Davis' P.O.V.
"Oh, Lisa is coming too, so let Carter know to let her in," Liv said through the phone.
"Oh really? Good, she could stand to see a woman kick a man's ass." I smiled at the thought of Liv, little miss Twinkle Toes, beating Sid the Giant tonight.
"Thanks. I'll see you tonight. Oh and Davis?"
"Yes, Twinkle Toes?"
"I love you. Thanks for being the father I never got." She hung up before I could respond. Her words hit my heart hard.
I have a daughter, Isabella, or as I call her Izzy. She is a spunky 19-year-old with a rebellious spirit, but a kind heart. I am proud of her and the woman she's become, even if she barely sees me anymore. Liv, on the other hand, is this broken girl I took in 4 years ago now. She showed up at one of my fights and swore she could beat anyone I put in a ring with her.
I didn't just take her at her word. She showed me what she was made of, and I allowed her into the fold. As I got to know her, she opened up more about her past. The reason she knows how to fight is that her father used her to spar. A grown, retired MMA fighter used his small teenage daughter to keep from getting rusty.
What a sick son of a bitch.
I felt so much joy when I got to beat his ass after he showed up in town a year and a half ago. I'll beat the shit of anyone that hurts my girls, because yes, Liv is one of mine now. She's a second daughter to me, one I look after always. Lucas is lucky he's a good guy, or I would have beat his ass for getting her pregnant so early. Still, Abi is absolute perfection.
My little adoptive granddaughter.
"Carter, we have a few special guests tonight. Twinkle Toes is coming and she's bringing Lucas and his sister, Lisa. Make sure you let them in," I called out to him from the place I'm deeming my office tonight.
Nathaniel found a warehouse for the night that would allow us to do our thing for only 10% of the profit. The place was spacious enough for three rings, which the crew was currently setting up.
"Lisa's the one with the boyfriend we watched Liv beat up, right?" Carter asked, peeking his shiny, bald, ebony head through the door.
"Yeah, that's the one." I nodded, recalling how proud I was of Liv for standing up for the people she cares about.
I found Lisa a few weeks ago with another mark on her flawless skin. She'd looked so scared and panicked when she finally lifted her eyes towards me. I'll never forget that look.
I beat that Branden guy up to the brink of death and swore I'd do more if he ever went near her again. I've been tailing him ever since, making sure he learned his lesson. It seemed he had, as he has ventured nowhere near her since. No woman deserves to be hit, ever.
Those blue eyes of hers have stuck with me since that day. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and hold her close until she felt better, but I was so angry. Plus, I was worried I'd frighten her. She doesn't know me the way Liv does. To her I'm probably some big muscled guy with anger problems.
Tonight is my chance to make a better impression on her. Perhaps she'll grow comfortable with me. I'm hoping seeing her tonight will push the memory of how she looked that day out of my mind. I haven't been able to let it go, and it's been eating away at me.
I showed up at her door a few days later, wanting to see her, but not having the balls to knock. I was afraid of scaring her. There's always that point where friendliness can be perceived as stalker-ish and I felt I was dangerously close there. She hadn't told me where she lived, but I knew from Liv and Lucas that she had taken Lucas' old apartment in town. I'm sure it scared her I knew where she lived.
"She's pretty hot. Do you think I have a chance?" Carter asked, grinning widely.
He's always such a flirt. Carter isn't one for relationships, always just flings or hooks up. He says relationships take too much work and effort, and he just wants to have fun. Which is why I beat the crap out of him when he hit on Izzy the only time she saw me at one of these fights.
"Not in the least." I shook my head at him.
I felt almost mad that he would try. I sighed, realizing that the reason her scared eyes wouldn't leave my mind isn't because I was concerned about her, but because I wanted her. She's something I desire. I haven't felt this way about a woman in quite a while. I haven't had a pair of eyes stay with me like that since my late wife Katy.
"Harsh, boss, very harsh," Carter complained, leaving the office.
