin my session before the distractions of other members take over.

  Setting my bag down, I remove my hoodie from over top of my head and reach for my iPod. Placing my ear buds into my ears, I crank up some tunes and move toward a treadmill to the far right. With slow steady steps, I increase the incline and set my pace to a fast jog. Getting lost in the rhythm of the music and footsteps, I focus on my breathing as I increase my speed.

  While I stare out the front windows of the Cage, I get lost in the moment. The vibrations of my feet pounding against the belt on the treadmill encourage me to strengthen my stride and run faster.

  My eyes catch sight of Traci walking across the front windows of the building. Instantly my body tenses as I continue to run at a fast pace. Not taking my gaze from her, I watch as she walks through the front doors of the Cage. At first she doesn’t see me, but as she moves toward the circular desk her head turns in my direction.

  Unsure if I should look away or allow her to know I’ve been staring, I keep my eyes glued to hers. For a brief moment we are stuck on one another. I can’t get over what I did to her or what she’s even thinking looking back at me.

  Lost in her blue eyes, I lose traction on the treadmill as my feet sweep out from beneath me and I slide off the belt face first onto the cold, hard gym floor.

  Embarrassment filters through me while I attempt to get up from the floor not looking like the chump I feel like. Her feet rush her to my side. A small hand reaches down for me to grab, but my pride is too strong to accept her help.

  “Mike, are you okay?” she asks bending down.

  Nodding, I shrug her off and stand tall.

  “Mike, stop being a dick for one second, I’m asking if you’re okay.”

  Taking a step in closer to me, she looks over my body from head to toe. Nothing is broken and there’s no way in hell I’m going to look like an even bigger ass now that I’ve fallen right here in front of her.

  “I’m fine, Traci, just lost my train of thought and slipped. I’m certain you’ve seen it a few times before. It’s not a big deal.”

  Looking into her blue eyes, I can see the hurt I’m causing.

  Damn it to hell. Mike. quit being a jackass and accept her help.

  Realization hits me hard, the guilt I’ve pent up over the past few weeks. Wanting her to know how truly sorry I am, I turn my body to fully face hers. With my right hand, I move a strand of hair that has fallen across her face. She gently allows her cheek to melt into my hand as a sound leaves her throat and my eyes move to her lips. Memories of those lips lingering against my body take me back to that night. Fear played a role in the reasons I left her. My heart was shattered by Taryn and there was no way I could be willing to let that happen again. It was just a night, a moment of pleasure that Traci and I needed, nothing more.

  Removing my hand from her face, I take a step back. In need of some space, I have to gather my thoughts. Being this close to her, my body wants more than my heart and mind are willing to give.

&n
bsp; “Thanks for your help, but really I’m good here. It was time for me to get off anyhow and find Dan.”

  Her brows rise as she’s about to speak, but stops. Unsure as to what it is that she was about to say, I watch her, curiosity boiling through my blood. If she has something to say, she needs to say it.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  Shaking her head she moves to turn, but I stop her by catching her arm in my hand. A static shock ripples through my fingers leading up to my shoulder. Quickly pulling my arm back, I look down at the palm of my hand.

  What the fuck was that?

  “You felt it too?” she asks looking up to me through her long lashes.

  “Yeah, I felt it, you shocked me.”

  I watch for her reaction, her bottom lip now sucked in between her teeth.

  “Ugh,” she groans tilting her face away from me. “I’m not doing this, Mike, either you’re in or you’re not.”

  Looking back to her like she’s grown an extra head, I have no clue as to what the fuck she’s talking about.

  “Whaaa…,” I begin to say before she slams her hands against my chest.

  “Don’t! You don’t get to do this to me. I know who you are, Mike, who you’ve been in love with for years. I’ll be damned if I fall into your head games. Yes, we had sex, amazing sex at that, but I won’t let you hurt me.”

  Listening to her every word and watching as her chest rises and falls with the anger filling her lungs, I know I need to make this right. As I grab onto both of her wrists, I remove them from my chest and pull them down along her sides. Tears begin to fall from her beautiful eyes and I can’t stop the need I feel to press my lips against hers. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I pull her in a step closer to me.

  “Traci, I didn’t intend to hurt you. Yes, you’re right, you do know me and the way I felt for Taryn, but things have changed. Please listen to me and let me explain.”