Paytons POV
Who ever came up with my schedule was going to hell... who schedules someone kick boxing first thing in the morning? and a Co-ed Kick boxing training class at that!
I wasn't scared of sweating in front of some guys, hell i'd dare them to say something to me especially before I've had a coffee. I hated mornings and i knew after my run in earlier this morning with that asshole, i was gonna be the new topic on campus.
So much for laying low
Pushing open the door to the girls locker room, a clusters of girls giggled and gossiped about anything and everything, evening mentioning me once or twice under their breath before my glare shut them up.
Rolling my eyes i moved to the back of the room, flinging my duffle bag onto a bench and quickly stripping out of my clothes.
"If there was anything i hated more than being the new kid it was a bunch of gossiping barbies."
"Hey your the new girl who stood up to Ashton Whyte right?" A curious voice questioned behind me.
Rolling my eyes i turned to face her.
"Is that his name? and here i was calling him an asshole" I mentioned cooly, levelling my gaze at the girl standing in front of me. She was pretty with long black to grey ombré hair and wide brown eyes. She looked fairly harmless, but i also knew how deceiving looks could be.
"Oh nothing it's just your talked about all over campus now, nobody walks away from Ashton let alone talks back to him like that, it's pretty impressive" she smiled at me before setting her bag down and changing into her gym wear.
"I don't put up men who have big dog syndrome" i shrugged, pulling my Lululemon shorts up over my hips and twisting my hair into a high ponytail.
"You know i like you, your a no bullshit, straight shooter kind of gal and i appreciate that" she smirked again before reaching out her hand " Im Mariah Whyte, its nice to meet the girl who put my older brother in his place."
Caught off guard i Froze in the middle of tying my shoes , older brother? Realization dawned on me as i sorted out the fact that Mariah was the assholes younger sister.
Decidedly Not wanting to create anymore attention to myself i made a mental note of that fact and turned to face her once again.
"Im Payton Rivers, it's nice to meet you."
Her face faltered slightly before grinning again "We are gonna be the best of friends, i can tell" she winked at me before we strolled out of the locker room.
We walked into the gym where the coach was standing waiting for the rest of the stragglers to join the group. Looking around at the group of student standing idly by the i caught sight of Matthew talking to the asshole and some hunky blonde.
"Thats Matthew Black, and Aiden Hayes their gorgeous huh?" Mariah smirked beside me nudging my shoulder. Then staring at Aiden with admiration.
Pushing her shoulder back i smiled slightly "yea their cute, not typically my type though" i shrug as she looks at me like I'm crazy.
"How are they not your type? They are every girls type!" Mariahs eyes bugged out, making her look like her brain was over working.
"I don't know, I'm a sucker for the bad boy type more then the football star/ boy next door type i guess, besides it's obvious you have a thing for Aiden and since your sorta my first friend here i don't wanna come between that" i teased, smirking at her sudden blushing face.
"Aiden and I? No way! He's been my brothers best friend since we were kids!" She stammered, looking everywhere but at me.
...So the the cutie who showed me to my class and Aiden are best friends with the asshole huh? I smiled slyly and made another mental note before turning my attention back to my new friend.
"Suree.." i was cut off by the coach yelling at us to gather around so he could explain the training for this practice.
Standing in the circle i noticed Ashton and Matthew directly across from where Mariah and i were standing. Ashton stared at me with a disgusted look, Matthew gazed over my body appreciatively causing me to cross my arms across my chest and slip on an emotionless mask. turning my focus to our coach and tuning into his instructions.
"Okay players! Heres the plan for today! The education board has decided to emplace boxing as a new Co-ed sport team this year instead of separate, everything is the same in regards to standards and will be regulated like the other school clubs however they implemented two new systems- first one defensive training, which we will be doing today and tomorrow will be hit training."
I almost laughed. I joined the boxing club to have extra practice but this seemed almost too easy.
"Also I'm gonna partner you with the opposite gender, that way females you will learn the weak points on men and men can learn to adapt their skills on a female partner. First pair up will be Mariah and Aiden"
I smirked at Mariah wiggling my eyebrows "get him down on his knees girl!" I encouraged as Mariahs face turned redder then a tomato.
"Next pair is Payton and Ashton"
I froze, no fucking way. I glanced towards Mariah who was now smirking at me and wiggling her eyebrows. Giving her the finger, i reluctantly moved and stood next to Ashton.
