Stand Of Redemption(10)

While the guys laughed, the waitress came to take their order.

“Nick Brooks! Wow, you are amazing! It sucks that newbie broke your arm, but I know you’ll get your belt back.” The waitress gazed admiringly at him.

“Thank you, and the ‘newbie’ is sitting right across from me. He deserved the win,” Nick responded with a smile to the waitress at her poor choice of words.

The waitress’s head snapped toward Zane and her mouth dropped open. “I am so sorry! No offense against you, but my brothers have been watching Nick fight for years, so I’ve always rooted for him.”

Nick knew she was uncomfortable and tried to diffuse the tension.

Before he could say anything, however, Zane spoke first. “Well, he can try, but I won’t be giving it back to him easily,” Zane drawled, making them all laugh.

“Okay, I’m done sticking my foot in mouth! Can I take your orders?” The waitress was quick to change the subject, but Nick felt her eyes lingering on him.

She wasn’t bad looking. He would normally take advantage of the open invitation, but for once, he wasn’t as eager to play. He was becoming tired of women that only chased him for his fame. He knew he wanted more of a challenge, at the same time, he was thinking he wasn’t going to turn down an easy lay. The little brunette could replace Leah until he could get Ria into his bed.

They placed their orders and enjoyed the rest of breakfast. Nick had been training other fighters at his father’s gym and working some with Zane’s fighters, as well, while he healed.

Zane also owned a gym. It gave Nick a break from being around his father all of the time. He and Zane talked about which fighters had upcoming fights, and what they needed to do to get them ready.

“Ty and Lane have improved a lot. I haven’t figured out how to beat the temper out of Ty, though. He controls it with us, but he’s quick to get in fights outside the gym.” Zane shook his head.

Zane had taken in a couple of fighters for free. He only did this with some younger guys with potential that usually came from broken homes and grew up with a chip on their shoulders. Lane was a little more level-headed, but he still needed to be dealt with occasionally when he lashed out. Ty was a little wilder, but he was working on converting his anger issues into a determination to win in the cage.

Ty didn’t realize it, but Nick understood him. It was hard trying to keep a face on for the public when you had memories and demons that relentlessly ate away at you. It was a constant internal battle that wore on a person both mentally and physically. Ty wanted to run free, but knew he had to act right to stay at Zane’s gym.

His father, Rex, was furious about the loss, but only because he no longer had bragging rights about his undefeated champion for a son.

His father had changed after Nick and Melanie’s mother had passed away. The whole family spent a long time mourning, but they’d eventually started to live again. His father, however, had become aloof, focusing on Nick’s training and turning a cold shoulder to Melanie’s dreams of becoming a fighter.

“I’ll try talking to Ty,” Nick offered.

Zane looked at Nick and nodded. Zane was aware that Nick might be able to connect with Ty. “Thanks. I can’t have him stirring up any more trouble. It hurts him and the gym’s reputation.”

“No problem.”

The rest of the breakfast was uneventful. Melanie gave them a replay of the fight, move by move, and Zane responded appropriately, even though, like Nick, Zane had watched the entire fight.

Nick finished his food first. “I have an appointment. I’ll catch up with you two later.”

They said their goodbyes and Nick stood up to leave. As he walked out of the restaurant, he heard his name being called. Recognizing the waitress’s voice, he turned back, knowing what she wanted. He watched her walk toward him.

“Here’s my number; call me,” she said in a seductive voice. He barely hid his wince. He would have to gag her to fuck her.

Nick looked down at the piece of paper with her name and number. “Thank you, Sandy. I’ll keep that in mind.” His deep voice made her shiver, and he watched her eyes light up with excitement.

Nick was used to being approached and was an expert at pushing their buttons before he got them in bed. He doubted Sandy would be able to keep him amused for long.

Once again, he thought about how he needed a challenge like Ria. He could take his time pursuing her while Sandy took up the slack of fulfilling his needs.

He turned back toward his car before she could say anything else. Once there, he slid onto the leather seat of his overpriced car and headed to his appointment.

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