Emily’s Pov
I watch how he uses his body to help kids defend themselves, and how confident these kids look, more than what I feel like a grown-up. He hadn’t noticed me yet, so I looked around the gym. It’s massive. Gloves hanging everywhere, kickboxing bags hanging in rows. Weights everywhere and a cage obviously to learn and defend yourself. I sat down on the bench, waiting for him to finish his class. I don’t know what to expect when he finishes, but he did tell me to find out who he is, so that’s what I did. I’m amazed by these kids, how they know how to turn themselves out of a position when they're in trouble, how they can block a punch and how they use their legs to stay firm. “Thank you, guys. We’ll catch up with some warmups tomorrow and choose who will join the tournament.” The kids high five each other and grab their bags. I’m getting nervous. One thing I could never control, even as a practice nurse. “What are you doing here?” He asked me when I jumped up from the bench and he used the towel to clean the sweat off his face. “I want you to train me?” He stares at me like I just asked him to marry me. “So you did find out who I am?” “Yes, I did, and I need you to help me defend myself.” He took off his gloves and placed them in his bag. “Go home, Emily.” He said coldly. “Please, I need you to help me defend myself,” I begged. “Hit me.” He said unexpectedly, making me uncomfortable. “Get in the cage.” He placed hand gloves on my hands. “Hit me.” He said again, but this time more aggressively. “if you can’t handle the punches, how will you ever stop them from abusing you?” “Hit me?” Blake yells. Making my eyes twitch and angry because of speaking to me like that. “Hit me, or I will hit you,” he said again. I picked up my fist to punch him as hard as I could, but he grabbed me and picked me up before my fist could connect with his jaw. Our eyes melted together, and I’m slowly disappearing into a dark place the more I stare. “You not ready.” he jumped over the cage and left me with the gloves and asked questions why he didn’t want to help me. “So you can teach children, but a woman you saved from getting a beat down you can’t help?” I yelled at him. “I don’t help women. They always fall in love with me, and get their hearts broken when I’m not interested. That’s worse than a getting a beat down,” he admits. I jumped out of the cage and walked straight up to him. “I’m not any woman. I’m here to learn how to defend myself, nothing else.” My face is inches away from him. “Why do you want this so badly? You’re a woman,” he asked suspiciously. “I have my reason.” “Not good enough!” he turned his back on me. I lifted my top and removed the bandage from my ribs. “Is this not a good enough reason for you? You should know, you’re the one who saved me from that man.” he turned to look at my blue-purple ribs, my lip still busted and my face still swelled up. “Okay, but let’s get one thing straight. I will train you, but that’s where it stays, no strings attach and you can’t fall in love with me,” he said honestly. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr Blake. I’m here to defend myself, not to find a man.” he smiled and pulled my top down. “Be here at 3 pm. That’s when the junior classes end, and Emily, you will be the first woman I ever trained. Don’t spread the news. It will flag this gym with women.” I grin. Can one man think so much of himself? “Deal, but you have to promise me, the day I walk out of here, no one will ever be able to touch or hurt me again.” he doesn’t respond, just nodding in agreement. “See you tomorrow.” I smiled and grabbed a bottle of water from the counter, making him even smile a bigger smile. I went to the mall and shopped for some gym clothes. I’m pretty sure my nursing clothes won’t do the trick. I got a few tights and tops and training shoes. I stared at the gloves and took them as well. I need this. I feel scared, but at the same time, I’m feeling excited about learning. I want to get rid of the nightmares and the fear of ever being hurt by anyone again. Especially my stepfather. I haven’t spoken to my mother since I left when I was 18, but if anything should happen to me, she is my next of kin, and obviously, my stepfather would glow, seeing how I look now. He has reminded me ever since I can remember that I’m weak and will never find someone that will love me because I can’t defend myself. “Move up lady.” the rude man said behind me. I grabbed my basket and felt like punching him, but like I said, I don’t know how to defend myself yet. I went home and unpacked the gym clothes and placed them in a gym bag. There are still a few things that I need, but I will get to that. For now, I need to focus on the training and my studies. “Shit,” I said out loud. I still have a test tomorrow. I grab my books and open the pages that I mark that I still have to study, but I can’t concentrate. The only thing I can think of is the gym classes tomorrow. I made one cup after another cup of coffee and tried to get the words in my mind, but it was useless. All I can think of is the day I give back my stepfather what he deserves. For everything he put me through as a child, and as an adult with