"Hey there princess, i didn't take you as the boxing type" he whispered his warm breath tickling my ear and his masculine scent invaded my nose.
"Hey there asshole, you know nothing about me" i retorted back keeping my focus on the coaches instructions.
You know that mouth of yours is gonna get you in trouble, maybe i should put it to good use, i think that would be a good apology for this morning, dont you?" his deep voice made my knees weak and my stomach clench with heat. Ashtons words were affecting me but he wouldn't know it. I knew how to mask my emotions well enough by now it was almost second nature.
Once the coach was done his instructions we took our place on the matted floor.
" you need help with that move princess?" He smirked at me.
"Screw this guy"
Cackling like a crazy person inside my head i felt a rush of pride and mischief. I was going to use this to my advantage because - he didn't know that i was a pro fighter.
Smiling shyly then pouting slightly i walked up to him tickling my fingers along his shoulders. "Would you please show me how?"
His eyes seemed to glimmer with amusement and arrogance"Sure thing princess, place your hands on my body and feet like this.."
"Gotcha"
Before he could finish his sentence i twisted his arm and tossed his muscular body over my shoulder.
thwack! the sound of Ashtons heavy body landing on the matts resonated through the gymnasium, i quickly twisted so my knee was pressing firmly down on Ashtons chiseled chest and his arm twisted above him head.
Silence stilled the gym. Everyone was staring at me in disbelief like they couldn't believe i had taken down Ashton Whyte that easily; and by all means if i wasn't highly trained I probably couldn't of.
"Well looks like we have a seasoned fighter here with us" the coach praised "looks like you might have a run for your money Ashton" the teacher chuckled before turning around to help another sparring pair.
I looked down at Ashtons confused face, making sure to feign surprise.
"I totally let you have that one" he snorted before standing up and brushing himself off. "Of course he had to mend his bruised ego", i thought rolling my eyes.
"What was that about?" Ashton looked at me directly with peaked curiosity.
"It was nothing, fluke accident" i shrugged before turning away to look at the newer recruits practicing their sparing, pursing my lips as i mentally pointed out the slack where their wrist should be firm or their shaky stances.
Ashton suddenly caught my wrist pulling me sharply towards him, instinctively i pulled away from his body and stuck out my leg to trip him sending us crashing to the ground.
"See sweetheart that was not nothing that was instinctive." He pointed out.
"Back off Whyte.." i hissed, distracted by his hard body beneath mine.
"where did you learn those moves" questions reflected in his dark eyes as he pressed into me further, gripping onto my thighs threateningly and holding me in place.God he was fucking sexy.
He looked down at my lips and then back to my gaze. Breaking out of my trance I realized the position we were in looked quite compromising, i was straddling his waist as his hands burned holes through my shorts leaving a trail of heat on my hips. Shooting off his lap I straightened out my shirt and rubbed my forehead timidly.
"Honestly its nothing my dad made me take a couple self defence classes when i was younger" i mumbled, feeling suddenly hot and uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze.
Standing up Ashton nodded clearly not believing me as his eyes were still full of intrigue and lust?
"Um I'm gonna get going,i forgot i gotta be somewhere?" My excuse sounding more like a question than a response before pointing to the door and briskly walking away.
He was getting too close already and it was only the first half of the school day. He couldn't find out.. nobody could found out i was an illegal fighter.
I was gonna have to avoid Ashton Whyte at all costs.
