"Are you sure we can just waltz in here?" I ask Aria as I follow her into Fighter's Den gym.

"Duh." She holds the door open for me and I thank her, stepping inside. "We're family."

"Maybe you are but I don't know about me."

"You definitely are. You'll see for yourself when we meet the girls. They're...passionate."

I snicker at that, remembering how kind they'd been to be the first time I met them. According to Aria they also have a habit of meddling in your life so she warned me that they're going to snatch me up too. Good thing I'm the queen of evasion.

As soon as we walk inside my nose crinkles at the smell. I shouldn't be surprised considering how many people there are here, adults and youth both, all boxing like their life depends on it. Boxing is one of my favourite sports. Nothing satisfies me more than seeing grown men kick each other's asses because the truth is, grown men deserve ass-kicking.

"I didn't know this place had kiddies." I tell Aria, watching the little ones spar with each other.

"Since two years ago." She clarifies. "Jaxon coaches the youth so Greg can focus on the rest of the guys."

"And who focuses on Jaxon?"

"He stopped going pro to be with his family and he prefers coaching anyways. He has a good eye for that kind of stuff."

I consider that as I watch him instruct one of the boys firmly. He's an intense guy and from what I've heard, has had one hell of a life. It could give mine a run for my money.

I pull my eyes away from the stoic and gorgeous man with green eyes that I can see from all the way across the room and my eyes scope out the rest of the fighters. Asher and Nate, Aria's gorgeous twin brother, are sparring in the ring. I like Nate. He's sweet as hell and he has the kind of unapologetic swagger that makes you want to be his friend. Ash is...ugh. The thief of my best friend, that's what. Little fuck.

Then there's Cameron, the pretty boy of the group with stormy grey eyes and the kind of face that's meant to be plastered on billboards. The guy is a total legend. I've never met anyone as funny as he is. He's like a twenty-four seven stand up show. I've never heard anything come out of his mouth that wasn't entertaining as hell or sent me into a fit of laughter. That's why it's so hard to believe the horrors he's been through in the past. I don't know the entire story but the bits and pieces I put together are horrible enough.

It makes me wonder how the hell these people are incredible as they are. All of them have had such tough lives, pain that's not so different from my own, and yet they remain trusting and loving people. How? How did they stop their demons from consuming them, from being so wary of the world to the point that every living person is an enemy until proven innocent? How did they not become bitter and hateful like I have? I guess I'm not as strong as them because I couldn't stop my heart from hardening. It's hard as stone these days and as long as it keeps me from getting hurt, that's just fucking fine with me.

Without meaning to, I start looking for Wolfe until I spy him off to the side going at a punching bag. My mouth dries up because Jesus, I could watch him do that for the days. The way he's absolutely dominating, throwing the kind of punches that could crack a person in half? He's a force to be reckoned with and it takes major effort on my part to pull it together. If I don't I'll just look like a dumbass drooling over him, getting caught up on the way his muscles tighten with exertion, the way his shirtless body gleams.

Aria heads off the to the main ring where Asher and Nate are sparring so I take a little detour of my own, heading over to the big guy. After our first appointment I've been curious as fuck about him. If he can make that good of a second impression then exactly how wrong about him was I?

"Yo," I call out to get his attention. He stops the punching bag with his hands and turns at the sound of my voice, surprise evident in his eyes. The rest of his features are stoic and cool. His poker face could seriously give mine a run for my money. "How's the tattoo healing?"

He watches me curiously for a few moments, probably wondering what the fuck I'm doing here, and it's funny to me because he's getting a taste of his own medicine. That's what he gets for showing up everywhere in my life too. He turns around to show me his back but not before his eyes briefly dip to check me out. I can't help that my brows go up in amusement. I thought the guys said he wasn't the type to entertain girls or notice them? Hmm, wonder what that's all about.

"Looks good," I say in approval once I've lifted up the bandage to check. I purposely let my fingers skim his skin as I pull away and feel his muscles tense for a moment. Oops. "Go easy on the training. Too much sweat is damaging so let Greg know you need to chill out until the piece is done."

