"I'm on it," I promised. "Just give me ten minutes."

I was climbing out of the ring before he could protest. Coach was right. My reflexes had to be lightning sharp and reactions had to made in split seconds. I heard him curse me as I walked away. Fuck it. I needed a minute to get my head together. The locker room was mercifully empty. I sat down on the closest bench and buried my head in my hands.

I'd seriously fucked up and I knew it. Cindy, Lacey, Dani...I couldn't focus with all of this shit in my head. I knew Bruno was dating Cindy to fuck with me, to keep me off target. This was a sport that required nerves of steel and Bruno knew it. He used anyone and anything to attain his goal, even Lacey. She was leverage. He knew I'd worry about her, and that would distract me even more. I felt like I was standing in front of an oncoming freight train and my feet wouldn't move. Then I had to go and add fuel to the fire by inviting Dani to stay with me. It would've been bad enough if she'd just been in the city, but to have her sleeping in the next room was excruciating. It had taken everything I had last night not to go get her and bring her back to my bed. Needless to say, I hadn't gotten much sleep last night.

I heard footsteps but didn't look up to confirm it was Joe. One of his knees had been broken a few years back and he walked with a distinctive limp now. He stopped close enough to me that I could smell the cigars he always smoked.

"Look, Luke, I ain't trying to rush you, but we've got three weeks to get you ready to meet this Angel Silva. Kid's a freaking nuclear bomb." Joe sounded concerned, which was something new. "You know what he did to his last two opponents, right?"

I looked up then. "Yeah, I heard a bunch of bullshit. Do you seriously believe any of it?"

"I don't know." Joe shrugged. "He's done a lot of damage it, seems."

Opponents put in the hospital. Broken jaws. A broken back. A coma. It was hard to know how much was rumor and how much was true. People exaggerated and punks like this Silva wanted to puff themselves up to the fans. That's the way it worked in the underground. Hell, I'd heard some of the stories about me floating around out there, over-inflated fabrications, and downright lies...most of them, at least.

"So have I," I reminded him.

"You've been gone two months. No training and you're out of shape. And your focus..." He pointed one thick finger at my head. "Get it in your head. You need to focus."

My jaw clenched as he spoke. Joe was right. Maybe I needed to keep a distance from Dani. I wanted to be with her, but as I'd proved today, she was affecting my focus. The question was, would physical distance make things better or worse? It wasn't like I'd been a hundred percent focused without her here.

"Who's the girl?"

My attention snapped back to Joe and I tried to play innocent. "What girl?"

He grinned at me. "The girl you were fucking last night. I know you better than you think, you big idiot."

He was busting my chops, but I scowled just the same. I didn't need this from him. Besides, I couldn't let it get back to Bruno about Dani. "She's just a friend. I like having her around."

Joe raised his eyebrows. "Like? As in, you like to fuck her?"

My temper flared and I stood, towering over Joe. "Fuck you. Don't talk about her like that."

Joe didn't even flinch. "Ah, I see. Pussy-whipped." He shook his head, his expression changing from amused to disgust. "You're in love, which means you're fucked. You can't go into this fight being in love."

I shoved my hand through my hair. Was he right? Was I really in love with Dani? I hadn't really let myself think that seriously. I loved being with her and the sex was amazing, but was I actually in love with her? I'd thought I was in love with Cindy, and that had turned to shit. Since then, I'd kept everyone at arm's length. But Dani was chipping away at the wall I'd built around my heart and maybe that was a good thing.

"You pussy-whipped mother fuckers, stop it. You're doing it again." Joe punched my arm. "You have a choice to make now. If you want to win this match... get rid of her." He paused, then added, "If it's serious, she'll be there after the match. If not, good riddance."

"I know, I know, I get it already. It's just that..." I clamped my teeth together with frustration then said, "But she just came back to town and..." I hesitated to add the next part, but Joe needed to know at least this part of truth. "I don't think I can focus if I'm not with her."