nightmares, him stands over my body while I bleed and he refuses my mother to call an ambulance. I closed my books, I will wake up earlier to study. There is no use in studying now. I fix my mind on the training.Emily’s Pov I keep checking the clock. My shift ends at 3 PM, so I have to rush to the gym and hope Blake will still train me. It’s 2:34. Jeez, can these last few minutes just fly? “Emily, can you please help with these patients? We’re short stuff and the nurses can’t keep up.” I sighed, watching the clock. There are literally 10 minutes left. I rushed to the first patient and then the second one. “I really need to get going,” I said to Linda. She glares at me like I had a date or something. “No, it’s not what you think? I’m actually...” I kept quiet before I told her where I was going. Blake asked me to keep this to myself. I’m sure Linda won’t say a word, but I need this. I’m already 5minutes late, so I pray he will still help me. I jumped on the bus and it wa
Blake’s Pov “Can I get you something to drink, Sir?” the bar lady asked, while my eyes followed Emily’s every move. Her beautiful blond hair hanging perfectly down her back, her bright blue eyes that can make any man go numb by just looking at her. Her body is slim and perfect. “No thank you,” I responded while she threw herself at me. I try to figure out why a nurse wants to learn how to defend herself? I know it’s not just because of what happened in the Alley the other night, something happened to her that made her angry, and she’s been holding on to that anger and pain for a long time. I’ve seen kids being abused that came to me for support and the same anger and pain they showed is multiplied on Emily’s face. I know how to teach you to defend yourself, but with her it&rsq
Emily’s Pov “Hey.” I greeted Blake when I enter the gym. He doesn’t greet me back. He threw the gloves at me and instructed me to punch the kickboxing bag. “Okay.” I thought we connected last night, but clearly, he is still a jackass. I put the gloves on and hit the bag as hard as I can. I kept going with Blake busy on the phone, glaring at me like I’m failing a math test. “You’re doing it wrong,” he said, walking up to me. “Clearly, that’s why I’m here for you to show me how to do it, remember?” “Get your posture right by standing with your feet and shoulder in a wider distant, and your front foot facing the punching bag.” he grabs my leg and pulled one to the back and one facing the bag. He pulled my shoulders up. “Don’t shy away from emptying your punch
Blake’s PovEmily has left the club. It’s silent and just me and all memories hanging around in the club, staring me in the face!I picked up gloves and put them on. This time I used Emily’s.As I pull it over my hands, I can feel the pain. I don’t know her story, but I have my own story about why I started to become a kickboxer. The memories of my father run through my mind when I pull the punch bag closer.“Did you hit him back?” father is sitting with a knife peeling his apple on the front porch when I came home from school with a bloody nose.“I asked if you punched him back?” I hear my father’s voice clearly as I punch the bag.I just stared at him that day, remembering how he used women, how he was never there for me. He only cared about his title as the world-famous kickboxing champion and how women were falling at his feet. And here I am, getting bullied at school because I&
Emily’s Pov “Miss, what happened? You need to tell us what happen so that someone can help you.” the unfamiliar woman is laying in the ED, her lip busted ad can barely keep her left eye open. My day shift is almost finished and Blake said he will pick me up so that don’t have to take the bus in the rain. “Miss?” she picked her head up long enough to look at the man that was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. “Did he do this to you?” I point a finger at him and asked her again, but she looked scared when I pointed it out. “Did you do this to her?” I push forward to the man with so much anger inside me. “Wow, wow. I would never beat a woman like that.” he jugg
Blake’s PovI’m still sitting on the couch like an ass. What was I thinking?If my dad was here now, he would’ve said with your *dig* but yeah, he is not here, and that is not what I was doing. For the first time in my entire life, I felt something, something that I wanted more of.I’ve had women in my life before. I know the adrenalin feeling of winning over and over, and I know how it feels to have a joint and to zone out, but this feeling I don’t know.It’s a feeling of wanting someone or something so bad that you’re willing to give up everything for that.It’s a feeling that you can’t see or touch, but it stares at you brighter than the sun and cuts you deeper than a knife. It’s a feeling that you beg to hold on to, but it’s slowly slipping away into the darkness, and the only way to grab it is to climb down the lather and pull it up.*meet as, at the club, drinks on
