Page 41 of Bad Habit
“It will show off your tattoo. And you’ll look hot as fuck.” I argue but she doesn’t budge. “It’ll make Rory want to leave early.” I can see that is all it takes to convince her because she smiles softly. This girl truly hates being in crowds but she loves the fighting. I love both.
“Have you talked to Melinda lately?” Her question feels a little out of pocket but I know that she’s been trying to get to know Melinda more since she’s dating her son.
“I talked to her Thursday before I taught class at the center. She seemed stressed but I didn’t ask about it.” Guilt takes over my nervoussystem. I should have checked on her. Normally I would have. But I’ve been so tired and running on fumes.
“She said that her partner for the center emailed and asked for an in person meeting in December to discuss changes.” There’s lingering worry in her voice. “She let me read the email and it definitely felt ominous.”
“It could be good! She doesn’t know who her partner is right? It’s a silent partnership?”
AJ lets out a huge sigh. “I don't know what that even means but yeah that’s what Rory said. Some group called Giving Grace and the assistant is always the one doing the work. So this partner doesn’t even care enough to show their face. I think Melinda preferred that at first when the center was in desperate need of saving. But now I think she worries about it. And Rory is concerned.” The edge of concern pulls at my heart. Being in a relationship with Rory is so foreign for her and she is always trying to make sure she is giving the most she can while also figuring out what that looks like for her. Rory is an angel though and gives her all the space in the world to find where she wants to land.
“I think it isn’t as bad as she thinks. I’ve dealt with business people my whole life.” I remind her.
AJ isn’t a talker. She figures everything out on her own but shows up for everyone while doing it. If she wants to talk through her concern for Melinda then I’m here for it. She stays quiet though.
“What are you wearing?” She breaks the silence and I smile at her. I had my outfit picked out the minute I knew that Oliver would make sure I was in his corner again or die trying.
AJ is leading us to the back where I know Oliver is getting ready. “Hey Rob!” I pass by him and reach up to kiss him on the cheek. He’s such a burly man but he always gives me the kindest smiles.
“Are you in the pool with him tonight, A?” He looks over to where AJ is waiting on me in the hallway. She nods her head and Rob looks happy. “We miss seeing you down there. You’re my favorite.”
“I’ve been busy.” She grins.
“Yeah, being a total badass. Professional fighter or not, if he hurts you… I’ll be in line to kick his ass.” Rob promises with a quick glare past AJ to where Rory is standing. I wonder if Rory gets tired of being threatened with bodily harm over his girlfriend. But I know there is not a chance of him ever hurting AJ, not while he’s breathing. Rory is absolutely obsessed with her.
“How’s the other guy look?” AJ asks, already locked in to the fight.
“Taller than your boy, but nowhere near as disciplined. He won’t have a problem.” Rob assures her.
We make our way into the same room the guys are always in before a fight. Oliver is sitting on a bench and Eli is wrapping his hands. Maxwell is sitting next to Eli, with the next hand wrap waiting in his hands. All three sets of their eyes lift up at the same time to look at AJ.
“Calvary is here.” Maxwell grins and stands to wrap me in the biggest hug. “He’s going to lose his mind tonight.” He whispers as he takes in my full outfit. I smirk because that’s the plan.
Should I be intentionally riling Oliver up right before his fight? Probably not. But AJ didn’t seem to think anything was wrong with my outfit so I know it’ll be okay. I wore docs this time because AJ is right, they are the comfiest boots I’ve ever put on. And I’m in a black sheer dress that hangs off my shoulder and black leather bottoms and matching bralette top underneath. And to top it off, there are cherries hanging from each ear and my signature red lips.
“You both look hot.” Maxwell goes to hug AJ.
“Thanks Maxie.” He kisses the top of her head. That’s something that both Eli and Maxwell do regularly for her and I think it’s the sweetest thing.
AJ breaks away and heads to where Oliver is. But he is staring at me. I wink at him.
“Hurry up with the second wrap. I want to run a few drills before he walks out.” She picks up the mitts on the bench behind Oliver. There are moments when AJ still intimidates me. This is one of them. She is in the outfit that I picked out for her and she let me fix her hair as well. She looks ready to go dancing, not ready to sit in a hollowed out crater of cement where blood will be spilt. Her ability to be deadly and striking all in one moment is something that I envy.
Oliver stands and takes off his hoodie leaving him in only that chain and his shorts. He always looks a bit leaner right before he fights. AJ explained to me that you never fight at your walking around weight. Maybe that’s why he is so fast. I know AJ is obsessive over footwork and that is something they drill endlessly. I’ve been working hard to learn as much as I can so when the girls in my class ask questions I don’t have to immediately seek out one of them to answer it.
Eli and Maxwell bracket me as we all watch AJ and Oliver work. His hair is already a little wild and wavy, giving the allurement of him being chaotic but he’s focused. They move seamlessly and it’s very apparent that they have been doing this for years. Each one moving in sync with the other. It’s captivating to watch.
“He’s good.” AJ announces as she takes the mitts off and tosses them on the bench. Rory reaches out for her hand and they start walking out the door. Followed by Eli and Maxwell.
I turn on my heel and fall in line. A hand snakes around my waist and I’m pulled into his hard body. The mint is heavier than the cinnamon tonight but his smell wraps around me all the same. “Did you wear thisfor some dumb rich guy?” One could mistake his question for accusation but it’s really his amusement. He knows I don’t dress for men.
“Do you see a dumb rich guy?” I tilt my head back on his shoulder to look up at him.
A slow grin spreads across his face as he dips his head to the hollow of my neck. Both our bodies move with his deep inhale. “Thanks for coming.” The softness in his voice makes my confidence falter. His hand flexes on my lower stomach and goosebumps dance along the back on my thighs. “Stay still for a second.” His words are a hush plea. I know he’s always ready for me to do the exact opposite of what he asks, but I’m at his mercy at this moment.
His touch leaves my body but he doesn’t step back. His hands come before me and the cool metal of his chain necklace tickles the skin on my neck. His fingers are light as they fasten the clasp. Then I feel his lips dust over the back of my neck so softly that I question if it is even happening. “Keep this safe for me.”
He ushers us out of the room where the group is waiting patiently, and I’m thankful that my chest is somewhat covered even though it’s sheer material because I know it would be all blotchy and red from where my nerves are misfiring. AJ clocks my disheveled expression and I can see the pleasure at my discomfort in her eyes.
