Sergio's Redemption: Marco's MMA Boys, #6

PROLOGUE

Paige

Pain.

Everything hurts.

Fire.

Everything burns.

Withdrawal is a special kind of Hell made specifically for jacked up people like me.

It’s Christmas, but it doesn’t seem like Christmas. Not in my heart. Come to think of it I’ve never really had a Christmas, so why does it matter to me?

I’m freezing, it’s so cold. I swore I’d never come here again, but they may be the only people who can help me. When you’re down to nothing, well, sometimes you find yourself doing things you said you never would.

I’m sure I stink and I know I have the hollow look going.

This is my life.

My Hell.

My agony.

My defeat.

It’s been a few days since my last hit, but I couldn’t watch it anymore. I was doing so well after rehab and then I went to church with one of my friends I made while in the program. God, I’ve sank to the depths this time.

The parking lot looks empty; well, almost. I see a truck. Not one I recognize which should have me alarmed as a female alone in the dark, but I’m too lost, too far gone to honestly care. A guy steps from the shadows, he’s huge and looks angry.

He carefully walks toward me, studying me, reading me. Can I help you? His tone is confident. He’s not taken aback by my appearance. His gaze isn’t one of judgment in facing a junkie. No, in his eyes I only find empathy and concern.

It rattles me.

I take a step back, I know my body is visibly trembling, but I can’t help it. Between the fact that I’m terrified and going through withdrawals, I can’t stop it.

He takes another step toward me. Hey, are you sure you’re okay? I’m not going to hurt you.

I fiddle my fingers together and ask for the only person I’ve ever really been able to count on. Blowing out a breath, I let the words tumble from my mouth. I-I was looking for Huck.

Fidgeting. I’m aggravating myself with the constant need to move, but I can’t be still. It’s like if I stop moving things will crawl under my skin. I have a slight sheen covering my skin from sweat, but inside I’m cold. So very cold.

He’s already gone for the night. Actually, I’m the only one here, the man explains. He’s tall with dark hair, dark skin and piercing eyes. I can’t really tell the color of them because it’s dark, but I feel like he can see right through me.

O-okay, I reply, looking at the ground.

The insecurities are running wild inside my mind. I shouldn’t have come here. Huck doesn’t need my trouble anymore. I guess I can just go back to the mission tonight. Disappointment and despair fill me, but I’m not desperate enough to ask this stranger for help.

Hey, I can call him real quick. Just give me the time. You look like you need to talk to him. He grabs his phone and starts punching at it with his thick fingers.

I hear the phone answer and his voice carries. Sergio? What’s up?

So his name is Sergio. I try to study him more. His face is strong, I can see his veins bulging like he just finished working out. I’m trying to force my mind to focus and remember the details instead of the cravings. My body just keeps reminding me of those cravings, it’s itching, and I feel the bugs crawling on me. My thoughts are interrupted by his commanding voice.

Hey, man. There’s some girl here at the gym looking for you.

For me? What’s her name? I can hear rustling on the other end of the line.

He looks at me, his demeanor softening. Sweetie, what’s your name? He motions to the phone. So I can tell Huck.

I try to find my voice. Paige. M-my name is Paige.

Did you hear that, Huck? he says into the phone.

I hear him clear his throat. Yeah, keep her there. I’m on my way. Don’t scare her, she’s been through enough. His voice still carries loud enough for me to hear.

Don’t intend to, man. I’m gonna open the gym back up. We’ll be waiting in there.

See you soon.

The big guy takes my hand gently, way more gently than I expected given his size. My body actually calms with his touch, well inside, but I still feel the tremble from the drugs that’s uncontrollable. It’s going to be okay, Paige. Marco’s is a safe place. I follow him into the gym I once thought of as a safe haven a long time ago.

CHAPTER 1

SERGIO

Three Months Later

Slamming my fists over and over again into the heavy bag as Marco yells at me has become my new normal. He and Huck are happy to bust my ass in here daily, it’s a way to play through the pain. It’s a good thing, though, leaves me less time to think about all of the things I can’t change.

