Lisa's P.O.V.
The abandoned warehouse came into view as I drove in, causing me to doubt I was in the right place. It made sense though, since according to Liv this was all very secretive. I got down from the car feeling a little too exposed as I walked up to the large man at the door. I recognized him as one of Liv's friends and immediately felt better.
I think his name is Carter.
"Hello Lisa, so happy you could join us. Liv and Lucas are here already. You may want to hurry downstairs. Her fight is about to start," he said as he opened the door behind him for me to enter.
"Thanks," I barely muttered as I walked past him into the poorly lit warehouse.
I was almost tempted to extend my hands out to make sure I hit nothing, but decided I'd look too much like an idiot in a place like this. I followed the sound to some steps that led down. When I reached the top I could see the door being held open by none other than the viking himself.
Davis looked hot as hell as he leaned against the door with his arms and ankles crossed. Those arms were so big, I began to wonder what it would be like to be wrapped in them. When our eyes met, everything went still. It was like the world stopped, and all I could hear was the thundering of my heart. I froze for a moment under the gaze of those blue eyes.
"Glad you could make it. She's starting now. We better hurry so you don't miss it," he told me with a hand extended for me to take.
I looked at it for a moment before slowly placing my hand on his. His hand was powerful, calloused, and large, but what I loved about it was how gently he held my hand. With muscles like his, you would think he wouldn't know the definition of gentle, but he clearly does. The warmth that came off his hand warmed my numb skinny fingers in an instant. I was sad when his hand let go of mine. I was tempted to reach out and grab it again.
I stood beside him as I looked up at Liv in the ring. His eyes were boring into the side of my face as he looked at me, but Liv captivated my eyes at the moment.
Liv was like a dancing fire in that ring as she spun and twirled around her opponent. She dodged every punch like she knew it was coming and where it would hit. Her fists were small, but caused enough damage to make her opponent fall before her. It was only a matter of minutes before they announced her the winner. All I could do was stare at her in awe. She is what I aspire to be, strong and powerful.
"Pretty amazing, isn't she?" Davis asked me, forcing me to look at him.
"She really is. I wish I knew how to fight like that," I admitted so lowly that it surprised me he heard me.
"I could teach you if you like," he offered, catching me off guard.
"Really?" I smiled excitedly, squeezing his hand.
"Yeah, give me your phone. I'll put my number in and you can text me when you're free or when you want to start." He held his large hand out. I fished my phone out in an instant, letting him save his number.
I had lost the card he gave me with his contact information on it the last time I saw him. I felt bad about it, but I knew if I really needed it I could have asked Liv for it. He typed quickly, handing it back to me.
"Let's go congratulate our winner." He smiled at me. He had a really kind smile, one that made you forget his intimidating physique. His hand grabbed mine again as he led me towards the back.
I locked my eyes on his broad shoulders, which parted the crowd as if he were Moses and they were the Red Sea. Everyone moved for him the moment they saw him. Lucas wrapped Liv in his arms as they tenderly kissed. The sight brought both happiness and envy for what they have. Mostly I am happy for them, happy that my little brother could finally find joy in his life again.
I do envy what they have, knowing I'll never get that. Chris is a nice guy, and I'm sure he'll make a nice husband. It's just weird, it feels like we're having to do everything backwards since we only know each other because we have to marry one another. I don't know, it's hard to describe the feeling.
"You were so great, Liv. I see why Lucas enjoys watching you fight," I said with a smile, having let go of Davis' hand the moment we were in front of them.
"Thanks." She smiled so brightly at me, somehow swooning my heart even though I've never been attracted to a woman. She was absolutely beautiful when she smiled like that. "I wasn't sure how you would feel after you saw me. I was worried you wouldn't like it."
"Are you kidding? I fucking loved it. I want to be you when I grow up, Olive."
She laughed like I said the most absurd thing, even though all I did was speak the truth. Liv is strong, physically and emotionally. She stood up to her abusive father, beat the shit out of him as she spoke her truth to him. Maybe one day I'll be able to do the same. Sadly, Dad is a proud man and a powerful one at that. If I ever beat him up he'd throw me in jail in a heartbeat. With my dad I'd have to use a different approach to beat him.
"You're older than me, Lisa." She giggled.
"Yet, you're more accomplished."
She blushed from my words. Liv is so modest, it's like she doesn't know just how amazing she is. We all see it but her. I think that's what makes her even better. Maybe one day I can be just as special.
"I wouldn't say that," she said, shaking her head in disagreement.
"Of course you wouldn't. That's why you're so great, Liv."
