ZEKE Read Online Free PDF Page B

because I have five older brothers protecting my virtue. When really, they’re the reason why I stayed away from men. Don’t get me wrong, I love my brothers. They have their good attributes and each one has a heart worth loving. They’re just not ready or willing to share those qualities with anyone yet. Instead, they throw themselves into their work. They’re all daring little devils from deactivating bombs to doing insane stunts for famous actors. They love to live dangerously. I guess I didn’t get that gene because I’m the polar opposite.
    At least, I was until I met Rayna. She has a way of hauling me out of my comfort zone. I swear, if she doesn’t get back with her ex this summer, then I’m going to fix her up with my brother, Token. He could use a woman like her in his life.
    Growing up, I didn’t have too many friends; I was too busy concentrating on my grades and whatnot. Now that I have two close friends, I realize what I’ve been missing all those years. I met Emmie at my book club. She’s sweet, funny, and the girl can flirt. Watching her, I’ve learned a lot, but as beautiful as she is, Emmie never makes you feel like she’s the only one shining in the room. I like that about her.
    Another thing I’ve learned from Emmie and Rayna is that girls have “guy stories” too, and while I rarely have anything to contribute to those conversations, I love listening to their stories. I hope to have some of my own someday. That’s probably why Rayna is pushing so hard for me to take on Zeke Declan. She knows I need to start somewhere, but she could’ve presented me with someone other than the best damn lay in Galveston County.
    The announcer’s voice kicks in over the sound system. “Welcome to JZS! Who’s ready for the Lightning?” The crowd starts to holler, stomping their feet to a precise beat. The pounding melody echoing in the room sounds familiar. “That’s right,” bellows the announcer. “You know who I’m talking about!” The stomping gets louder, and I can almost tell what song the crowd’s feet are beating to. “For those of you who have or haven’t seen him fight, raise your fist for,” the announcer pauses and then shouts, “Zeeeeke Declaaaan!”
    The room fills with the opening guitar riff of “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. I recognize it right away. When my brother, Stone, in his late teens, went to see them in concert, it was all we heard in the house for the next month. As that one-handed tapping guitar sound and the word, “Thunder” grinds through the speakers, my heart starts to race. Fists punch above the crowd’s heads to the beat while chanting “na na na na na na na na na na.” I straighten in the stool, following the lights as they shine to the back of the room. I catch a glimpse of skin moving through the crowd. The lights flicker to the music. The crowd is in tune, shouting “Thunder” on cue. All the energy, command, and excitement lift me from the stool.
    I watch the tanned skin, stamped not only by tatts but also by the metal links of the cage, move closer. With an arm in the air, like the crowd, he’s pumping his fist. The cage door swings open. Without missing a beat, Zeke punches the air, and mouthing “Thunder,” he enters the ring. There’s a colossal smile on his gorgeous face as he encourages the crowd with his hands, waving upward to make more noise. His smile is infectious. His body language is enthralling. With powerful, sexy charisma, he easily draws them in. The crowd gets even louder. The floor shakes from all the stomping. Excitement shoots straight through me. My heart pounds hard. My palms sweat. Zeke continues with the little show for another minute before the music starts to fade. After the crowd settles down, the announcer introduces his opponent.
    Looking around, I realize that my feet have pulled me closer to the cage. Zeke is in his corner, nodding and nudging his head at people in the crowd with that huge smile still plastered on