Breaking a Legend Read online

  “Agreed, let’s change topics.”

  “I think we should talk about how you completely killed it at my self-defense class today. I thought Linda was going to actually pass out when you slammed her down to the ground!”

  “She is never going to agree to be my partner again.” After two weeks of classes, not only was her skill level improving, but so was her confidence. She sometimes forgot that it was just a class, though, and she accidentally found herself picturing Travis Creighton’s face as that of her attacker.

  Poor Linda.

  “That’s true. She already requested a new partner after class.”

  Clare’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously?”

  “Girl, you acted like she was attacking you for real.”

  “Well, it’s a self-defense class. That’s what we are supposed to be doing.”

  “Lord help the poor jackass that tries to mug you one day.” Casey lifted up her coffee in a toast.

  Clare pasted on a smile as if she agreed, but in truth, a mugger was the last thing that she was worried about. Clare decided to change topics, hoping to push away the dark memories threatening to creep up.

  “I need something else to do with my days. I think that’s what it is. I’ve got your class and then dealing with Cian for a whole work shift…”

  “You whaled on Linda because you’re not busy enough?”

  “No! I mean that I don’t have enough outlets to pour my energy into.” Clare laughed at the thought.

  “What about Rory? The way he looks at you, I’m sure he would be fine taking up all your energy,” Casey suggested. Then her face immediately twisted up. “And now I’ve grossed myself out.”

  Clare laughed, taking another sip of her drink as she shook her head at Casey’s antics.

  “He’s my cousin, practically a brother. I can’t think of him like that.”

  “You’re the one that brought it up, you goof,” Clare chided her, laughing before returning to the original topic. “I wanted to be a vet. I was supposed to come out here to start classes. That’s what I should be filling my time with.”

  “So go enroll in some classes. Easy fix.”

  Clare frowned. “I did, but I missed the deadline for fall so I have to wait until spring to start.”

  “What about volunteer work? The new partner I put Linda with manages an animal rescue. I think her name is Patty.”

  “Really? That actually might be perfect. Most rescues have on-staff vets—I could get a bit of training in by shadowing them. Plus I love animals.”

  “See, it’s perfect for you.”

  “Do they do background checks for volunteers?” Clare wondered, only realizing too late that it had been out loud.

  “Um, I don’t know. Why? Were you a serial killer in a past life or something?”

  “No, I just don’t want to have to dig up all my papers and everything. I’m still unpacking,” Clare lied, blushing.

  “Oh, okay. You’re kind of a weird duck, you know that, Clare?” Casey teased her.

  “A duck?” Clare snorted. “Well, I do love animals, all kinds.”

  “Animal people.” Casey sighed. “I’ll never get it. Rory has that damn dog with him anywhere he goes. All animals do is stink up the place and drain your wallet.”

  “Small price to pay for filling your heart.”

  Chapter 7

  Having been unable to get Rory out of her head, Clare found herself going back to Legends later that evening to watch the sparring meet that Casey had told her about. She didn’t have to be at O’Leary’s tonight, and there wasn’t much else to do this early in the week. Never having been to an event like this, she nervously entered Legends, hoping she wasn’t overdressed in dark skinny jeans, tall black boots, and a thin, loose white blouse.

  Her blouse was more than a little transparent, leaving little to the imagination as it displayed her silky skin and her black lace brassiere. Clare was hoping that Rory would notice, which felt like a juvenile quest, but she couldn’t resist. The idea of watching him compete in such a physical and brutal sport stirred something inside her that she hadn’t known she wanted before. Traipsing through the lobby, she kept replaying the last few kisses between them and she knew that she wanted more.

  More of what, though?

  Leaving the lobby, she made a quick trip down the main hallway before it opened onto the gym floor. The room was packed with people and all of the equipment had been pushed to outer edges to make room for them to stand around the center ring. The ring instantly intimidated her since the cage sides had been lowered from the ceiling to trap the fighters in. Two men she didn’t recognize were currently sparring, and the crowd was tightly packed as people shouted over one another to be heard.

  “I totally called it!” someone shouted behind her and grabbed her arm.

  Spinning around in alarm, Clare found herself face-to-face with a grinning Casey.

  “Called what?”

  “You. Coming tonight. And shit, Clare, you look hot!” Casey exclaimed, taking in her outfit as Clare blushed.

  “I was bored, figured I would see what all the fuss is about.” She tried to shrug off her appearance tonight as mundane, but Casey wasn’t having it.

  “Yeah, right. And you just happened to wear a fuck-me top? I don’t think so.” Casey linked her arm through Clare’s and directed her through the crowd until they were on the opposite side of the cage, up near the front.

  “Clare.” Her eyes locked with Rory’s the moment that she emerged in front. His voice was low. There was an almost imperceptible hitch in his breathing as his eyes traveled across her, her own breath catching as she felt her skin heat under his gaze.

  “Hi.” She attempted to keep her eyes locked with his, but was acutely aware of the fact that he was shirtless at the moment.

  “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.” The gleam in his eyes told her that her subtle peeks at his abs were not going unnoticed. She didn’t completely mind, since he was clearly doing the same, making her glad that she had chosen the risqué blouse.

