Fighter: 10 Seconds or Less (a bad boy romance) (North Side Kings Book Book 5) Read online

  North Side Kings Book 5

  Fighter

  10 Seconds or Less

  By:

  Scarlett Winters

  Copyright 2020 Scarlett Winters

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any way or by any means. Including but not limited to recording, photocopying, any electronic methods, without the prior written consent of the publisher. This book is strictly a work of fiction, any references to persons, places or things are all completely fictional.

  Warning: This book is for adult audiences.

  Contents

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  Chapter 1 – Thief

  Chapter 2 – The Statement

  Chapter 3 – Roof top drinks

  Chapter 4 – The audition

  Chapter 5 – The Fight

  Chapter 6 – The After Party

  Chapter 7 – Private Dance

  Chapter 8 – Two months later

  Chapter 9 – The Race

  Chapter 10 – International Superstar

  Chapter 11 – The next fight

  Chapter 12 – For the gold

  Chapter 13 – Welcome Home

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  Chapter 1 – Thief

  Liam walked out of the shower of the boxing club and opened his locker. He had just finished his daily workout and was about to run some errands.

  “See you tomorrow Sam!” he said as he walked past Sam who managed the facility.

  “Have a good day, Liam!” he replied.

  Liam walked down the stars of the club and turned on to the sidewalk. Just then he saw a young fellow steal a purse from a young lady’s arm and watched him start running towards him. Instinctively he extended his arm and clotheslined the young man and with one swift punch rendered the thief unconscious.

  The young woman came up to him, shaking and crying. Liam stood up and handed her purse back to the young woman.

  “I believe this is yours ma’am!” he said softly.

  The young woman nodded her head. Tears streaming down her face as she took the purse from him.

  “Are you ok?” he asked.

  Still unable to verbally respond she nodded her head as a yes, then a moment later shook her head back and forth as a no, and knelt before him and wept. Liam knelt beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked her softly.

  Just then Sam came running down the stairs.

  “Liam, everything ok here?” he asked.

  “Sam, take this piece of shit inside and call the cops. He tried to steal this lady’s purse.” he said. “Make sure he isn’t going anywhere!” he added.

  Sam and one of the club members dragged the thief up the stairs and into the club.

  “Care to talk about it?” he asked her with his hand still on her shoulder.

  There was a pause. Her body still shaking.

  “Thank you!” She said not knowing how else to start.

  Liam stood and helped her to her feet.

  “I’m Liam.” He said to her. “What’s the matter?” he asked again.

  “I’m Molly.” She said pausing again.

  “That purse, literally has every penny I have to my name in it. Which is less than 100 bucks. That is all I have to live off of until I can find a job. I was kicked out of my house a week ago after my father passed away. I’m living in my car.” She started to explain before breaking down again.

  Liam pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried.

  “Come inside. The cops will be here soon and I am sure they will need some sort of statement. I’ll get you some water and food.” He said.

  He wrapped his arm around her and walked her slowly up the stairs to the boxing club.

  “Sam, order us up some pizza would you. And tell them to rush it!” he said as he walked past Sam.

  “Yes, Sir!” replied Sam.

  Liam walked past the thief who was now conscious, but tied to a chair awaiting the police to show up. He walked into his private office and closed the door behind them. He opened his bar fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.

  “Here you go!” he said softly.

  “Thank you!” she said as she took the top off and had a large drink from the bottle.

  “OK, so back up a bit. You are living in your car because you got kicked out? What is going on?” he said.

  Liam looked at Molly, a young lady, barely 18 he would guess, very attractive, hourglass figure, long mahogany colored hair that went well past her shoulders. Full perky breasts and a nice butt to make the package perfect.

  Molly had another sip of her water.

  “My mom passed when I was very young. For a few years, it was just my dad and I. Then he found a girlfriend, who was nice at first. Then they got married and she changed. She was always nice to my dad, but started being mean to me when my dad was not around. It got worse and worse. I tried telling my dad, but he didn’t believe me. Thought I was just missing my mom and told me it was normal to have these feelings.” She explained.

  She took another sip of her water and sat in there chair nervously before continuing her story.

  “Dad got sick with cancer a little over a year ago. They tried chemo and all sorts of drugs, but nothing worked. If anything it delayed the inevitable and put him through a year of hell. He died two weeks ago. The funeral was just 5 days ago, and the second I got home after the funeral my step mom kicked me out. I packed a suitcase of clothes, hopped in my car, drove a block away and cried. I am an only child, I have no family to turn to.” She said as she broke down and cried again.

  Liam sat in his executive leather chair and watched. His heart ached for this young woman. She had done absolutely nothing wrong to deserve any of this. His mind raced trying to think of ways he could help her out.

  “Have you had a job before? What sort of skills do you have?” He asked softly.

  “No, I’ve just graduated high school, my plan was to take a year off, get a job, bank a bit of money and save up for university. Maybe become a teacher or something.” She answered.

  “What do you like to do for fun?” He asked.