"Alright Twinkle Toes, don't forget to collect your money and let me know when you're able to fight again. I know with Abi you're going to have a harder time getting into the ring, but don't get rusty on me. Got it?" Davis pointed his finger at her playfully.
"Got it," she said with a nod and a smile.
"Are you coming back to our place?" Liv asked me as she grabbed Lucas' hand.
"No," I shook my head. "I'm going to stay a little while longer. I want to watch how people fight."
Liv's eyes widened in surprise before they wrinkled at the corners with a smile. It was as if she were excited that I wanted to see other matches.
"Have fun," she told me. "Take care of her." She pointed at Davis with narrowed eyes this time.
"Don't worry. I'll take great care of her." Davis eased her worries, but his words did something to my body.
Am I developing a crush on the viking?
"I'll see you tomorrow to take my niece shopping," I reminded her.
"Oh, trust me, I haven't forgotten," she laughed while heading out with Lucas.
I watched them leave, unable to keep their hands to themselves as they walked away. Lucas clasped her hips as he guided her past the crowd. I could see the hunger in both their eyes and I figure Abi will have a little sibling soon if they aren't careful.
"Can you teach me now?" I turned and asked Davis, ready to learn how to fight right this instance.
"Now?" He asked surprised. I just nodded my head.
I want to get stronger.
Lisa’s P.O.V. “Are you guys ready to see your baby?” The technician asked as I held Mandy’s with Davis’ hand in my other. Mandy was an angel and had agreed to be our surrogate. We inseminated her almost 2 months ago now and are finally going to see our baby for the first time. I didn’t think this would, but when Mandy called and told me she got the positive pregnancy test, I cried like a baby. It still astounds me how much my life has changed since Davis entered it. For once, I believe I can have a happy ending too, and it is only getting happier. “Very!” I smiled, squeezing Mandy’s hand in excitement. The technician squeezed the blue gel on Mandy’s lower abdomen, placing the ultrasound wand over her skin. She moved the wand around until the image of a small baby appeared, but as she moved it around more, I could swear I saw another. They told us there was a possibility that we could end up with more than one baby, but I never imagined we’d luck out like that. “Is that- Is it two?” I
Davis’ P.O.V. “Good morning, my beautiful wife.” I woke Lisa, brushing that long beautiful hair of hers back. We’d just gotten back from our week-long honeymoon, where we stayed in our room for almost the entire trip. We couldn’t seem to break apart long enough to enjoy a lot of the things in Hawaii, but I wouldn’t change how it went. “Good morning, my handsome husband.” It was no longer a Viking and his Warrior, no, it was now a husband and his wife. Although, the Viking and Warrior are still there, just hidden for a moment. “Do you think she’s awake?” Lisa asked about our princess. “Probably, she’s missed us, even though she had fun with Izzy.” I was surprised that Izzy offered to watch Calliope. At first Lisa’s mother was going to, but I couldn’t deny this sister bonding moment. Lisa’s mom watched Calliope while Izzy worked, but our princess was with her sister most of the time. “Then let’s go greet her.” Lisa beamed at me with that bright smile of hers. I kissed her tende
Lisa’s P.O.V. “You look so pretty, mommy,” Calliope flashed me those beautiful white teeth of hers. She was my flower girl, and would be walking in front of me as I made my way to my dream, to my Viking. Her sweet ruffled dress danced around her beautifully as she swayed before me. It was a light blush pink that looked so beautiful on her. I really think it’s her favorite color. “Thank you, but I think you look prettier.” Mom, Liv, and Calliope were all in the room with me getting ready. We had our hair and makeup done, all that was left to do was put the dress on. I never imagined I would be here, marrying a man like Davis, marrying Davis really. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a man like him. One that loves so unconditionally, so protectively, so intensely. Yet here I stand ready to marry him, so ready, I may run down the aisle. **Song suggestion: Fall into me by Forest Blakk** The dress slid on my body like a glove, hugging my hips in its silky material.