Funny how life hands you one shit-storm after another of things beyond your control. Once upon a time, I thought I had everything figured out. My future was right there in front of me.

In the blink of an eye it was all gone and so was the man I used to be. Now, I fight to feel the pain.

If I can feel, then it’s a firm reminder I’m still alive.

Hit after hit, blow after blow, not one compares to the pain I have inside me. The loss, the emptiness.

The hollowness that threatens to suck me into the very depths of the darkest of hells is ever present...except when I step into the cage.

In there, nothing gets my focus but my opponent and coming out on top of the match.

A noise behind me gets my attention and I notice that it has Marco’s, too. I turn around and see the girl from a few months ago. The one I found in the parking lot waiting for Huck. She looks a lot better.

Hell, she looks like she’s eaten and showered. Those are definite steps in the right direction from where she was. The last time I saw her she was afraid of her own shadow. I wonder now if she’s clear-headed enough to not jump at the slightest movement.

Her small hand feels so fragile in mine. It’s cold and clammy at the same time. I escort her into the gym and feel her tremble. Her blonde frame is so tiny, she seems mousy and scared of her own shadow.

It’s going to be okay. My name is Sergio and Huck is on his way.

Th-thank you, she quietly mumbles.

Can I get you some coffee or something else to drink? I ask, trying to get her to warm up, both mentally and physically.

C-coffee would be nice, she says quietly.

Going into the small kitchen, I grab one of the decaf pods we have for Sly and throw it in the coffee maker. I figure the way she’s coming down, caffeine is the last thing she needs. After the cup brews, I look at her. Do you take anything in it?

Just a little sugar and milk. I can get it, though, you don’t need to go through any trouble.

I wave her off. It’s nothing, I’ve had my share of bad days.

I sit at the table and motion for her to join me. Thank you for calling him, she replies looking down at her coffee.

I can’t help but watch her over the small table. You seem like it’s important.

She plays with a sugar packet I sat on the table, like she’s scared to speak, It’s okay if you don’t want to share, I get it.

She continues to flip the sugar packet around. No, it’s okay. It is kind of important, and he’s the only person who’s ever helped me without expecting something in return. Her voice is so timid and quiet.

Well, you can add me to that list. I expect nothing in return. This girl looks like she’s been through hell. I’m not the man to have expectations of anyone. She needs help, I’ll help her and then walk away. No strings, no commitments, no connections.

Paige? Huck says from the doorway, before stepping further into the room. You asked for me?

Her head snaps up and then she nods, looking down. I didn’t know where else to go. I was doing good, I promise. I went to church and... She starts to cry for the first time since she came in.

Regret...I recognize it well. She’s full of remorse, that much is easily read in her expression to Huck.

He goes to her, pulling her up from the chair, rubbing her hair like you would a child and hugging her. She looks so tiny against him. It’s okay, we’re going to make it better.

A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought Huck could care for an imaginary friend, but now I know this is what Huck excels at. He’s the calm in the storm. The total opposite from his twin. Sly, well, he’s the damn storm. The two brothers may look alike, but it ends there. I’m glad I’ve gotten to know them, though, I haven’t felt a bond like this since I was in the military.

He glances my way. Thanks, Sergio, you can go. I’m sure you’ve got things you wanna be doing. I’ve got Elaine on the way here to check her out. Elaine is Lox’s mom, the surrogate mom to every person at this gym. She practically raised him and Sly.

I reach over and shake his hand. Okay, man. I’ll head out. I motion to her, Let me know if you need anything.

The last thing this woman needs is a stranger hovering. She feels safe with Huck and I know the man is rock solid, so it’s my time to leave.

He nods before I walk out the door, figuring I’ll hear more, but I never do.

Until now. She’s here now and she looks so much brighter, completely different from that night. In an almost involuntary reaction, Marco and I both gravitate that way. She’s still a small person, but at least she’s put on a few pounds and doesn’t look so hollow.