I slumped in the chair with a creak, kicking my feet up on the desk, causing dust to fly up. The scent of old books, dust, and perhaps mold enveloped the room. Maybe it's best if I don't sit in here too long. I stepped out, deciding to help the crew set up. I need to keep my mind entertained until tonight.
—------
"I thought you said Lisa was coming?" I asked Liv as she approached me from the door.
"Geez, nice to see you too," she teased me with a smirk. "She's coming. She had to drive herself here since she had other plans before this."
"Understood. Thankfully, Carter knows what she looks like so she should be good to enter. You ready to fight Twinkle Toes? I got you fighting the giant today."
"You know I'm ready." She smiled excitedly at me, jumping from foot to foot already.
"Go get 'em, ring 2. Lucas there's a spot by the ring door saved just for you. Watch her closer than you normally do."
"What about Lisa?" He asked me, torn between watching his wife more closely, and waiting for his sister.
"I'll show her where you are. Go have fun. Cheer your wife on." I shooed him away with the wave an arm, seeing him gave chase to Liv.
I was happy she found someone that supported her love for fighting. Few can stomach seeing their loved one fight for no other reason than they like to. Lucky for him, Liv isn't one to take many punches during the fight. The way she dances around the ring to dodge her opponents hits are unique to just her, and help keep her safe. Liv was about to start and I worried that Lisa would miss her fight if she didn't arrive soon.
"She's here, coming down now," Carter's voice came through the walkie talkie.
I rushed to the door, waiting for her to come down the stairs. She came into view at the top step, looking so different in her casual wear. She wore some leggings with an oversized band T-shirt, seeming cozy, yet still breathtaking.
Damn, I've got it worse than I thought.
Lisa's P.O.V. The abandoned warehouse came into view as I drove in, causing me to doubt I was in the right place. It made sense though, since according to Liv this was all very secretive. I got down from the car feeling a little too exposed as I walked up to the large man at the door. I recognized him as one of Liv's friends and immediately felt better. I think his name is Carter. "Hello Lisa, so happy you could join us. Liv and Lucas are here already. You may want to hurry downstairs. Her fight is about to start," he said as he opened the door behind him for me to enter. "Thanks," I barely muttered as I walked past him into the poorly lit warehouse. I was almost tempted to extend my hands out to make sure I hit nothing, but decided I'd look too much like an idiot in a place like this. I followed the sound to some steps that led down. When I reached the top I could see the door being held open by none other than the viking himself. Davis looked hot as hell as he leaned agai
Lisa's P.O.V. I woke up with every muscle in my body screaming at me. Davis wouldn't teach me how to fight until I tone my muscles, having me workout and lift last night. He said we'd be working out every day for at least an hour whenever I'm able. He also told me we'd be having a 7 o'clock run together every morning. It was currently 6 and my body only hated me further for getting only 4 hours of sleep last night. My mind wouldn't stop racing with thoughts of Davis then Chris, and finally Dad. It was a torturous run around. Yesterday afternoon had been great with Chris, but yesterday evening with Davis was so much more. I need to be careful. I can't catch feelings for Davis. I got dressed in a sports bra, mid calf leggings, and my running shoes. I wore a high ponytail, feeling the ends of my hair graze along the back of my neck. The stream of coffee pouring into my cup kept my gaze, causing me to daze off again. I kept thinking about Chris and then Davis again. The vibration of m
