The Fighter's Block (Donovan): The Fighter's Block, #1

By Hadley Quinn

(This book contains mature content, including sex and language. For adults 18+)

The entire fourth floor of Donovan Kemp's apartment complex houses only MMA fighters, dubbing it "The Fighter's Block." Growing up in an abusive home put Van on the fast track to nowhere, but a caring fight club owner took him under his wing as a teen and shaped him into a fighter with integrity.

Now in his mid-twenties, his life changes dramatically when he steps in to help a beautiful girl in a scary situation with her boyfriend. Surprising to Van, she ends up going home with him. He's now on the fast track to something else: falling in love. He feels that Danielle is the type of girl that he could only dream about, but the two quickly fall hard for each other in equal measure.

When the ex boyfriend proves to be nothing but trouble, Van has a tough time deciding between protecting Dani with legal measures or just bashing the guy's face in himself. The harassment escalates, eventually pulling Dani and Van apart, and Van finds himself feeling desperate enough to do something drastic.

If being thrown in jail isn't bad enough for Van, an undercover investigator seems to be getting a little too close to Dani, the fight club he grew up in could be turned upside down with scandal, and the friends that he trusts with his life might not be who they say they are.

So much for finally discovering the little morsel of happiness he'd been deprived of his entire life...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hadley Quinn
• Release date: Nov 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781492216810

Hadley Quinn

Hadley Quinn is the author of New Adult and Contemporary romance laced with plenty of humor and suspense. She has been writing novels for over ten years, publishing for the first time in 2012. Titles such as "Kiss This" of the bestselling McCallan series have gained momentum in the indie community and become the catalyst for her travels to book signings all over the country. Known for her memorable characters and clever story lines, Hadley keeps the reader engaged with plot twists and wit that will draw you into her fictional world

Book preview

Chapter One

Indigo Lounge was bustling as usual on a Friday night. The location of the club assured that it always remained lively on the weekends but comfortable for the slower paced on the weekdays. It sat in the middle of 2nd Avenue, neighbored by several other social establishments, and the area promised that there was something for everyone.

Donovan Kemp didn’t feel the promise of anything that night, not anymore, and he stepped out of Indigo sometime around midnight. He opened another button on his shirt to expose his chest to more air. It had been hot as hell inside the club and he felt much better as he fanned himself with his shirt a few times.

He took a deep breath and slowly released it, making his way into the sidewalk traffic. He waited while a couple breezed by him, drunk and barely noticing that they’d almost knocked into him. His eyes followed them for a few seconds until he could feel his phone ringing in his pocket.

Van, where’d you go, man? Quincy shouted.

Van could tell that the club was still loud as ever, especially since he could hear the walls thumping from the sidewalk as he walked down the street.

I’m heading home, he replied, taking a left at the corner.

What!? It’s only midnight!

I know, but I got stuff to do in the morning.

Bullshit! Get your ass back in here!

Van chuckled. I’ll see you Monday, Q. Make sure you go home to the right place this time, okay?

Quincy laughed, but while he was offering more to the conversation, Van wasn’t listening any longer. He had pulled his keys out as he got closer to the parking lot, but something caught his eye and he slowed.

Uh, Q, I gotta go, he interrupted his friend, and then hung up.

The girl had her back to him but he could tell by her body language that something wasn’t right. She was sitting on a brick planter that ran along the side of the club, shoulders slumped with her slender arms wrapped around herself, and Van thought she might be crying.

Excuse me. Miss? Are you okay?

She startled somewhat but hardly glanced his way. She turned her back to him even more when she stood, but not so she couldn’t see him peripherally.

Van looked her over quickly, recognizing her clothes. He’d seen that skirt and those legs before, probably an hour ago, and from what he remembered of the moment, he got a bad feeling.

Can I help you with anything? he tried again. But this time he walked around her so they were facing each other, and even though the streetlight from the corner barely offered much, he could see enough.

Jesus, what happened to you? he asked, stepping closer to her.

