Boomer Chapter 11

Entering the gym, I saw all the guys seemed to be present, along with several of the old ladies. The others were watching the kids. Bella's grip on my hand was tight. I walked her over to sit with Londyn. Before getting into the ring, I gave her another kiss. "I'll be fine. Don't stress. We actually do this all the time. It's a great workout. Once we're done, I'll feed you."

She gave me a wan smile. "Be careful."

"I always am."

I saw Vicious was already in the ring. I removed my cut, shirt, boots, and socks. I'd bet money there would be kicking involved since he was stripped down to only pants. We tended to fight a mixture of martial arts most of the time. He and I had been pitted against each other before. Overall, we were pretty evenly matched, but we'd never been pissed at each other before, so it added an unknown element.

I wasn't surprised to see Executioner was in the ring, too. As our enforcer slash sergeant-at-arms, he was the guy who protected the club. He was ideal to referee the fight in case it got out of hand. By the look on V's face, it was more than possible. He was glaring harder, I think, than he was before. When he glanced at Bella, I knew why. The kiss I gave her. Well, too damn bad, I wasn't holding back from showing affection or anything else to her, not even to spare his feelings. She'd made her choice, and he needed to accept it.

"You guys know the rules. If I see it getting out of hand, I'm calling it. No crotch shots or lethal moves. Once your opponent taps out, you stop. Understood?" Ex asked.

"Understood," I told him.

Vicious grunted, but he did nod yes.

"Okay, to your corners and come out fighting when the bell rings," was his final instruction before he stepped to the side and out of the ring. Moments later, he rang the bell.

I could be a dirty fighter. When you grew up the way I did in my dad's club, you learned to protect yourself any way you could. However, I wasn't about to do that here. I'd fight fairly, but I wasn't taking it easy on him. If it was a life-or-death situation, all bets were off, and I'd fight to win at any cost.

He came out and took a swing at me. I danced out of reach. I wanted to get a feel for how he would fight tonight. If he kept his cool, then good. If not, well, that was on him and would likely make him mess up. I was counting on him being so mad about Bella that he'd lose it more if I didn't engage him immediately. Fighting wasn't just a physical thing. It was mental, too. He came at me again. For the first several minutes, he charged and swung while I evaded, ducked, or, a few times, threw a punch.

"Come on, stop backing off. Are you a coward? Afraid to let Bella see you get your ass handed to you?" he shouted.

I refused to answer him. I'd been a hothead when I was younger, and it took me a long time to learn. Most of the time, the cooler head prevailed. He charged me. As he came in, I threw a punch to distract him, and while he was ducking it, I came up with a kick to his thigh. It was hard and partially deadened his leg, I thought, based on the way he stumbled, then couldn't put full weight on it. Pressing my advantage, I went at him fast and hard. I switched up my moves each time, so there was no rhyme or rhythm to them. I didn't land them all, and he landed some of his own, which hurt, but mine connected more often.

The voices of those watching were just dull background roars to me. I wouldn't let myself get distracted by them. It was a sure way to get hurt. I had plans tonight. V's kick connected with my stomach, knocking the air out of me. I stumbled back, then righted myself. I circled him and came in with a roundhouse kick, which he took to the ribs. I heard groans of sympathy from the guys.

We were no longer testing each other. It was hard fighting, and when kicks and hits landed, they hurt. I knew I'd have some bruises come morning, and so would he, along with a few cuts. I wasn't sure how long we'd been at it before he came at me. I was getting out of the way when my foot slipped. My body dropped down some at the same time he was kicking at my thigh. Agony swept through me, and I hit the mat hard. I couldn't breathe, and things were going dark. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't.

Instead of taking out my leg, his foot ended in a kick to my testicles. It felt like my balls had been obliterated. I curled up in the fetal position and tried to breathe without puking. I heard someone crying out my name, and then the next thing I knew, I smelled Bella's perfume, and her voice was in my ear.

"Boomer, oh God." Her hand rubbed along my jaw.

"I—," Vicious said before Bella yelled at him.

"Haven't you done enough!? All this silliness all because I chose him over you. Get away from him. We need to get him to the hospital. They need to check him out."

"I-I'll be okay," I whispered hoarsely.

"You could've ruptured something or even worse. You're going to the hospital, and don't argue with me," she growled at me.

The rest was a pain-filled haze for me. I was carried to an SUV and put in the backseat. She had them put me in so my head rested on her lap. I wasn't sure who drove, and I didn't care. Every bump was so damn painful. I was thrilled when we got to the ER. I needed a fucking pain shot. Of course, they wouldn't let her in the treatment area, and I was hurting too much to demand it. It wasn't long before I got something for the pain, and then it was several hours of tests on top of the examination.

