Fighting for Us - Bella Emy Page 0,3

leading to the main area of the gym. “You’ll find yourself in that ring with me. And it won’t be for practice.” Just beyond those very doors is the octagon ring where we practice for events.

Ryker has never faced me in any event, but we practice together all the time. I’m glad because how are you supposed to fight your best friend? I’d kill him. I can’t help it that my record is almost flawless. Every match I’ve been in, besides the first one from when I started, I’ve been undefeated. But hey, it’s all right. I’m planning on getting my revenge on Dennis “The Big Shot” Mavis at the next chance I get. I’ll have my turn. I’ll get my belt and the cash that goes with it too.

Hell, I deserve something for everything I’ve been through. At least I found a good way to channel my inner anger. I could’ve turned out to be an alcoholic deadbeat dad. But I’m not.

“Lorenzo Trevano, it would be an honor to rumble with you inside the cage,” Ryker says, finally picking up his undershirt.

Ryker and I will both be fighting in the upcoming event. It’s the biggest one of the year, and although we are not fighting against each other, the two of us will be giving it our all to win.

I chuckle and head toward the door. “Don’t forget to shut off the lights and lock up on your way out. I’ll catch you later, Ryke.”

“Later,” he responds.

I walk out of the building, and the chill in the air hits my cheeks. It feels good. The cold, late-November wind blows, whooshing through the area. After working up a sweat during practice, the cool breeze is a nice welcome.

I unlock the doors of my black four-seater pickup truck and throw my bag in the back as I hop in behind the wheel. With my buckle clasped and my mirrors checked, I start on my way home.

It’s after eleven at night, but this is my norm. We’re getting ready for the next UFC meet, which is in a few days, and I’m psyched. I’m so ready to get inside that cage and go head-to-head with my opponents. There’s nothing like the rush I get when that bell rings and it’s go time. Nothing.

Well, maybe there is something, but that’s a story I refuse to get into right now. Or ever. That part of my life died with—

I let out a deep breath, shake my head, and think about my baby girl. Thoughts of her always put a smile on my face, no matter what type of day I’m having. It was hard in the beginning, to pick up the pieces and trudge on, but now, I can’t picture my life without her. She’s my sunshine and the light of my life. I’m a total baby-girl’s daddy.

I’m sure Gianna is already out by now… at least I hope so, for poor Max’s sake. She’s a feisty little one with big blue eyes and chunky rosy cheeks, and she can talk at a hundred miles per second. She’s the cutest little thing under three feet I ever did see. Sure, I’m biased, but what good dad isn’t? She’s my princess.

I chuckle, thinking back to the last conversation we had. She started by asking me if kittens and puppies could understand us when we talk to them and ended by asking me if sharks have cousins.

As I pull up to my driveway, I see my brother’s Bronco exactly where he parked it before I left, just two houses up.

I kill the engine, hop out of my truck, and grab my bag from the back seat. Slinging it over my shoulder, I shut the door, lock the car, and march up the walkway.

When I step foot inside my home, I see Max looking like a drunk, passed out on the couch with his mouth open. I contemplate for a second about throwing something into it but decide against it, chuckling to myself. Looks like little Gia wore him out. I’ll let him sleep for another few minutes while I put my stuff away and check on my baby girl.

I place my bag inside the hallway closet and make my way toward Gia’s bedroom. Her door is slightly cracked, so I open it a tad bit more and peek in. I smile as I watch my princess in a deep slumber. She looks so peaceful.

I tiptoe in and cautiously walk toward her. The rise and fall of