Chapter One: My Life
Well, I had what I thought was a normal childhood. Looking back now that I'm nearly thirty, I realize that it wasn't completely normal.
My name is Lynn Hall James Powell. I am a petite woman with long golden blonde hair and hazel eyes that change color depending on my mood. I'm a fairly successful veterinarian. I've been married for five years to my high school sweetheart, Chris Powell. Chris stands just over six feet tall and is in stellar shape. He has dark brown hair and the bluest eyes, but his personality is a stark contrast to his boyish looks.
I started a charity called The Phoenix Foundation a few years ago. Its goal is to help those who have knocked down by life to rise up like a phoenix from the ashes, reborn yet slightly better than before. No one knows that I'm behind this charity except for my closest friends. My husband doesn't know as the founder is listed as Emma Rose Hall. “Emma Rose” was a name that my family used for my mother. I miss her every day. I only hope that I'm making her proud. You see, this charity is me in a nutshell. Just before my seventeenth birthday, my parents were taken away from me.
However, I don't remember much from that night. It's as if a part of me blacked it out. I assume my body did this to protect me, at least that's what my therapist said.
All I know is when one of my father's exes came to our home, I was upstairs in my room, talking to my best friend, Crystal Meyers, on the phone. Crystal has always been shorter than me and not as eager to try new things. But even though she and I are opposites, we compliment each other perfectly. That fateful night, she and I were talking about what all teenagers talk about, boys. Yes, I was dating Chris but there was this one boy before him. Crystal was with his best friend, Jacob Turner. Jacob was the same age as Crystal who was a year older than me. Jacob and I were close as a brother and his sister. My parents even considered adopting him. Jacob's friend Bastian was a year older than Jacob. Bastian West was his name. He was a fairly reserved guy who hang around on the outskirts of our group. I made it my mission to make him become more social.
I succeeded in that endeavor too, but I found myself falling for Bastian after I kissed him. It was nothing like I had ever felt before. I had decided that I wanted Bastian to be my first real boyfriend, and I was going to give my virginity to him. But fate had other plans. My parents were talking with Crystal and I about love and sex the night I
lost Bastian and she lost Jacob. We still don't know why they disappeared that night.
All we knew was that Jacob's dad was found murdered the next day. Jacob's dad was an abusive addict. He owed half of Chicago money.
However, due to the large number of suspects, the police dropped their investigation and closed the case. I covered for Jacob and Bastian as I told the police that they'd ran away days prior for a fresh start. I'm a good girl so they had no reason not to believe me.
As I'm talking to Crystal about our lost loves, I hear escalated voices. I remember going downstairs. There was blood, so much blood. Red, all I saw was red. Then I wake up in the hospital with Crystal and her mother at my bedside. My parents were gone…murdered by my father's psycho ex-lover. They caught her and she was found guilty. Two years ago she became ill in prison and requested to see me. I went and she told me all sorts of things, that still don't make sense. I do remember a last name that she kept saying: Kingsley.
I have no clue who the Kingsleys were that she's referring too or at least I didn't at the time. I did some digging and learned what monsters those people are. You see, in college, I picked up an extremely valuable skill. I became an expert hacker. I'll get into that part of my life later. Currently, Chris and I are getting ready for a gala. Ardin and Crystal are on their way to get us. That brings me to Ardin, Ardin Cross. Ardin is tall with an athletic build. He has dark ash blonde hair and baby blue eyes. He is respectful, sweet, and charismatic. He's everything that Chris isn't.
However, things with Ardin are complicated. I've known him for years. I was even at his wedding which didn't go so well. He was left at the altar. I actually thought about standing up there with him. I know it's crazy, but there's just this pull to him. It's always been there. Honestly, I love him maybe even more than I ever had Chris. Things with Chris have always been rocky where Ardin is concerned even though Ardin and I have never engaged in any unapproved behavior. I remember getting into a huge fight with Chris about a year ago.
Oh god that fight! I don't remember all of it but I know it led to me telling Chris that I was done and leaving. He tried to forbid me from seeing Crystal and Ardin. He said them or me, so I chose them. I went to grab some things and my phone. He tried to keep me from leaving. He hit me and busted my lip.
I ran and hid in the bathroom. I tried to call Crystal but he broke in and smashed my phone and then threw it into the toilet. I just felt so helpless and defeated. I'm pretty sure Crystal came by but of course he lied and kept her away. I still haven't told her or Ardin about that night.
Instead I called up a college friend who became an MMA fighter.
Flashback Two years ago
Ethan Cane is a 4 time MMA champion and has been married to his wife, Kimberly Cane, for a few years. They are attractive people with very opinionated and stubborn personalities. But I adore their brutal honesty. I trust them with my life which is why I reached out to them to train me to protect myself. I was allowed to be friends with them because they were a couple. Chris wasn't threatened by them. We went to a lot of his matches. This last one though, I still owe him a beat down too. This was shortly after Chris busted my lip. I asked Ethan and Kim to teach me some fighting skills. Yes Chris is bigger than me much like Ethan so I know I don't stand much of a chance but if I can get enough distance I can bolt.