In the end, I lucked out. Nothing was ruptured or broken. Yes, it was possible to technically break your cock. It would've been my bad luck to have a broken one just when I found my woman, not that I thought she and I would be having sex right away, but a guy could hope. Who knew how long a broken one would take to heal? It was after midnight when I was wheeled to the waiting room to be put in the car. There were several guys waiting, along with Bella and Londyn. She ran over to me.

"I've been so worried. They wouldn't tell us anything. Are you alright?"

"I'll live. You should've let someone take you home. You have to work in the morning."

"Don't give me that. There's no way I'd leave and not know how you were. Let's get you home." She led the way.

I was put in Sin's SUV for the return trip. Hell, it might've been the one they brought me here in, for all I knew. I was sore as hell on top of having throbbing pain, and the bumps hurt, but not like the first trip. When we got to the compound, he drove around so he could park right outside my trailer.

I got out slowly. I was still walking funny. "Thanks, Sin, appreciate it. Could you get someone to take Bella home? She needs to get some sleep. She has lessons later today."

"I'm not going anywhere. I already made calls and rescheduled them. I'm staying here with you. I'm not leaving you alone. What if you need something in the night or get worse? No, you're not getting rid of me, so don't waste your breath."

Sin shook his head. "I know when not to ignore a woman, and that voice said to forget it. Do yourself a favor and give in. Do you need me to help you inside or anything?"

"No, I can make it. Again, thanks. I'll need Bullet and Phalanx to cover for me today."

"Already discussed. Call if you need anything. Night Bella. Make sure he rests even if you have to sit on him. He's stubborn, in case you didn't know."

She nodded. I waved as he got in the car and drove off. She wrapped an arm around my waist. "Let's get you in bed."

"You don't know how badly I wanted you to say that to me, but not this way," I teased her.

"Don't start. You men need your heads knocked together sometimes. I told you to be careful," she chided me as we got to the door.

"It's unlocked. Babe, I didn't do it on purpose." I explained as she opened it, and I reached in to turn on a light. She shut the door and then helped me down the hall. She stopped outside the bathroom.

"Do you need to use it?"

"Not right now. I just want to lie down."

She kept going, and we entered my room. When she got me to the bed, she tossed back the covers, and then I eased down gently. "What can I get you, Brayden?" I heard the worry in her voice.

"Would you get me a glass of water so I can take a pain pill and an ice pack? I'm supposed to ice it several times a day. There are kitchen towels in the first drawer next to the sink and plastic bags in the third drawer by the stove."

"I'll find them. Do you want me to fix something for you to eat? You didn't have dinner."

I groaned. "Shit, no, not now. I'm sorry. I didn't feed you. So much for our first date."

"The club brought in food to the ER, so I ate. And this wasn't planned. Let me get that stuff. I'll be back."

After she hurried out, I stared at my feet. They had those hospital socks with the tread on them in a garish mustard-yellow color. I wanted them off. The hospital staff had removed my jeans and put me in a gown. Before leaving, I insisted they give me a pair of scrub pants. The thought of tight jeans made me cringe. No way was I walking around with my ass hanging out. They were nice enough to give me a top to go with it. Normally, I'd sleep naked, but this would do, especially if she was staying.

I was trying to bend over to remove them when she came back. She rushed to my side, setting my glass and the ice on the stand. "What're you doing? You shouldn't be bending." She pushed my hands out of the way, lifted my feet one after the other, and took off the socks.

"Thank you, but I'm fine to bend," I told her. She gave me a frown, so I shut up. I reached into the pocket of the shirt and took out the prescription bottle. They'd given me a few doses to hold me until I could get the prescription filled. I popped one in my mouth and took a drink of water. As I tried to lie back, she put an arm around me to guide me down.

"Bella, you're gonna hurt yourself. I'm too heavy for you to be moving me like that."

"I'm stronger than I look. I handle horses all the time, Brayden. Shoot, I should've asked if you wanted to take anything else off."

"Normally, I'd say all of it, but I'll live. Will you hand me the ice, then you're done for the night? You've done enough, and I appreciate it. The bedroom on the other side of the bathroom has a bed in it. The sheets should be okay. I changed them not long ago." I informed her as I placed the ice on my nuts with a wince.

"I'm not sleeping down the hall. If you need something, I need to be here. I can sleep in this chair." She pointed to the one I sat in to put on and take off my boots.

