Boxer's Fight: Knight's Rebellion MC: Braedon, #5

By Erin Osborne

Makena Hughes

I've been sheltered my entire life. My brother is the manager of the Wicked Angels. I purposely go to Braedon because of his ties to the club. Even if none of them know my situation. Am I setting myself up to be let down if I let Boxer in?

Malaki 'Boxer' Winston

I found my passion for boxing in the military instead of just joining the MC. Now I'm the Road Captain of the club and I still fight. One call is all it takes for my fate to be sealed. Jagger is going to be pissed. Will her past tear us apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Osborne
• Release date: Nov 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215096048

Book preview

Prologue

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I’VE BEEN AT Boxer’s house for a day. The second we got there, he showed me the guest room and disappeared somewhere in his home. I really didn’t take in too many details on our quick journey from the front door to the hallway where the guest room is. Other than seeing there isn’t really a lot of stuff in his house. Boxer is a minimalist at best or just moved in and hasn’t unpacked or gotten his belongings out to display. What I did see of the house showed me he also keeps it extremely immaculate. Not a single thing is out of place and there’s no clutter on the stands or anywhere else I could see. 

Today, he’s got me going to the clubhouse with him once we get out of work. I’m not sure why I’d have to go to the clubhouse, but it’s the last place I want to be. There’s no good reason for me to be there and if I can get out of it, I will. 

The thought of calling my brother to borrow some money is looking really good right now. I don’t know if he’d actually lend me money, but I could always try. Jagger is a good brother and will more than likely help me out though. The only problem is telling him what’s been going on and why I need to borrow the money in the first place. He would probably move me into wherever he’s living currently as he manages the Wicked Angels. Living with Jagger isn’t going to work for me.

Makena, are you okay? Hartley questions, breaking me out of my mind as she stands in the doorway of my office. 

Oh, um, yeah. Just lost in thought I guess. Do you need me to do something? I return, looking down at Beast where he happily sleeps next to me. 

No. Just checking in on you. You don’t look too good. Do you need to head out for the day?

No. We don’t have much longer here and I want to finish up a few things before leaving. I have a headache and already took something for it, I lie to her, feeling horrible about doing it.

Okay. Well, I also wanted to let you know I’m heading out now. I’ve gotta meet Lash at the clubhouse. If you need anything, give me a call, she says, giving me a small smile before disappearing. 

I give my boss a few minutes to take off before making my way out to finish taking inventory of everything that’s been delivered to the center recently. Once a full inventory is complete we can get to the real work. For now it’s mainly paperwork, inventory, and things like that. I can’t wait to work with the kids. At least I haven’t seen any kids here. Maybe Hartley took a break for some reason. All I know is I’m ready to get the money I need to keep moving. Always keep moving—that’s how I have to live my life these days. 

I’ve gone back to Boxer’s house, using the key he left for me this morning. Going inside, I head straight for the guest room. I’m not about to eat his food, drink more than a glass of water, or anything. He doesn’t really want me in his house and I can feel the tension rolling off him in waves when he’s around. So, instead of being a burden, I’ll make sure he barely realizes I’m here. 

Grabbing my bag from the end of the bed, I pull out a clean pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and one of Jagger’s old hoodies. The hoodie is so old, it’s worn just right and I love wearing it. It’s so damn soft and the ends of the sleeves are frayed from me wrapping them up in my hands when I’m nervous or freezing. After getting a quick shower in the attached bathroom, I clean both rooms from top to bottom. I won’t be staying here another night. Boxer can’t keep me here and it’s time for me to make some decisions regarding where I’m going to go next. 

No, I don’t have the money I need to make a trip anywhere, but that doesn’t matter. If Jagger gives me a little bit, I can certainly leave here and not have to worry about Boxer, or anyone else, finding me sleeping in my car behind their businesses again. I don’t want to have to continue being scared to live in this town filled with bikers. 

Makena, are you here? Boxer calls out, his deep voice sending a thrill through my body. 

Coming out now, I call back, not sure if he hears me or not as I grab my bag and head for the door. 

Boxer is waiting for me in the hallway. He eyes me carrying my bag in one hand while holding Beast’s leash in the other one. I don’t say a word to him, and he doesn’t speak to me as we make our way out of his house. While Boxer locks it up behind us, I head straight for my car and get in after Beast jumps inside and makes his way across to the passenger seat. I watch him as Boxer gets on his motorcycle and places his helmet on his head. The only other thing he does before the large machine roars to life is pull up some kind of face mask with a skull covering it. The only thing you can see of his face are his eyes. And that’s only until he slides his glasses in place.

Letting Boxer leave his driveway first, I start my car and follow him. The closer we get to the clubhouse, the more nervous I become. My palms are sweating and my heart is racing with each passing mile. I can’t even suck in a full breath because I’m so nervous and scared about where he’s taking me to. These are my own feelings coming to life and there’s nothing I can do to stop them. 

