Isaak: The Counterpunch Series Book 1 Page 16

  “If you must know, I’ve been working on it since I got the call. I have a few things I need to discuss with you, Isaak, and you, Remme. If that’s okay?” He directs the question at Rem herself.

  “Erm, me? Okay, sure.” She seems indecisive but agrees anyway.

  “Use the office: I have some personal sessions booked with me, in the next couple of minutes anyway.”

  “Cheers, Owen.”

  He gives me a pat on the top of my shoulder, then walks off to the front of the gym, no doubt to antagonize Devon somewhat. He always finds a way to piss her off with his endless flirting, but she shuts him down before he even gets started. It makes me smile knowing that not every woman drops to their knees for him, and with Devon, he’s finding that out the hard way. Maybe he’s met his match, or quite possibly his weakness. He enjoys the chase just as much as I do.

  The slight squeeze on my hand pulls my thoughts back to the reason at hand.

  “Yeah, sorry. After you.” I hold my hand out to invite Remme and Kenny to walk on in the direction of Owen’s office, again. We reach the stairs and walk in silence up the metal steps, coming to a standstill just inside the office door. I shut it firmly and wait for whatever happens next.

  I glance to my left at Rem, and like she senses me looking, she turns her head towards me. She’s anxious and fidgets from one foot to the other.

  Kenny takes Owen’s seat, while I take the other one, pulling Remme down with me to sit on my lap.

  “Okay, what’s up Kenny? You’re making me nervous, and I fight for a living. I don’t get nervous...ever.”

  “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Remme

  I fidget in Isaak’s lap, wondering what Kenny needs to speak to me about. He doesn’t leave us waiting for long.

  “The bad news... we found out that Alexander Jenkins was indeed using enhanced drugs the night you fought him. We don’t know what he used, but it’s of no importance. We don’t know how it’s gone undetected. I did however find out that Alex has a brother who’s in the physio business and who would quite easily be able to slip him something just before he walked out for the fight. I don’t know which company he works for, just that his name is Melvyn. I’m still trying to find out more on him,” Kenny begins to explain.

  “I fucking knew it, the cheating bastard,” Isaak bellows out right down my ear, making me wince and shudder. Then it finally registers to me what Kenny just announced.

  “Did you just say Melvyn?” I question, my heart now galloping out of my chest hundred miles an hour. What are the odds that the guy Kenny is speaking about turns out to me the same Melvyn that I worked with?

  “Yeah, Melvyn. Why?”

  Everything I now know, mixes together with my interaction with Melvyn earlier today. Like a tidal wave hitting me in the face, it all pieces together. I’m so fucking stupid. I knew he was up to something with his very cryptic conversation from before.

  “It’s funny you say that, I’ve just had a very vague and peculiar conversation with a guy I work with about Isaak. At the time I was all over the place worrying about my job. It came across like he really disliked you.” I look over my shoulder at Isaak. He lifts his eyebrow up in confusion. “Yeah, he was basically saying that you wouldn’t be winning any title back and that you’re not the fighter everyone thinks you are. Something about playing a blinder and telling me not to get too comfy. Then said all will be revealed,” I finish telling them.

  Isaak looks like he wants to murder someone, and Kenny looks like the penny has finally dropped.

  “I always knew Melvyn Carter was a twat waffle and would do anything to get the recognition he thinks he deserves, but I didn’t think he would stoop this low.”

  “Melvyn Carter… that’s his name,” Kenny says, banging his hand down on the table making me jump.

  “Wait, you work with him?” Isaak sits forward in the chair to look at me.

  “Yeah, well I did, up until today.” I can see the questions spinning around in his head. “Wait, you don’t think I had anything to do with it, do you?” I ask, concerned that he would think that in the first place.

  “What? No, I would never think you’d do that to me,” he confirms.

  “Good, cause I bloody didn’t,” I practically spit at him, stating my innocence.

  “I believe you, Remme. Honest,” he replies in a panic.

  I give him a stiff nod of my head.

  “You guys want the good news now?” Kenny asks, breaking the awkward silence.

