Page 6 of Bruised Hearts

“That’s cute. If you put that much attitude into your swing, you might be able to hit the bag right. Your power should come from your leg, not your wrist. Your career is going to end sooner than you think if you keep hitting like that. Turn your hip and use that to throw your punch.”

“Did I ask you for help?” I asked while rolling my eyes. I acted annoyed but did as he said causing him to smile harder. For some reason, his presence was making this harder than it should be, so I still did it wrong.

“You’re still not turning into the hit. Do it like this.” Before I could protest, Landon walked behind me and placed one hand on my wrist and the other on my hip. My skin was burning from his touch, but I played it cool. His dick pressed against me as he physically showed me how to do what he was instructing. Jesus be a panty liner.

“I think I got it now,” I said after clearing my throat.

“Yeah, you learn well when you shut the fuck up.” That caused me to laugh out loud. After showing me a few more other things, I guess Landon felt it was enough for today. Probably thought he was pushing his luck. He was about to walk off when I thought of something.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.” When he smirked, I shook my head and slightly laughed. He was giving me the same attitude I had been giving him.

“Why don’t you use any of this stuff when you’re fighting?” he had a confused look on his face causing me to laugh.

“What you mean? You forgot who hold the belts?”

“No, I haven’t, but before you pull it off, you be getting your ass tore up. It’s like you’re just out there lost until you realize you’re out of time.” He shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing.

“Maybe it’s my Rope-a-dope.”

“Maybe that shit not gone work for you all the time. Especially against Danger.” His jaw tightened, so I knew I hit a nerve. That wasn’t my intention, but that showed me he wasn’t as confident as I thought. “I’m not trying to pry; I was just wondering because of how perfect you train.”

“You think I’m perfect?” When he smirked this time, I shook my head and went back to hitting the bag like the taught me.

“You’re so damn full of yourself.” I was back in full training mode when he decided to answer my question.

“I was never trying to be a boxer. It was just an outlet at first and I turned out to be good at it. My pops pushed me to pursue it.” Hearing him say that shocked me. Our stories sounded a little too familiar. I looked up at him feeling seen.

“So, your dad used you too?” When he looked at me confused, I cursed myself for speaking too soon.

“Naw, he just believed I could be more than my past. Your dad used you?” Not wanting to answer that, I tried to deflect the conversation back to him.

“Why was boxing your outlet? What demons were you trying to fight?”

“When I was younger-…”

“Hope I’m not interrupting. Glad to see you’re settling in here and you like the new gym.” Stone had come out of nowhere, and I felt embarrassed getting caught with Landon.

“He was showing me a few things. That’s all.” Stone reached out his hand, but Landon looked at it like it stank.

“I’m Stone, Ariyah’s father. We caught your last fight, and I knew you was gone take that boy out before the fifth. He couldn’t match your power.” Stone was one second away from asking for an autograph, but Landon looked annoyed. His eyes never left me, and I didn’t want to give Stone a reason to pull me from this gym, so went back to hitting the bag.

“Thanks.” Landon walked off, and I made a mental note to pick up our conversation the next time I saw him.

“What did you do?” I almost told Stone, nigga it was your ass acting like the creepy uncle that ran him off, but I decided against it.

“Nothing. We were training when you came over.” Stone smiled before motioning for me to follow him. We walked outside of the gym and over to his car when he started pacing. You could see the wheels turning in his head.

“This is good. If Breaker is helping you, that’s not just a trainer. That is the Heavy Weight champ teaching you what he knows and gaining his connects. If he is putting in work, you know he’s going to push for a professional fight.”

“He’s training for his own shit. Do you think he really has time to help me full time?” Once Stone saw dollar signs, all logic went out of the window.

“All I’m saying is, it won’t hurt to ask. At least have him on your side. Don’t run him off with that smart ass mouth of yours.” I was about to protest it, but I couldn’t. It was the truth, and I hated when the wrong person was right.

“Okay. I’ll feel him out first. If he tries to help me again, I’ll bring it up, but I won’t go to him, Stone.” He nodded fast.

“Alright. Call me if you need me.” Stone got in his car, and I walked back inside. I looked around hoping he wasn’t sitting across the gym watching me search for him. I scanned the gym once, and then again, but Landon was gone. Going back over to my bag, I got in my stance and shook him off.