Joe groaned and rolled his eyes. "You guys are all alike. One whiff of pussy and you're rolling over like a fucking dog. She can't be that good of a lay."

I glared at him. I didn't appreciate the comparison.

"Can't you live without this sex goddess for three fucking weeks?"

I considered the question, minus the sarcasm, and then answered, "You're right. I need to be at the top of my game; no, better than the top, if I'm going to win."

Joe grinned at me.

"So Silva's pretty good?"

Joe's smile disappeared. "He's the best up and coming fighter I've ever seen, Luke. And that includes you."

Shit. I balled each hand into a fist and slammed my knuckles together with the brisk, slapping sound of leather hitting leather. "Let's do it."

Joe clapped a hand on my shoulder. "That a boy. We're back on track."

Chapter Seventeen.

Dani Although I didn't want Luke to think I was pushing our relationship too fast I couldn't resist picking up a few items while shopping to brighten up the apartment.

Luke's place was pretty sparse; typical, I guessed, for a guy like Luke, but after seeing Lacey's room, I decided the rest of the place was in dire need of some decorating. Lacey's bedroom was the one little place where things were bright and beautiful. I was sure she loved being with her dad, but I hadn't been able to stop wondering how much more she'd love it if the place looked a little more like a home.

I'd had the money so I'd bought a little more than clothes for myself and a few groceries, hoping Luke wouldn't freak out when he saw what I'd done. After I'd put my clothes in Lacey's room and the groceries away, I got a text from Luke saying that he'd be later than he'd originally thought, but should be back around six thirty. That was fine with me. I had plenty to do.

Now, as six thirty approached, I looked around the apartment, suddenly nervous. A small oil canvas hung on the wall. It was a black and white cityscape with a couple walking in the rain under a red umbrella, the umbrella being the only color in the painting. A throw and two matching pillows were on the couch. A vase of flowers sat in the middle of the coffee table. I'd even replaced his drab, gray curtains with cream-colored ones.

The lights were off, the entire place lit with the warm glow of the candles I'd scattered all around. Two of them sat in the center of the table, their flickering light reflecting off of the dishes I'd already set out. The smell of cooking chicken came from the kitchen and my stomach growled. I hadn't eaten much for lunch. I'd been too distracted with all of my shopping.

Besides the decorating in the living room and kitchen, I'd also put some candles in the bathroom, and replaced the shower curtain with one that had butterflies on it. The new towel sets and bathmat were a deep, burnt orange that matched the butterfly wings. I really hoped he didn't think I was overstepping.

Then there was me. I'd bought mostly casual clothes, including some cotton pajamas that I'd feel comfortable wearing in Lacey's room, but I hadn't been able to resist getting something pretty for myself. The dress was like nothing I'd ever worn before. It was a dark green, the same shade as my eyes, and hugged my curves. The hemline hit me mid-thigh, just long enough that sitting didn't bother me, but short enough to show some eye-catching skin. The neckline plunged in the front and the back was cut low, preventing any sort of bra being worn with it. Fortunately, there was enough support that it wasn't a problem. I wasn't wearing stockings with my heels, but I had bought sexy lace panties to match the dress. I wanted to look as special for Luke as his freshly-decorated apartment did.

The door opened and as he stepped inside, I spoke, my voice soft. "Surprise."

Luke stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening as he saw the apartment. "What the hell?"

He didn't sound angry, but that wasn't exactly the reaction I'd been hoping for.

"I just freshened the place up. I thought it needed a little feminine touch. For when Lacey's here," I said nervously. My fingers played with the hem of my dress. "Do you like it?"

"It's great..." His voice trailed off as he had been looking at me the entire time he spoke. He dropped his bag on the floor and stared.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I really hoped that meant he liked my dress, but I wasn't really sure. After all, the only dresses he'd seen me in before were the sundresses I'd bought in Summerville. They were cute. This one was supposed to be sexy.