  “I love to dance. Growing up I was involved in a lot of dance programs and I have won a ton of awards for dancing!” she said while showing a half smile for the first time ever since he had met her.

  Liam could tell just the thought of dancing brought her great pleasure.

  “I have a friend who owns a dance studio. I could talk to her and see if she has any room for an additional instructor. No promises, but maybe!” he offered.

  “Really? Thank you, but, I,” She paused, “I have never instructed before. I know I can dance, but teaching, I do not have any experience!” she said as the smile ran from her face.

  “Leave it to me. One way or another I am sure I can help you find some sort of work!” he said.

  Just then there was a knock on the door. The door opened and Sam appeared.

  “Cops are here.” he said. Liam nodded as Sam closed the door behind him.

  “I know this will be hard. But you are going to have to give a statement. Are you ready?” he said. Molly finished the water and nodded.

  Chapter 2 – The Statement

  “Are you the woman who had her purse stolen?” asked the o
fficer.

  “Yes.” she answered quietly. Liam stood by her side closely letting her know that he was there for her.

  “Can you tell me what happened?” asked the officer.

  “I had just gotten out of my car. I locked it, turned to walk down the street and out of nowhere this guy grabbed my purse and ran.” She said.

  Just then she noticed the chair that the thief was sitting in was empty. Fear over took her body as she wondered where he was.

  “Can you describe what he looked like?” asked the officer.

  “Red hoody and jeans. Tall. I don’t know it all happened so fast.” She said.

  “I can!” interrupted Liam.

  “Sorry, and who are you?” asked the officer.

  “I am the guy who caught the little fucker red handed. I watched him rip the purse from her hand and run straight towards me.” he said. “Red hoody with YOLO on the front, blue jeans, tattoo on his neck of a skull and cross bones.” He added.

  “Are you the one responsible for his bloody face and broken nose?” asked the officer.

  “If you are asking if I tripped him and made him fall? Yes, I tripped him. Then Sam and a few guys took him upstairs here and called you guys.” he said with a smile.

  “Tripped huh?” Added the officer not believing Liam. “His nose is shattered.” he added quickly.

  “Must have landed directly on his nose I suppose!” said Liam.

  “You willing to stick to that story in a court of law?” asked the cop. Liam smiled from ear to ear.

  “Of course, after all, it’s the truth, so help me God.” he said with his hand over his heart.

  “Good!” said the cop. “Ok, we have enough here. The thief is in the back of our cruiser. We will take him downtown for processing. Here is the case number!” he said as he handed a card to Molly.

  “Should you want to add anything, or ask questions, call this number!” he added.

  “Thank you!” she said as she took the card. The police turned and left the club just as a man with two pizzas in his hand walked up the stairs.

  “Pizza’s?” asked the man as he got to the front counter.

  “How much?” asked Sam.

  “$26.50” said the pizza driver.

  Sam handed the young man thirty dollars.

  “Keep the change!” said Sam.

  The pizza delivery man left the club as Liam walked over and grabbed the top pizza.

  “Thanks Sam!” he said. Liam and Molly walked back into his office and closed the door behind them.

  “Dig in!” he said as he lifted the top of the box. Molly wasted no time grabbing a piece of pizza and taking two quick bites.

  “When was the last time you ate?” he asked as he watched her devour the slice in record time.

  “I’m sorry. I must look hideous! I had some toast yesterday morning. With only a hundred bucks to my name I am trying to be cautious on my spending. I figure I could stretch it out a month if I tried hard. And was hoping I would find some sort of work in that time.” She said.

  Liam handed her a napkin as she grabbed a second piece of pizza. He pulled out his cell phone and made a call.

  “Becca! Beautiful! How are you?” he asked being overly flirtatious.

  “What makes you think I want something?” was his next statement.

  “Ok ok, but you are beautiful. Listen, I know you are busy, I will be quick. I have a young lady here who is fantastic dancer and is desperate for a job. Do you have a need for an extra instructor?” he asked.

  There was a pause as he listened to the other end of the conversation.

  “None, but she has won awards for dancing. Teaching has to be the easy part!” he said.

  Again there was a pause as he listened.

  “Becca, I’ll owe you a favor, I will personally owe you a favor.” he said with emphasis on the personally word.

  “You’re the best! Love you!” he said as he hung up.

  “Tomorrow, 8 AM at Just Dance studios. Ask for Becca and you have an audition. If you can dance, and impress Becca, she will teach you how to teach.” He said.

  “Are you kidding me? Oh my word! Thank you!” she said with her mouth half full of pizza.

  “Why are you doing this? Why are you being nice to me?” she said as questioned his motives.

  “You need a break. I am merely opening a door for you. What happens now, is up to you!” he said. Molly paused as she finished the food in her mouth.

  “Nobody is this nice to strangers, not in LA anyway.” She said.

  “I’m not your typical LA resident.” he said with a smile.