Paytons POVi didn't even bother changing out of my gym clothes, I grabbed my duffle bag from the locker room and high tailed it out of there. I could care less if i got in trouble for skipping the rest of my classes, i lived on my own anyways, nobody would even notice.As i wandered down the hall to the parking lot. I was scared of the look Ashton gave me, the intense suspicion in his brown eyes. He was observant and calculating, He knew something was up and he would be relentless until he figured it out. I couldn't let anyone figure out my secret. I almost let out a breath of relief once i stepped outside into the sunlight until i seen Ashtons Broad form inspecting my bike.God he was sexy as hell.I walked up to him, my heart rate rising realizing that i had left the gym before him. How did he make it outside before me?"This is a Nice bike, although i doubt its yours, there is no way you can ride this thing" he commented his back still to me as i neared. I froze unsure of what
Ashtons POVA smug grin creeped across my face as i raced down the freeway, Payton close behind me. The blaring music drowning out the sound of passing traffic. I merged lanes between cars recklessly trying to keep ahead of the black bike and its attractive rider. Eventually i was forced to slow down, reaching the end of my stunt driving rope, two cab drivers going the same speed in both lanes were currently refraining me from staying ahead of my little game. Looking out my rear view mirror, my smirk dropped into astonishment at what i was seeing. Payton lifted her bike up onto a wheelie, down the freeway, giving me the finger before zooming between the two cabs down the dotted yellow line and pulling out ahead of me... my triumphant grin was wiped right off my face leaving me dumbfounded. This girl didn't cease to amaze me.Finally the yellow cab in front of me pulled away. Taking my chance i slammed my car into second gear gaining ground on Payton. I was enthralled with the way
Ashtons POVPayton flung herself at me in anger, the need to hit something.. or someone had clearly been building up all morning. I knew the exact feeling hence why i opened the gym while my father had gone ghost. Payton and i rollicked back and forth, kicking, punching and dodging. we danced a vicious cycle, aiming to hit every inch of unprotected skin she could get at while i stayed in the defense. Panting in exhaustion, I reached out to tap her open jaw side earning me a swift kick the the ribs. Doubling over in exasperation i reached out catching her small fists and pulled towards me firmly. A shiver of anticipation rolled down my spine in pleasure, her tiny frame fitting perfectly against my body, our heavy breathing ringing through the silent room. The mood shifting from frustration to something remotely sexual. What was this girl doing to me?"See princess i knew you were a fighter" i whispered teasingly in my ear. Feeling her shiver against me. Shaking off the thick sensual
Payton POVTo say i was upset wasn't exactly the right choice of words.. i was sick of Ashton acting all high and mighty. Someone had to knock him off his high horse.And it was going to be me. I was currently back at the underground, getting into the ring for my next fight. After i left the gym angrily, my underground scheduler called up asking if i wanted to make some extra cash tonight. Still feeling itchy with the need to draw blood i quickly agreed.What is wrong with me. I shook my head in disgust i was becoming no better then an addict when it came to fighting.I turned my attention back to my opponent who was new to this ring, so lets give him a warm welcoming and see how well he handles getting his ass handed to him tonight.I put in my coloured contracts and threw my straightened hair into tight braids. I wasn't stupid, i knew how dangerous fighting in an illegal ring could be, but this was the only way i could make quick easy money.. without selling drugs or my body at l
Ashtons POVAfter Payton stormed out i headed back out to the public arena."Hey Ashy" a small voice screeched.Cringing i turned to face the small blonde from this morning."Ashley" i nodded"Oh um my names actually.." she went to explain but honestly i didn't care, this chick was annoying me and the only girl infiltrating my mind was Payton.Why did i even care?"Look I honestly don't care what your name is" I interrupted her before turning away and heading into my office. I didn't make it a habit to sleep with the same girl twice. I was a rich and dangerous man, I couldn't allow someone to be a target because of me again.I picked up my phone and dialled Matthew.The phone rang twice before Matthew picked it up "Hey i need you to find out what time the fights are at the underground tonight." "Okay sounds good boss, did you find out anything on Rivers?" He asked."Yea shes a fighter at the underground, which means if there's a fight tonight she will most likely be there" i explai
Paytons POV I felt weighed down, like my body was made of of lead, but why was this damn light shining so brightly in my eyes? Groaning with exhaustion, i just laid there conscious with my eyes closed listening to the sounds around me. Besides the occasional beeping of a heart monitor, Soft murmurs came from across the room. The frantic muttering sounded worrisome only aiding to my never ending curiosity.Prying my burning eyes open I blinked the eye sand away and slowly regained focus as the bright sun continued to skew my vision. Once i could see clearly i slowly shifted my stiff body to sit up right against the pillows, inhaling as a sharp pain shot up from my waist. Oh Right i got stabbed. I recalled the vivid memory right up to the moment i blacked out from the blood loss; everything after that was lost to me. Lifting the cozy black duvet up i sighed in relief. i was still wearing my black sports bra but a pair of baggy grey sweatpants now replaced the leggings i was w