  “Yes, hit me with it,” Isaak says.

  “Well, after I got the panicked phone call from Remme, I got to work, doing what I do best. Knowing that Remme is now suspended from work and under investigation, I came up with the idea that we should hire her to work with the team. We just need to make sure that it’s not going to cause any issues with her current company or have her breaking any of the suspension rules, shall we say,” Kenny beams across the desk at us.

  “What, she could actually do that?” Isaak all but sings, full of hope.

  “In all fairness, I have my own license, so I can practice anywhere and with anyone. It was written in my original contract when I started at Proflex, regardless of the suspension and me being under investigation.” I completely forgot about that part in my contract: never thought I would actually need to remember it. Thank God I did.

  “There we go then. It’s all settled. I will have a contract drawn up for you in the next couple of days. You can go back to Proflex when your suspension finishes, or you can stay with us full time or until Isaak retires.”

  “Wow, erm okay. That’s a lot to take in.” I’m flattered and scared all at the same time. I don’t know what to say.

  “Sweetcheeks, it’s a win, win. You’ll be getting paid to spend every waking hour with me, and you can continue to do what you love,” Isaak all but pleads with me. When he puts it like that, I pretty much make my mind up there and then.

  “Yeah, okay. Let’s do this—at least until I know where I stand with Proflex. Thank you, Kenny.”

  “Excellent. I’m glad you're coming on board, Remme. I didn’t think anyone would be able to get Isaak back on his feet so quickly, but you have done an exceptional job. Knowing what we know now about Melvyn, it would be best if you carried on with Isaak.” He smiles at me, making me blush.

  “Thank you, but it’s Isaak that does the hard graft. I just tell him how to do it safely. But you’re right: if I don't do this, Isaak’s case would be transferred to Melvyn and none of us want that.”

  After some more discussion about the new road ahead, Kenny finally leaves Owen’s office, giving me and Isaak some privacy.

  “You okay with all this?” he finally asks as he pushes me up to stand from his lap. He turns me around so I’m facing him and waits for me to speak. I lean my bum against the edge of the desk, just staring at his chest.

  “Yes, I’m happy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely pissed at what Proflex have done to me, but this is a new adventure, and I’m elated to see where it takes me. Plus, I will get to see more of you... a lot more of you,” I say seductively.

  “You get the exclusive, Sweetcheeks. Only you.” He winks and plants a deep meaningful kiss to my lips.

  Considering my day has gone from bad to fucking catastrophic, it’s turned out okay in the end. I’m looking forward instead of backwards, and I don’t have to worry about what to do with myself whilst work does whatever they need to.

  Onwards and upwards from here on out.

  Knowing I’m going to be working with Isaak exclusively now is just an added bonus.

  Part of me wants to tell Rachel and the board to go fuck themselves, but I’m not at that stage yet. I loved working there. It was a big part of my life and nothing is going to change that.

  I guess only time will tell.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Is
aak

  I’ve improved massively with my physio. Remme is pleased with the progress I’ve made in the last eight weeks since I started with her. Even agreeing to let me train in the gym with Owen and my trainers. She’s made her demands and is watching me like a hawk, looking for any sign of me being in pain or if I’m pushing myself too hard. I’ve had none. I’m almost one hundred percent back to full health and fitness.

  The day she agreed to be a part of my team was another turning point for us. She has been determined to get the best out of me, and I’ve been just as determined to give her the best of me. In more ways than one.

  Every chance I’ve had, I’ve been touching her, flirting with her, kissing her… You name it I’ve been doing it. I can’t get enough.

  I see her stealing glances at me whilst I’m sparring with Owen. She gets fidgety and tries to keep herself busy. I know it turns her on; I sense it from the way her eyes glaze over or the way she bites her bottom lip. The fact she’s not bothered by all the sweat coating my bare chest is made obvious by the way she runs her hands all over it every time we are on our own. I’d go as far as saying she wants to lick off every droplet from me, by the time I finish sparring with Owen.