Lisa's P.O.V. "Thank you for coming with me today," I said, handing Chris his glass of wine as he sat on my couch. He gave me a sexy smirk as his eyes stared deeply at me. I am not sure how he does it, but his eyes make me feel so exposed. Like he could see through my clothes right to my bare skin. I caged my lower lip between my lips for a moment, feeling a warmth growing in me. Chris was nothing but amazing as I dragged him around, buying things for Abi. He played with her and spoke with her kindly, as if she were his niece and not mine. It was a sweet sight, one that made me like him even more. We dropped Abi off with Lucas, who gave Chris a once over. I am sure he'll be checking in on who he is. I need a good story to tell him when he figures out that Chris comes from money. He'll suspect something is up if I don't come up with a good way for us to meet. I sat beside him on the couch, taking my shoes off and lifting my knees to my chest as I turned to look at him. He took a
Davis' P.O.V. She stepped out of her room with a towel wrapped around her head. She was a picture of beauty with her cheeks flushed from the way she pleasured herself in the shower. The temptation to enter the bathroom and help her finish was absolute torture. I knew just being inside her apartment without her knowledge was already over stepping. She'd probably yell rape if I entered her bathroom. "I told you I'd come find you if you skipped your workout today," I reminded her as her blue eyes gazed at me in utter shock. She swallowed, shaking her head as if trying to shake the surprise from her body. When she opened her eyes again, she seemed upset. Shit, I overstepped. "Did you hear me?" She asked, referring to her escapades in the shower. "Did I hear you what, Lisa?" I asked, feigning innocence that she was not buying. "You know exactly what?!" she gritted. She's hot when she's mad. "I may have," I admitted, making her pale cheeks flush pink with color. "You were
Lisa's P.O.V. "Dad, stop! You'll kill him." I pulled at his arm to no avail, having to watch him beat Lucas in front of me. Lucas was bloody and bruised. The bridge of his nose was gushing blood from the deep wound. His eye was swollen shut, and his cheek was double its size. His head dangled as dad held him up by the shirt. "He won't die," Dad argued, hitting him again. I yelled, begging for him to stop. I kept trying to stop him, to make him turn his attention to me, but he refused. He continued to beat Lucas in front of me even when I placed myself between them. His fist went through me as if I were an apparition, hitting Lucas in the face again and leaving me unscathed. "Lisa!" I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, shaking me awake. "Lisa, wake up. It's just a dream. You're okay." My eyes began to slowly flutter open, blinking as they adjusted to my surroundings. I wasn't in a room I recognized, remembering that I was in Davis' house, in his guest bedroom. His face came int
Lisa's P.O.V. Chris' name flashing across my screen was a splash of cold water called reality. It pulled me right out of this moment with Davis, reminding me I couldn't have him, even if we wanted each other. Which I very much doubt he does. I stepped to the side, releasing myself from our tension filled moment. He didn't say a word as he let me go, allowing me some privacy to answer the phone. "Hello?" I answered, stepping out of the kitchen and walking further away from Davis. "Hello, beautiful. I'm at your door, but you're not answering," he said, making my blood run cold. I can't exactly say I'm at some other guy's house. "I brought breakfast," he added. "That's so sweet of you, but I'm actually not home," I confessed. I don't know why I felt so scared of what Chris' reaction would be if he knew I'd spent the night in another man's house. "Oh," he said, sounding very disappointed. "Where are you? I'll come to you." "I'm with a friend. We've already had breakfast. I'll h
Lisa's P.O.V. Chris took me on a tour, showing me every room, telling me the plans he'd already made for us, and each room. I didn't like the way he planned things without even thinking of asking for my input, or opinion. He saved his room for last, closing the door behind him as I entered further in. "This is my room, soon to be ours," he said, licking his lips as he stared at me. I could tell what was on his mind, but I was worried he'd leave me wanting the way he did last night. He stepped closer to me, placing his hand on the small of my back. His eyes roamed my body before he nuzzled his nose into the nape of my neck. His breath tickled me, causing the hairs on my arms to stand. I felt the warmth pooling inside me as my body reacted to his touches. His hands gripped at my side as he kissed my neck lightly. "You're so beautiful, Lisa," he whispered, kissing my jaw next. I let his lips leave a fiery trail along my jaw to my lips. He licked at my lower lip until I parted it