Emily’s Pov I watch the clock against the wall for the 100th time now. Linda was supposed to be back by 10, it’s already 1 PM, and I haven’t heard from her. I pulled my phone out and there were no messages, no calls from her. What could’ve happened to her? Surely you don’t take that long to evaluate someone? The patient called this morning to go to a house call. She actually asked for me, but Linda took the phone before I could answer it and said she will go. The lady apparently wasn’t strong enough to get to the hospital, so we had to send someone out to evaluate and stabilise the patient to get to the ED. I haven’t heard from Blake in 5weeks. I’ve stopped training as well. Blake proved that night that I was weak, not
Blake’s POV “What happened?” I jumped out of the car when I saw Em sitting on the staircase waiting for me to come home. “Seriously, Blake, we have to get going!” Vicky climbs out of the car and, like always, fucking moans about shit. I run up to Emily, who looks like she passed out a few times. Her face was swollen. I search for any bleeding marks on her body, while my body is trembling with fear. What happened to her? Her knuckles are busted, so it means she fought back. I had a small smile on the corners of my lips, but I still have fear. “That’s my girl,” I mumbled. “Blake?” Vicky yells. “Just call a damn ambulance. We have to get going.” My eyes still scan her body. She’s really here, beat up, but she’s here.
Blake's POV"Blake?" Lizzy called out my name, I could feel the intensity of the moment building. Behind the ally of the gym, Emily's eyes widened as I continued to pleasure her with my fingers. "Shh," I whispered, a mischievous smile dancing on my lips as I noticed the conflicting emotions of pleasure and shame on her face. "Blake, she..." Emily began to say, but I quickly silenced her with a passionate kiss before unzipping my pants and entering her. A moan escaped her lips, and I covered her mouth with my hand to muffle the sound. "Let go, Emily. I'm so close," I murmured, my eyes squeezed shut as I felt the rush of desire consume me."I'm. BLAKE!" she whispered as she finished along with me. "That was fun," I gasped, trying to catch my breath as I gently lowered her back down onto the hard concrete floor. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of confusion and desire. It was clear that this spontaneous act of passion was far beyond her usual comfort zone.But oh, the thrill of i
Blake's POVThe sound of Emily's voice echoed through the office door of the gym, reaching my ears as I went about my business. Lizzy, always one to stir up trouble, seemed to enjoy taunting her, making it clear that I had no interest in seeing her. And truth be told, she wasn't entirely wrong. I had grown tired of people walking out on me, only to expect a warm welcome back once things settled down in their twisted minds."Can I please see Blake?" Emily's voice pleaded, but Lizzy stood her ground, keeping her on the other side of the door."It's okay, Lizzy," I finally intervened, opening the door to face Emily."Blake, you need to train, you can't..." she began to say, but I raised my hand, signalling for her to back off. I wasn't in the mood for her to tell me what I should or shouldn't do."Hey," Emily said softly, her voice carrying a mix of hope and uncertainty as Lizzy finally took the hint and retreated to the other side of the gym."Hey," I greeted her, my tone guarded. I cou
Blake's POVAs I watch Emily's taillights fade into the distance, leaving me stranded on the curb, a mix of anger and hurt surges through my veins. How could she just abandon me like that, as if I meant nothing to her? My fists clench instinctively, and I release my frustration by pounding the boot of my car, each blow echoing my inner turmoil.The onlookers in the parking lot shoot a fucking disapproving glances my way, their judgmental eyes adding fuel to the fire raging within me. In a fit of rage, I let out a primal scream, challenging anyone who dares question my outburst. The couple nearby averts their gaze, hurriedly escaping into the safety of their own vehicle.Taking a deep breath, I attempt to steady myself, realizing that giving in to anger will solve nothing. With a heavy sigh, I reluctantly retreat to the refuge of my car. The engine roars to life as I speed away, the road stretching out before me like an endless path of uncertainty and heartache.The drive back to the g
Blake's POV"I know, I'm fucking sorry. What do you want me to say? I panicked. I didn't ask for this Em," I yelled outside the bar, my voice filled with frustration and regret."You panicked? I had your mother in a bathtub with foam coming out of her mouth, your mother Blake," she said, folding her arms tightly across her chest. I could see the anger and frustration in her eyes, growing with every apology I uttered. The weight of my mistake was sinking in, causing my intoxicated body, bloody knuckles, and pounding headache to fade into the background. I could throw a punch, and make my enemies kneel, but I couldn't handle the overwhelming disappointment and frustration that radiated from this beautiful, angry woman standing before me.I was supposed to be her saviour, her protector. I was supposed to help her confront her demons and move forward with her life. Yet, here she stood, her emotions in turmoil, fighting with every fibre of her being to face my own demons and help me heal.
