Paxton's Promise Read online

  “Well, let’s just hope you don’t do anything wrong,” Garrett said. Then he looked at his watch. “But right now we need to go. You’ll be up soon.”

  Opening the door, Garrett walked out with Ryley and Ashleigh, leaving me and Matt with Gabby. We were both going to walk her down the aisle to the ring. “You can do this, Gabby,” Matt told her. “You’ve gotten so much better. It must be all of that underground fighting.”

  “Or, it could be that I have two amazing coaches. I’ll admit, Paxton’s fighting is a lot different from yours.” Standing up on her tiptoes, she kissed my cheek and smiled at her brother. “But it’s what’s going to help me win.” Taking a deep breath, she turned toward the door. “All right you two. Let’s go.”

  As soon as we left the room, camera flashes blinded us. Dressed in her red sports bra and black shorts, Gabby looked fiercer than I’d ever seen before. I had never been with a woman who could challenge me the way she does. Not to mention, she was hot as hell when she kicked ass in the ring.

  “Remember, that’s my sister you’re looking at,” Matt mumbled under his breath. When I looked over at him, a smirk splayed across his face. “It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’m working on it.”

  “Don’t worry, Reynolds. She’s in good hands. Just remember, one day I’m going to be your brother-in-law.”

  “True enough. But if you so much as hurt her, I’m going to kick your ass. You got that?”

  “Noted,” I laughed. “But you don’t have to worry about that.” As far as everyone believed, Gabby and I were still engaged. After the party tonight, I was going to make it official.

  “You know I can hear you, right?” Gabriella chuckled. We made it to the curtain just in time for the announcer to call Allie out. The crowd boomed with thunderous cheers, but it didn’t seem to sway Gabby one bit. One thing we worked on pretty diligently was her focus. She was a master at it now, so I wasn’t worried.

  “And now, competing for the Bantamweight title championship is Gabriella . . . The Machine . . . Reeeyyynnnooollldddsss.”

  She looked back at me and Matt and winked. “Let’s go boys.”

  The music blared overhead and the crowd went wild, her name echoing off the walls. Allie bounced on her feet in the ring, ready. When Gabriella hopped into the ring, the whole room sparked with energy. Both women smiled at each other and touched gloves before getting into position. Allie was one of the genuine fighters, like Mason, Matt, and Tyler. She wanted this fight to push herself, to compete against the best available. Gabby was definitely one of the best and she was going to show the world that tonight.

  Ding, ding, ding. The fight was on.

  ALLIE WAS ONE tough bitch. I saw stars when she punched me on the side of the face. However, that didn’t stop me. One thing I was definitely good at was my floor game. My brother and Pax were experts. As soon as I got her down on the mat, it was game over. The second I felt her gloved hand tap on my arm, I let her go. She slumped over, hanging her head and instead of parading around the ring, I helped her up.

  “I’m going to admit, I was scared shitless of fighting against you tonight,” I confessed.

  After catching her breath, she laughed and put her arm around me. “I’m not going to lie either. You thoroughly kicked my ass.”

  Smiling, I rubbed my sore jaw. “Don’t worry, I’m going to have a sore face for quite a while.”

  We both laughed and bumped fists. “Merry Christmas, Reynolds. But don’t get used to that title. I’m going to try and get it back.”

  “And I look forward to it.” I winked at her and then rushed over to Paxton who had his arms outstretched. Jumping into them, I squealed and held on tight as he swung me around. “I did it,” I shouted.

  He set me down and the announcer came over and lifted my arm. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to announce the new women’s Bantamweight Champion, Gabriella . . . The Machine . . . Reeeyyynnnooollldddsss.”

  The crowd went nuts, especially when Paxton and my brother lifted me up on their shoulders. It was surreal. I loved being a fighter, but I never thought I would be a title champion so fast in my career. It was a dream come true and definitely the best Christmas present ever.

  “All right, sunshine, I’m ready to get you home.”

  Setting me down, I flung my arms around his neck and kissed him. “Oh yeah, I think I’m down for that.”

  “Okay, I think that’s my cue to go.” Matt squeezed my arm and kissed the side of my head. “You did great, sis. I’m so proud of you. I’ll see you on Christmas and we’ll celebrate with the family.”

  We all started out of the ring with my brother going one way and Paxton and I headed for the back. At every corner, there were people waiting for my autograph and picture. It was an amazing feeling. I’d watched my brother through the years, signing things and getting his picture taken, but never did I think it would happen to me.

  After the last picture was snapped, Paxton rushed me to my room and grabbed my bag. I was so high off the excitement of my win, I didn’t want the feeling to stop. I wanted the night to last forever and I sure as hell was going to celebrate. As soon as I got Paxton home, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

  The house was dark when we pulled up and even when we got inside, Paxton refused to turn on any lights. “What are you doing? Why can’t we turn on the lights?” I asked.

  Paxton’s deep chuckle made me shiver. “You don’t need to worry about that. Right now, you need to get in the shower.”

  “Are you going to join me?”