He turns around again and nods, crossing his arms. My gaze instinctively goes to the way his biceps bulge to insane levels. He's so fucking huge it's almost hard to believe. I look away when I realize I'd been staring too long and meet his eyes again. There's barely contained humour in them and he knows damn well the affect he has on me. The asshole is trying to play my game, isn't he? My lips twitch. "Later, big guy."

I take off to the main ring, pleasantly surprised at our interaction. I never would have pegged him to flirt back with me or whatever the hell just happened. Man, figuring him out is turning out to be more interesting than I thought.

Aria and Asher are still sucking face when I get to the ring so I roll my eyes, waving to Nate when I catch his attention. He leans his elbows on the ropes of the ring and peers down at me. "Hey, Lenny."

"Hi, Nate." I smile up at him. "How are you?"

"Good, thanks." He looks over my shoulder then back to me. "Heard you're doing a new piece for Wolfe?"

I nod. Gossip sure does go around fast with this group.

"I'm sure it's going to be badass." He grins, looking down at his bicep at the piece I did for him two years ago. It's meant for his fiancée and son and their story is one of the sweetest I've ever heard. His fiancée, Delilah, is also an author and I read all her books. I had a total fan girl moment the first time I met her.

"Thank you. Let me know if you ever want to get anything else done."

"Will do." He looks over my shoulder again and I raise a brow at him.

"Why do you keep looking behind me?"

He coughs behind his fist, smiling into it. "Because Wolfe is looking at me like he wants to deck me for even talking to you. I never thought I'd see the day when the big guy got jealous and I keep looking at him to make sure I'm not hallucinating."

Huh?

"I doubt that." I tell him, kind of itching to turn around and see for myself but not wanting to make this a big deal. It'll be easier to ignore later if we just move past it so I change the subject. "How's Zack?"

Nate's face softens at the mention of his son. Zack is technically his adopted son but that doesn't stop Nate from loving him like he's his own. "The little man is entertaining as fuck these days. He's only two and a half but he already has a tough guy attitude."

"I haven't seen him in forever." I almost whine. Zack is seriously the cutest kid in the world.

"Del brought him today. All the kids are here."

"Should be fun." My brows go up. This group pops out babies like nobody's business.

Nate laughs in agreement. "Coach just had another room made beside his office for the girls and the kids. This place is getting too crowded."

"That's nice." I say honestly. I've always envied big families.

"Hey, sorry." Aria ducks under the ropes and joins me again, breathless. Her lipstick is smudged and evidently all over Asher's face who's smirking victoriously. Horn dogs. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah." I wave bye to Nate, give Ash the finger, and stop myself from turning around to look at Wolfe. Was he really feeling jealous that I was talking to Nate?

Nope. No. Don't go there, Parks.

"Hi, Lenny!" Cameron waves his arms like a madman at me.

My lip twitches. Is he always this enthusiastic? "Hey, Cam."

"You look beautiful today." He grins. Then he looks over at Wolfe almost pointedly who glares back. "So beautiful."

I blink fast, my steps faltering. He did not just fucking do that.

"Yes, he did." Aria laughs and I realize I said that out loud. "Better get out of here before he makes it worse."

"Bye, Lenny!" He waves some more.

"Just...wow." I mumble as I wave back.

"Hey, Jax." Aria smiles as we pass him.

Jaxon looks up from the two boys he was watching and tips his chin at us both, immediately going back to coaching. Serious man, this one.

We finally make it to the family room that Greg had added to his gym just like Nate said. Aria knocks on the door and it's immediately opened by Avery, the stunning Latina. She's also holding her little daughter all bundled up in her arms and grins at us.

"You made it, chicas." She kisses Aria's cheek then mine and I startle. What is it with this group and being so touchy? "Come in!"

It's madness inside. Three moms and four children between them. Zack is playing with Lucas—Emily's son—and Lizzie, her daughter, is talking with her.

"We're having a crisis." Avery explains.

Aria and I greet the girls one by one before we settle in. I make sure to congratulate Delilah on her recent book tour and beg her to give me hints on her next book. She waves me away with a giggle.