“Emily, Blake is here to see you,” Linda announced when she opened the doctor’s room where I was sitting and drowning in my sorrows.“I don’t want to see him.”“I told him that, but he said he’s not leaving till you come out.” I sigh in frustration, anger, or sadness. Either of them is making me feel sick.I stood up and walked to the front desk, where he was waiting. His eyes were bloodshot and looked like a total mess.“What do you want?” he stood up straight when he saw me, dragging his hands through his messy hair.“Thank you for taking care of my mother,” he said without apologising.“How is she?” I asked, folding my arms.“In rehab. I booked her in this morning.”“Good.” I turned around and walked back to the Ed.“So that’s it?” he yells afterwards. I stop dead in my tracks trying to b
I picked up Em from the ground and carry her to the apartment. Her face holds the most adorable smile and I can’t keep my eyes off her, until I almost drop her when I saw my mother lying in front of my door in her own puke, having a seizure.“Blake!” Emily yells when I put her down and run up to my mother.“What a fuck mom, what did you take?” I yelled when Emily pulled me away from her and turned to get on her side so as not to choke on her own puke.I grab my hair in frustration, and my entire childhood is having a feast inside my mind.“We need to get her to a hospital,” Emily announced, frightened.“No, I can’t have this all over the media,”“Blake, now is not the time for you to be ruthless. This is your mother.” Emily yells when the neighbour opened his door.“Get the fuck back int
Emily’s Pov “Where are we going?” I ask Blake, who drives into a forest with no toads with only trees, flowers and birds chirping. The scene is beautiful and so relaxing. Blake doesn’t answer me and only focuses on the bumpy road in front of him. “Are you going to kill me?” I joke and smirk. “You will see.” we drove for about another mile until he stopped. A beautiful lake is in front of us. The water is so clean that you can actually see the fish swimming in the Lake. “What are we doing here?” I asked with curiosity. “Training.” he opened my door and took my hand like a proper gentleman. I smiled while following him to the lake. He removed his close and jumped into the water. “Are you crazy? It’s like 15degrees.” I fold m arms and raise my brow. “Get in, you have to face the unbearable moments of defeat the unknown.” He lectures. Really? This is how he wants me to face the unbearable. I think I’v
“Fuck,” I cursed in the hallway in front of Emily’s apartment. Another idiot is shouting to keep my mouth shut. “Fuck you!” I yell back and laughed at myself. What did I drink, or better yet, what a hell did Vicky give me to swallow? Emily’s door fly opened and I my god she looks beautiful in her short pyjamas, her perfect body screaming to be touched, and her soft poker lips, well I don’t think that’s poker lips, that’s more angry lips, but still looks like it wants to be kissed. “What are you doing here?it’s 3 AM in the morning.” She folds her arms looking in control of her emotions. I run my hands through my hair to try and fo
Emily’s Pov I woke up in Blakes’s enormous bed with him nowhere to be seen. I pulled the blanket and wrapped it around my naked body and made my way downstairs. Blake is busy working out and I can’t help by stare at him. He caught me staring and just carried on. I can’t help but shake the feeling that he regrets what happened last night. “Are you okay?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. “Blake?” “Yes, I made a pot of coffee. I’m sure you need to get to work,” he answered without looking at me. “Did I do something wrong? Or are you treating everyone like this the next morning you had sex with women?” I challenged him. “What?” He ask