“I plan to,” I say confused. “It’s the only thing I can do.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I mean at the alley. Tonight. It’s been a long time, Memphis. Too long.”

I stare down at the gray carpet, lost in thought. He’s right. It has been a long time, but not as long as he thinks. Prison isn’t a fucking vacation. Every day is a battle to hold on to your freedom. You fought to defend yourself or you became someone’s bitch. It’s that simple. I stayed to myself for the most part, but there were times when I had no choice. He doesn’t need to know the filth you live when behind bars though. It will only make him feel more like shit.

“Set it up.” I look up at Alex. “I’ll be ready in twenty minutes. Tell them to make it fucking good.”

Alex holds his phone up and starts backing away towards the stairs. “On it. Meet me at my truck.”

After changing into a pair of sweats and an old shirt, I walk over to the heavy bag and practice my swings. With each swing my blows become harder and faster as the adrenaline starts to kick in. I feel my blood pumping. The old feeling is back, but it doesn’t feel good like it used to.

Finally, I make my way up the stairs and out front to meet Alex by his truck. I shiver a bit as the wind hits me, but it doesn’t bother me. My blood is pumping so fast that I’m sweating my ass off. He nods and hops into the driver’s side seat as he acknowledges me stepping outside.

I can’t help my gaze from landing on Lyric’s bedroom window as I make my way around the truck: she’s home. I saw her make it home about two hours ago, but I made it clear to her earlier that I had somewhere to go tonight, so she hasn’t bothered to come over. Good. I don’t want to explain where I’m going and I know she’d push it.

I hop inside the truck and slam the door behind me. “Let’s go.”

Alex starts the engine and quickly backs out of the driveway. His leg is bouncing and he looks nervous as shit.

“Did you set up the fight?”

He nods his head and grips the steering wheel. “It’s all good. You’re up second tonight.”

I wait for him to tell me who it is that I’m fighting, but he doesn’t continue. That’s unusual. He’s usually excited about the alley fights.

“Tell me, Alex,” I growl out. “Who the fuck am I fighting?”

He grinds his jaw, not wanting to answer, and let’s out a huff. “Trevor.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Trevor was the only one willing and that even took some convincing.”

“Well fuck.” I swallow hard and look out the window as we pull up to the alley and search for a parking spot. Trevor is the last person I ever thought I’d be fighting. We always told each other that we’d never let that happen. Things have changed. A lot of shit has changed since I left.

“You good, man? We can cancel it.” Alex parks and kills the engine. “I know you guys are close.”

I shake my head. “Nah.” I reach for the handle. “I need to do this. I’m getting Asher out of our lives and for fucking good. No more shit, Alex. You’re a good fighter. I know you’re fucking good, because I’ve watched you fight. Why the fuck did you lose those fights for Asher?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he whispers. “I don’t do it anymore.”

I shove the door open and rush over to his side of the truck, pulling him out by his jacket as he opens the door. He’s not just going to tell me that shit and not explain. “It does fucking matter. You brought me into this shit, Alex. You’re fucking with my life. You owe me,” I scream. “You want my help? You better start talking. Now. Tell. Me.”

He shakes me loose and slams the truck door behind him. “I was fucking high and drunk off my ass. I was going through a rough time after mom passed. I was alone.” He points at his chest. “I was left alone. Only me. Not only did I lose Mom, but the only brother I have. Cut me some fucking slack. Anyway, I saw Asher one night and I approached him. As soon as I told him you were my brother he offered me a job to fight for him. I was already too far in by then. It took me a lot of phone calls to Tripp to pull me out of my shit. I realized the drugs and alcohol weren’t doing anything but numbing the pain, fucking my life up even more.”

I want to be mad. I should be, but can’t. It’s partially my fault. I wasn’t there for him. He was young, too young to not have anyone.

“I’ll take care of it. Come on.” I pat his back and start walking toward the noise. The first fight has already started. Once we get close enough to the fight I see that Ryder is in the ring with the red head. The red head doesn’t even have a chance tonight.

I cross my arms and watch until I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Memphis.”

I turn around and see Ava. She gives me a sad smile and looks me over as if she wants nothing more than to touch me.

“Ava,” I say softly.

She steps up closer to me and reaches out to touch me, but stops. “What are you doing here? I thought you were done fighting.”

“I am,” I say stiffly. “I’m just doing what I have to and then I’m done. I’m getting out of here.”

I look back in the direction of the fight and notice Ryder growling while looking in our direction. “You should stay away from me, Ava. I don’t want Ryder taking anything out on you.”

She nods her head and let’s out a small breath. “Yeah, I know. He looks pretty pissed. Just . . . be careful, okay? I don’t want you to end up back in prison. You don’t deserve it. You’re a good guy, Memphis; better than you give yourself credit for. I saw it. I would have been yours . . . if you wanted me. All of me. That’s how good you truly are. Ryder . . . he’s just physical for me. You . . . you never were.” She takes a small breath. “Anyways . . . goodnight, Memphis.”

I watch as she turns and starts walking away. “Ava,” I call out, stopping her. “Let me know if you need anything . . . or if Ryder ever hurts you. Got it? I still have your back.”

She smiles that old smile I’m familiar with and nods before getting lost in the crowd.

Alex steps up next to me. “That girl still loves you, man. That’s sad.”

I grind my jaw and tense as the first fight comes to an end by knock out. Ryder is throwing up his fists in victory and hitting his chest like a damn gorilla, that fucking asshole. He’s nothing but a show off.