Davis' P.O.V. Lisa is due to arrive soon for our workout session. I couldn't get the thought of her with some guy her dad involved her without of my head. It has played in my thoughts since I dropped her off at her apartment. More like she dropped herself off since she drove. She knows how to handle a bike well, and I'm all for it. Lisa is a very interesting woman. She has a sharp mind, a kind heart, and a playful demeanor. I was surprised when she asked me to teach her how to fight, but I was happy about it. God knows she needs to defend herself. Every woman should have the know-how, really. I taught Izzy, if only the basics since she protested the entire time. She's not into fighting, having grown up watching it. She's tired of it, and, frankly, desensitized from it. It gives me peace of mind knowing Izzy could handle herself if she needed to. I won't let what happened to her mother happen to her as well. I pulled my phone out, texting Lisa when she still hadn't showed 15 minu
Lisa’s P.O.V. “Are you guys ready to see your baby?” The technician asked as I held Mandy’s with Davis’ hand in my other. Mandy was an angel and had agreed to be our surrogate. We inseminated her almost 2 months ago now and are finally going to see our baby for the first time. I didn’t think this would, but when Mandy called and told me she got the positive pregnancy test, I cried like a baby. It still astounds me how much my life has changed since Davis entered it. For once, I believe I can have a happy ending too, and it is only getting happier. “Very!” I smiled, squeezing Mandy’s hand in excitement. The technician squeezed the blue gel on Mandy’s lower abdomen, placing the ultrasound wand over her skin. She moved the wand around until the image of a small baby appeared, but as she moved it around more, I could swear I saw another. They told us there was a possibility that we could end up with more than one baby, but I never imagined we’d luck out like that. “Is that- Is it two?” I
Davis’ P.O.V. “Good morning, my beautiful wife.” I woke Lisa, brushing that long beautiful hair of hers back. We’d just gotten back from our week-long honeymoon, where we stayed in our room for almost the entire trip. We couldn’t seem to break apart long enough to enjoy a lot of the things in Hawaii, but I wouldn’t change how it went. “Good morning, my handsome husband.” It was no longer a Viking and his Warrior, no, it was now a husband and his wife. Although, the Viking and Warrior are still there, just hidden for a moment. “Do you think she’s awake?” Lisa asked about our princess. “Probably, she’s missed us, even though she had fun with Izzy.” I was surprised that Izzy offered to watch Calliope. At first Lisa’s mother was going to, but I couldn’t deny this sister bonding moment. Lisa’s mom watched Calliope while Izzy worked, but our princess was with her sister most of the time. “Then let’s go greet her.” Lisa beamed at me with that bright smile of hers. I kissed her tende
Lisa’s P.O.V. “You look so pretty, mommy,” Calliope flashed me those beautiful white teeth of hers. She was my flower girl, and would be walking in front of me as I made my way to my dream, to my Viking. Her sweet ruffled dress danced around her beautifully as she swayed before me. It was a light blush pink that looked so beautiful on her. I really think it’s her favorite color. “Thank you, but I think you look prettier.” Mom, Liv, and Calliope were all in the room with me getting ready. We had our hair and makeup done, all that was left to do was put the dress on. I never imagined I would be here, marrying a man like Davis, marrying Davis really. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a man like him. One that loves so unconditionally, so protectively, so intensely. Yet here I stand ready to marry him, so ready, I may run down the aisle. **Song suggestion: Fall into me by Forest Blakk** The dress slid on my body like a glove, hugging my hips in its silky material.
