Page 62 of Beyond the Cage

“Exactly. Now leave.”

“What’s up with you and this MMA dude? He doesn’t even talk.”

Obviously, he hasn’t seen MMA dude or he wouldn’t be here.

“No. But he’s managed to say a hell of a lot more than you ever did. For the last time…leave.”

I turn my back to him and shriek in surprise when two hands grab my ass.

“That ass –”

I spin around and Cameron has Jamal by his collar, dragging him away from me. Oh, dear God…I know that look. It’s the one reserved for the cage. He grabs the lapels of Jamal’s jacket and my eyes widen as he lifts him off the floor. Jared rushes forward, begging Cameron to let him handle it, but he’s not listening. He moves toward the railing and Jamal looks nervously over at the drop. I think he might be about to pee his pants. The club’s security hastily makes their way to us.

“Cameron, put him down…please.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not begging for the jerk, but Cameron would be in a whole lot of trouble. “He’s not worth it. Put him down.”

He looks over at me then glares at Jamal.

“Okay, man,” Jamal sputters. “I get it. I’ll leave her alone!”

He clenches his jaw and sets Jamal back on his feet. Jared steps in and ushers him away with the help of the security guys. I step forward and wrap my arms around Cameron’s waist. He’spissed.

“Let’s go home.”

“Good idea, Jas…before someone gets killed,” Chels agrees.

He nods and we wait for Jared to return before we leave. By the time we arrive home, exhaustion has gotten the better of me. Chelsea, too. We both have to be carried to the apartment. Through heavy lids, I see her wrap her arms around Jared’s neck and settle into his arms. I search my clutch for the key and hand it to Cameron. Following Chelsea’s lead, I tuck my face into his neck.

***

Holy crap!My eyes jerk open and I sit up, looking around the room in confusion. My gaze shifts to Cameron when he hands me my phone. I answer it, stopping the loud, offensive ringing.

“You’re dating some…fighter?” my father shouts in my ear.

Oh…shit. The way he said it, you’d think I was dating the scum of the earth.

“Good morning, Dad. I’m fine, how are you?”

“Jasmine Renae…”First and middle name…this is serious.“Don’t get smart with me. Tell me why I have to learn from the sports page that my daughter is not only dating someone, but she’s dating afighter.”

Chelsea charges into the room, wildly waving the newspaper at me, but I raise my hand to stop her outburst. She calms down, walks quietly over, and hands me the paper.

“And what exactly were you wearing?” Dad continues.

I check the paper and, sure enough, there we are entering the club.We’re news? Don’t they have actual sports to write about?

“Dad, I just woke up. Can you give me a few minutes and I’ll call you back?”

“Jasmine –”

“Please, Dad.” I just need a few minutes to clear my head.

“Ten minutes.”

The line goes dead. Cameron is now sitting up and eyeing me curiously. I look away, wondering what I’m going to say to my father. He obviously doesn’t approve, but he doesn’t know Cameron.

“Jas, I can’t believe we made the sports page!” Chels raves.

She follows me, reading the article aloud, as I climb out of bed and head to the bathroom.