Grit (Dirty #6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

appreciate him, how much I trust him, and how much I care about him with a kiss.

 
    Four
    Link
     
     
    I order flowers for Olivia’s grave. I’ve done this every Monday, like clockwork, for over four years. But today, for the first time, I place a second order. A single red lotus to be delivered here at the gym, to Rocky.
    Taylor at Forever Florist is shamelessly intrigued. “A single red lotus?” she verifies, her words stretching with curiosity.
    “That’s right,” I confirm.
    “The red lotus signifies emotional attachment and passion. It symbolizes the opening of one’s heart.”
    “Interesting,” I deadpan.
    “Who’s the lucky girl you’re opening your heart to?”
    I sit heavily, sinking into the cracked leather chair. I pinch my eyes closed and try to suck in a breath, but my lungs aren’t cooperating.
    She makes it sound simple.
    It’s not .
    It’s difficult as hell. It’s messy and complicated and twisted . Open my heart? I don’t have a fucking clue what that means. It implies my heart is a locked door and I’m willingly flipping the latch and inviting another woman in.
    That’s not how it happened. Rocky found a cracked window and snuck in. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to kick Olivia out. I don’t think I can ever be ready for that. Not completely.
    But now that Rocky found a way inside, I’m not asking her to leave either.
    “It’s just a fucking flower, Taylor,” I growl.
    “My mistake,” she states flatly.
     
     
    ***
     
     
    I hook my thumb into a hand wrap and roll it around my wrist as Augie bounces from foot to foot in the ring, pumping himself up.
    “Come on, man. You’re getting slow.” He smirks down at me, wiggling his dark brows. “I’m going to kick your arse if you’re this sluggish on the mat.”
    I chuckle. I don’t think Augie has ever kicked my ass unless I let him. Sometimes it feels good to get pummeled. Reminds me I’m alive. Sometimes it feels better to do the pummeling. Reminds me why I’m alive.
    I haven’t been in the ring since the night Carter Bates gave me another scar to match the ones he left me with four years ago. I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t be sparring yet, but I need this today. Badly.
    “Don’t count on it,” I reply. “I just had a late night. Didn’t sleep well. Doesn’t mean I’m not on game.”
    His eyes brim with amusement. “So I’ll assume Rocky had a late night as well then?”
    We haven’t made any kind of announcements about our relationship, in part because I don’t think either of us really knows what the hell we are to one another, nor are we prepared to discuss it—with each other or anyone else. But it’s obvious we have something going on. We don’t hide it. We just don’t shove it in everyone’s faces. That doesn’t stop Augie from being a hopeful, nosey bastard.
    I ignore his question. Any way I answer will prove whatever he’s insinuating. I don’t kiss and tell.
    “You going to keep talking or are you ready to box?”
    He knocks his knuckles together and nods. “I’m always ready.”
    “Then shut the fuck up and put your mouth guard in.”
    “The lady doth protest too much,” he retorts.
    I flip him the bird and he grins at me while he slips the guard in place. I don’t know what the hell has gotten into everyone prying into my personal life. First the florist, now Augie. If he weren’t my closest friend, I’d nut tap him for that shit.
    I suppose I can’t blame people for questioning me. I haven’t shown any real interest in a woman since Olivia. There was Lea, but she was a well-kept secret. A warm body to help me cope when shit got too hard. There was a sort of friendship there, too, I think. A connection due to the tragedy we’ve both endured. But we always knew it was temporary.
    Rocky is different. Special. I know that. And so does everyone else obviously.
    I block Augie’s attempt to hook my jaw, dipping and countering with a blow to his side. He grunts and I back off,