Marco pulls her tight against his chest. Paige, sweetheart, you’re a damn sight for this old man’s eyes.

She laughs a little. Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay all of you.

He shakes his head against her shoulder. None of that. You needed help, you got help. You’re better now? he asks, pulling away a little to see her reaction. I can see the reaction in his face, though, and his eyes are fighting tears, but you can also see how proud he is. It almost gets me, too, because I’ve never seen this old marine bat as much as an eyelash. I concentrate on the smell of the cleaner used to clean the equipment. It’s a trait I picked up during my time in the Army to trick my brain to think about something else.

She nods. Yes, I feel really good. So much better.

She finishes pulling away from him and steps in front of me. I don’t know if you remember me.

Oh, I remember her, she’s been on my mind since the night of the Christmas party. Something about her stuck there like a picture I couldn’t erase.

I nod. I do, Paige. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.

She gives me a shy smile, looking up into my eyes. Yes, and some of that is thanks to you. The night I came here I was so scared and I didn’t know what to do since I didn’t see anyone I recognized. I was tempted to run away. Touching my arm, she sighs. Thank you for being a gentle giant that night.

I want to laugh. A giant I may be in size, but gentle is not how most would describe me. However, with her, something inside of me softens and eases in a way I haven’t felt in far too long.

Something about her touch zings through me and I take a small step back. Like I said that night, I’ve had my share of bad days, too.

Huck interrupts us, Are you ready for me to show you what you’ll be doing?

Huh? I question. Huck glares at me like I’m standing in his way of the seafood buffet.

Marco clears his throat. Paige is going to be helping us out in the office, with some secretarial stuff.

Huck shakes his head and almost like a teen rolls his eyes at Marco and then looks back to me to explain. I’m not a paper pusher, and I’ve got a mess going in there, so she’s going to help me get caught up and stay caught up.

I give them a small laugh and look to her, I’m sorry you’ll be stuck keeping up with this asshole. I know I’m giving her a little flirty grin but I can’t help it.

She laughs and it’s a beautiful sound. Eh, he’s not so bad. She glances up at him with an admiration I used to see in my little sister’s eyes. I miss that look.

I need to back away, I tip my chin up. Well, if you need help keeping him in check, let me know. I love getting in the cage with him.

She nods. I’ll remember that. Thank you. Turning, she walks toward the office as Huck follows her, but not before giving me another warning look.

Marco gets my attention with his voice. You ready or are you going to stare at her ass all day?

I wasn’t staring at her ass, per say, but I was staring in fascination. Now that he mentions it though, yeah, she’s got a nice ass. I shake my head to clear it and follow Marco back to the bag.

I’m glad to see that she’s doing better than the last time I saw her.

Marco nods, taking his place back by the bag. That girl has had a hell of a life. She’s been dealt a shit hand several times, but she’s a fighter. Huck’s always had a soft spot for her, he shrugs his shoulders, he’s her safe space I guess.

They never...? I question.

No, I think maybe a long time ago he had some different feelings for her, but no way now. Chelsea, lil Harm, and this baby on the way are his world, he explains as I put my gloves back on. But, if I were you I wouldn’t push my luck with him over her.

Not going to, I was just wondering. She looks a lot healthier now, that’s for sure. I mean when I saw her the first time she looked like a strong wind could’ve knocked her over.

God yes. That girl only weighed a hundred and five pounds when Elaine checked her out. I’m not sure she’d eaten a full meal in weeks. He shakes his head. Never mind, I don’t want to get worked up over all of this again. Let’s get busy with the bag.

I can tell this girl’s story truly bothers him. No need to drag him down. Okay, I’m ready. Let’s do this.

But the more that I think about it, her ass sure was nice.

CHAPTER 2

PAIGE

Breathe in, breathe out, no one here is going to judge you. I keep telling myself this as I follow Huck into the gym’s office. My nerves are just all over the place, especially being that one