He could tell she’d been hit in the face, and the mark that was left had welted. Van was all too familiar with battle wounds, and whereas he normally wouldn’t have blinked an eye at her injury, it looked completely wrong against her otherwise flawless face.

Nothing, she finally replied. It’s nothing—

That’s not nothing, he said.

He tried to approach her but she stepped away defensively.

I’m not gonna hurt you; I want to make sure you’re okay. He realized just his presence could be intimidating and this time wasn’t any different. His six-one frame wasn’t towering, but he was aware that she was already afraid of him.

I’m- I’m fine, she replied, touching the side of her cheek with the back of her hand. She barely looked at him except to keep an eye on his movements and Van figured she wasn’t in the mood to be approached by a stranger, helpful or not.

Well what are you doing out here by yourself? he asked her. This isn’t exactly a safe place to be by yourself this time of night.

She scoffed like she was going to make a retort, but sighed instead. I... Well, do you have a phone I could use?

He noticed her empty hands, thinking it unusual that she didn’t even have a purse. But the fact that she wasn’t holding anything might have been why he could tell her hands were shaking.

Did you get mugged or something? he asked, handing over his phone. He held it out to her for the taking so he didn’t make her feel uncomfortable by stepping toward her.

Um, no, not exactly, she replied.

Her hands were even shakier as she took the phone, but before Van could offer to make the call for her or call her a cab, another figure appeared from the parking lot. The scene was already played out in Van’s head before the guy even said, Who the fuck are you? Get away from my girl!

He let the guy shove a forearm into his chest and he took a step back.

One, Van counted to himself.

Brian, please don’t, the girl said before she could make a call.

Did you do that? Van asked the guy, motioning to her cheek.

Fuck off, dickhead. Get out of my business. The guy grabbed her arm, causing her to drop the phone on the pavement. Get in the fucking car, Dani!

Hey, show some respect, Van warned him. This guy was six-three and probably thirty pounds heavier than him, but in his experience, that meant nothing.

Or what, asshole? Mind your own damn business! He went to grab her again but Van stepped in his way. He shoved Van in the chest with both hands and said, You’d better watch it, man!

Two, Van counted. I think you’re the one that needs to watch it, he told him evenly. Just turn around and leave and you can save yourself a lot of trouble.

Brian laughed. Not a good night to play hero, shithead. I’m in a pissy mood so don’t fuck with me.

You beat up on girls. You really think I’m gonna let her go with you?

Do I think—? Brian laughed arrogantly. Do I think she’s coming home with me? Yeah, she is. So get the fuck out of my way.

Dani stepped around Van and frowned. It’s okay, she told him. You should leave.

He shook his head at her. You don’t have to go with him. In fact, why don’t you just take my truck right now and leave. He handed her his keys and said, It’s the black one right there on the end.

She bit her lip in hesitation, so Van was sure she was considering it. But by then, Brian snatched the keys out of her hand and chucked them across the street. "Get in the car, Dani. Now."

Van stepped in front of the girl again to keep her safe and faced the ridiculous fool who was just begging him for a beating. It was still count number two, right? He sighed and calmly said, Go get my keys.

Fuck you! Brian laughed. Get ‘em yourself.

He reached for Dani again but Van blocked him once more.

You know, I’m getting really pissed off right now, Brian growled. He shoved his fists into Van’s chest once again.

Three. So am I, Van replied, shoving him back twice as hard.

Brian looked surprised, but then he smiled to show he was ready for a fight.

Brian, don’t do this, Dani said. Just stop it, okay? I’m getting in the car.

By then she’d come up to Brian to prove that she would comply, but he was way too wrapped up in his temper to even notice her. When she put her hand on his arm to lead him to the car, he shoved her off and she almost fell.

That made Van even more upset. Here’s the deal, he said to Brian. I’m gonna break your hand, but I’ll let you choose which one.

Brian laughed. You’re a piece of work, faggot. I’m gonna like kicking your ass.

Well you better decide right now because I’ll automatically go for your right hand. If you’d rather it not be the hand I break, then I suggest you let me know.

