Page 19 of Invisible String (The Underground #1)

MAX

M y arms tense as I launch a series of rapid jabs at my opponent’s chest. Each blow met with satisfying resistance. Undeterred, he steps in closer and throws a powerful right hook toward my jaw. I dodge to the side, my heart racing as I continue to trade blows in our intense boxing match.

Adrenaline rushes through me while I’m in the zone, my zone, my space.

It’s been weeks since I’ve been here in Tahoe without throwing a punch.

I missed the straight-up fighting in a ring and hitting the bag.

As to why I’m here at a boxing gym in Tahoe.

Last night, when Rainey’s mom asked if I would join them for dinner, I honestly wanted to decline.

That’s not really my thing. Also, with what money?

How would I sit and have dinner and not pay for them?

What kind of man would I be? My parents taught me kindness at a young age.

Well, I guess my father lost that part of him when she passed.

The face of hope Rainey gave me was one I couldn’t turn from.

I found myself wanting to give her any type of happiness I could possibly give her.

Then again, I did it seven years ago. A simple yes glinted in her pretty eyes.

In order to pay for the dinner that I couldn’t afford, so I wouldn’t look like a complete loser, I pawned my mother’s wedding ring as a loan.

I’ll get it back. I just need to make payments.

The guy I’m fighting staggers back when I surprise him with an uppercut. I need to release the pent-up frustration I’m feeling—the need to want her close, but then again, at arm’s length. The truth is, I’m not equipped to feel anything even close to love. What is love?

Rainey looks at me with what seems to be adoration and gentleness in her eyes.

Her touch has made me lose the ability to breathe.

But my soul couldn’t resist the pull toward her.

It is a constant internal battle, and I’m unsure of what I truly want and need.

After dinner, when her mom left, I made love to her.

My lips painted her whole body, determined to memorize her beauty.

The way she felt underneath, inside of me, she’s a dream I’ll soon wake up from.

I groan when my opponent strikes a blow, causing me to lose my balance. I regain it within seconds and corner him in. The bell rings, telling us our rounds are over. We fist bump and step out of the ring.

“You’re a badass,” the dude I fought says after removing his mouthpiece.

“I’ve been at it for a couple of years,” I admit.

This boxing gym has been around for a long time. My dad once trained here in his spare time from work. He never went pro or did any amateur fighting. The owner recognized me because I looked just like Hector Cano.

Unfortunately, I look like my father with my mom’s green eyes.

“His dad was a hell of a fighter, as well. Max here inherited the blood of a fighter,” Rico, the owner, tells the guy I sparred with.

Rico doesn’t know my dad turned into an abusive man. When my mom passed, he isolated himself. He moved us around until I got taken from him.

“I give credit to my trainer, Carlos. He’s a badass fighter with many belts. Carlos taught me everything I know.” That’s the truth. He saved me from losing myself. Carlos became my mentor and a father figure in my life.

Rico nods. “I met Carlos a couple of years ago. He had a big fight at one of the casinos in Vegas,” he recalls. “Carlos won the title.”

“He did. I was there. I was his cornerman,” I tell him while shoving my gear into my bag.

“How’s your pops doing?”

I came here to ask if I could borrow his gym to get some hits to relieve my spiked blood pressure because of a certain woman. Not to be questioned about my life.

“He’s doing great. Living the best life, a bottle at a time.”

Rico furrows his brows. “Damn. How were things after?—”

“Shitty,” I say. “I lived my life in the system.” Another truth.

I’m only telling him this because I won’t allow him to give my father any credit for me being a badass fighter.

I am not trying to be conceited, but I’ll give the credit where it’s needed.

Not to a man who used his fists to beat his son.

Rico idles, his eyes wild. “You… Fuck, Max. I’m sorry. If I had known, I would have had you live with us. I’ve known you since you were a small boy.” He swallows hard, guilt on his hard, stern face.

“Don’t worry about it. You didn’t know. No one knew.”

“I tried calling your dad when your mom passed, but he never answered. I should’ve sought him out—and you too—just to see how things were going. Maybe then, he would’ve gotten the help he needed, and you could’ve lived with me. But I messed up, Max.”

This isn’t his fault. It’s Dad’s. He turned his back on me when I needed him most and blamed me for her death.

“Don’t sweat it, man. It’s all good.” I pat him on the shoulder. “I appreciate you letting me use your gym.”

