57

Carters P. O. V.
I walked out of the meeting as Darrell picked up where I left off. I knew he would reinforce what I had said. His fondness for Lea had become more apparent the longer she had been in the house and I knew her presence had him revisiting his time with Trish and the guilt of not being with her as she took her last breath.
My heart felt as if it had a chain around it and was pulling me into the deeper depths of hell that I had not yet visited. I needed Lea to come back home. I needed her in my arms and I needed to tell her I loved her.
I made my way to the gym and changed into my sweats, hoping to work out the pain filling my soul.
I went through my standard warm ups and had just laid back onto the bench press when I heard the familiar sound of the door opening.
Boss ? Titus’ voice sounded from door way.
What ? I growled out as I focused on the weighted bar above me and brought it down to my chest.
Darrell just dismissed everyone.
And ? I pushed the bar back up.
I haven’t been able to train with a worthy opponent for a few days.
I knew what he was doing, he was offering himself to be my personal punching bag.
And why is that my problem ? I ran a hand down my face as I sat up and looked my prize fighter over.
I figured you’d might need to go a few rounds. Titus stayed in the doorway waiting for my acceptance of his offer. It would benefit us both.
I sat still for a moment before nodding. Don’t expect to walk away unscathed.
Wouldn’t dream of it.
Titus smirked and disappeared into the locker room, exiting a few minutes later clad in nothing but his boxing shorts. As we made our way to the sparring ring, Titus glanced at me sideways.
You really do love her.
I nodded once, unable to form a word.
They’ll bring her back Boss.
I didn’t answer as I took up my stance and watched as Titus followed my lead. I took in his size, his form, and the lightness he had as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
I knew from watching him go against Zander that he was quick. I remembered that his strength was in his legs, specifically his right one, and I recalled his weaknesses. They were subtle ; a slight drop in his left fist as he threw a combo punch, a double step just before throwing a kick, a slight glance to let me know what part of the body he was targeting next.
A lesser opponent would not have noticed such minor weaknesses, but I wasn’t a lesser opponent.
I raised my eyes and looked deep into Titus’, waiting for him to make the first move.
Titus circled once and stepped forward with his left leg, pivoting and bringing his right up leg up, executing a perfect sidekick. I ducked, sidestepped, and landed a knife hand to his ribs. Titus stumbled sideways before grinning and nodding in approval.
I ignored the sound of the door opening and feet shuffling into they gym as we continued to spar. I could hear faint murmurs and money shuffling hand as bets were placed. But I continued to focus on my opponent as we kicked, punched, and threw jabs for a good half hour. We were both bruised but neither of us was ready to throw in the towel.
I recovered from a jab to the side and crouched waiting for Titus’ next move. He double stepped and spun, jumping into the air as his right leg kicked outwards. I caught him with ease and threw him to the ground, bringing my elbow into his stomach.
He let out a grunt and flipped up to his feet as I set myself up for a combination roundhouse and uppercut. Titus blocked both and landed a punch to my left cheek.
I moved my jaw back and forth and narrowed my eyes. I could see a flicker of fear cross his eyes as I spat out blood, the bright red liquid staining the mat.
I wiped my mouth and raised an eyebrow, rocking back on my heels. I enjoyed seeing the discomfort on his face as he realized he had met his match and was now officially in over his head.
I nodded once and waited as Titus adjusted his stance. I threw a fake punch toward his face, and as he covered himself with both hands, I thrust the heel of my foot into his chest. Titus flew back from the force and landed on his back as a gasp sounded through the gym.
I fought to steady my breath and turned, taking in the size audience that had gathered as Darrien and Tony rushed to Titus, checking his vitals when the man didn’t move to get up.
Damn Boss. Darrien looked over his shoulder at me, You knocked him out cold.
I made my way to where Titus laid and knelt down beside him. Shit. I, I didn’t mean for it to get so intense.
Darrell shoved his phone in his pocket and moved me to the side as he examined the bruise forming on Titus’ chest just above his heart. You two, he looked to Darrien, stay with him. Doc is on her way.
He stood and led me to the locker room. I slammed my fist into the wall, ignoring the explosion of pain spreading through my hand and up my arm.
I could have killed him. I ran my hands through my hair.
He knew what he was doing when he went looking for you Carter. He’ll be sore for a few days, but he’ll be fine.
I sunk to the bench and held my head in my hands before finally lacing my fingers behind my neck.
If something happens to her Darrell.. I let the words I couldn’t speak hang in the air. I should have told her this morning how I feel, but I couldn’t. The look in her eyes wouldn’t let me.
She’s strong Carter. And deep down, she knows how you feel. Don’t count her out just yet.
I sat back and leaned my head against the wall. What do I do ?
We wait. We wait for word from Jared, Ben, or Xian. We know that Victoria will only allow Lynx and Miller to accompany Lea so far before she sends them back. As long as she is with them, she is safe.
But then what ? Will she hand Lea over to Miguel or will she hand her over to the authorities ?
Darrell sat down beside me. He laid his head back against the wall and pinched the bridge of his nose. That I can’t answer.
A knock sounded on the locker room door.
Boss. A familiar voice voice sounded from the door way.
I looked to Darrell, I’ll see what they want. Shower, have a drink, and as hard as I know it will be, try to relax.