Brian laughed again but he was clearly pissed. Van was pretty happy when the guy made the first move—a predicted right swing to his face that missed when Van blocked it. After that he had Brian down on the pavement in a matter of seconds, his arms twisted behind him while his opponent yelled out in pain.

So which hand? Van asked him. I’m being really nice giving you an option.

Jesus! You’re gonna break my fucking hand?

I told you I would. Maybe next time you’ll think twice about hitting a girl.

You don’t even know what the fuck hap—

Which hand? Van growled again. Five, four, three...

***

Dani quickly walked away at that point. She half jogged, half walked to get away from it all and she heard Brian yell out a few seconds later. Tears were streaming down her face; hot, angry tears that she wished would stop. She should have used her phone the second Brian dragged her out of the club yelling at her. But no, she had to let him rant and rave until he was really mad, taking her purse and her phone from her when she said she was going to call a cab.

She took a deep breath and wiped the moisture off her face. Out of all the arrogant things Brian had done lately, she never expected he would hit her like that. What a pathetic predicament she’d gotten herself into.

Hey! someone called from behind her.

She slowed just slightly, recognizing that deep voice, but didn’t turn around. If she could just make it to the convenience store around the corner, she could call a cab.

Oh yeah, take a cab with what money?

Hey, Dani? he asked again. He was right behind her and added, It’s Dani, right?

She was feeling grateful that he’d stepped in to help her out, but angry and embarrassed at the same time. Look, I don’t know—

He had her purse in his hand when she turned around and he handed it to her. Thought you might want this.

She paused for a second as gratitude washed through her. Then she asked, You didn’t have to break his other hand in order to get it, did you?

He barely smiled, just at the corner of his mouth. No, he was really compliant for some reason.

She couldn’t help but chuckle, even though the night had been hellacious and she just wanted to go home.

Wait, now she no longer had a home.

Well, thank you, she told him. I’m really sorry about all of that, though.

It’s not your fault, you shouldn’t have to put up with that. And I can take care of myself.

Yeah, that’s pretty obvious. Dani smiled. She unzipped her purse to retrieve her phone only to find it was dead. And she had no cash anyway since Brian cleaned her out of that as well.

Can I just give you a ride somewhere? he asked.

When he turned to motion behind him at his truck, Dani used the moment to glance him over. She had to admit that he wasn’t quite like the men she was used to being around. He seemed a bit rough around the edges—sexy but maybe a badass. She could tell his background was in no way similar to hers, which was good. And there was something about his demeanor that made her consider him in a different light. There was something there—maybe gentility—and she could sense it.

She could also sense that he wasn’t comfortable around her and that made her curious. He was good-looking, definitely, but it was his eyes that seemed to win her over. They were genuine, but when he looked at her, he appeared cautious. But the fact that he hadn’t been afraid of Brian for a single second made her wonder how often he was in the middle of that sort of thing. What was this guy’s story?

He cleared his throat and she realized he was now looking at her, still waiting for a reply. Oh yeah, he’d asked if she wanted a ride.

Or if you don’t trust me or whatever I can just call you a cab. I’ll pay for it, he added, pulling a wallet out of his worn jeans.

It wasn’t that Dani didn’t trust him—for some reason she did, which was unusual—but where would she even go? There’s no way she’d go back to Brian’s, and for all she knew, he might call the cops on this guy anyway. I don’t really have anywhere to go now, she finally admitted. She held up her hand to decline the cash he tried to give her.

You live with that fuckwad? he realized.

That made her smile somewhat, but then it disappeared just as quickly once she remembered her current dilemma. Lived. Past tense. That’s what all of that was about. I told him we were through and that I was moving out. He didn’t exactly like to hear it.

How long have you had to put up with that crap?

That was the first time he ever hit me, if that’s what you mean. Lately he’s just been a cocky asshole. I got tired of it.

He slightly nodded. I saw you in the club earlier.

Dani was surprised and looked him over. His hair was fairly short, but it peaked up in the front to form a very sexy little fauxhawk. It suited him for some reason, and she was drawn to whatever it was he represented. She might have recalled seeing him in the club but she didn’t know if ‘maybe’ would be rude to admit. She’d been too busy dealing with Brian’s ridiculous behavior to notice much.

