Dog Days (BWWM/Interracial MMA Erotic Romance Urban Novella) Read Free Page A

hospital. The man didn’t need to lose a few pints of blood before the big fight.
     
     
    With a heavy exhalation, I placed the razor on the counter and washed my hands. Then, I washed Brendan’s face clean. I followed up by drying him with a towel.
     
     
    I stepped back and explained my handiwork. The fighter did as well as he stroked his chin and admired himself in the mirror. “Damn, you’re good.”
     
     
    “Told you,” I grinned, placing a hand near his face. “Maybe I should cut that ponytail of yours while I’m at it. That thing is a liability when you’re fighting.”
     
     
    Brendan grabbed my hand. “Another time.”
     
     
    The man was silent as we looked at me. His sharp green eyes glimmered like jewels held under water. There was an unmistakable look of desire and longing on his face.
     
     
    The feeling was mutual.
     
     
    I leaned down and brought my lips to his. His hand moved up to caress my cheek. His lips were full, inviting, and supple. I sensed the tension leave in his battle-hardened body. His other hand continued to grip my wrist before kissing me back with all of his power.
     
     
    In this moment, there were no fighting or dog grooming. All the remained was the desire that had escaped the bondage of our hearts. I knew Brendan had buried himself in his craft. He had gone on for too long with love.
     
     
    Eventually, Brendan pulled away while his hand still held onto mine. His body and face showed signs of confliction. He was trapped between his past and the present he inhabited. I wanted this man. I needed him to take me to bed and make love to me. He needed to let go off the past.
     
     
    “I’m sorry, Agnes,” he sighed, getting up and covering himself. “We can’t do this.”
     
     
    I watched as he walked out of the bathroom and entered his bedroom.
     
     
    He returned with a set of fresh clothing and left for training.
     
     
    When the front door became shut, I knew he had gone to grind himself away on the training mats.

 
    I was a wreck for the rest of the week. Brendan didn’t come to the hotel for the days that followed. It wouldn’t have been unusual since he had told me his training and promotional duties would require him to stay the night elsewhere at times. However, I couldn’t help but think our kiss had scared him off.
     
     
    I didn’t want my relationship with Brendan to get awkward. He was well within his rights to sever our contract. However, I wanted to stay with the man. I couldn’t help him train physically for the fight. Yet, I could help him deal with the emotions that existed outside the Octagon.
     
     
    Romeo did his best to distract me but it was no use. I loved Brendan but I could understand if he didn’t feel the same way about me. Nevertheless, I wanted to help him deal with the loss of Lisa. He couldn’t have that dark cloud hanging over him before the fight.
     
     
    During the evening, Brendan seemed to be running a little late. It wasn’t unusual since he preferred to pack in some extra training the closer he got to the day of the match. I stayed at the hotel and watched television with Romeo. He seemed to enjoy the Food Network as much as I did.
     
     
    Suddenly, Brendan appeared through the front door. He dropped his training gear on the floor and came to me. I couldn’t complain at his sweaty appearance which highlighted his musculature.
     
     
    I was a little embarrassed since I was wearing only a robe due to the ongoing heat wave. “Agnes, get your kit ready.”
     
     
    I looked to him in confusion. “What do you mean?”
     
     
    “Hair got loose and blocked my vision,” he explained. Indeed, it was getting a little too long. We had held off on cutting it. “I can’t risk that happening in a sparring match, let alone the actual competition. Besides, I can’t go on television looking like a caveman.”
     
     
    I remembered that I had offered to have trimmed his hair. “Sure thing! Let me just get my grooming