Page 13

CARTER
Igot back from Vegas late morning and decided to spend the early afternoon taking it easy at the house. Now that I’d won the title, I thought about taking a break from the hardcore training. But who was I kidding? I loved it. With my parents traveling to their Oak Island beach house for a few weeks, I decided to train with the other guys.
When I arrived at the gym, Ryley and Camden worked with Ethan and Ripp while my uncle Paxton was in the other ring with Braden. I’d inherit my father’s share of the gym one day, just like Ethan, Ripp, Braden, Reagan, Brooks, and Emma would take over their parts.
Ryley smiled as I walked over to the sparring rings. “Congrats on keeping the title, Reynolds. I know your dad is super proud.”
“Thanks,” I called out, setting my bag on the floor.
Camden leaned over the ropes just as Ethan and Ripp fell to the mat, grappling just a few inches away from him. None of it fazed Camden as he grinned down at me. “What are your plans now?”
“Not sure,” I confessed, shrugging flippantly. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my hand wraps and got to work putting them on so I could spar with Braden. “I guess I’m good for a while until someone wants to challenge me.”
Seeing Ryley and Camden working side by side, you’d never know they were enemies once upon a time ago. The scar on Camden’s face was a constant reminder. Although, it was nowhere near as bad since he had cosmetic surgery about twenty years ago. It didn’t take the scar away, but it made it less noticeable.
Paxton hopped out of the ring and hugged me. “Your title is safe. I don’t think there’s anyone who can beat you.”
Exploding with laughter, Braden stared down at me from the ring. “Yeah, right. I’ll kick his ass.”
Paxton lifted his brows at me, and I smirked. “I’m ready.”
“Okay,” Paxton announced, motioning for me to climb up. “Go for it.”
Braden and I had been training together our entire lives, and he had yet to beat me. Had he come close a few times? Fuck, yeah, but I refused to let him win. Once my hands were fully wrapped, I joined Braden in the ring and bounced on my feet, stretching my neck from side to side.
“That title won’t mean shit when I beat you,” Braden goaded.
Braden had a smart-ass mouth on him, just like my aunt Gabby. It was one of the things I loved about her; it made for interesting family get-togethers.
“You never have, and you never will,” I countered.
Braden and I circled each other, and he went on the attack first. He always went on the offensive the second the bell rang; he was a true fighter. It was in his blood. Especially considering both of his parents were UFC champions. Braden came at me again and psyched me out, getting a good punch on my right cheek. My head jerked to the side, and the shit hurt.
“Not bad, cocksucker,” I shot back, rubbing my jaw. We sparred for a few more minutes, and I paid him back with not just one but two hits—a kick to the stomach and a punch to the left side of his head.
“Nice, Carter,” Paxton hollered.
Braden thrust out his arms and glared at his dad. “Seriously? You never encourage me like that.”
Paxton chuckled. “Tough love, son.” His phone started to ring, and he held up a hand, stopping us. “All right, you two, I have to head out. Keep at it if you want.” He walked over to Ryley and Camden, and it wasn’t long before they left as well.
That was usually how it went. Our fathers trained us during the morning to early afternoon, and then we’d be on our own for the rest of the day.
Braden smacked his gloves together. “Give me a few more minutes before you quit on me, cockbreath.”
Tilting my head back, I ripped out a laugh. “Me quit on you? It’s usually the other way around.”
“Whatever, assbag,” Braden countered, beckoning me to strike. Only I knew he wasn’t going to wait for me, but I was ready for him. He came in like a rocket, barreling straight toward me, but I swept his legs from under him and knocked him down. Then, instead of grappling, I got to my feet and chuckled as he slammed his hands on the mat. Ethan and Ripp’s riotous laughter as they walked past echoed through the gym.
“Ready to give up yet?” I asked, trying to keep the smile off my face and failing miserably.
Braden jumped to his feet. “Nope.”
He threw a punch, and I blocked it. “What’s everyone doing tonight?”
A wry smile spread across his lips as he countered my movements. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I knew Braden and his tactics. There was something he wasn’t telling me.
“What’s going on?”