When we pull up to a closed metal fence, I know my time has come. No one is going to understand why I’m about to lose my shit. They’ll see how weak and vulnerable I truly am. Since they more than likely know Jagger is my brother, I’m sure he’ll get a phone call to find out what the hell is going on with me. Only, he won’t be able to tell them anything because I’ve kept my life a secret from him. If I didn’t, I honestly don’t know what he’d do. My parents are good people for him. When it comes to me, not so much. Jagger honestly has no knowledge of what they’re like and how they act when he’s not around. Since he left school, my big brother barely returns home for any reason. The only times he does is if Wicked Angels is playing a show close by. Then he stops in for an hour at most before leaving to live his life once again. Not that I blame him. Jagger should be living his life and doing what he has to do.

Part of me is jealous of Jagger. He got out and away from our parents. Never once did I see them lay down the rules for him like they did me. On top of it all, he was able to come and go as he pleased. It’s why he has as many friends as he does and why he’s so damn social. My brother can’t sit still for long and always has somewhere to be or something going on. Especially with the band he now manages. I’m the one who doesn’t like going out, hates being around a lot of people, and doesn’t want to do more than I absolutely have to in public. Well, I hate being around adults. If I could be around kids all day long, I’d be in heaven. They’re so pure and innocent. Not filled with hate and maliciousness like so many adults are. 

Are you gettin’ out or gonna sit in your car all night? Boxer asks, opening my door and scaring the hell out of me. Hey, what’s wrong? 

I can’t even answer him because I’m practically hyperventilating and ready to pass out from lack of oxygen. When I say I’m scared and nervous to be at this clubhouse, it’s not a joke. I haven’t had good experiences with bikers and that’s all I can think about as I try to focus on Boxer at my side. 

It’s okay, Makena. No one in this clubhouse is gonna hurt you. Hartley and her kids are in there. Some other ol’ ladies are too. Didn’t want to leave you alone while I talk to the club about a few things, Boxer says, his voice a gentle wave washing over me. Let’s get you inside around Hartley so you can see no one will hurt you.

Boxer finally manages to get me out of my car and grabs Beast’s leash. He leads us inside and what I see has me wanting to run right back outside to hide in my car. I want to disappear from this place and never step foot inside again. People are having sex out in the open where anyone can watch them. I’m not talking about one or two, it’s like a giant fucking orgy in here. My eyes roam quickly over the room as I spot Hartley sitting at a table with her husband, drinking a beer and laughing at something he’s telling her. She’s not paying attention to what’s happening in the same room as her.

Um, I-I-I should head out, I stammer out, trying to pull my hand from Boxer’s. I-I-I don’t belong here.

I wasn’t plannin’ on this shit happenin’ here tonight, but I guess the guys decided to party. I know it’s not for everyone, but these girls are here of their own free will and have the right to say no. Not a single person here is bein’ taken advantage of or doin’ what they don’t wanna do. You’ll be fine, Makena. We won’t be here for long, Boxer says, leading me to the table with Hartley and Lash. 

Hey guys! Hartley greets us, a large smile on her face. I didn’t know you were gonna be here tonight.

I’m sorry, I respond, taking a seat next to her. 

How are you feeling? Any better? Hartley questions as Boxer and Lash turn their attention on me. 

Um, yeah. Almost all gone now, I tell her, trying not to give anything away to the two men sitting with us. 

What’s wrong? Boxer barks out, his voice turning harsh as my breathing picks back up and I feel on the verge of passing out again. 

I’ve got a headache. It’s not a big deal. They happen from time to time, I say, looking down at Beast as I take the offered leash from Boxer. 

Why don’t we go in the office? It’s a little bit quieter in there and we can talk, Lash says, his voice letting me know it’s not a suggestion but a demand as Boxer and him stand from the table. 

Let’s go, Makena, Boxer says, making my eyes jump up to meet his.

Why me? I thought you were just gonna talk to him and then I could leave, I return, not sure about being in an enclosed space with two bikers. 

Just a quick chat. Hartley can come if you want her to. It’s not like she won’t know what’s goin’ on sooner rather than later, Boxer assures me as I look to the only person here I know. 

Hartley stands from the table and holds on to her husband as the four of us head toward a hallway off the back of the large room we’re in. Again, I didn’t notice a ton of details since my anxiety is through the roof and there’s so much sex happening. No, I’m not a prude or anything. I just happen to believe sex is something personal and should only take place behind closed doors. Or in the dark where there’s no chance of anyone else interrupting you.

Boxer lets me enter the office before him. Beast is at my side, rubbing up against my legs as Lash motions for me to take a seat on the couch he has in here. Sitting down, I hear the door snap closed and my breathing picks up even more. 

‘You’re okay, Tink, Boxer says, his voice a gentle rumble next to me as he sits on the arm of the couch. No one’s gonna hurt you in here. Hartley will kick Lash’s ass if he raises his voice to you. She doesn’t take his shit and won’t let him give you any."