  “Good spar, Isaak,” Owen says through his mouth guard as he bumps his gloves against mine.

  “I’m still a better fighter than you, Owen,” I tease as we wipe our faces, shoulders and chests with the towels Bruce passes us.

  I spot Remme standing at the front of the gym talking to Devon. The six weeks she’s been working with me, they’ve become really close. I’m glad she’s got Devon here for some female company as the gym is mainly men. It doesn’t bother her, but me on the other hand, I want to punch every male that checks her the fuck out. Thankfully, Bruce grabs my attention, breaking me out of my overthinking imagination.

  “You’re looking good in the ring, Isaak. Keep on the way you’re going and Alex isn’t going to know what’s hit him,” he tells me as he massages the tops of my shoulders to loosen up the muscles there.

  “Thanks Bruce. I couldn’t have done any of it without that girl right there.” I nod my head swiftly in Remme’s direction as he passes Owen and me a fresh water bottle each. I take it from him and down the whole lot in a matter of seconds.

  “She’s a rare one, Isaak. Not everyone can keep your arse in line, but she somehow does. You need to put a ring on her finger before someone else does,” he openly says, giving me some fatherly advice.

  “Like fuck they will,” I state, causing Bruce to laugh. “I just don’t wanna fuck it up or push her away unintentionally, but one day I plan to,” I tell him honestly.

  Besides from Owen, Bruce is the only other person I can speak to about things like this. He’s been my cut man from the moment I became a professional boxer. It may only have been a couple of years, but he became a father to me when I needed one. Nothing is ever too much for him when it comes to me. He’s only ever wanted the best of me; for that I will forever be grateful—grateful that he came into my life—and I have every intention of keeping him there.

  “She’s not going anywhere, Isaak,” he simply tells me, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I can tell by the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is watching. She worships the ground you walk on and what’s more, she’s not even aware she’s doing it. Just don’t wait too long to pop the question.”

  Just as he says that, Remme looks in our direction, throwing us a timid wave, followed by a soft, loving smile.

  “See. Like I said, she doesn’t even know. I’d go as far as saying that girl is in love with you, Isaak.” He lets out a huge laugh as he spots the shocked expression on my face. It doesn’t shock me in a bad way, more like he’s made me aware of what Remme is possibly feeling towards me and that I never noticed it myself. I’ve yet to say anything, but I’ve lost all ability to speak.

  “Just something for you to think about.” With that said, he leaves me pondering.

  I haven’t taken my eyes off Remme since Bruce dropped the L bomb on me. All of a sudden, she darts off, practically running in the opposite direction like she somehow heard what Bruce had just said.

  What the hell is she up to?

  No sooner as I take the two strides over to where she’s heading, do the gym doors swing open, stopping me in my tracks. I cast my eyes over to the glass door as a dark shadow appears. All thoughts of going after Remme vanish.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t Isaak ‘The Bruiser’ Brookes. It’s been awhile.”

  I hear the sarcasm laced in his words. I know exactly who the voice belongs to as they walk into Owen’s gym.

  He’s got a fucking nerve.

  I stop on the spot, wondering why he’s here and more importantly, what he’s up to. Turning on my heels so I’m now facing him head on, I notice Shantel and some guy I don’t know are with him.

  “What the fuck do you want, Alexander?” I ask, getting straight to the point. Just seeing the smug look on his face makes me want to throat punch him right back out the fucking door, or the glass windows, I don’t really care.

  “We were in the neighbourhood and thought it would be nice to drop by and show our faces.” He smirks, and I would give anything to wipe it from his face if I could. He knows that being professionals means we can’t fight outside of the ring, and if that’s what he’s trying to accomplish by being here, it was a wasted journey.

  I feel Owen’s presence as he comes to stand by my side. One thing I can say is that Owen has and always will have my back.

  “Get the fuck out of my gym, Alex. You’re not welcome here,” Owen declares, defending my honour.

  “There’s no need to be like that, Owen. We’re all friends here,” he says sarcastically.

  I’ve had enough of this shit; he needs to leave and he needs to leave now. I can sense the whole of the gym is now watching the interaction unfold, my whole team included.