Chris and I are sitting ringside with Kim as she says, “I can't believe you guys made those bets!”
I shrug, “He's an ass. I just had to!”
Chris shakes his head, “It's stupid is what it is.”
I roll my eyes, “Whatever, you're no fun.”
Chris flatly says, “This isn't my idea of fun. Watching men beat each other senseless is such a waste!”
Kim grins, “A very profitable waste though.”
l laugh because I agree with her, “I mean look around. Everyone here except for a few like us paid at least a hundred dollars for a seat. It's also on pay per view so you have that revenue too. Not to mention the betting!”
Chris warns, “You better not have!”
I sneak a wink at Kim. Oh I so bet on these fights. It's my money and I'll do with it as I please. Chris might be my husband but he's not my master.
Before marriage Chris was different. We had an open love life and he wasn't very controlling. Shortly after marriage it all changed. I miss some of my old life, I guess that is why I make bets. Chris and I used to go to BDSM clubs too, what he doesn't know is that I still do with my friends. I've met some good people there and they support my charity too.
I don't like attention but I am a social person. Ethan knows that and he's really putting me on the spot tonight. All because I underestimated myself. Earlier when it was just fighters and security, Ethan had me challenge Sam Moore, his trainer. Sam towers over most fighters and he is hard as a rock but he possesses uncanny flexibility for better as massive as he is.
I didn't think I could beat Sam. He's huge and all muscle mixed with skill. We drew a crowd because it's not everyday you see a petite blonde chick fight 6'7" wall of pure muscle. The rules were standard MMA and street. No eye gouging, hits to the back of the head, or kicks to the groin. I knew l'd have to be cunning.
I also knew he'd refrain for hitting my face but the rest of me was fair game. I figured if he got me into a
hold that I'd be doomed. He wasn't just a ground and pound kinda guy he also, was a master of submission. Well, I don't submit to any man!
So I did what I do best, taunt and bait him. I've always had a way with words and I knew I could use them and my sexuality to my advantage. So I did. I removed one of my sports bras and bound him with it. I then put him into an ankle lock. He tapped. I got a standing ovation from security too.
Mmm security, they are some fine Grade A specimens if I ever did see. But I do love a man in uniform especially when it clings to all the right places, but can you really blame me?
The head of security catches my eye the most and it seems that I catch his too. I know I've seen him somewhere before but I can't place it. But I can place his gaze. It's raw, hungry, yet restrained to the point of being domineering but in a very exquisite kind of way. Maybe he's been at clubs because his gaze just feels so erotic.
It just sends trickles of heat all over my body. I just can't explain it. I feel that pull too when he looks at me, that same pull that I have to Ardin. But I know nothing about the guy. He's friendly towards Ethan and Sam but who isn't. They're giants but likable friendly ones.
The security head is a giant too. He definitely was a fighter or at least should've been. He makes me fidget in my seat. If I weren't married I'd probably approach him. Although Chris wasn’t around when I trained, I still remained a loyal wife despite the tempting eye candy.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts and my gazing at the security head as the intro music starts to play. After the intro music and introductions by the ring announcer, Ethan takes the microphone. Oh god, here we go!
Ethan bellows, “We have a special ring girl tonight. She's a personal friend of mine who lost a bet to me earlier tonight. So as the loser, she's mine for this evening. I've asked her to sing our anthem and be our ring girl. So everyone welcome Miss Lynn James Powell to the octagon!”
Wait he said Miss, not Mrs! Oh this is going to piss Chris off. I glance at Chris as I enter the octagon and yep he's red in the face. He's about to get more pissed once I take this robe off. I am dressed in a tight, little leather gladiator outfit. It doesn't leave much to the imagination as I slide off my leather coat and hand it to a cornerman.
Now the catcalls start. I just shake my head and smirk. I'm dressed for battle because Ethan is going for his fifth title tonight and well this is war. Despite my nerves, I grab the microphone and sing.
Wow, it's dead silent! I blush because I feel very self conscious right now. I belt the high note and hold nothing back. I finish to a chorus of applause. I see Chris getup and leave.
Sam hugs me, “Forget him, Lynn.”
Ethan pats my shoulder, “Yeah that was amazing babe.” Then both hug me.
I smile at Ethan, “Good luck and kick his ass!” I kiss Ethan's cheek and get my ring card. I do my job as ring girl and sit with Kim too.
Kim giggles, “I can't take you anywhere.”
“What?” I ask.
Kim grins as she shakes her head, “You're clueless aren't you?”
I'm talking to her and yelling at Ethan, “Guard up!!! Come on! Don't make me come kick your ass, Ethan!”