You didn’t look very happy, he added, seeming to tease her. Looked like you guys weren’t on good terms or somethin’.

Oh, you think? she joked with a smile.

He smiled too, and that took her by surprise. He had a really nice smile and it caught her off-guard. Maybe it looked familiar to her? And then there was an awkward silence as he shifted his stance and seemed to be thinking of something else to say.

Well, I need to find a phone... Dani began, breaking the silence between them.

He handed her his again and asked, Who can you call?

With a sigh Dani realized she didn’t know. Normally she’d go to her sister’s, but Jaime had little kids that she didn’t want to wake up with her middle-of-the-night arrival.

He shrugged and said, Well, I was thinking...you can have my room. I mean I know that probably creeps you out or whatever, but I can even stay down the hall at my buddy’s place. You can have the entire apartment; it’s not a big deal. It’s not fancy or anything, but if it helps you out, you should stay there tonight at least.

She was really surprised by his generosity but also wary. She didn’t know him, and after dealing with Brian’s shit lately, did she really want to add another poor decision to her plate? But this guy seemed really sweet—sincere, even, because he looked so uncomfortable around her—and Dani felt pressed to make a decision. She was tired, cold, and broke.

I’ll stay down the hall and you can deadbolt me out, if that worries you, he added.

She smiled, amazed he’d even consider that kind of thing. But holy shit, she realized she didn’t even know this guy’s name!

Anyway, maybe you should sit in the truck for now, he said. You look cold. And maybe you should call someone to let ‘em know where you are? Then if you come up with a better plan you can let me know. Oh, and I’m Van, by the way.

Dani shook his extended hand, saying his name in her head as she added another piece to the puzzle. As you already know, I’m Dani.

Well there wasn’t a better plan so Dani really did go home with Van. And when he was grabbing a few things to take with him to stay down the hall, she insisted that he didn’t have to go. She told him she’d feel weird being there alone if he left, and for some reason—which she didn’t admit to him—she felt safer with him there. Brian had scared the hell out of her, and she wasn’t quite sure how to tell Van that his presence made her feel a little more secure.

Are you sure you want me to stay? he asked. I mean I’d definitely rather sleep on my own couch instead of Quincy’s, but I don’t wanna make you feel uncomfortable.

Good heavens, a man who was considerate. Yes, I’m sure. She nodded resolutely.

They were both silent while they stood there in the living room together, and then Van finally dropped his stuff on the couch and said, We should do something for that...

She didn’t realize what he was talking about until he brought her a wet towel from the kitchen and motioned for her to put it against her face.

Oh, she said, barely touching her cheekbone.

Does it hurt? he asked. Let’s put some ice on it.

He was already to the freezer before she could reply and returned with a few ice cubes to wrap in the towel.

Yeah, I guess it hurts a little, Dani finally said. I’ve just had my mind on other things and haven’t noticed. When he placed the icepack against her cheek, she winced.

Fuck, I’m sorry, he said.

No, it’s okay, she tried to assure him. She took over the icepack at his insistence.

What’s on your mind? he asked. Everything that happened tonight?

Yeah, and how I’m going to get all of my stuff out of his apartment. She smiled uneasily.

Oh. Well just give me an address and I’ll take care of it.

Dani scoffed, but with another smile she said, No way. I don’t think that’s a good idea.

He casually shrugged. Well, you tell me how you’d like it taken care of and I’ll do it.

That’s very sweet of you, but you’ve already done so much. I couldn’t ask you to do anything else.

You didn’t ask.

Van didn’t say anything further and headed for his bedroom. He was hard to read, but she kind of thought that he liked her. She liked him too, that was for sure. He had on a long-sleeved shirt but she could tell he was nicely built. She liked his laid-back demeanor, the fact that he seemed sincere when he spoke so softly, and his ruggedly handsome face that drew her in with a partial smile. She could tell he was a Jersey boy, or at least lived there a while, and there was something about him that compelled her to search deeper. Between that and the power of his eyes...

Yes, she was very attracted to him.