  I followed him up the steps and into our room where he set my bag down. When he turned around, I noticed his cock bulging underneath his jeans. Holy hell, I wanted him. My clit throbbed with the need to feel him inside me. With all the excitement and adrenaline coursing through my veins, I didn’t just want him to fuck me hard, I needed it.

  Paxton sighed and rubbed his length through his jeans. “If you want me it’s got to be fast. I need you showered and dressed in forty minutes.”

  By the mischievous gleam in his eyes, he had something planned. I could play along. “Fast, huh? I think I can handle that. I haven’t been thoroughly fucked today.” And right then, he pounced. One minute my shirt was on and the next it was on the floor along with my bra. His lips found a taut nipple and he bit, sucking it as hard as he could. Lifting me in his arms, he carried me into the bathroom and turned on the shower water, all while keeping his mouth on my breast.

  Once the bathroom started to steam, he set me down and I unbuttoned my jeans, letting them fall to the floor. Paxton wasted no time shedding his clothes. As soon as we were both naked, he opened the shower door and pushed me inside. Lifting me up, he maneuvered his arms under my knees and I held on around his neck for dear life. Then he slammed his cock between my legs, and I cried out as my body bounced achingly hard up and down his length.

  “Is this what you wanted? For me to fuck you hard?”

  “Yes,” I moaned breathlessly.

  Lifting me off his cock, he set me down and turned me around. Pushing my shoulders down and into the shower wall, he spread me wide and lined himself up at my entrance. “Then brace yourself, sunshine. It’s about to get harder.”

  The moment he thrust inside, I clenched him hard and screamed. Reaching around to my front, he fondled my clit with one hand and squeezed a breast with the other.

  “You are so fucking tight,” he growled. Our bodies slapped together and his relentless pace across my clit drove me insane. Clenching him tight, I climaxed. My body milked his cock and brought him to his release. Breathing hard, I leaned against the shower wall to catch my breath, not expecting Paxton to pull out of me so fast.

  “What’s the hurry?” I complained.

  He slapped my ass and rinsed off. “Hurry up and you’ll find out. Oh yeah, and wear your hair up.”

  By the time I turned around he was already exiting the shower. “Paxton, what’s going on?”

  Chuckling, he dried off and s
miled. “You’ll see.”

  After he shut the door, I rushed to finish washing up and hopped out. The moment I stepped into the bedroom, it was no longer dark. Lights twinkled from the hallway, giving our bedroom a glow, and on the bed there was a red dress and a letter.

  The dress was gorgeous with its flowing skirt and jeweled halter top. It sparkled just like the lights coming from the hallway. I heard voices coming from downstairs, along with the soft sound of Christmas music. As fast as I could, I put on my makeup and halfway dried my hair so I could throw it up in a classy updo. As more voices sounded from below, I quickly put on my dress with a pair of red heels. What was going on?

  I gasped when I left the bedroom. Eyes wide, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. No wonder Paxton wanted it dark when we got back. The whole place was decorated for Christmas. Garland with white twinkling lights draped down the banisters and more lights shone from the living room down below. The voices were louder and once I was able to look down, the whole room was filled with my friends laughter and smiling faces. Not to mention, there was an eight foot Christmas tree in the middle of the room, surrounded by dozens of presents. It was breathtaking.

  “Oh my God,” I cried, slapping a hand over my mouth.

  Ashleigh waved up at me and laughed. “Come on girl, it’s time to party. I came all this way to see you and I don’t want to waste a minute of it. Not only do we get to celebrate Christmas and your birthday, but also your new title.”

  Hot tears fell down my cheeks and when I turned around, Paxton was right there.

  “Do you like it?” he asked.

  “Are you kidding? This is amazing. I’ve never had a Christmas or birthday like this. Not with my friends and family all together. How did you know?”

  Smile gone, he reached for my hands and pulled me to him. “Matt told me you two didn’t have this growing up. I wanted to give you something special. And since you won the fight tonight, we have a lot more to celebrate.” He kissed me and then led me down the stairs. Everyone I could ever hope to see was there. My mother was talking to Paxton’s Aunt and Uncle, while April and her son played with my nephew. Matt and Shelby waved at me and so did Tyler and Kacey.

  After I waved, I looked up at Paxton. “I’m surprised you invited them.”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d mind. Besides, I remember you telling me about wanting to talk to Kacey.”

  “I do. I also wanted to speak with Ryley. Have you by any chance talked to Camden?”

  “Not since he left town. I wonder how long he’ll stay gone?” That was a good question.

  “I’m not sure. However, if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that it’s Christmas and we all need forgiveness in our lives. I’ll be right back.” Paxton chuckled because he knew what my mission was. If I could forgive Kyle, of all people, then hope wasn’t lost on the others.

  Ryley held out his arms when I approached and I walked into them. “Good fight tonight, Gabby.”

  “Thanks,” I replied. Ashleigh glowed just like every young mother does when they’re carrying a child. In this case, it would be two . . . a boy and a girl. “I have a question,” I said to them both. Ryley took a sip of his beer and lifted his brows. “Have you talked to Camden?”

  Ashleigh pursed her lips and Ryley hung his head. “No, why would I have talked to him? He left town, remember?”

  “I know, but I honestly think he needs help. If you by any chance come in contact with him, please remember that he helped save me. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I’d be here right now.”