"Like hell, you will. If you insist on staying in here, you can sleep in the bed with me. I can promise you, there's no way I'll be able to take advantage of you." I said as I pointed to my ice-covered cock and balls.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not worried about you taking advantage. I don't want to accidentally jar and hurt you in my sleep."

"You won't. Now, no more arguing. In my closet are all my T-shirts. You can use one of those for pajamas if you want to be more comfortable."

"Thank you." She went and got one. She turned back to me. "I'll be right back."

Even though I was hurting, I lay there imagining what she would look like in my shirt. When she returned, I found my imagination hadn't done her justice. If I wasn't hurt, I'd be sporting a raging hard-on. She turned out the light and then came to crawl into bed. I reached over and fumbled until I found her hand.

"Thank you for staying not only at the hospital but tonight."

"You're so welcome. Try to rest. Please."

"You too. Good night, Bombshell."

"Good night, Brayden."

???

It was light out when I woke up. Glancing at my alarm clock, I saw it was just after eight. I'd slept by some miracle. My balls were at a dull ache, which was much better than last night. I shifted my head. She was still beside me and asleep. I studied her. She was so peaceful and beautiful looking like this. I could get used to waking up to this sight every morning for the rest of my life. God, don't let me fuck this up. I kept watching her until the urge to piss gave me no choice but to get up. It was causing me to hurt more.

I stifled my groan as I rolled to my side to get out of bed. Apparently, I didn't stifle it enough because I heard her gasp. "Brayden, why didn't you wake me? Here, let me help you. I assume you have to use the bathroom," she said as she hurried around the bed to my side.

Seeing her sexy legs made me want to have my hands and mouth all over them. Stop it. "I can make it. If you don't mind, would you grab me some clothes? I have sweats in the dresser."

She frowned, but she didn't argue. She watched until I was on my feet and making my way slowly to the door before she went to the dresser. It was a slow walk to the bathroom. When I got there, I dropped my pants and took a look at myself. Jesus Christ, my balls were black and blue and still swollen. I cringed as I wondered if I could have sex again or ever have kids. The doctor had assured me I would, but I was doubting him. I hissed as I pissed. There was a knock right after I pulled up my pants and flushed the toilet.

"Come in," I called. She walked in.

"Here you go. I thought you'd want them in here. Are you able to take a shower on your own?"

I grinned at her. "Trying to see me naked, Bella? If that's what you want, all you have to do is ask."

"Ha, ha, as if I'd do that. I'll wait to see you naked when we can do something about it."

As it registered what she just said, she gasped, slapped her hands over her mouth, and blushed. I laughed. "Ah, I see you don't trust yourself not to jump a hurt man. My, my Bombshell, I'll remember that."

"God, the things you make me say. Do you need help or not?"

"I'd love to say yes, but you're right. We'll save naked time for later. I can do it. I'll be out soon."

She shook her head as she walked out and closed the door. I got the shower going and then stripped. The shower helped me feel better, and twenty minutes later, I was out and making my way to the bedroom. I found it empty. I stayed long enough to grab the remaining pain pills, and then I went toward the living room and kitchen. I could smell food. My stomach growled like there was a beast in it. I was starving.

She saw me coming and came to me. "Sit in your chair in the living room. It'll be more comfortable. Breakfast is almost ready. I hope you don't mind that I cooked. The bacon should be done in the oven shortly. I'm gonna pop into the bathroom and get dressed while it finishes."

"You do that, and I don't mind at all. Thank you. Oh, and there are extra toothbrushes under the bathroom sink. Help yourself to whatever you need."

I tried to snag her to give her a kiss, but she danced away from me and ran down the hall. I'd get one when she came back. I went to the kitchen to see what else she had besides bacon. I found a big plate of pancakes under foil. She had plates, silverware, and glasses out. It seemed she'd made herself at home. I liked it. I checked on the bacon, then decided eggs would be good with it. I headed down the hall to the bathroom. I knocked on the door.

"Yeah, are you alright? I'll be out in a minute," she called out.

"I'm fine. Take your time. I wanted to know how you like your eggs. I'm going to make some to go with breakfast."

"I'll be done in a minute or two. I'll make them. How do you like yours?"

"Bella, I'm not incapable of doing anything, babe. Relax and let me do this. I promise if it starts to be too much, I'll let you know."

I heard her sigh before she answered me. I did love her need to take care of me. I hoped it was for more than just common human kindness and more due to her beginning to have feelings for me, but I wouldn't take advantage when I was capable. In my mind, I was the one supposed to take care of her.

"I like mine either scrambled or over medium if you fry them."

"Roger that. I'll get them done. Is there anything else you wanted?"

