Page 199 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“And somehow, I doubt this is the worst she’s witnessed.” He flashes a wicked grin, knowing damn well what the O’Learys had done to my face.

“True, but I’d guard your nuts if I were you. She won’t think twice about coming after you for punching me.”

“Trainingyou,” he corrects. “And I can handle Maddie. I did for two weeks and saved her life, so if anything, she owes me.”

I chuckle, though it hurts. “She won’t see it that way.”

Tyler stands, then purposely slaps my shoulder hard. “Quit being a pussy. Being in love has made you weak,” he taunts.

“Asshole,” I bite out. “I’m gonna get you back for that tomorrow.”

“I sure hope so.” He laughs. “Then I might actually break a sweat.”

Once I’m able to get off the couch, I go upstairs for a hot shower and take it easy for the rest of the day. I still have to work, but the most I can do right now is research or pick up some local jobs. I need to make money, but this fight is my top priority at the moment.

When Maddie walks through the door, I’m on the couch with my laptop. I close it, then set it on the coffee table. She drops her backpack and rushes toward me. Seconds later, she’s straddling me with her lips pressed against mine.

“Mads,” I whisper, placing my hands under her ass. My self-control is already waning. I need to tell her about Tyler’s no-sex rule although I already know she’s not going to be happy about it. “I’m really sore, baby.”

She leans back and lifts off me. “Oh shit, sorry.”

“Tyler kicked my ass training me today,” I tell her. “It’s gonna be a rough few weeks.”

Maddie sits next to me. “I know, but you’ll get through it. I know you will.”

“Well…” I pause briefly. “That’s not the only reason it’s gonna be rough.”

“What is it?” She looks at me cautiously. I need to just spit it out.

“Tyler suggested no sex until after the fight.”

Her head falls back on her shoulders and she laughs hard. “What? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. This is a joke, right?”

“I thought it sounded stupid at first too, but I think he’s right. I looked it up, and it’s a real thing. Plus, Tyler’s been training people for a long-ass time. I trust his judgment, and ifit will make me a stronger fighter, that’s what I have to do…for us.”

She searches my face. “So, no sex. Does that mean everything else is off-limits too? Like you can’t touch me at all?”

I suck in a deep breath and nod. “It might be for the best. Otherwise, the temptation will be too hard to resist.”

She sticks out her lower lip and adorably pouts. “Okay, I understand, even if I’m gonna have sex withdrawals.”

“Me too, baby,” I admit, already hating that I can’t lay her down and kiss her the way I want to, but when I win this fight, we’ll finally have it all.

It’s been a week since I started training with Tyler, and while I’d like to think it’s getting easier, it’s not. Tyler has pushed me to the limit every single day and continues to do so. Practices are unpredictable, and I’m beat down until my muscles are weak and tired, but today I wake up ready to fight. I can already feel how much stronger I am and started lifting weights a few times this week to break down the muscle further.

Yesterday, Tyler told me we were meeting at a gym known for boxing. Apparently, it has fighting mats and a ring, and it’s better suited than my gym. When I show up at our regular time, I notice Tyler chatting with someone.

As soon as I walk up, Tyler introduces us. “This is Rampage.”

I shake his hand. “I’m Liam, nice to meet you.”

The guy has tattoos trailing up his arms and legs. It’s mid-December, and the gym doesn’t have heat, but he’s wearing shorts and a T-shirt with the arms cut out.

“Thought I’d give you a challenge today,” Tyler says, grinning wide. “Rampage is one of the best in the area and has won a few underground fights. He’ll be your opponent.”

I’m a tad blindsided and intimidated, but I’m okay with it. Actually, going up against someone who I’m unfamiliar with will probably be more helpful and feel like the real thing. Considering the no-sex rule still stands, it might be nice to kick someone else’s ass. I go to pick up the knuckle tape, and Tyler shakes his head.

“We’ll use gloves today. Don’t want you getting the shit kicked out of youyet. We’ll save that for when you’re training in Vegas.”