Davis' P.O.V. "I swear to God if she's got the teacher on her side too, I'm setting this school on fire," Lisa said with a rage in her eyes as we approached the school's front doors. I loved seeing how protective she is of our daughter. Our daughter. I loved being able to say that. To know that Lisa and I now had a child together. Yes, it wasn’t the conventional way, but it was even better than that. If only this school could see our daughter for how amazing she is. Her teacher had called us this morning, asking us to come in and speak to her about Calliope. She wasn't specific about the why, just that it was important. She has concerns apparently, although about what she wouldn't say over the phone. "I'll bring the matches." Lisa smirked that wicked little smirk of hers as we entered the building. She's grown so strong and wild now. Her warrior was always out on the surface unless she was caring for Calliope. Now she has a beast that she unleashes whenever it comes to defending
Lisa's P.O.V. "I know she's been through a lot before she was placed with you, but we do not tolerate violence in this school. You need to have a serious talk with Calliope about her behavior. We can only be so understanding." It took everything in me not to yell at this woman before me. She called herself the headmistress, but I'll call her a warden with the way she treats the children. She doesn't deserve to hold the title of principle. "We'll talk to her, Mrs. Vinx. We appreciate your understanding, and will be taking her home for today. Thank you," Davis answered. Davis surprised me with the way he was calmly handling this. He stood, and I followed, seeing he was ready to leave even though Mrs. Vinx seemed anything but done. I followed him out of the office, seeing Calliope with tear-streaked cheeks on a small chair beside the door. "Let's go," Davis told her, walking right past her. She hurriedly followed, not taking my hand when I offered it. I don't know what Mrs. Vinx
Lisa's P.O.V. We have everything slowly going towards Calliope’s adoption. We were just waiting on the court date now. I don't understand why it's so damn hard to adopt a kid. Still, I'm trying not to complain, because I have a daughter now. She's mine, my sweet girl. "Calliope, are you ready to go?" I called up to her in her room. Calliope’s tastes in fashion have become more bold and girly. She's been coming out of her shell more and more, especially after opening up to us. She still sees her psychologist and therapist once a week, and she's doing brilliantly at school. "Ready, Mommy." She stood at the top of the stairs, a picture of utter perfection. She had on a sweet pink floral dress and her favorite pink shoes, that didn't really match the style of the dress. No way am I denying her favorite shoes. "Let's go buy me a wedding dress." I smiled at her, having her grab my hand when she was on the last step. She jumped with an excited smile. I have been having her help me
Lisa’s P.O.V. “He left it to you, Lisa.” Anthony had just shocked the hell out of me. Dad had left the business to me. After everything he had done and said, he left it to me. “So what do you want to do?” “Sell it. I’ll create my own business from the money. Whatever money is left anyway. I know with dad embezzling that we probably owe people money.” Dad can go fuck himself if he thinks I am going to keep this business. Did he think that I would fix it up and he would get out of jail and still have it to come back to? He was sorely mistaken. He’s even more mistaken if he thinks this fixes anything he’s done. This must have been what he meant when he said he hoped his actions would speak louder than his words. Only his actions were confusing, too. Did he do this because he really felt bad? Or because he wanted me to fix his business? Maybe it was because he still wanted to have some kind of hold on me. Whatever the case, I won’t fix the business that caused him to be this way. "
Davis’ P.O.V. Calliope watched me carefully as I made her bed. I had done this many times for Izzy when she was younger. It was something I was used to, even though I hadn’t done it in over a decade. This little girl seemed so scared of me, and all I wanted to do was offer her a hug. “All ready for you, princess.” I patted the bed for her, giving her my warmest smile, but it didn’t convince her in the slightest. “Let’s get you back in bed now.” Lisa guided her to bed, tucking her in as I stayed back so as not to frighten her further. Lisa took my hand as we left the room, but I heard Calliope whisper “thank you” to me before I was out of earshot. Progress. I got Lisa to go back to sleep, but sleep evaded me the rest of the night. So, I decided to make a breakfast of champions when 7 rolled around. I wanted Calliope to wake up to a big meal, one she could pick her favorites from. I made a large array of foods. Omelets, pancakes, waffles, even crepes, were made for her to choose
Calliope’s P.O.V. Mommy and Daddy have always told me I was a smart girl, too smart, they said. I knew they weren’t saying it to be nice. They would have liked it if I were stupid, so they could get away with more. My eyes were always watching what they were doing. I knew they were not doing good things, but they kept doing it, anyway. ‘You tell anyone about this and you’re dead, you hear me, Cali?’ Daddy would threaten me any time I saw him selling that funny white powder in a tiny baggie. I would just nod my head and keep quiet, because I learned long ago that saying anything would make Daddy hurt me. ‘She's just a little girl, Mateo. She won't say anything.’ Mommy would try to defend me, but the moment Daddy gave her a look, she would stop. Mommy didn’t want to get hit either, so she never fought hard for me. She would rather I get hit than her. It’s okay though, because I would rather Daddy hit me over her, too. When Daddy is done hitting me, Mommy takes extra good care of m