"What's the crisis?" Ria asks, leaning into the sofa. I take a seat beside her.

Avery points to Lizzie. "Boy trouble."

"Tia." Lizzie groans. "Do you have to tell everyone?"

"What? We're all women here. You could use the advice from your Aunts for once. Your Uncles aren't good for anything."

Lizzie smiles reluctantly at that.

"Honey," Emily settles a hand on her cheek. "You're young. You'll have plenty of times to stress over boys down the road. Ten year old boys are not worth the trouble."

"Trent is eleven." She corrects.

"Eleven year old boys are also not worth the trouble."

"Hey." Aria defends. "I met the love of my life when I was ten years old, too. Don't think that just because Lizzie is young, she doesn't know what she's feeling. I always knew I loved Asher, even as a kid."

"True." Emily concedes. "But not every story is like that and I don't want my baby to get hurt."

"I won't get hurt, Mom." Lizzie promises. "I just want to know if I should wait to have my first kiss or not. I really like Trent."

"I had my first kiss when I was nine." Avery sighs wistfully. "Ryan Moore. It was during recess behind a portable. Nothing more than a peck, really. Come to think of it, it sucked. He was breathing way too hard."

"My first kiss sucked too." I agree. "I was ten like you, Lizzie."

"And?" She leans forward in her seat, watching me.

"I do wish I waited." I admit. "I mean, it wasn't a big deal. A peck, like Avery said. But I wish it meant more because firsts are really important. But I also think none of us can know how you feel about Trent except you. Only you know deep down if you want him to be your first kiss or if you'd rather wait. It's different for everyone."

"My first kiss wasn't until I was twenty-three." Delilah offers. "And I wish I didn't wait because he sucked. He gave me Zack but he wasn't the one. I think I pressured myself into being with him because I felt like a lost cause being that age and never having kissed anyone. Some part of me wishes I waited for Nate to give me my firsts but the more realistic part of me wishes I just let loose and had fun when I was a young girl, so I could experience all my firsts like a giddy school girl. Lenny is right—it's different for everyone and only you can know what you want."

"See, honey?" Emily smoothes down Lizzie's hair affectionately. "A kiss isn't something to stress about. You should do it when it feels right, not because everyone else is doing it or because you want to feel cool. When you really want to kiss someone, there won't be any stress about it. You'll just know."

Lizzie bites her lip in contemplation. "Then...I don't think I'm ready yet. I like Trent but I like the idea of having a special first more. I mean, I still want it to be Trent but maybe I can wait until we're a little older?"

"You never know." Emily shrugs. "Life works in mysterious ways."

"I ended up with my best friend but it took seventeen years." Aria laughs. "Trust me, babe. Don't ever rule any possibilities about. We can't control who's meant for us and how it happens as much as we want to."

"And I tell you about your father and I all the time." Emily looks at Lizzie expectantly. "He had problems. I wish I could go back in time and smack him for treating me the way he did but here we are anyways and I've never been loved better."

"I remember." Lizzie shakes her head. "Daddy was a mess. I was only five and I knew how dumb he was being pretending like he didn't have feelings for you."

That makes all of us laugh in amusement.

"The point is, love is tough." Avery shrugs. "The hardest part is always giving into it. That's why people give up on love so easily—because fighting for it is terrifying. Putting your heart on the line and giving someone the power to destroy it is terrifying. Trusting that they won't destroy it is even more terrifying. But once you cross that hurdle, love becomes ridiculously easy. As long as you never forget why you fought for them in the first place, your heart will do the rest. Don't let your brain convince you to walk away because your heart will always speak the truth. Listen to your heart, as cheesy as it sounds. That bitch knows what she's doing."

"Language." Emily points out but she's smiling. So is everyone else because damn, that was some speech.