  “Thank you for the pizza!” She said. “I am sorry, I’m not normally this out of sorts and confused. But so much has happened in the last week, and this robbery just now. I am not myself.” she added.

  Liam opened the fridge and handed her another bottle of water.

  “Listen, it’s early in the day. Why don’t you grab a shower here, get cleaned up. There is a room with a cot in it upstairs. It has a door that locks, so you will be safe and secure. Get a good night’s sleep. That way you will be well rested for your appointment with Becca tomorrow.” He offered.

  Molly smiled. She took another big drink of water from the bottle.

  “Thank you! You are sweet and kind. You don’t have to do all this. I will survive!” she said almost uncomfortable at his offer.

  “I believe you will survive. I am not asking, I am insisting.” He said.

  Molly took a deep breath and looked at Liam. For the first time she actually looked at him and noticed his appearance. His short neat black hair, his perfectly trimmed facial hair, tattoos on his arms, various rings on his fingers and a thick silver chain around his neck. With the turmoil that her life was going through the absolute last thing on her mind was men. But as she looked at him she found she was very attracted to him.

  “I guess I have no choice then.” she said as a half-smile returned to her face.

  “I’ll let Sam know we have a guest. I have to run a few errands. But I will be back later tonight and we can chat more, if that’s ok with you?” he asked.

  “I’d like that!” she said.

  Liam stood up and was about to exit the office when Molly interrupted him.

  “Liam?” she said stopping in his tracks.

  “Yes, Molly?” he replied.

  “Thank you for everything! I really don’t know how to thank you!” she said as she walked to him and gave him a long tight hug.

  Liam wrapped his big strong arms around her and held her close.

  “You are more than welcome.” he said as he enjoyed her full breasts pressed against his chest. Liam left the office and went over to Sam.

  “Sam, Molly will be spending a night or two here. Could you make sure the cot room is ready for her?” he asked.

  “You got it boss!” was Sam’s reply. Liam left the club.

  Chapter 3 – Roof top drinks

  Liam returned to the club around 8 PM. It was a busy time of the night for up and coming boxers to be there training, working out or sparring with other boxers. He walked by the noise of the open area and the boxers training and went straight up the stairs to where he hoped Molly would be.

  He knocked on the door a few times and waited.

  The door opened and Molly stood there. Her outfit had changed to a tank top and summer shorts. Liam could not help but notice her ample cleavage in the tank top.

  “I took the liberty of grabbing some drinks on the way back. Care to join me on the roof to watch the sunset?” he asked as he held up a six pack.

  Molly looked at him and smiled.

  “A drink sounds like heaven right now. I’d love to!” she replied as for the first time a real smile appeared on her face.

  “Follow me.” he said as he walked towards the door at the end of the hall. Molly followed and Liam opened the door leading to the roof top.

  They walked to the edge of the building where there were a number of hand carved wo
oden seats and a small wooden table beside each seat. Liam took a seat and pulled two beers from the round plastic rings holding the six pack together.

  “Here you go!” he said as he handed a beer to her. Molly sat in the chair, opened her beer and looked over the cityscape. “Wow, it sure is pretty up here!” she said.

  “It certainly is!” he said. “I come up here almost daily to unwind!” he added.

  “So tell me about you.” She asked. “Do you own this place?” she questioned.

  “Yes! I own the building, and I own the boxing club.” He replied then taking a sip of his beer.

  “Wow! You own your own company. That’s impressive! Are you a boxer too?” she questioned.

  “Yes. I currently hold the US Amateur Heavyweight boxing championship. I’m defending my title tomorrow night, and should I remain the champ, I will be flying to Ireland in a month to compete in the Amateur International Boxing Championships.” He said.

  Molly looked at his well-toned arms and could see by the tight t-shirt he was wearing that his body was in extremely fine shape. A few butterflies started to flutter in her stomach.

  “Can I come watch you fight?” she asked nervously.

  “Of course, I will get you ring side. You can sit with my friends!” he said.

  “Thank you. I didn’t mean ring side. I would have sat in the nose bleeds.” she said laughing.

  Liam was seeing her smile more, and she was definitely more relaxed. It made him much happier.

  “Is the room ok? I know it’s not much, but I hope it will get you through a few days.” He asked as he looked into her hazel eyes.

  “It’s perfect. Much more comfortable than my car.” She said.

  “Good!” he exclaimed as he finished his first beer and opened the second.

  “How’s your drink, need another?” he asked. Molly shook the can. “Nah, still about half full. But thank you!” she said. “When did you start boxing?” she asked.

  “My mom tells me I came out swinging fists.” he said with a chuckle. “For as long as I can remember, I have liked boxing and fighting. My parents enrolled me in this very boxing club when I was only 6 years old. I came here every day for over a decade. Won my first boxing title at 13 years old. And won countless more since then. When I was 21 years old the club was facing financial hardship. The owner was old. He had owned this place for 60 years and he just couldn’t fight for it anymore. So I bought it from him. I took over and I took care of him until he died just a couple of years ago.” He said briefly explaining his life story to her.