He crossed to me in three long strides, his eyes blazing, and grabbed me, crushing me against his massive chest. He buried one hand in my hair, while the other rested in that space at the small of my back, allowing his fingers to brush the top of my ass. He claimed my mouth, his tongue thoroughly exploring every crevice. He kissed me as if he was drowning and I was his only salvation. My knees went weak when his teeth grazed my bottom lip, and when he gently tugged at it, I moaned. He broke the kiss only when air was necessary, but he didn't let me go. He rested his forehead against mine as we both gasped for breath.

"Dammit, Dani," he finally spoke, the words ragged and rough, sending a bolt of desire straight through me. "You're going to be the death of me, you know that?"

I didn't respond. Even if I'd been able to speak, I didn't know what I was supposed to say to that. Besides, at the moment, my head was spinning too much for me to think of anything beyond making sure my knees didn't buckle. My entire body throbbed with need.

He kissed me long and hard, and I relishing every second our lips were together. When it seemed like he had gotten his fill, he took a step back and ran his hand through his hair. I could tell he was trying to regain his composure, though I wasn't sure why. I would've been quite content to skip the meal and head straight for the bedroom. Or the couch. Or, hell, the way I was feeling right now, Luke could've taken me on the table or against a wall.

The expression on Luke's face changed. He seemed puzzled and suddenly the ache between my legs fizzled.

"Did you cook dinner for me?"

I smiled, and all at once felt shy. "Yes." I don't know why the admission made me blush when just a few seconds ago, I'd been wishing he'd fuck me against a wall. I continued, trying for a laugh. "I know you can only eat protein, so I made chicken. No potatoes, no fries, just seasoning. I even bought a bottle of Evian water. We can pretend it's wine since it's almost as expensive."

He laughed and I joined in, the tension between us easing.

"You didn't have to do all this." Luke gestured towards the apartment.

"But I wanted to," I said. I didn't want things to get awkward, but I needed him to know why I'd done it. "I wanted to make you happy. Last night was...amazing." I took a step towards him. My stomach was twisting as I said the words I'd practiced while getting ready for tonight. "I really missed you. I know it's a risk, me being here and all, but I don't care how much danger we're facing. I just want us to be together."

Luke's expression froze and I stopped moving towards him. I felt like a bucket of ice water had just been dumped on me. I'd said too much.

"What's wrong, Luke?" I forced the words out between numb lips. "Tell me."

His eyes darted away from me and he turned away slightly. Not a good sign. He couldn't stand to face me. "Nothing."

"Bullshit."

I wasn't sure who was more surprised by the intensity of the word, Luke or me.

His eyes flitted back to mine for an instant but he didn't have the nerve to look me in the eye when he said, "There's one thing." He took a deep breath. "The coach wants us to take a break from each other while I'm training. I'm sorry. I just...I can't focus."

"Oh." I sank into the closest chair. I wasn't hungry anymore. In fact, I felt like I was going to throw up.

I wanted to believe that what I felt while lying in his arms was reciprocated. Was he really attracted to me at all or was it just his usual M.O.; play on a girl's insecurities until he got what he wanted? I refused to believe that.

He was suddenly there in front of me, kneeling, the expression on his face anxious. "Dani, it's not what you think."

"Really?" I hated how weak I sounded.

"I can't focus because all I can think about is you." He reached out and put his hand on my cheek. "Please, baby, believe me. This is not me brushing you off. This is like going to training camp before being sent into battle. I have to be prepared." His thumb brushed the corner of my mouth. "I thought having you here wouldn't change anything, but I was wrong. I was in the middle of a sparring match and got kicked in the head because I was thinking about you."

"Me?" I wanted to believe him.

A wry smile curved his lips. "A punch and then a kick. Knocked me on my ass. And all because I was thinking about how much I'd wanted you this morning when I saw you in my shorts and t-shirt."

The truth of his words was there in his eyes, in his touch. I smiled to let him know that I believed him.

"And that's the kind of distraction that could get me killed." He straightened. "I can't take any chances with this fight in three weeks. The guy I'm up against is dangerous. Like hospitalization or morgue dangerous."