And it's seriously doing a number on me because Avery hit the nail on the head—I'm so fucking scared of love. Of giving in. Of making myself vulnerable. And I always lead with my brain, never my heart. Didn't I say it was hard as stone? I guess she got tired of me ignoring her. Now I'm left wondering if I'll ever find someone for myself the way these girls have. I've never let myself imagine being with someone before but for a moment I do and it doesn't seem so bad. Just as quick, I move past that thought. I know better than to think like that.

"I'm so lucky to have you guys." Lizzie grins at all of us, her eyes landing on me. "You too, Aunt Lenny."

My eyes widen a fraction and I'm instantly uncomfortable. Aunt? "Dude, I didn't even do anything."

"You're family." Aria kicks my leg. "Why won't you listen?"

"Damn straight you are." Avery tsks at me. "You're telling me you haven't figured that out yet?"

"If you're important to Ria, you're important to us." Emily shrugs. "And we like you. So what if we want you for ourselves?"

"Don't bother fighting it." Delilah smiles fondly. "Trust me, you won't win."

Yeah, this is too much. I know they mean well but I'm not like them. I don't blindly trust and let myself get invested just because someone is being nice to me. Everyone seems that way at first until their true colours are revealed, until the monsters they have inside of them claw their way out and drag you down. I know that firsthand and fuck if I fall for it again.

"Is there a bathroom around here?" I ask tightly. I need space. I need to get away from all this false hope before it blows up in my face.

"Yeah." Emily's brows come together with obvious worry. "Just down the hall to your right. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I stand up, clearing my throat. "I just really need to pee. Excuse me."

I leave the room like my ass is on fire. I feel like an asshole for bailing out on them but I can't help it. I'm not like these people. I've been alone all my life because the only person I can depend on is myself. Everyone I ever loved left me, left me in the dark by myself where monsters live. I was the only one who got myself out of there, who protected myself on the streets, who picked myself up when I kept losing the ones most important me. Nobody helped me. I protected myself as a little girl and now I protect myself as a woman. I'm not going to throw that all to shit just because a few people are nice to me and invite me into their family. Survival instinct 101 is never trusting anyone but yourself. That's the only reason I'm alive today and I will not fuck it up, no matter how much I wish things were different. The world will always be a horrible place and that's the ugly truth.

I lock myself in one of the stalls, leaning against it and pulling in deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, just like I taught myself. I haven't had a panic attack in months and I'm not about to start now.

"Pull it together, Parks. You don't need anyone except yourself."

My head falls back and thumps against the stall door. I know how stupid I sound for thinking that being alone is the only answer but it's not like I have a choice. I lost, and I lost, and I lost. The only one I have left is me and I will protect myself at all fucking costs. I don't give a shit if that offends anyone.

It takes a couple minutes but eventually I'm able to get myself sorted. I leave the stall almost angrily and pump myself up with false adrenaline. As I wash my hands, I stare at my reflection and give it a hard look. No more break downs. That's enough.

I dry my hands and leave the bathroom, practicing the smirk I always have in place and try to make it look believable like nothing even happened. I'm too busy staring a hole into the ground that I crash into the wall before I realize what's happening.

No. Not a wall. Just a very large and solid human who grabs my arms to steady me.

"Christ." I gape at Wolfe. "You'd think for such a big dude you'd be easier to notice. Seriously."

His brows rise slightly in amusement but just as quickly come back together in concern. I search the harsh lines on his face that are directed at me.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I accuse.

He lets me go and one hand slowly comes up to my face. I watch it curiously, wondering what the hell he's doing. His finger swipes across my cheek and the touch is so featherlight, I don't think I would have felt it if I wasn't so aware of him. My body hums with excitement as his proximity, even more so feeling his touch and how alive it makes me feel.

All too soon, it crashes down when I realize he just wiped a tear. Fucking hell. Was I crying? My cheeks warm with embarrassment. The only thing I hate more than being weak is having somebody else witness it and the absolute last person I want to see me breaking down is Wolfe.

"I was washing my face. Relax." I lie smoothly.

The look he gives me can only be described as exasperation and I know he doesn't believe me. Frustrated and flustered, I try to go around him but he gets in my way before I can do that.

"What the hell is your problem?" I narrow my eyes on him.