Davis' P.O.V. "I swear to God if she's got the teacher on her side too, I'm setting this school on fire," Lisa said with a rage in her eyes as we approached the school's front doors. I loved seeing how protective she is of our daughter. Our daughter. I loved being able to say that. To know that Lisa and I now had a child together. Yes, it wasn’t the conventional way, but it was even better than that. If only this school could see our daughter for how amazing she is. Her teacher had called us this morning, asking us to come in and speak to her about Calliope. She wasn't specific about the why, just that it was important. She has concerns apparently, although about what she wouldn't say over the phone. "I'll bring the matches." Lisa smirked that wicked little smirk of hers as we entered the building. She's grown so strong and wild now. Her warrior was always out on the surface unless she was caring for Calliope. Now she has a beast that she unleashes whenever it comes to defending
Lisa's P.O.V. "I know she's been through a lot before she was placed with you, but we do not tolerate violence in this school. You need to have a serious talk with Calliope about her behavior. We can only be so understanding." It took everything in me not to yell at this woman before me. She called herself the headmistress, but I'll call her a warden with the way she treats the children. She doesn't deserve to hold the title of principle. "We'll talk to her, Mrs. Vinx. We appreciate your understanding, and will be taking her home for today. Thank you," Davis answered. Davis surprised me with the way he was calmly handling this. He stood, and I followed, seeing he was ready to leave even though Mrs. Vinx seemed anything but done. I followed him out of the office, seeing Calliope with tear-streaked cheeks on a small chair beside the door. "Let's go," Davis told her, walking right past her. She hurriedly followed, not taking my hand when I offered it. I don't know what Mrs. Vinx
Lisa's P.O.V. We have everything slowly going towards Calliope’s adoption. We were just waiting on the court date now. I don't understand why it's so damn hard to adopt a kid. Still, I'm trying not to complain, because I have a daughter now. She's mine, my sweet girl. "Calliope, are you ready to go?" I called up to her in her room. Calliope’s tastes in fashion have become more bold and girly. She's been coming out of her shell more and more, especially after opening up to us. She still sees her psychologist and therapist once a week, and she's doing brilliantly at school. "Ready, Mommy." She stood at the top of the stairs, a picture of utter perfection. She had on a sweet pink floral dress and her favorite pink shoes, that didn't really match the style of the dress. No way am I denying her favorite shoes. "Let's go buy me a wedding dress." I smiled at her, having her grab my hand when she was on the last step. She jumped with an excited smile. I have been having her help me
Lisa’s P.O.V. “He left it to you, Lisa.” Anthony had just shocked the hell out of me. Dad had left the business to me. After everything he had done and said, he left it to me. “So what do you want to do?” “Sell it. I’ll create my own business from the money. Whatever money is left anyway. I know with dad embezzling that we probably owe people money.” Dad can go fuck himself if he thinks I am going to keep this business. Did he think that I would fix it up and he would get out of jail and still have it to come back to? He was sorely mistaken. He’s even more mistaken if he thinks this fixes anything he’s done. This must have been what he meant when he said he hoped his actions would speak louder than his words. Only his actions were confusing, too. Did he do this because he really felt bad? Or because he wanted me to fix his business? Maybe it was because he still wanted to have some kind of hold on me. Whatever the case, I won’t fix the business that caused him to be this way. "
Davis’ P.O.V. Calliope watched me carefully as I made her bed. I had done this many times for Izzy when she was younger. It was something I was used to, even though I hadn’t done it in over a decade. This little girl seemed so scared of me, and all I wanted to do was offer her a hug. “All ready for you, princess.” I patted the bed for her, giving her my warmest smile, but it didn’t convince her in the slightest. “Let’s get you back in bed now.” Lisa guided her to bed, tucking her in as I stayed back so as not to frighten her further. Lisa took my hand as we left the room, but I heard Calliope whisper “thank you” to me before I was out of earshot. Progress. I got Lisa to go back to sleep, but sleep evaded me the rest of the night. So, I decided to make a breakfast of champions when 7 rolled around. I wanted Calliope to wake up to a big meal, one she could pick her favorites from. I made a large array of foods. Omelets, pancakes, waffles, even crepes, were made for her to choose
Calliope’s P.O.V. Mommy and Daddy have always told me I was a smart girl, too smart, they said. I knew they weren’t saying it to be nice. They would have liked it if I were stupid, so they could get away with more. My eyes were always watching what they were doing. I knew they were not doing good things, but they kept doing it, anyway. ‘You tell anyone about this and you’re dead, you hear me, Cali?’ Daddy would threaten me any time I saw him selling that funny white powder in a tiny baggie. I would just nod my head and keep quiet, because I learned long ago that saying anything would make Daddy hurt me. ‘She's just a little girl, Mateo. She won't say anything.’ Mommy would try to defend me, but the moment Daddy gave her a look, she would stop. Mommy didn’t want to get hit either, so she never fought hard for me. She would rather I get hit than her. It’s okay though, because I would rather Daddy hit me over her, too. When Daddy is done hitting me, Mommy takes extra good care of m