Why am I in here? I finally manage to ask. I have nothing to do with club business or anything. 

No, you don’t, Lash says, pulling Hartley into his arms as he keeps his voice gentle. However, your situation has been brought to my attention and I want to know what’s goin’ on.

What situation? Hartley speaks up, her voice raising several octaves as she looks between the guys and me. 

You told him? I blurt out, focusing on Boxer. 

I did. We need to know what’s goin’ on. Not just because you work for Hart, but because it’s not safe for you. Why did I find you where I did in the situation you were in? Boxer questions me, Hartley’s eyes burrowing into my back as she tries to figure out what’s going on. 

Someone better fucking start talking now, Hartley finally barks out, letting me see a different side of her than I’ve seen so far. 

Boxer found me sleeping in my car in the parking lot of the gym. I’m homeless. It’s not a big deal at all. So many people are homeless and no one bothers them. Yes, I chose the businesses I knew the club owned because of the security measures I know you have in place. No, I didn’t hack anything or do any digging into your club. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know an MC will have security measures in place for their businesses, I whisper, my voice coming out broken as I try to hold my emotions in check. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Hartley. I just really need the job. I can’t go to a motel because of Beast. None of them will let him in the door. Plus, I’m not gonna be here for very long. Just until I have enough money to move on.

I’m guessin’ your big brother doesn’t know what’s goin’ on with you, Lash states, folding his arms over his chest as he leans against the edge of his desk and Hartley settles in next to him.

No, he doesn’t. I’d appreciate him not finding out either, I tell him, not looking him in the eyes. 

Why haven’t you gone to him for help. Obviously you’re in some kind of situation that’s makin’ you run from your home and life. Jagger won’t help his little sister out? Boxer questions me, his voice holding a hard edge. 

He more than likely would if I told him what was going on. I don’t want him to know. At least I didn’t. Boxer, I appreciate you letting me stay with you last night, but I can’t stay with you. I don’t know you. I’m going to call my brother and borrow some money from him so I can get out of Braedon. There’s no point in me staying here any longer. It’s time to move on, I say, my voice still barely above a whisper as everyone leans in closer to hear me.

Why are you leaving, Makena? What’s going on that you have to leave here? Hartley asks, placing a hand on my shoulder in comfort as she steps up next to me. 

And why did you choose Braedon to begin with? Lash adds in his question.

Look, I’m not in trouble with the law. I’m running, yes. However, it’s because of something going on in my personal life. None of this has anything to do with the club or anyone in this town. I chose Braedon simply because my brother spoke so highly of the men in this club. He may not know all of you, but the ones he’s met, he likes and knows you’re good men. I wish I could feel the same, but I don’t. I don’t like bikers because of my past and I really don’t want to go into detail, I respond, looking at the floor.

Who exactly is your brother? Hartley asks, confusion filling her voice. 

Jagger. He manages Wicked Angels and knows more than one of the members of the Knight’s Rebellion, I state as the room settles in silence. 

You both knew this and didn’t say anything? Hartley questions her husband and brother-in-law. 

We did. It came up in the background check we ran on Makena, Lash answers his wife. 

What are you runnin’ from? Boxer asks, wanting to know my secrets. 

Are you gonna tell my brother? I return, not sure if I’m ready for Jagger to know my secrets. 

Why don’t you call him and talk to him about what’s goin’ on? Lash asks me, readjusting his position against his desk. 

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Jagger knowing what’s going on isn’t something I’m looking forward to happening. However, maybe it’s time he knows the truth of what’s going on. He can help me figure out what to do next and where to go from here. Then I won’t be around this club longer than necessary. 

Nodding my head, I pull out my older than dirt prepaid phone. Pulling up Jagger’s name in my phone book, I make the call I’ve been dreading since I left home. 

Little sis, what’s goin’ on? Jagger answers his phone and I put it on speaker.

Jagger, I’m here with Lash, Hartley, and Boxer. I need to talk to you about something.

What happened? Are you okay? Where are Mom and Dad? Jagger questions rapidly, immediately on high alert from my phone call. 

I’m okay. I left home. Mom and Dad are still there as far as I know. I’ve been making my way as far away from home as I can get. It’s not good, Jagger, I start, breaking down in tears as everything overwhelms me. "They want me to marry this man for his money and he’s not good Jagger. He’s a biker, but that’s all I know about him. His name is Eli. I don’t know his last name or the nickname he goes by in the club. I wasn’t ever really part of his life. 

"We went out on a few dates and I know he’s not good. He constantly put me down, degraded me, and hurt me the last time I saw him. When he beat me, I went home and talked to Mom and Dad about getting out of whatever deal they made with him. I was basically told to suck it up and do as he wants so it doesn’t happen again. That was from Mom. Dad didn’t say a word, but I know he won’t let