Trust me, I can hear the bitching in my tone too. But I can't stop it, especially not after nearly breaking down for this exact reason. I'm feeling too damn much, after years of feeling nothing at all and I. Don't. Like it.

Kudos to him for having patience, though. He doesn't seem offended at all. Instead he crosses his arms and looks at me expectantly. There he goes with those fucking monster biceps again. I wonder what they'd feel like if I squeezed them while he pounded into me. And then I groan internally. One second I hate the guy and the next, I want him to nail me against the wall? I have major fucking problems.

"You're seriously not going to let me through?" I ask incredulously. I consider shoving him away but for one, I doubt my noodle arms will do much damage to the wall of Boston here and two, I fear that touching his bare upper body will make me lose more brain cells than I've already lost.

Wolfe takes an intimidating step toward me and I take one back, mouth falling open. The nerve of him! He's totally showing me who's alpha here. I'm always alpha, damn it.

"I don't like you." I say seriously. He shrugs.

I've lost all of my patience at this point and that's the only reason I finally give in. Not because I want to.

"Fine, asshole." I mutter. I look over his shoulder so it makes this easier. I'm already uncomfortable as is without having to face his intense stare dead-on. "I'm not sure why you even give a fuck but I had a...moment. The girls were just talking about family and how they consider me part of their group, blah blah, and it freaked me out because I don't have family. I don't even know how to be part of a family and now these people want to make me part of theirs out of what? The goodness of their hearts? The world I know doesn't work like that and I freaked out because I almost fell for it, almost believed them. It fucking sucks knowing you'll never really fit in or belong anywhere but it sucks more when you believe you can because that just gives the world a reason to laugh at you. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime and I'm not interested in going through it again."

My mouth clamps shut in horror. I...I so didn't mean to admit that. I've never said my worst fears out loud to anyone before, not even Ria. How the fuck did he make me do that?

Even more embarrassed than before I try to move past him again, muttering, "Never mind. You don't get it."

He gets in front of me again and I growl low in my throat, glaring up at him. Jesus, he can be so fucking stubborn when he wants to be.

He tilts his head slightly, one brow raised knowingly. Understanding is written all over his face and I go back to my words, about not fitting in or belonging anywhere and...fuck, of course he gets that. Probably better than me. And that's exactly what he's trying to tell me right now.

"Fine." I admit reluctantly. "You do get it. But doesn't it bother you, feeling like a constant outcast?"

He zones out for a moment, seemingly thinking about my question. Finally, he shrugs like he just accepts the fact and I get that too. What else can you really do except be who you are no matter who isn't willing to accept it?

"Sucks, huh?" I ask drily.

His eyes soften, the crease between his brows disappearing momentarily. He nods and fine, it feels pretty good knowing I'm not alone in this. Still, this is way out of my comfort zone because I don't do heart-to-hearts or whatever this shit is so I clear my throat and change the subject.

"Don't be late for our next appointment. I have a busy day." Which is a complete lie because he's my last appointment for Monday but I already gave him too much vulnerability, too much softness, and I want to undo all of it so bitchy Lenny it is.

I hate how he watches me like he sees right through me, tipping his head just barely in agreement while his intense eyes observe me.

"Stop staring at me like that," I accuse with narrowed eyes. He leans a little forward to get in my face and I realize he's doing the opposite of what I asked, staring at me even harder. I hate that a small laugh bubbles out of me from his surprisingly endearing sense of humour and I punch his arm. "I seriously don't like you."

There's that ghost of a smile teasing his lips again. I roll my eyes and leave before he gets the chance to see my own smile that I'm unable to stop. I hold up my middle finger as I walk away, feeling his gaze pinned on me, and I bite the inside of my cheek. Asshole.

_________________________

A/N

Allllll the fucking feeeeeels! I have the best feeling about these two! What do you think of their chemistry? Do you feel it?

I'm so excited to go deeper into this story, especially to give you Lenny's story. It will make it so much easier to understand why she is the way she is. Any guesses?

Please VOTE, comment and share if you liked this chapter!

Happy Reading :)