Chapter 11

11

K assadee

The Past

After Camila’s Death

“Sis, you sure you good?” Ken asked for what had to be the fifth time.

Kas had no idea how she appeared outwardly, but internally, she was a nervous wreck. It was the first fight of Dali’s that she’d agreed to come to since Camila’s funeral, and the violence that usually didn’t faze her had her on edge. Every time a fist was thrown, she cringed. It got to the point where she had to leave and didn’t come back in until it was time for the main event—Dali’s fight.

Things had been progressing between them fairly well. Though they hadn’t confessed their love for each other or committed to one another, they were basically together. Gone were the days of school or the opinion of her brother being an issue for them. Ken might not have been completely on board with them being together all the time because he was always dragged into the middle when they had issues, but he knew there was nothing he could say or do to keep them apart.

“Kassadee,” Ken called, gripping her arm. When she flinched, he released it. “Sis, what’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing. I just…” Her head shook. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mhm.” After forcing a smile, Kassadee released a shaky breath. “I’m good. Promise.”

She cupped his cheek and gave it a quick, soft brush with her thumb to assure him, then turned to face the ring. It didn’t matter how much she told herself what happened with Camila was not the same thing as what she saw being done in the ring, it still made her anxious. Still, Kassadee planned to push those feelings down to support her unofficial man. Regardless of the relationships she’d had, no man made her feel as safe, loved, and wanted like Dali did.

Dali didn’t just demolish his opponents in the ring; he demolished her pussy too.

She couldn’t wait for his match to be over so he could celebrate inside of her.

When the announcer began Dali’s introduction, she closed her eyes and pulled in a deep breath. Rocking back and forth, she said a silent prayer for his health and a win as she always did.

Dali strolled out to the ring, looking as fine and cocky as ever. His wide stance, bowed legs, and chiseled face made fans out of women who’d never been interested in boxing or MMA before. He shot her a wink and growled before hopping into the ring and beating his chest. The louder cheers grew from the crowd the more amped he became. As Kassadee cheered, she felt herself calm down, believing everything would be okay.

Except it wasn’t.

The moment the match started, and Dali went to work, her nervous system went haywire. Sweaty palms, a racing heart, and ringing ears combined with an inability to breathe. Each time Dali punched his opponent, Kassadee’s mind showed her Camila being punched by Brandon. When Ken realized what was happening, he tried to console her, but it wasn’t his face she saw—it was Brandon’s. When he reached for her, she screamed, thinking back to Brandon manhandling her and knocking her out.

Kennessy didn’t relent, choosing instead to carry her out in hopes that would help her center. It wasn’t until they were outside that she felt like she could breathe again. He coached her through deep breaths, keeping his hands off her though it was clear he wanted to hold her.

When she finally realized where she was, Kassadee began to sob. She crumbled into her brother’s arms, unsure what the hell had even happened.

The Next Morning

Hushed voices lured Kas down the hall. She’d been up long enough to handle her hygiene and check her phone notifications. The last thing she remembered last night was having a breakdown and trying to get blackout drunk so she wouldn’t remember. Her brother had obviously brought her to his place, and she was grateful she hadn’t woken up and had to deal with her feelings alone.

When his and Dali’s eyes landed on her, their conversation ceased. The sight of the cut on the side of Dali’s black eye made her wince.

“You lost?” she asked quietly.

“Nah. He sucker punched me when I was looking to see what was going on with you.”

“Ouch.” Kassadee massaged her own eye as if the truth had physically struck her. “I’m really sorry about that. I thought I was ready to come to one of your matches but obviously I wasn’t.”

“I don’t care about this,” he said, pointing to his eye before he stood and took a step in her direction, but when she took a step back, he paused. Ken stood, placing his hand on Dali’s chest. “I just… wanted to make sure you were okay, bae. But I… I see that you’re not.”

Avoiding his eyes, Kas hung her head as she hugged herself. “I don’t think I can come to your fights for a while. I’m sorry. But I’ll still be rooting for you like always.”

“Of course. Whatever’s best for you. But you… you’re not scared of me, right?” He took another step in her direction, and again, she took another step back. “Because you know I would never hurt you. I’ll never put my hands on you, Kassadee.”

Clenching her jaw, Kas released a long breath. “I know. I think I just need some time.”

“Yeah, sure. Just um… call me if you need me. Okay?”

Kassadee nodded, though she was sure that was something she wouldn’t do. She went back to Ken’s room and climbed into his bed. Pulling her knees to her chest, she rocked and released silent tears.