"No, oh, there's orange juice in the fridge, and I was planning to make you your coffee, but I didn't know how you take it for sure."

"I'm a straight black guy. What about you? I can get some creamer from the clubhouse. They usually have a couple of kinds."

"Don't go to that trouble. I don't always drink it, but when I do, I like it with just about any flavored creamer."

"Got it. Take your time. I'm off to make eggs."

I heard her chuckle. I popped into the bedroom to grab my cell, and then I sent off a text. Unfortunately, it had to be to one of the prospects, so I sent it to Ashes. Yesterday he seemed to be the least pissed, but it really didn't matter. It was his job and his feelings shouldn't impact this.

Me: I need you to bring one of the flavored creamers from the clubhouse to my trailer ASAP. If you're busy, see who can. Thanks.

It was a good minute before he responded. I got out the eggs and a pan while I waited.

Ashes: I'm doing something for Saint. I told Dragon. He's fetching it now.

Me: Thanks.

Ashes: It's for Bella, isn't it? You don't use that stuff.

It wasn't really his business, but since he asked, I answered.

Me: Yes, it is.

Ashes: OK.

I wasn't sure what okay meant, but I didn't worry about it. I expected them to be sore about her decision but I didn't feel guilty. Nor would I give her up, not willingly.

I was in the middle of frying our eggs when she came out of the bathroom. She was almost to the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. Before I could move to get it, she called out, "I got it."

"Babe, don't, I━" I stopped because I was too late. She opened the door. I could see it from the kitchen. Standing there wasn't Dragon. It was Daredevil. He was staring at her. I pushed the pan off the burner and turned it off before I headed to the door. I came up behind her.

He finally looked at me. I could see the disappointment on his face. To break the silence, I held out my hand for the bottle he held. "Thanks for getting that. I thought Dragon was bringing it?"

"He was, but I told him I would. I came to see how you were."

"I'm okay, but I'm still sore." I knew he was here to see her, maybe to verify that she had stayed.

"Good. You know, Vicious didn't do it on purpose. It was an accident."

"It most likely was, but he doesn't need you to speak for him, Devil. I don't mean to be rude, but our breakfast is getting cold."

He nodded and gave me the creamer. He gave her a faint smile. "It's good to see you, Bella. Enjoy your breakfast."

"Thank you. It's good to see you too," she replied softly before he walked off. I moved her back so I could shut the door. She seemed to sag.

"Don't do that," I ordered as I guided her to the kitchen. I gently pushed her into a chair at the small table I had in there before going to the coffee maker.

"Do what?"

"Feel guilty or whatever for them. You went on one date. You didn't make promises to them. You made your decision, and they need to accept it."

"I know I didn't make promises, but I still don't like hurting anyone."

"I know, but just don't beat yourself up."

"I'll try. Here, let me help," she said as she popped up out of the chair. I didn't object since I knew she needed to distract herself from her thoughts. We worked seamlessly together. There was no bumping into each other, and within minutes, we had two plates of food, our juice, and coffee on the table. We both dove in, though I did it much faster than her.

I was a fast eater. I blamed the military since you learned to do it before you got called away from your meal and didn't get to finish. They did it starting in boot camp. When I got out, I worked to slow down, but it was a habit. We didn't talk as we ate. I finished well before her, even though I had way more food. She stared at my plate and then at me. She shook her head.

"I can't believe how fast you eat and how much. How do you stay so fit?"

I chuckled. "You saw the gym. Most of us, hell, all of us spend some time in there most days, and we use the ring to have bouts, too. I lift heavy boxes and stuff at the range. It all adds up. What can I say? I'm a growing boy. As for fast eating, you learn to do it in the military or lose out. It's a hard habit to break. I've actually slowed down, if you can believe it," I said with a grin.

"I'd throw up if I ate that fast. Speaking of work, Sin said Bullet and Phalanx are covering for you. Will they be able to do it all week?"

"All week? Why would they need to?"

"You can't go back to work yet!"

"Bella, I'll be fine tomorrow."

"Up on your feet all day and lifting heavy stuff! That's not good for you. What if you cause further injury?"

"I have an office. I can rest, and I'll watch what I lift. I promise I won't put it out of commission permanently. I have plans for it," I teased to see if I could make her blush. I grinned hard when she did.

"Stop it. You just like to make me blush, I know. Well, Brayden Wilde, you're right. I don't want you to permanently hurt yourself since I might have a few plans of my own if you play your cards right."

This made us both laugh. I settled back to enjoy as much of the day as I could get with her. This wasn't the way I wanted or expected to get time, but I would gladly take it. Here was to what I prayed was a long and happy future with her.