From where she stood, Dani could see him in his bedroom. He was tidying up, tossing a few things from the bed to a chair. And then he turned toward the door and saw her staring at him. He didn’t look away and it made her pulse race. Somehow the intensity of his dark eyes lured her to his doorway, and when she stopped and leaned against it, he gave her a shy smile that made her swallow.

She took a few steps until she was in front of Van, looking into his eyes. Thank you for everything you did tonight, she said softly. She could feel the heat building inside of her and her heart thudded heavier. What the hell was it about this guy?

He slowly reached for her face, and gently touched the bruise on her cheek with his thumb while he studied it. She could tell he was pissed at what Brian had done, but she wasn’t expecting him to lean forward and lightly brushed his lips over her battle wound. Just that barely-there feel of his mouth made her legs weak and she let out the breath she’d been holding.

When he faced her again, his eyes seemed to be searching hers. They were still looking at one another when she put her hands on his waist. That’s when he leaned forward again and kissed her lips—slowly, softly, but with deliberate seduction. He grazed his tongue against hers, but cautiously, like he didn’t want to move too quickly. But Dani’s tongue met his eagerly, and their kiss sizzled into something much deeper.

A sound escaped her, a soft agreement, as she took pleasure in the feel of his lips and the way he worked his mouth with hers. As the kiss deepened, she was well aware that he was just as aroused as she was when their bodies pressed together.

Chapter Two

Van didn’t know how long they’d been kissing but it was too good to stop. She now had her hands under his shirt, running her fingers along his stomach and sides. Then she pulled away from his mouth and began unbuttoning his shirt, starting from the bottom up, and his heart began punching his ribs. He watched as her dark sapphire eyes glanced at him under thick lashes in between each button she released. Finally, she undid the last one, smoothing her hands over his chest. She took her time looking him over until her hands slid to his shoulders, ridding them of his shirt. As she guided the fabric off his arms, her fingers traveled over his skin so softly it gave him goosebumps.

Then Dani looked him in the eyes. She moved her hands to his face, her eyes searching his while lightly touching the day’s growth along his jaw, and barely ran a finger along the tiny scar on his left cheekbone. She kissed it, and then kissed another one below his lip. Then she kissed the rest of his lips, pulling him into her once again as the fire re-ignited between them.

Van was reeling inside. This was almost too much for him to handle. She hadn’t even done anything sexual and he was ready to throw her on the bed and have his way with her. His desire to touch her overwhelmed him so much he decided it was his turn when he ran his fingers through her hair and down her back.

She pulled away slightly, still touching his lips with hers as she spoke. What do you want, Van?

That, in his mind, was the go-ahead. He turned her around, holding her back against his body as her head leaned into him.

Is that a real question? he whispered in a low voice.

The one hand he’d placed against her stomach remained, but he slowly rubbed against her body with his fingers until they inched away fabric and were against skin at her waistline. His lips found her shoulder and he kissed it around the thin strap of her top, taking his time to make a trail up to her neck.

Another sound escaped her and it made Van smile.

He continued to kiss her neck and behind her ear, and gently nipped her earlobe. From the way she was moving against him he knew she liked what he was doing. His fingers stole entry through the waist of her slim fitting skirt, and as he smoothly trekked south, his other hand cupped her breast.

Dani responded instantly, and every sensory in Van was about to overdose. He wondered if it had just been too long, or she had some sort of power over him. He lightly squeezed her nipple between his fingers as he continued to pleasure her down below. She was softly moaning and said his name twice. Things became even more intense when she turned her mouth to him so he could kiss her at the same time.

When she turned around entirely and started to undo his pants, Van was relieved. He didn’t want to rush the ending, he wished he could experience this all night, but progress was due when she made his pants drop to the floor, and as he kicked them off, he lifted her top over her head.

You are so beautiful, he whispered, sliding her skirt off so she was standing there in her bra and panties and pair of sexy heels.

They kissed again as she pressed against him, sliding her hands around his back and into his boxers, scraping her nails against his skin. She continued to kiss him, rub against him, while she used one hand to remove her shoe and then switched hands to remove the other. Her height dropped three inches but he grabbed her ass, picked her up, and took her to the bed.