  My feet move towards Alex in a natural reaction, and I get up close and personal with him. “You’ve got a fucking nerve showing up here, Alex. I suggest you take the Barbie and Ken wannabes and fuck off back where you came from,” I order.

  He matches my stance now, pressing his forehead against mine, trying to show his dominance. I don’t back down. Alex is nothing and no one. He might have gotten the better of me the last time we fought—which he had to cheat to accomplish—but everyone here knows I’m a more skilled and disciplined fighter than he will ever be.

  “I’ve beaten you once, Isaak; I will do it again,” he goads, trying to get me worked up so I’ll make the first move. He should know not to tempt the beast. I guess he’ll never learn.

  “You only beat me because you fucking cheated. If you hadn’t, you wouldn’t have been named Champion. I know what you’re trying to do, Alex; it won’t work. You came in here for a reason. So fucking say what you have to say,” I demand, still going toe to toe with him. I’m not stupid enough to throw the first punch, but that doesn’t mean I’ll take his shit and back down from him and his lame attempts to get a reaction from me.

  I notice Remme walking towards us as he takes a step back from me. She looks a bit under the weather, but her eyes bulge when she sees who’s standing in front of me. She’s worried, that much I can tell, but I follow her line of sight as she looks from Shantel to the man standing next to Alex. She doesn’t like something she sees, and knowing what she now knows, she comes to stand next to me.

  “Well, if it isn’t Remme, the perfect little physiotherapist.”

  I move her behind me with my hand forcefully to keep her out of the way and so Alex can stop checking her out right in front of me. He’s using Remme as a reason for me to respond and give him exactly what he wants.

  No matter how much I push Remme behind my body, though, she pokes her head out from the other side of me. Clearly, she has other plans.

  “What do you think you’re playing at Melvyn, showing up here. We all know what your game is. Your secret�
�s out the bag. We all know your Alexander’s half-brother,” she declares over my shoulder.

  What the hell has gotten into her?

  “It’s common knowledge that we’re brothers, Remme. That’s old news.”

  “And why is this skank with you?” Remme shoots out, now giving Shantel daggers.

  Wow, she’s on a fucking roll today. I really don’t know what she’s playing at. I look over my shoulder at her as she shrugs hers at me, like it’s not a big deal.

  “Who are you calling a skank? You gold-digging whore,” Shantel all but screams back at Remme.

  “Enough, the pair of you,” I bellow, putting an end to their aggressive argument before it goes too far. “Everyone just fucking stop. Alex, you have two minutes to tell us what the fuck you want and to leave before I do you some real damage,” I spit at him. “I know you faked your drug test. I don’t know how, but I know this cocksucker here had something to do with it. As for you”—I point over to Shantel so she knows I’m talking to her—"need to keep your opinions to yourself, and don’t ever insult Remme again or you kiss your fucking modelling career goodbye. I want answers and I’m damn well going to fucking get them.”

  “Someone has his boxers in a twist,” I hear Shantel mutter. I choose to ignore her. My fists are clenching and unclenching down by my sides, ready to do some damage to anyone who makes a move, as well as trying to keep Remme back.

  My eyes are locked on Alex as he lets out a bellowing evil laugh. “Regardless of what you think I have or haven’t done; you can’t prove anything. If you could, you would have reported me by now.”

  “You’re a cheating bastard, Alex. You’re nothing and never will amount to anything. You will never be a better fighter than me. You’re not even worthy enough to be called a boxer. And you will see all this when we’re in the ring again.” I see Alex’s jaw tighten, I’ve got to him and it’s clear for all to see.

  Melvyn sees the sneer on my face and goes to push past Alex but is stopped when Alex rears his fist back. I see it coming and move to the side, trying to take Remme with me. The punch whistles past my ears, then out the corner of my eye, I see it connect with Remme’s shoulder. My hands work of their own accord, landing and connecting on Alex’s cheekbone. Just as Remme runs off towards the stairs, Alex comes back at me and it all kicks off.