Ashtons POVTo say I was furious was an understatement, after risking my men and even my own life to save hers that was the thanks I get? What an ungrateful little brat.I threw the nearest lamp at the wall feeling the anger slightly ebb away as the ceramic shattered against the wall in a million tiny pieces. I tossed a few other miscellaneous items around as I seethed in anger. My mind dipping into the dark cesspool of my inner thoughts.How dare she get angry with me! God only knows the price on her head now and she has the audacity to blame me, i was doing her a favour. She should be thanking me for saving her sorry ass but instead I'm getting a temper tantrum from her. Payton couldn't possibly understand the dangers she would now face because of that night. She would be hunted until someone finally tracked her down and killed her. She thought i was keeping her captive when i was only trying to do whats right and keep her alive. Its what her father would have wanted. Either way t
Payton POV I walked towards the door at the end of the hall just as Matthew had instructed. I was still upset about the whole ordeal, but Matthew's appellation had calmed me down enough to think clearly. If there was more to the story then Ashton was telling me, I was going to find out soon enough. Just as I raised a fist to knock, shattering glass crashed from behind the door. Huffing I rapped my bruised knuckles on the wooden surface making the person throwing a temper tantrum inside the room stop in his tracks. "Go away" he snapped worming a smug smile onto my face. I batted my eyes and peered around the corner of the door innocently, looking around the room for Ashtons latest victim. "Jeesh what did the lamp do to you?" I snickered. "Payton. Not. Now" Ashton glared at me, clearly annoyed at my unwelcome intrusion. I hesitated for a minute, deciding whether I should talk to him about this later when he's cooled off a bit or just spit it out now and face his wrath. Deciding
Paytons POV There was a clash of lips and teeth, Hands wildly groping skin and heavy panting as Ashton and I sunk into our wild frenzy. In this moment of gratification, I felt on top of the world like all the previous stress and trauma had been building up for this rewarding moment. I shifted my hips to comfortably sit on Ashtons lap as he sat us down in the leather computer chair. Groaning with impatience I shifted my hips purposly grinding my core on the stiffness in his grey sweatpants, earning a low growl from Ashton who was nipping at my swollen lips. Smirking softly I shifted and pressed even harder on the ridged length earning a streak of pleasure to zip through me. This time I was a groaning mess as Ashton licked and nibbled my neck while holding my hips firmly down on him and rocking me back and forth. “Ashton” I whined softly unsure if I was ready for the building climax that came and left like a tide. “Kitten, if you say my name again you will end up against this desk”
(Paytons POV) 1,2,3,4 Punch, jab, duck repeat. I followed the same methodical pattern given out by Ashton as I took out my escalating frustration on the punching bag in front of me. I had only been out of commission for a couple of weeks and already I could tell the difference in my strength. Stupid hitman in the ring, stupid shitty deck of cards life had handed me, stupid gangs, stupid mother. The list of people to blame went on and on in my head right down the guy selling greasy hotdogs on the street corner. I wanted my strength back, I wanted that feeling of power when you see defeat in your opponents' eyes as you take them down. I wanted an outlet for the raging wildfire my anger ignited. The thoughts rolled around in my head, blurring my vision, making me beat the punching bag faster and harder until Ashtons voice yelled at me to calm down. A simple command that cut clear through the red haze in my mind. I looked up at Ashton with wide red rimmed eyes, could he tell I was
(PAYTONS POV)I knew she was my mother the moment i followed Ashton down the hall, i could tell from our similar features and stature that our similarities were too uncanny for her to be a distant relative. Now however i wished she were, the pain in my heart would be a lot more bearable then watching my mothers face twist with confusion and then eyes fill with dread as she realized exactly who i was. My mothers eyes shifted to Aiden with growing panic, pleading for him to understand why she did what she did. She looked over to me unsure of the right words to say"Payton, your father and i.. I grew up in a very small town, where i met a man who would beat me until i was inches from dying. I Ran away, and ended up meeting your father at a local pub one night. We fell in love over the next few months and rather quickly i became pregnant with your brother, at the time it was wonderful and life was looking up for the both of us, now I realize though were were kids just playing pretend.A