Kim laughs, “I think you could but don't tell him I said that.”
I giggle, “You know I won't. Ride or die bitch!”
Kim laughs, “So is. Whore!”
Then we both just laugh until Ethan gets a nasty cut over his eye.
“Damnit! Doc get that bleed under control or I will!” I yell.
Trever Smith is Ethan’s friend and ring doctor. He's handsome but too much of a goodie-goodie. I like a gentleman mixed with a bad boy. Trev is all sugar and no spice!
Trever says, “I know how to do my job, Lynn.”
“Then do it or I will! I'm more qualified anyways!” I snap back.
Kim laughs, “You just have to have control don't you?”
I nod, “Yes.”
Kim raises an eyebrow, “You know Trever is single, right.”
I huff, “Now you're sounding like Ethan. I'm married!”
Kim says, “So.”
I tilt my head, “Like you'd cheat on Ethan!”
Kim grins, “Don't have to as he gives permission like Chris used too! What's changed?”
I shrug, “I don't know. It's like I barely know him anymore. He's nothing like he was in high school or before we got married. Trev get it done!”
Kim sighs, “Just go do it. I know you're dying to!”
I storm over and push Trever out of his seat, “Let a woman show you how it's done!”
Ethan murmurs, “Woman!”
“Don't woman me!” I yell as I smack him.
Sam looks at me, “You know you should be smacking Chris around. He needs a good beating for leaving you after you sang, Lynn.”
I sigh, “I'm used to it.” That's the truth as I am used to Chris never supporting anything I do. He just wants a Barbie and that's something that I could never be. I should get a divorce, but I worry what my family would think if I did.
As I talked to the guys, I worked. I cleaned it out because I had a feeling why it was still bleeding was because it wasn't thoroughly cleaned. Then I put pressure from multiple angles on a clean bandage. I kept swapping them out until it quickly stopped. I put some salve on it. I kissed his cheek.
“There ya go. It will swell but I bought you a bit of time. Now go end this quickly!” I tell Ethan.
Trever grumbles to me, “You know I'd have had it.”
I shrug, “Probably but I'm way more efficient.”
Trever smirks, “Maybe but humans aren't your cup of tea.”
I giggle, “Not even my chosen beverage. You all whine too much!”
He chuckles, “You know you're human right?”
I sigh, “So not by choice!”
Sam chuckles, “Trever you know she'll never say yes!”
Trever says, “Doesn't hurt to try.”
Sam shakes his head, “Oh I've tried. She's said no to this so you'll get turned down real quick!”
I look to Kim but she says, “Oh so not saving you. You know I hate Chris!”
I exclaim, “I'm married and I honor my vows!”
Kim asks, “Yeah but for how much longer? You so should leave his ass!”
I feel that gaze again. That guard is watching me. I just know it. I glance around and I catch him ever so briefly.
I leave the guys and sit by Kim, “That guy keeps watching me.”
Kim tells me, “Most guys in here are. Point to him.”
I try to find him but I can't. I sigh, “He's gone.”
Kim reassures, “I'm sure not far.”
We watch the reminder of the fight. Ethan won. He puts Kim and I on his shoulders like we are his prized belts. Then I see that guard.
“Kim! Him guy by the exit ramp!” I yell as I point.
Kim groans, “Oh he's a player!”
Ethan asks, “Who?”
“Ice.” Kim replies.
Ethan shakes his head, “He's always got a bimbo.”
I wrinkle my nose, “Oh! Ewww!”
Ethan hints, “If you're looking for a Chris replacement I think you should go with Trev or Sam.”
I smack him, “I'm not looking just curious!”
Kim hums, “Sure!”
“Just stop!” I warn.
End Flashback
And that was the last time I hung out with Ethan and Kim. I invite them to all of my fundraisers and galas. I know they'll make one at some point. It's also how I got trained to defend myself incase Chris tries to hurt me again. I know if he raises a hand to me again, I'm gone for good.
I'm dressed and ready. I went with a form-fitting silver beaded floor-length dress that has a moderate slit and open back. The neckline plunges but not too far.
Chris yells, “Go change!” the moment he saw me.
“I am covered and it's appropriate for the venue,” I explain.
Chris mumbles unapprovingly, “I just can't have you seen like that!”
We argue as the limo pulls up and Crystal gets out and comes over to us.
“Seen like what?” I ask Chris.
“A tramp!” he yells.
Crystal exclaims, “Oh fuck no!”
Chris sneers, “You look like a slut too!”
Ardin comes to our defense, “Just stop man. They both look beautiful.”
Chris warns, “When it's all over social media maybe you'll see it my way!”
I just roll my eyes as I take Ardin's hand and he helps me into the limo. He helps Crystal next. Ardin is always the gentleman and always the good guy. We head to the gala in silence. This is going to be a long night!