Paytons POV
i 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 to say, this guy was like a ninja.
" looks a-lot like the one that peeled out of the underground last night." He drawled, his comment sent chills racing down my spine. He was there? Why was Ashton at an illegal ring anyways?
No matter the reason of why he was at an illegal fight club, Ashton couldn't of figured my secret that quick could he? There's no way. It just wasn't possible, i was being careful and if it only took him half the morning it wouldn't take long for others to figure it out either and my ass either in Jail or worse dead. I didn't think the gang that ran the club would be too happy with their fight club operations becoming public knowledge."So how long have you been fighting then Payton?" He responded once he realized I wasn't going to respond anytime soon.
...And there was my answer. He definitely knew.
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Ashtons POV
I turned to watch her walk away, her brown ponytail swaying with each step she took, something familiar flooded my mind. The underground ring. It couldn't be? Could it?
Frowning at the sudden realization i followed Payton out of the gym. It was time for some answers.. I had to find out, if she was fighting in a Russian mafia owned ring she would be dead as soon as they found out she was James Rivers daughter.
The teacher called my name as I raced out of the gym and grabbed my stuff. I headed down Hall C towards the side doors. It was quicker to the student parking lot this way and a you were alot less likely to get caught leaving campus early, but since Payton was new here i doubt she would know that.
Stepping out of the school i glanced around the parking lot looking for Paytons figure before noticing the black street bike from last night.
Walking up to investigate it, I automatically recognized the old bike.
I used to work on the motorcycle with James, naming it the black beauty. I was only 15 when James and i started working on it but he taught me more about life then my own father ever did.
I rubbed the tiny engraved JR & AW initials scratched on to the tail pipe. Whoever owned this bike definitely had some connection to him and to the unground ring, but i think i already knew the answer to who.
Payton.
I was still admiring the meticulously maintained bike partially in disbelief and partially in anger. The sound of soft footsteps walking towards me interrupting my moment of reverie.
I knew from the feminine presence it was Payton "Nice bike, although i doubt its yours there is no way you can ride this thing" i nodded briskly at the glorious machine, Although it does look a lot like the bike that peeled out of the underground last night." I added.
Her soft footsteps faltered, when she didn't reply after a moment i pressed further.
"So how long have you been fighting for the Russian Mafia Payton?" I asked casually knowing fully well she had been caught red handed.
A soft huff of annoyance came from the girl behind me and I felt a slight frustration boil beneath my skin. How stupid was this girl? Did she not know how her father died?
Payton Rivers was boxing for my enemy's fight club. The vary people who murdered her father.
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Paytons POV
"First off what are you talking about and secondly you don't even know anything about me to be making such assumptions" I tried to defend myself.
Maybe if the circumstances weren't stacked against me, Ashton would of fallen for my clueless act.. but it just so happened that he was there watching me fight last night at the ring.
I was caught red handed and he knew it.
"Princess I'm not stupid, i know when i see a trained fighter." He paused "besides i recognized you from last night...some fight by the way" he smirked now facing me.
"Besides it would take more then coloured contacts and a hoodie to keep me from recognizing you babe" he murmured in my ear making the flutter in my heart run rampant and my panties soak.
The mixed emotions frustrated me and i snapped. "Get away from me and my bike Ashton, you don't know me or anything about my life"
His smirk widened before stepping back.
"Ooh someones feisty...Fine princess, we both know?i know your little secret so on that note, where are you headed ?" He asked leaning against a black Audi conveniently parked next to my bike.
"Away from you" i snapped in annoyance, storming over and swinging my leg over the glorious bike before pulling my helmet out of my bag.
"Well i know a place thats good for hitting bags if you wanna come? From one fellow boxer to another" Ashton offered before pulling out his keys and hitting the unlock button on the Audi.
Inspecting his car appreciatively, i weighed the pros and cons before putting on my helmet and nodding at him to lead the way. The powerful machine rumbled to life beneath me. I needed to alleviate some stress and punching something... or someone
sounded mighty fine about now.Pulling my bike out of the parking stall i waited for Ashton to steer out of the parking lot and then followed him down the road and out onto the freeway.
Once we hit the freeway, all my worries momentarily melted away. I twisted the throttle and zipped past Ashton giving him the finger as i passed. I cant ride huh? Boy was he gonna get a show. Laughing i pulled the bike into a cat walk down the paved road between two yellow cabs before zigzagging around traffic as Ashton tried to keep up.
Racing down the freeway was an escape, maybe not the safest but the adrenaline helped erase my anxieties. There was nothing here but me and my dads bike.
Drifting into La La land I barely noticed Ashton gas it past me, zooming ahead. Shaking my head, to clear it from anymore distractions i followed him off the QE2 exit ramp and down through the heart of the city.
High rises glimmered in the sun as the cold concrete jungle rose from the ground reaching high into the brilliant blue sky. Ashton pulled onto a side street with me following closely behind him and parking my bike.Looking at the single standing bricked building it looked out of place amongst the cold steel and reflecting glass of the modern towers. reading over the sign plastered on the front of the building I easily recognized the gym name. Whyte out.
Holy shit. Ashton Whyte as in Whyte Industries? Things just got a-lot more interesting."Like what you see?" Ashtons smug voice broke me out of my appreciative gaze.
"Pffttt"
i hissed under my breath before marching past him towards the heavy glass doors.Inside was immaculate but in a industrial grungy way, exposed brick and concrete walls offset the expensive black matted floor, there were punching bags in different sparing areas and a large gleaming ring in the centre of the space.Walking past all the equipment i followed Ashton towards the back of the room. Slight Disappointment thickening in the back of my throat.
"Um where are we going?" I asked curious as we passed the glorious gym. Subtly checking a few tempting male species as we passed.
"We're using my personal gym" he answered non-chalant before opening two giant sliding metal doors, revealing a a smaller boxing space, set with its own smaller boxing ring.
"So your Ashton Whyte .. as in Whyte industry's huh?" I commented even though the answer was clearly obvious.
"Yea something like that" he rolled his eyes before getting in the ring and tossing me a set of gloves. "Common up princess" he smiled trying to intimidate me.. little did he know nothing really scared me anymore.
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 "Well what do we do now?" I asked. I could tell by the pensive look on Ashtons face he was conflicted by something. "We are doing nothing, your staying put until this all blows over.. meanwhile I'm going to start by getting myself a drink" he groans. "What Ashton! No way!" I began to protest before he cut me off. "your staying here from now on, until i go talk to my old man and we form a plan to get the HD6 out of town" I felt my stomach sink. "Cant i stay home? I don't need babysitters Ashton" "No, we will go to your place and collect your things and that's final" he snapped before leaving the room irritated and calling out for Matthew. I sunk into the chair. I hated this, I never asked for Ashton to swoop in like some knight in shining armor, I never asked to be sucked into some twisted life where instead of my father being the victim of a random killing, that he perhaps did something to deserve that fate.. how many people did he kill? Or families he tore apa
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