Chapter 2: Fighter II

Haden

That evening...

I stepped out of my closet, slipping on my suit jacket and adjusting the lapels. Tonight was one of those nights—another fundraiser event for Cooper Inc., one I had no choice but to attend thanks to my father. I didn’t mind too much, though. Not with my sweet girl by my side. I gave myself a once-over in the mirror, buttoning my jacket with practiced ease.

"Haden."

Ella’s voice floated through the room, soft and sweet.

"Yes, baby?" I answered, making my way toward the bathroom door.

I stopped dead in my tracks the moment she stepped out.

Damn.

She was a vision in a sleek, one-shoulder black dress that hugged every curve like it was made just for her. The high slit along her thigh gave a teasing glimpse of her smooth, toned leg, and I felt my control waver for a split second. She had straightened her hair, letting it fall sleek and glossy down her back. I normally loved when she wore it in it's natural curly state, but tonight? Tonight, she could’ve worn it any way she wanted, and I still wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off her.

Then she turned her back to me, and I clenched my jaw, forcing down the urge to press her against the sink and bury myself deep inside her. My gaze stayed locked on the curve of her ass until she snapped her fingers in front of my face. My eyes finally met hers in the mirror, and she raised a perfectly arched brow.

"Done eye-fucking me?" she teased, smirking knowingly.

I let out a low chuckle and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me. "Not even close. I’ll be doing that all night—until I get you back here." I rasped, lowering my lips to the soft skin of her neck.

She let out a quiet moan but quickly wriggled out of my grasp, shooting me a playful glare as she moved her hair to one side and held up a delicate diamond necklace.

"Help me with this?" she asked.

I nodded, taking the necklace and fastening it around her neck, my fingers grazing her skin. She met my gaze through the mirror, smiling softly before turning to face me.

"You look good." The smirk on her lips was pure trouble.

I chuckled, leaning in to press a quick kiss to the tip of her nose. "Let’s go before I say ‘fuck it’ and keep you here all night."

Ella laughed as I laced my fingers with hers and led her toward the door, knowing damn well that the second this night was over, I’d be making good on every promise lingering between us.

---

The banquet hall was packed, filled with faces I recognized—business partners, donors, and a handful of men whose presence wasn’t exactly business-related. What caught me off guard, though, was seeing my grandpa and mom here, accompanied by a few of his soldiers. To anyone else, they probably just looked like extra security, but I knew better. I kept Ella close as we moved through the crowd, offering nods and quick hellos as we passed.

"Haden!"

I barely had time to brace myself before my mom rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug—only to immediately slap my arm as she pulled away.

"What was that for?" I asked, rubbing the spot she hit.

She shot me a glare before turning her full attention to Ella, engulfing her in an embrace.

"Stop ignoring my calls. Ella here always picks up," she huffed, releasing her.

I rolled my eyes. Mom called way too much—always wanting updates, always asking about the club, always pushing me about whether I was going to take over as head Capo like Grandpa wanted. It was starting to drive me insane. Ella giggled beside me, her fingers grazing my arm in that soothing way that always managed to disarm me. I smirked down at her.

"I answered you twice today," I muttered, before feeling a pat on my shoulder.

I turned to find my dad and Stella standing behind me. Dad gave me a firm handshake before pulling me in for a quick hug, while Stella immediately grabbed Ella, squeezing her tight before turning to hug me as well.

"Hello, Brad," I heard my mom say, her tone laced with something unreadable.

Dad’s expression stiffened slightly as he glanced over my shoulder. "Carolyn."

Mom smiled sweetly before turning her attention to Stella.

"Stella, you look absolutely ravishing in that dress."

I sighed, already knowing where this was going. Ella caught my eye and shook her head, the same knowing smirk playing on her lips.

"Mom, stop being weird," I said, exasperated.

Stella, clearly unsure how to respond, gave a polite but awkward smile. The way Mom’s gaze trailed over her dress, the way her eyes lit up—it was the kind of look that could make anyone uneasy.

"Um, thank you," Stella replied quickly, before grabbing Ella’s hand. "Babygirl, come with me to get a drink."

Ella chuckled as Stella all but pulled her away. Meanwhile, Dad shot Mom a glare.

"Stop looking at my wife like that, Carolyn."

Mom scoffed, her smirk widening. "Oh, please. She’s gorgeous—I can look. Besides, we used to share… until you got stingy."

I cringed so hard my body physically recoiled. "And on that note, I’m walking away."

I left them to bicker, making my way toward Grandpa, who was deep in conversation with one of our managers. The moment I approached, the guy gestured toward me, and Grandpa turned around, his face breaking into a grin.

"Haden! My boy!" he greeted, chuckling as he pulled me into a quick embrace.

"Grandpa, what are you doing here?" I asked, arching a brow.

"Had to come support my grandson’s business, of course," he said, feigning innocence.

I wasn’t buying it for a second. He was here for one reason—to press me again about taking over as Capo. I exhaled, already feeling the weight of the conversation before it even started. "I already told you, Grandpa. I need more time to think about it. Ella is struggling with the idea—especially after everything."

