An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

end them.
    Cooper lets out a resigned breath. “Listen. I can’t really tell you what I know; it’s not my place. And to be honest, I only know the little I’ve been able to find out on my own.”
    I frown at the response. “What does that mean?”
    “It means she’s hiding more than what’s under that scarf of hers.”
    “So, you haven’t seen what’s under it either.”
    “No. But I’m glad you’re helping her because, take it from me, Slade, she needs it. Kayla knew it from the moment she met her, which is why she sent her to me in the first place. I’m hoping she’ll open up as she gets more comfortable, but I’m not holding my breath. It’s clear she doesn’t trust easily. I’m praying I can gain it before she bolts.”
    My chest constricts; the thought of her leaving without so much as a word to anyone bothers the hell out of me. “Come on, Cooper, give me something. How am I supposed to help her if I don’t know what the hell is going on?”
    He shakes his head. “I can’t. I don’t know enough. If you want to help then gain her trust and keep her from running. And while you’re at it, teach her how to kick some serious ass.”
    “Yeah, we’re working on that,” I tell him on a heavy breath.
    “Good. Kayla has been trying to get closer to her but she always has an excuse to bail. You’re the only one she’s spending time with, so it looks like you’re her only hope right now.”
    Great, the most fucked-up guy on the planet is her only hope.
    “I’ll do what I can,” I promise, hoping it will be enough.
    “Good luck, keep in touch.”
    After he walks out the door, I head back over to the group.
    “Yo, Slade,” Jaxson yells, sticking his head out of the office. “Phone call.”
    “My sister?”
    He shakes his head, his tight expression saying it all. It’s not a phone call I want to take.
    “Ward?”
    “Yeah, ’bout that exhibition fight for charity.”
    Charity my ass. It’s because Cortez wants me in the ring. He wants to challenge the undefeated heavyweight and Ward wants the money from it, but it’s not going to happen. Even though I would love to slaughter that cocky motherfucker.
    I shake my head at Jaxson.
    “Figured, but thought I’d check anyway.”
    I continue my way to the group, seeing them all paired up except Benny. He stands by himself, watching me with a smug smile on his face. “I’m partnerless. Looks like it’s you and me, Champ, let’s see what you got,” he challenges, getting into fighting position.
    Instead of matching his stance, I grab a fistful of his shirt and lift him off his feet again. He giggles hysterically, both his small hands clinging to my wrist as he squirms to get free.
    “What did I tell you? No one likes a big mouth.”
    “Don’t listen to him, kid,” Sawyer says as he walks out of the locker room with one of the fighters. “Everyone loves a big mouth. You just gotta make sure you can back it up first,” he adds with a smirk.
    Benny’s know-it-all smile spreads. “I like that guy. Why isn’t he instructing us?”
    Dropping him back to his feet, I begin gloving up. “Because he ain’t the Champ. Now glove up, because I’m about to show you exactly what I’m made of.”

CHAPTER SIX
    Sophie
    L ate Friday afternoon, Liz strolls in for her evening shift. “Hey, Lia.”
    “Hey,” I greet her back.
    “Good day?”
    I shrug. “It’s been quiet.”
    “Hopefully, it stays that way, and I can get paid to do nothing except stare at whoever is on duty tonight. Let’s hope it’s Logan,” she adds with a wink.
    Smiling, I shake my head. I’m not surprised by her comment. Liz loves to flirt with everybody, well except for Cooper, but I think that’s because she’s afraid of Kayla. Logan Knight is definitely attractive but he also happens to be very much in love with his wife, Anna, who is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
    “Hey, girls,” Cooper greets us as he walks in.
    “Hi,” we both reply in