They continued to explore for another few minutes until Van gently removed her panties. He kissed her collarbone, her chest, and lightly brushed his lips along the top of her bra. He pushed it down a little to reveal a nipple and he wrapped his lips around it. His hand returned to her lower half at the same time. He was dying to be inside her, but he was dying just as much to give his mouth and tongue a workout she wouldn’t forget. He kissed his way down her body, opening her legs as his lips found paradise. Just seeing her laid out like that, breathing heavily and completely vulnerable, sent a raging pulse into his groin.

But he took his time.

When it felt natural, when he could tell she was right on the edge, Van removed his mouth and brought his body over hers, supporting himself on his palms. He could see it in her eyes, the mutual desire, but he wanted to make sure when he asked, Do you want to keep going?

You know very well what you just did, she answered, sounding short of breath. Getting me just barely there and stopping.

He could tell she was holding back a smile, but her hands were also pulling down his boxers and then she brought his lips to hers. She moved against him when his cock pressed against her entry and a soft sigh came out of her mouth. He paused to keep her on the edge, but then he completely pulled back.

Do you have a—?

Condom, he stated, reaching across her for the drawer in the nightstand.

He unwrapped it and slipped it on, returning to her body as quickly as he could. Thankfully it didn’t kill the mood because she took him without pause and he slid inside of her with a groan. He pulled back and pushed in as she encouraged it while moaning with each movement. Sound came from his chest too, each time she clenched around him. He hadn’t gotten to her bra yet, but he was ready for a total unveiling. It was her turn to read him when his hand moved for it, and in one brief movement, she was on top, sliding up and down him.

She leaned down and worked her mouth and tongue against his, sending him into another fit of sexual energy. He wasn’t sure how long he could last, but she seemed to know to stop at that moment. With a smile she cupped her own breasts, teasing him as she massaged and handled them through the lingerie. Her teeth bit her lower lip with a seductive smile as her fingers toyed with the clasp at the front of her bra.

Shall I, or do you want to do the honors? she asked coyly.

God, she was beautiful. What in the hell was he doing? Where was this night even heading? He shook the thought and took a deep breath. Her question made for a difficult decision and he almost wished she hadn’t asked. He truly was expecting her to just open it up with the surprise, but now that he thought about it, he wanted the moment to be his.

Van didn’t answer with words but gently took her hands in his, pulling her forward. She leaned into him when he brought her palms to his lips, kissing each one in turn. He lightly cupped her breasts and then slid his fingers to the clasp. A surge of sexual heat traveled through him as his eyes took in the beauty of her being entirely naked in front of him.

She smiled and placed her hands on his chest. Her mouth leaned down to kiss him, to explore with her tongue and manipulate his body to be under her spell. No manipulation needed. He was hers however she wanted him, and right now, he was ready to take her how he wanted to.

Dani, I’m not sure I can handle this any longer, he finally said. I’m about to lose every ounce of control.

She smiled and said, "I was wondering how you could still be in control. It was a tease and she added, I thought maybe I wasn’t doing to you what you do to me—"

He grabbed her with both hands and turned her to her back, a move that he’d never enjoyed so much as he did that time. Without words he took over as the lover in control, driving into her again, gently but powerfully, his lips kissing her passionately. He hadn’t realized exactly how close she was until it all came in an instant, the tightening of her body and the look of pleasure on her face, the sounds that traveled through her chest and out her sexy lips. 

His release was only seconds behind and she gripped his body tightly as he finished with slowing, purposeful thrusts.

***

Dani woke the next morning wrapped unusually amidst the sheets on Van’s bed. She worked to get her legs free and then propped herself up onto her elbows to look around. He was no longer next to her, and she wasn’t even sure he was still in the apartment. Did he go to work? What’d he even do for a living?

She rolled her eyes and dropped her face into the pillow. She didn’t even know anything about him and here she was, waking up in his bed. She realized he could throttle a guy in a matter of seconds, even breaking a hand with his own. But