Just saying it out loud made my stomach twist. The thought of what Ella had been through, how broken she had been for months, was something I never wanted to relive. Grandpa’s expression softened just enough to make me think he might drop it. But then, of course, he made his next move.

"Tell you what," he said smoothly. "Why don’t you and Ella come by my home? We’ll talk it through. I’ll assure her of her safety."

I knew that tone. It wasn’t a request—it was a deal I had no choice but to take. With a heavy sigh, I gave a slow nod. "Fine."

A knowing smirk spread across his face. He patted my shoulder, pleased. "Good. I’ll see you two tomorrow. Oh, and—" he added with a wink, "I left a generous donation for your fundraiser."

With that, he turned and made his way toward the exit, his soldiers falling in step behind him like shadows. I shook my head, exhaling as I felt myself being pulled in yet another direction, this time to meet new donors.

Tonight was far from over.

.

.

.

Joella

"That woman has no shame," Mom muttered before taking a slow sip of her wine.

I chuckled. "She’s harmless."

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Harmless my ass! George Russo is her father—that woman is dangerous."

I smirked. "Well, she seems to like you, so I guess you're safe."

Mom shot me a sharp look before smacking my arm. I let out a laugh, rubbing the sting away. That hit had some weight behind it. We continued chatting until I noticed a figure moving toward us. My smile faded instantly, and Mom, picking up on the shift, followed my line of sight.

"Hey, Ella."

That voice. That familiar, uncertain voice.

I turned my gaze to the woman in front of me, quickly taking in her appearance. Tanya looked good—her blush-colored chevron gown complimented her well—but none of that mattered to me. I had one question lingering in my mind: Why was she standing in front of me now?

"Tanya," I said flatly, making no effort to hide my indifference.

Her eyes flickered to my mom. "Hi, Mrs. Cooper."

Mom gave her a curt nod, barely forcing a weak smile before rubbing my shoulder.

"I’ll be with Brad."

I nodded and watched as she walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Once she was gone, I turned my attention back to Tanya.

"You look great!" she offered, her tone overly bright.

I raised an eyebrow before offering a small, insincere half-smile. "Thank you."

That was all I gave her. I had no interest in making conversation. Haden had told me everything. And as much as it hurt at the time, I had moved past it. I never expected—or wanted—to see her again, so I had let it go. But now? Seeing her standing here, looking at me like she deserved some kind of closure? It made my blood simmer.

"I wanted to apolo—"

"Save it," I cut her off, my voice calm but firm.

She froze, caught off guard.

"There’s no need to apologize. I’ve already forgiven you," I said simply.

Her shoulders sagged in relief. "Ella, you have no idea how grateful I am for that. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for years. Haden kept turning me away, then your number stopped working, and before I knew it, you were just… gone. Off to college. I never got the chance to talk to you. But I’m so happy you’re not holding anything against me. I was young and dumb, and you were a true friend to me. I’m so sorry."

As she spoke, all I could hear were the lies. Lies she told while I was suffering. Lies that made people turn against me. Lies I still didn’t fully understand.

I inhaled deeply, steadying myself before speaking. "I’m not holding anything against you, Tanya. I just simply don’t want to deal with you. I can’t trust you. And to be honest, I have this nagging feeling you’re standing in front of me right now with some kind of agenda."

Her mouth parted slightly, like she hadn’t expected me to say that.

Good.

I took a small step closer, my voice unwavering. "I remember everything, Tanya. Everything you said. Everything you did. And after taking some time to think, I started piecing together things I missed back then. You were never my friend."

Her shock was evident, but I didn’t stop there.

"And that’s okay," I continued smoothly. "Life lessons hit hard sometimes. Seeing you for who you really were was a tough pill to swallow for me. Now, I can’t say you’re still the same person—I don’t know. But the thing is? I don’t care to find out. I’ve changed, too. I’m stronger now. And I have a lot of people to thank for that. You included."

A genuine smile tugged at my lips as I raised my glass in a mock toast.

"Have a wonderful night."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there. I had barely taken a few steps before I was pulled into strong arms. I inhaled the familiar scent of him and smiled, turning into his embrace.

"I am so proud of you, tesoro," Haden whispered, his forehead pressing against mine.

I sighed softly as he reached for my glass of wine, placing it on a tray as a passing server walked by.

"You were listening?" I asked.

He nodded. "I came over the second I saw her walk up to you. But your mom told me to let you handle it. So I stayed back and listened."

He slowly began swaying us to the music, his touch gentle but possessive.

"You’re going to be a force, tesoro," he murmured, voice laced with admiration. "And I am here for all of it."

Then, in one smooth motion, he dipped me, his lips brushing against my neck in a soft, lingering kiss.

A shiver ran down my spine as he whispered in my ear, "I’ve controlled myself long enough. Let’s get out of here."

I giggled, biting my bottom lip as I nodded.

That was all he needed. In an instant, he gripped my hand, and with swift purpose, led me toward the exit.

Tonight wasn’t over. Not even close.