  “I invited her,” Casey chimed in, “so be nice. I’ll be right back. I’m going to go find Kane. He’s up next.”

  The moment Casey left them, Rory’s eyes pierced through her and his hooded expression made her entire body vibrate. He closed the gap between them and hooked an arm around her back, pressing her against him. She tried to concentrate on anything but his warm, bare skin against hers.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” His words came out in a hoarse whisper as he leaned close to her ear to be heard over the crowd around them.

  “At least someone invited me,” she teased, leaning in to him.

  “First rule in sparring, babe: Only throw punches in the ring.” Rory gave her a wicked grin, one eyebrow raised.

  “Oh, I know,” she said confidently. “I’ve been training in Casey’s class, and not to brag, but I’m pretty awesome.”

  “Are you now? I’d like to see it.” She loved that his eyelids grew heavy and hooded again at the thought.

  “Maybe,” she teased, staying noncommittal. “I’m thinking of hiring a trainer to help me one-on-one.”

  “You’re what? Where? Legends?” Rory’s expression shifted from intrigued to something darker, although she wasn’t exactly sure what or why.

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Who are you hiring?”

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t put much thought into it. Maybe your brother will help me.” Rory’s entire body stiffened and his arm tightened around her waist, leaving no room to breathe between them.

  “Clare, you’re not training with anyone but me. There is no way in hell I’m letting another man have his hands all over you.” His voice was so deep she could feel it in his chest where her hand was resting.

  “Rory,” she started to protest, “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’ve just heard that he’s one of the best out there now.”

  “Why learn from one of the best when you can learn from his teacher? B
e here Monday before your shift and we can start.”

  “You can’t tell me what to do.” Clare felt a smile threatening to take over her expression, which would completely ruin the mock anger she was trying to portray.

  “We’ll see.”

  She didn’t have a chance to protest before someone called Rory’s name, announcing that it was his turn in the cage. He released her and turned his attention to the caller. She felt unsteady on her feet after the exchange between them, but wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to regain her poise.

  What had she just agreed to? Although “agreed” was putting it mildly. She had just allowed Rory to boss her around, something she had moved across the country to get away from. She frowned as she thought about this, while watching Rory step into the cage and pull on his gear.

  “Why do you look like someone just shit in your cornflakes?” Casey popped up beside her, analyzing her expression.

  Clare said nothing, but Casey followed her gaze to where Rory was standing.

  “Ah, so Rory is the cornflake shitter?” Casey ribbed.

  “It’s fine, it’s nothing,” Clare reassured Casey, as the announcer started the fight, introducing the once-famous fighter to an outpouring of applause.

  “Girl, let me give you a word of advice. These boys are like my brothers. I love them to death, but the Kavanagh men are not known for their sensitivity. Aunt Dee is a strong woman; she demands the best from each one of them.” Casey spoke closely to her so as to be heard over the crowd.

  “I remember—she is very sweet, but definitely knows how to take charge of a room.”

  “Exactly, and that’s what each of these boneheaded alpha men need: a woman to bring out the best in them,” Casey concluded, raising her eyebrows as her eyes met Clare’s.

  “I’m not, I mean, Rory is just—” Clare became flustered at the implication, choking on her words before Casey silenced her with a wave of her hand.

  “Yeah, yeah, you’re single. I remember,” Casey mocked, making Clare blush. Luckily the attention quickly shifted from her to the cage as the fight began.

  Clare pitied Rory’s opponent, who was clearly a novice and nervous as hell. The two went a few rounds, grappling and throwing blows. Rory was wearing down his opponent. He wasn’t just knocking him out, which she had no doubt that he could do. Instead, he was almost training the rookie, letting him get a feel for the cage and work through some of his nerves. By the third round, the fight seemed more level and Rory pressed “play” on his unmatched talent, taking his opponent down in a single move.

  The crowd cheered and Clare exhaled loudly, surprising herself when she realized that she had been holding her breath. She hadn’t noticed, but somehow her entire body had turned tense and on edge as she watched Rory attempting to circumvent potential harm.

  Rory peered out from the cage, searching for something until his eyes finally landed on her. She felt her cheeks flush as his eyes blazed through her. She smiled and gave him a silly thumbs-up sign to congratulate him on the win. He just winked in response and then turned his focus back to the announcer as he was placed into his second match of the evening.

  —

  Later that night, Rory pulled his tired body out of the locker room and headed toward the front lobby of Legends. His eyes were scanning the gym for Clare as people were filtering out after the meet had ended. He finally spotted her leaning against the counter, having a lively discussion with Casey.

  He straightened his stance as he walked over, pretending the pain in his leg wasn’t radiating throughout his entire body. He had just taken a few pills, but they had yet to stave off the throbbing he felt.

  “I’m headed out, Case.” Rory nodded to his cousin, then rested his eyes on Clare, who had pushed herself off the counter when she saw him coming.

  “See you tomorrow.” Casey nodded back before being distracted by members coming up to the desk.

  Clare stepped over to Rory, traveling with him toward the front door. He held it open for her, watching her pass him with no attempt to hide his wandering eyes.

