Payton POV
To 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 least.
My Ring name Jessamine (meaning deadly flower) was called to the ring.
Shaking out my nerves i walked out of the quiet locker room into the rowdy crowds.
Concrete walls made the room cold and gruesome, cheap metal bleachers and fold up chairs circled the dingy rundown ring that was fenced off by chain link fencing, trapping the opponents from falling out or fleeing the ring.
It was fight to the death or at a minimum till someone was out cold
The Majority of people here under estimated me, however i preferred it that way, being the underdog made it easier to take out my opponents, they were always unsuspecting which always guaranteed a nice pay check afterwards.Stepping into the filthy, piss and blood stained ring the chain link door was shut and locked behind me, I glanced around briefly at the crowds; Looked like a bunch of filthy rich, blood thirsty mobsters here tonight.
It meant, tonight the mafia wanted blood.
I looked back at my opponent in surprise, fear and anger surging through my veins, increasing my already fast beating heart. Analyzing his short stocky build, shiny head and beady brown eyes, i would know his face anywhere. He was one of the three men who broke into my childhood home and killed my father.
Deciding my opponents weakness would be most likely his speed i chose to make sure to keep light and quick on my feet. I was going to enjoy making him beg for mercy.
If it was blood they wanted, it was blood they would get.
My opponent checked me over twice before grinning grotesquely."You look strangely familiar, where would i of met a sexy lass like yourself hmm?"
I bit my tongue sharply, restraint wasn't my strongest quality, but i wasn't going to lose focus now. Not when one of the men that haunted my nightmares was literally right in front of me.
I would get my revenge.
"Hey Doll face, What do you say we meet in the back alley for my prize after i give you a good beating"
A shiver of disgust went through me.
"How about you worry about yourself you sadistic pig ?" I snapped at him.
"Ooh shes got a mouth on her after all! Oye the things i could do with a mouth like that" he chuckled before looking at me darkly.
i was angry, how dare he stand there and mock me after everything he took from me, i used my rage as fuel for the fight. I couldn't let my anger blind me from winning this fight, exhaling i tried to calm myself. This creep was about to learn some respect.
The bell went off and i smirked, running i landed the first punch across the mans face immediately spraying blood across the floor."Why you little bitch seems like nobody has put you in your place" he spit before jumping back up to swing at me. Dodging it i kicked him in the chest, scoring another string of curses from the guy.
We fought like that back and forth, in the underground there were no rounds, it was keep fighting till your opponent either gives, gets knocked unconscious or dies.
It was a nasty circuit, that could end up deadly real quick.
My opponent was starting to wear down, he had gotten a couple good shots that were surly going to start to bruise by the morning however he was looking a little worse for wear.
I was starting to feel tired,this fight was going too long and honestly i was already bored of toying with the man so i went in for the kill.
Lunging forward, i raised my arm to punch the man square in the jaw when a sharp pain lodged itself in my ribcage.
Looking down i saw my white top stained red as blooded weeped from a wound left by a small switchblade lodged in my side. A swift punch to the jaw caused my head to snap around.
My world was spinning, my ears rung as i tried the hold onto consciousness for dear life.
Glancing around the crowd, i keeled over noticing Ashton staring back at me angrily
Those very sexy.. furious looking chocolate eyes.
Ashton? What was he doing here?
Not tearing my gaze away from his, i pulled the switchblade from my ribs and threw it outside the ring at his feet, grunting in pain.
Ashton winced reflexively but kept his angry eyes on mine, I don't know why he was so angry but if i were a normal girl, i would of thought it was because he cared.
He nodded back at the fight signalling me to finish it. Nodding back in silent understanding i turned back to face my gloating opponent, triumph and greed written all over his smug face.
"Ready for more bit$&? I bet you like being beat huh? Does being treated like a punching bag get you off or something? "
Turning towards him, i was enraged. But I was already weakened and rapidly losing blood, could i survive another critical blow?
The Blood seemed to flow quicker making the floor slick, i felt slightly light headed. Standing up i gripped my rib cage tightly, ignoring the screaming pain as i advanced to my opponent.
Red hot anger, fuelled me as my opponent and i kept dancing around each other. i knew i was going to blackout soon and i knew that was what my opponent was waiting for, just abiding his time till i fainted from the blood loss. Desperate for this win, i waited for an opening, holding on as i spit out blood and struggled with each breath. I watched intently as he hopped left to right, jabbed forward and defensively pulled back. If i could time it right i could land a hard kick to the head when he pulled back.
1..2..3..4 noticing my opening i moved forward as he pulled back swinging my leg high and kicking him across the face causing him to spin twice and hit the floor.
He was out.
My vision faded in and out as I felt the room sway, the inaudible chant of the room, silenced by the ringing in my ears.
Half the crowd boo'd while the other half cheered as the referee called the counted down, declaring me winner. A wave of relief flooded through me before my eyes rolled backwards.
After that everything went black as i slumped to the bloody floor.
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
Ashtons POVI stormed out of the room angrily, leaving Payton to her own devices. I shouldn't worry about some ungrateful princess but the position she put myself and my men in is not a good one. We need her to be complacent and on our side more then ever now."Matthew!" I yelled out wondering where that idiot went and hid. "Yea boss?" His familiar voice called out from the kitchen, He was probably stashing away his coco puffs from Payton."Pour me a damn drink" "You got it boss" he smirked at me before sliding the bottle of cognac over to me. After a moment of silence Matthew glanced over at me "Soo.. how'd it go?""Matthew if you ever do something like that again, i"ll hang you" i muttered darkly before taking a long swig and reiterating the eye opening conversation i had with Payton moments ago............................."Honestly dude, it sounds like you're actually starting to care for the girl" Matthew teased, he's been my best friend since we were children, he knew all a
Paytons pov I woke up the following morning with a pounding head ache, although it was self-inflicted I couldn't help but pity myself. Stretching and rolling over, i sighed with resignation. Im never drinking again. "Oh good your up" Ashtons snipped as he stomped into the room looking quite dishevelled. "Mmmmmm" i groaned, sitting up lazily to rub the sleep from my eyes. "Hurry up and get ready we are going to get your things" He ordered again with an impatient tone to his voice. "Jeeze Someone must of woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Stumbling my way to the bathroom, i brushed my teeth and did my usual morning routine, Noting my clothes from yesterday were now cleaned and folded on top of the bathroom counter. Smiling gratefully i tore off the over sized t- shirt and put my clothes from yesterday back on, excitement fluttering in my stomach at the final relief of going home- even if it was only for a short while. Bounding down the hall into the living area, i had t
(Ashtons pov)I stumbled into the apartment the next morning still buzzing from my nightly high.After the shit Payton tried pulling, I needed to get away for the night and find some other escapade to keep me company.Since the private elevator was designed to pull up right into my apartment, I waited for a second after the metal doors slid shut behind me, then trailed upstairs to my bedroom. Slamming the bedroom door open, my eyes widened in surprise at Payton's lilt body snuggled under the comforter. She looked natural just laying there, the soft plains of her face relaxed as she slept. Payton stirred a little and stretched before rolling over and kicking off the covers to reveal the t shirt I had given her ridden up almost revealing her ass.This girl was seriously testing my will power.Groaning with frustration, I turned into the closet finding a change of clothes."oh, good your awake, hurry up and get ready we are going to get your things" I snapped at her when I retreated fro
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