“Anytime, Max. How long are you hanging around here, or are you staying?”

“Only a couple of weeks, probably until the end of July.”

His thumb runs down his chin. “I can give you a key to the place. Feel free to use it whenever you’d like.” He brings me in for a bro hug. “It’s good seeing you, Max. I’m sorry for all you’ve gone through. I truly am. You’re a good kid.”

“Thanks, Rico. I’ll come in when it’s open; there is no need for a key.” I look at the guy I sparred with. “Good fight, man. You’re a good boxer, so keep at it. I’m always up for a challenge, and you gave me just that.”

He gloats, his chest puffed out.

“And Max, let me know when your next fight is. I’ll drive down to see you.”

I nod. “I will. I’ll see you.”

Getting in my car, I stare at the damn ugly gray duct tape around the mirror, holding it up. I shake my head, laughing. This woman needs driver education classes all over again.

I consider using some of the money I have from selling the ring to purchase a new one. But for now, I’ll have to make do with the tape until I can find a replacement at a nearby junkyard. The engine roars to life as I pull out of the parking lot.

Fifteen minutes later, I’m driving in our shared driveway.

I groan when I see Rainey in a bright yellow swimsuit, washing her car, and dancing to music.

Her hips sway and her ass up, bending to reach the hard spots at the bottom of the vehicle.

Her light skin glistens in the sun. My heart races at the sight of her. My emotions are hard to understand.

When she hears my car roll up, she turns, smiling from ear to ear. It’s beautiful and breathtaking. I cut the engine off and walked toward her. My gaze eats her up like a cobra ready for its next meal. I’m grateful that thick woods and winding roads shield the cabins from prying eyes.

“Hey, handsome, how did your day go? I woke up without you, but I’m grateful for the note.”

I left her a note that I was heading to the gym. I didn’t want her to think I ran out on her. It’s not like we’re a couple, but it’s common courtesy. Her wet, soapy hands are on my chest. She smells of sweet summer flowers. Okay, and maybe I like dish soap right now. Gently, her lips feather mine.

“I missed you,” she breathes into me.

My tongue forces its way into hers, devouring her perfect set of lips. My hands go to her toned ass. The bikini bottom only covers her ass crack. Giving it a good squeeze, she moans. With significant force, I pull away. If I don’t, I’ll end up mounting her.

Answering her question, “It was good. I needed to release some pent-up testosterone.”

“Huh, I thought you released plenty last night. You were like the Trevi Fountain.”

My body shakes with uncontrollable laughter, and it’s one of the greatest feelings to let loose with her. She has the ability to make me feel things no one has been capable of doing. She smiles, damn proud of herself.

When my laughter subsides, my thumb brushes her chin.

“You are too beautiful. Besides, you felt too good. You have me lose control.” The thought only has me hardened. “You’re washing your car?” I jut my chin to the soapy car. Doing my best to veer the conversation from shoving myself into her.

Rainey steps back, gesturing to the vehicle. “I woke up to my car shitted on by birds. It looked like it had some serious diarrhea.”

“That’s nasty.” My nose crinkles.

She bends to get the sponge from the bucket of soapy water. “It is,” she agrees.

“Here, let me do it. I’ll wash it for you.

” I take the sponge from her. “I saw the stack of books you have. You can sit out here and read while I wash your car,” I offer, while removing my shirt so it won’t get wet.

She’s seen my scars already and left some of her own from last night, clawing on my back while thrusting inside her.

I would rather have her marks etched on my skin.

“If you say so…I don’t mind the view.” Her eyes light up with delight as they flit over my chest, a playful glint in her gaze.

She had already hosed down the car, washing away the splatters of bird droppings that marred its surface.

Now, it’s my turn to lather it with soap, working up a frothy sheen.

I make my way around the car, methodically scrubbing every inch with a soapy sponge.

Every dent and paint chip glinting in the sunlight tells the story of Rainey’s reckless drives.

Rainey returns with a book in hand. She lies on a lounger, legs crossed.

She reads her book with an intense focus.

I catch her gaze as many times as mine goes to hers.

Rico’s words ring in my mind. If he’d known about my dad, he would have taken me in, but at the thought, I can’t help but think of Rainey.

Maybe this is how it was supposed to be.

“Hey, professor. How’s it going?”