  Ryley sighed. “I know. It’s just hard to forgive him for the things he’s done. But if he does happen to call, I’ll talk to him. I can’t promise anything beyond that.”

  Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled and hugged him tight. “That’s all I ask. I’m making my rounds of forgiveness tonight.”

  “At least you don’t have to match make,” Ashleigh teased.

  “Yes, I know. You two about killed me.” Tyler and Kacey were in the corner; they were my next stop. “All right, now on to my next mission.”

  “Oh, goodness,” Ashleigh chuckled as I walked away.

  Both Tyler and Kacey smiled at me when I waltzed up, and thankfully, Paxton joined me. “I’ll keep Tyler busy while you talk to Kacey,” he whispered in my ear.

  He was a life saver. “Thank you.”

  While Paxton started a conversation with Tyler, I politely cut in and stole Kacey’s attention. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Furrowing her brows, she nodded and reluctantly stepped away. “How are you? Is the restaurant going okay?”

  Her face beamed. “The restaurant is amazing. It’s taken off so fast.”

  “That’s good,” I remarked with a smile. “Now that things have calmed down here, I’m hoping Paxton and I can take a trip out there. I could always use some good food.”

  “Well, I’d be glad to have you both. It’s nice seeing him happy again.”

  “And what about you? Have you talked to Kyle?”

  Her smile faded. “No. He’s tried calling, but I’m just not ready to speak to him yet.”

  After all she’d been through, I couldn’t argue. “I totally understand. But I wanted to tell you something that I don’t think you know.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Taking a deep breath, I let it out and just said it. “I talked to him.”

  Her eyes went wide. “What? Why would you do that?”

  “It was pretty dicey at first. I had so much hatred built up, it was hard to see he was trying to help us. Once I got past the anger, I could actually hear the regret in his voice,” I trailed off. “But I’m getting off track. I thought you should know that he helped us figure out who Rage was. He was the one who gave us his real name.”

  “Really?” she asked incredulously. “I guess I can’t see him doing that, not unless he’d gain something in return.”

  “So far he hasn’t asked for anything. The last time I talked to him, he sounded really messed up. I think he misses you. And with being alone at Christmas, I know it can’t be easy.”

  Her eyes misted over and the tears fell. “Thanks for the information, Gabriella. It’s nice to know that he might be coming around. I’ll call him for Christmas, but I’m not going to forgive him. It’s going to take a lot more than that.”

  “I understand. I just wanted you to know.”

  She smiled through her tears and walked back to Tyler, who had been watching on curiously. He wasn’t going to like that I was talking to Kyle, but he’d eventually get over it.

  “How did it go?” Paxton asked.

  “As good as can be expected. I at least tried.”

  Taking my hand, he led me out the back door to the patio with a blanket tucked under his arm. The night was chilly and when I shivered, he put the blanket over my shoulders. “Let’s take a walk.”

  Before stepping onto the sand, I slipped off my heels and followed beside him. “I can’t thank you enough for having the party. This day has been phenomenal. I don’t want it to end.”

  “It’s not over yet.” Paxton turned to me and took both of my hands in his. His fingers tenderly traced the ring on my finger. “I have a confession to make,” he whispered, glancing down at my hand.

  My pulse sped and I swallowed hard. He wasn’t smiling, and it made me nervous. “What is it?”

  His sea green gaze lifted to mine. “Do you remember the day I gave you the ring?”

  How could I forget? I could recall every single word. “Yes, I remember it quite well,” I answered.

  Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly. “Well, I’m here to tell you that everything I said was the truth. It might have been part of a ploy, but I meant every word I said. You have no idea how much I love seeing that ring on your finger. It lets everyone know that you’re mine.”

  Tears filled my eyes. “That’s why I never want to take it off.”

  His lips touched mine and then he pulled my bottom one betw
een his teeth. “I hope you know what you’re getting into. Now that I have you, I’m not going to let you go.”

  “Promise?”

  “You better fucking believe it.”

  Camden’s Redemption (Coming Spring 2015)

  Acknowledgments

  FIRST AND FOREMOST, I want to give a HUGE thank you to my readers. I will always and forever be grateful for the love and support that you show me. Without you nothing would be possible. Also, without my family and friends I wouldn’t have such unique characters. Little do they know that I actually write about them. Shh . . . don’t say anything. It’s our secret. I have such an amazing team that I work with and I would be lost without them. My husband is one of the main ones. When I talk to him about ideas for future books, if he hates the idea then I know to go with it. I’m a rebel like that. :)

  My PA is always there for my emotional support and I probably wouldn’t have any hair on my head if it wasn’t for her. Of course, my publicist has to put up with me too. Hopefully, she won’t kick me to the curb one day. My editor is freaking awesome and has really made my fighters shine. I’m in awe of her talent. My cover designer is so talented I don’t know how she does it. Also, if it wasn’t for my formatter, the insides wouldn’t look as cool as they do. I love how she makes it unique. Basically, I need to thank every single one of you who are reading this right now. This is me giving you *BIG HUGGLES.* You all rock!

  About the Author

  NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

  Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can't forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.