I stood, sharp anxiety replacing every other emotion. "Then don't fight him."

"I have to," he said.

"There has to be another way to save Lacey." My heart thumped painfully against my ribs. It was one thing to know Luke was going to get hit and hurt when he fought, but it was another to know that his opponent was vicious.

He shook his head and leaned back with his hands on the edge of the table. "There's not. But I don't want you worrying."

Yeah, right. That was like saying try not to breathe; it's impossible.

"No one's ever beaten me, inside the ring or out. I can take him. I just need to focus on getting back into shape."

I looked at the painting I had hung on the wall of the couple walking in the rain under the red umbrella. Then I looked at the pillows and flowers. I had been so excited when I picked them all out and now it didn't even matter.

My eyes followed my finger as it traced over the floral pattern of the silverware. "I get it. As much as I hate it, I get it." Then I glanced towards the kitchen. "I'll leave right after dinner."

"No," Luke said immediately. "Don't leave. It's not us saying good-bye. It's more like I just need to be isolated for the next three weeks. Eat, live and breathe training. You stay here and I'll go somewhere else."

"Where?"

He reached out a hand and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Don't worry about that. I have friends I can stay with. I promise you, as soon as the match is done, we'll be together again. This is just so I can focus." His finger traced down my jaw to just under my lips and my heart skipped a beat. "It has nothing to do with you and me, or how I feel about you, I swear."

"Are you sure you want me to stay?" I asked. "I can get a decent hotel."

"I want you here." His voice was firm. "This place will remind you of me, that I'm not gone from your life. It's only temporary." He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, his embrace gentle this time. "And I'll be able to focus better if I know that you're somewhere safe."

His words brought a memory from earlier that day. I looked up at him. "Well... about that." His brows drew downward in a frown, and I continued. "When I went out to go shopping, I think there were two guys following me." His body tensed around me. I hurried to clarify. "I can't be sure, but I think they were Bruno's guys."

He scowled, his eyes flashing. "Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it." His fingers flexed against my back like he was trying to keep himself from making fists. "It might be a coincidence, but I'll talk to Bruno and make sure no one bothers you. If they work for him, you'll never see them again."

A wave of relief washed over me. I hadn't realized how nervous I was until just now. Luke would make sure I was safe. I trusted him.

He lowered his head and kissed me again. He took his time, gently tracing my bottom lip with the tip of his tongue before sliding it into my mouth. Our tongues twisted together, the movements slow and lazy, as if we had all the time in the world. It was like everything else had stopped around us, letting us savor the moment, and then it was done.

We held each other for a few minutes, not speaking or kissing, just standing there with our arms around each other. I'd never felt so protected, so safe, like nothing bad could happen to me as long as he was here.

Finally, he broke the silence. "About that chicken..."

"Oh, shit!" I yanked myself out of his embrace. My reaction seemed to amuse him and I could see the teasing laughter was back in his eyes. I hurried towards the kitchen.

Luke followed, chuckling. "That's okay. I like it with crunchy edges."

Chapter Eighteen.

Dani The chicken hadn't been burned as badly as I'd feared, but my fork hovered as I aimlessly picked at the wing on my plate. I was hungry earlier, nearly starving, but the conversation I'd had with Luke took away most of my appetite. It didn't seem to be affecting his, however.

I'd heard the description before of someone "eating with gusto" but I'd never truly understood it until now. I had a feeling that if I hadn't been sitting across from him, he wouldn't have even bothered with a knife and fork, but just picked the chicken up and torn into it. As it was, he was cutting off huge chunks and swallowing them faster than was probably safe.

I took a drink of Evian from my wine glass. Neither of us was talking and he kept his features deceptively composed, as if his thoughts were far away. I didn't want that. My brow creased with worry. I knew he had to focus, but I wanted one more time with him before he left. Back in Summerville, I'd been going nuts without him, and now, knowing he was gone but in the same city, probably just blocks away, that was even worse. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to see him, touch him, kiss him I closed my eyes fuck him, for three weeks was almost painful.