Page 117 of My Undead Heart
“It ended your career.”
“Yeah, the specialists said if I were to take a hit like that again I wouldn’t walk away. I love fighting. It’s been my salvation. It’s in my blood. At the time that was probably the worst news of my life. It sucks to have what you love ripped from your hands with no say in the matter.”
“But that’s not the legacy you left. That same night, before that very fight, your own father placed a bet against you. The payout was over five hundred thousand dollars.”
Matt’s jaw works back and forth, his anger bubbling to the surface. Until now he’s been able to maintain his composure, but this visibly rattles him. “Yes, he did.”
“It’s bad enough he bet against his own son, but several people came forward afterwards, reporting they saw him go into your hotel the night before the fight. What do you have to say about that?”
“He came to see me. He asked me to throw the fight.”
A gasp, from Danny or maybe Xavier sounds from behind me, but I don’t look away from Matt. Much like everyone else in this room, I’m anxiously awaiting his next words.
The reporter narrows her gaze. “Why?”
“As a favor. To get out of debt. My father has both a gambling and a drinking problem. I wish I could say what he asked was shocking, but really it was only par for the course.”
“Did he offer to split the winnings?”
“Of course he did.”
“Matt, did you intentionally lose to Victor Suarez?”
“Hell, no.” Matt’s chest rises with a deep inhale and after he releases it, he continues. “Did I consider it? Not for a second. But I struggled with the guilt. He warned me that night, that if I didn’t lose he was a dead man walking. I can’t even explain how relieved that made me. Because my father has always been there, a poison to anything good in my life. So, to not have to deal with him anymore ... after everything he did to my mother, to me? To not have him show up and interfere in my career? That sounded just about perfect.
“But the flip side is I worked very hard to become nothing like him. I was an angry teenager, out on the streets at sixteen. I found peace in the sport of MMA. It gave me control. It gave me confidence. I didn’t fight to kill, I fought for the sport, and yeah, a little for the glory. If I won and in turn I contributed to his death, then wouldn’t I be just like him?
“In the end, Suarez took the decision from me. He’s one hell of a fighter, and my only regret is not being able to challenge him to a rematch.” At that, Matt’s lips pull into his signature smile. The one that melts even the most jagged of hearts—including mine. Matt continues to answer questions and after they wrap up production we all enjoy a hearty meal of deep dish at Giordano’s.
I’m proud of him and how far he’s come. For being brave enough to share his story across the nation. He’s humble and kind, and has an incredible work ethic. I know he did the interview to help other women, other families, but as I glance around the table it’s clear he’s already changed so many lives. He’s also forgotten what day it is. I can’t wait to get home and surprise him.
“You realize how much I want you right now?” Matt aligns his body against my backside as I slip the key into my apartment door.
I push my ass back a few inches and feel his hardness through his pants. “I’m guessing a lot,” I smart and am met with a growl.
His lips bury into the crook of my shoulder and he kisses the skin there. “So damn much. Can we go inside now?” His rough chuckle only spreads goosebumps across my flesh.
Shaking him off, I turn the key and push inside my apartment and stomp all the way to the bedroom.
“Where are you going?” He laughs after me.
“Stay there.” I slam and lock the door with a giggle. “I’ll be out in a minute!”
“This is not what I was expecting,” he grumbles through the door, but he doesn’t try to gain entry. I hear the television click on and quickly get to work. I’ve been planning this for a month. It is his favorite holiday, after all.
It takes me longer than it should because I’m not a lingerie kinda girl. But I get the black lace bra, thong, garter, and stockings all in place, then head to the bathroom to pull back my hair in a high ponytail. Painting on a nose and whiskers is simple. The headband with cute little ears adds the final touch. I spin in the mirror with satisfaction. Not bad, considering the improvisation.
A knock at the bedroom door interrupts my preening. “You almost done in there? There’s a newWalking Deadepisode calling our names.”
I pull open the door and greet him with a smile. “I was thinking we save the show for later.”
He tilts his head and his smile’s wide. “What’s this? Did Halloween come early this year?” His eyes take me in with an appreciation that’s worth all the effort.
“Sexy Groundhog. Of course.” I wrinkle my nose and shake my butt.
He nods, his lips fighting a full blown smile. “Oh, right. My first guess was puppy.”
I shrug. “Must have been the ears. They don’t really make groundhog costumes. I had to improvise.”
“I’m glad you did.” He steps forward so I have to back up, and he doesn’t stop until the backs of my legs hit the bed’s edge. He catches me before I fall and his lips press against mine. Like all the times between us, I can’t help but kiss him back. Our mouths and tongues battle against each other for the lead and by the time he lowers us against the mattress we’re both out of breath.
“Matt?” I whisper against his lips.
He pushes up to his forearms to meet my gaze. “Yes, Mia.”
“Happy Groundhog Day.” I grin, hoping he understands just how much I love him. How thankful I am to have a partner like him in my life. There are so many stupid, mushy things I want to say, and if I weren’t so damn happy I’d be sickened at myself by the thoughts. I have so much to learn and I’m not perfect, but as we make love Matt makes me feel as if I am. As if what I have to offer is more than enough. He’s awakened my heart. He honors my mind. He’s a man I’ll fight for to the end. Zombie apocalypse and all.