(PAYTONS POV)My heart pounded painfully in my chest as i slowly recognized the Dainty woman sitting across the room. My hands started to shake and my lungs felt heavy as my breath came out quick and shallow with panic.How could this even be possible? My mother was sitting live and well not even five feet away from me. After all this time, after my fathers death and living on my own for so long.. my mother was here.My shock and momentary happiness morphed into a boiling rage. My own mother was here alive and well while the only parent i had who loved and raised me was six feet under. How dare she, where was she my whole life? was i not good enough for her?Pain, that's all i felt as i watched her face pale through my blurry eyes. Fury crushing my heart with its iron grip. Wiping away my tears furiously i began to laugh, not the cute and happy kind of laugh, a laugh that said "screw you world" and let insanity slowly sink in. Everyone around the room watched my reactions carefully ga
(ASHTONS POV) I glanced around the office at the men and women sitting like soldiers wherever they could fit. This was my inner circle, the only six people I could trust to do their job and get it done right. Between you and me i would only trust half of them with my own life though. We started off with the weekly reports, updates on how sales were going, recent influxes on the black market and what was popular for stock and demand with our alliances. Once all that was dealt with i headed into the more explicit part of gang dealings- who's been killed, regathering information from informants and last but not least the news I had uncovered while at Payton's house."Alright men, I'm about to tell you guys something that is absolutely classified and I won't be repeating it a second time, I need to know that whatever I am going to say will not leave this room and will be treated with complete discretion.. especially from my father" I ordered not allowing my strong exterior to slip fro
(Paytons POV)I drove 80 kilometres over the legal speed limit in a rush to get Ashton back to the apartment so he could get stitched up. My mind was a cluster of thoughts, I was angry and hopeful all at once. I couldn't seem to find the words to say after Ashton had shared his suspicions with me, not entirely sure if I wanted to meet someone who could potentially be my blood relative, after all where were they after my father had been killed?I pulled off the freeway and neared the heart of downtown, feeling the familiar shake of anxiety rattle my nerves. With every passing minute we were coming up closer and closer to the apartment, I glanced over at Ashton who was too half out of it to notice the blood starting to stain his Italian leather seats.I peeled towards the elevator door once we had entered the parkade, not caring about the shoddy parking job. I hopped out of the drivers seat and ran to the passenger side, helping Ashton out of the car as he kept pressure on his wound. S
Paytons POV "ASHTON" his name ripped from my throat as I watched the guy behind him get up from the pavement and slowly raised a gun to the back of Ashtons head.Before I even knew what was happening my body moved on its own accord, I remember reaching for the gun tucked under my sweater but pulling the trigger and shooting the threat square in the left eye seemed like a faint memory, the only indication I had actually done it was the loud bang that reverberated up my arm leaving me blinking in shock.Had I actually just killed someone?Bile rose in my throat, but I quickly shoved it down. This Is what my life has become or rather what it was always about, I was just to blind to see it. It started with my father and now with me, an endless cycle with no reprieve in sight.Tucking the gun back under my sweater I just stared at Ashton. If he was surprised or impressed, he didn't show it, in fact his face tensed up as though he were in were secretly in pain. Looking down at Ashtons side
(Ashtons pov)After finding the pictures hidden in the drawer, and finding nothing in the dresser or en suite I scavenged the closet. So far, I hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary apart from a few questionably funky dress shirts some worn loafers and a pair of edible underwear pushed to the back of the drawers.I moved around and investigated a few boxes on the top shelf of the closet and checked all the jacket pockets and soles of his shoes but nothing i found was of was of any use to us.We were so close! Were would James hide something he didn't want to be found?Frustrated i sat down at the edge of the bed, my mind wandering to the photo of James and Aiden's mom. They looked like long lost friends or lovers.Did they date previously or was there something more between the two of them? Rubbing my eyes in frustration I let out huff, letting my eyes wander my gaze settled at the custom Harley David mirror hanging across the room from me. The sun shone off of it but didn't
Ashtons POVWe cleaned in silence, allowing Payton some space to collect herself. My eyes kept wandering to the random photos scattered of Payton and her dad. How could we know this man for years and never know he had a daughter this whole time?I took to putting the shelves back in their upright position and threw some miscellaneous trash into the large garbage bag we had set out."Hey Payton is there anything they could of been looking for specifically?" I questioned, as i pulled the couch back over onto its legs and the recliners back into their upright position.I want to know why they thought destroying her home would of been a good idea."Not that I can think of" she mumbled, pulling the dustpan out of a closet and began sweeping up the broken glass littering the floor.We tidied the rest of the main floor in silence. I knew her mind was somewhere far away as i watch her face contort with anger and resentment then sadness and resign."You look a lot like your dad you know" i