  “You know, I’m fully capable of walking myself home,” he told her.

  “I don’t know—in your weakened state?” She flashed him a mischievous grin, eyeing the bruises on his face. The cold air swept around them and he shrugged his jacket off to drape over her shoulders. She was wearing a very thin shirt, which he greatly appreciated, but which made it that much easier to see her shivering.

  “Harsh.” He chuckled, reaching out to grab her hand as she smiled thankfully at him and pulled the jacket tighter around herself.

  Squeezing her fingers between his, he rubbed his thumb against her soft skin as she leaned in to him. He took the motion as an invitation and pulled her closer to his side, before turning to face her and press her chest into his. Leaning down, he peppered her lips with small kisses, making sure to leave no spot untouched.

  He had been wanting to do that all night, but with the fights and the crowd, he hadn’t felt like he could. Now they had a moment of privacy, and he wanted to take full advantage of it. Although, in truth, it had become increasingly difficult over the last week to refrain from escalating things.

  He didn’t want to jump into bed with her—okay, that wasn’t true. He definitely wanted to be all over a bed with her, but he wanted to wait. He wanted her to know it meant something to him, because he knew that she had heard of his reputation. Taking things seriously with women had never been his forte, but he wanted that now.

  With her, and only her.

  “Why me, Rory?” She breathed quietly as they pulled apart, staring into each other’s eyes.

  Her cheeks were flushed and her nose was rosy from the cold, but he was focusing on her eyes. Fear passed through them and it unsettled him; he wanted to wipe it away, but he felt paralyzed instead. He felt the same fear inside of him that was written all over her face, fear that she would up and leave him at any moment. Fear that he had finally chosen someone to commit to, no doubt in his mind, except that she might not make the same choice.

  “You’re beautiful in every way, Clare. Why not you?” He kissed her forehead and pulled away, starting to stroll hand in hand again.

  “There are plenty of pretty girls around here.”

  “Woodlawn is pretty small. Maybe I’ve already been with all the other pretty girls.” Oh, that was dumb. Shouldn’t have said that.

  His worries were confirmed when he saw Clare’s jaw drop, and she paused in her step, staring him down. She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head to the side. He couldn’t help but find the fury bubbling up in her face comical for such a small woman. His initial thought was right, though; he probably shouldn’t have reminded her of his past like that. Idiot.

  “Seriously?”

  “Clare, I’m kidding.”

  “How do I know that?” She suddenly started moving again, more briskly, and she pushed past him.

  He watched for a moment, confirming to himself this hadn’t been the right moment to provoke her with that joke. However, her reaction intrigued him. He had no interest in flirting with or dating anyone else, and he was wondering if his fears were unfounded. Maybe she did feel the same way as he did.

  “Why do you care?” He jogged to catch up to her, quickly coming alongside her again as curiosity got the better of him.

  “I don’t.”

  “Could it be that my mhuirnín is jealous? Of imaginary women?” Rory teased her, trying not to sound as hopeful as he felt, while he pulled her hand into his once more.

  He saw uncertainty cross her face as she clearly thought about untangling her fingers from his, but she couldn’t seem to convince her body to follow through. He was glad because her hand was warm and inviting, making his entire body relax at the simple contact. She was better than any drink or pain medication; just her touch was able to soothe him.

  “I can’t be jealous of someone I don’t know. And we don’t really know each other. We’re no more than acquain
tances at most.”

  “You think so?” He stopped as they reached an intersection and he pulled her hand up to his lips, kissing the back gently. They were not merely acquaintances; at least he certainly didn’t feel that way about her. If the look in her eyes right now was any indicator, then she didn’t, either.

  “This acquaintance knows that you love animals, maybe even more than people. You wish you had a pet, but you’re waiting until you have a home to give one. You want to be a vet, but you’re working toward saving for the tuition first.” He started listing things as she stared at her hand in his, near his lips.

  “Everyone knows that stuff.”

  “You also grew up in California, but you’re starting to love New York more. Maybe you were always meant to be here. You don’t have any family left, but you crave it. I see the way you look at my family, envying their dynamic. You always smell like vanilla, although you don’t wear perfume. Your cocktails are pretty weak and I’m guessing you lied on your résumé about being a bartender before.” He continued until he finished his list, beaming proudly as she narrowed her eyes in annoyance.

  “That doesn’t prove anything,” she scoffed, but he ignored her protest and placed her palm on his chest above his heart with both of his hands over hers. He wanted her to feel his heartbeat beneath her fingers, to know that nothing about him was unfamiliar. He didn’t know how to tell her or how to describe their dynamic more clearly than he already was, but he knew that the pulse of his heart would reveal more than words could.

  “I know you want to walk home by yourself from work to prove you’re independent, but secretly you love that I join you; and if one day I wasn’t there to meet you, you would miss me. I know you’re hiding things you think make you unlovable, pushing people away to keep them from getting too close, to keep from giving them the chance to hurt you.”

  A lone tear was beginning to brim over her bottom lashes. Her body was completely betraying her, telling him that she agreed with everything he was saying. He felt his heart quicken, and he lowered his voice, speaking more softly to her.