Read Online Too Consumed by Skyla Madi - Free Book Online

expressed through words or sex. It’s communicated through actions—selfless actions—as easy as listening to her talk about her day or washing her hair. Love isn’t about staying together and having sex. It’s about staying together and growing together, for a lifetime.” Darryl chuckles. “That probably went in one ear and out the other, though, right?”
    I shake my head. It’s advice like that that is going to help me throughout this relationship. “No, I think I’ll hold on to that piece of advice.”
    He rubs the back of his neck and averts his gaze , happy, but uncomfortable. Neither of us is used to conversations like this. “Let’s go, we’ve got training to do.”
    Before he turns, I stop him.
    “Thank you,” I say, crossing my arms. “…for putting up with all of my bullshit. I know I’m hard to handle and I know I can be a dick, so thanks for dealing with it better than Dad did.”
    Darryl’s features hardened. “With all due respect, your dad was an idiot. You were just a boy—one that made bad decisions—but a boy , nonetheless. If he spent more time showing you instead of telling you, maybe things would have been different.”
    “Maybe, but I wouldn’t change anything.”
    I had a love/hate relationship with Dad—predominately hate, but he was still my father—something I don’t think he could handle at any stage in my life. Olivia, however, knew exactly what kind of person I was when we met, God knows I told her a million times, but she still wanted me. I like being around her, she soothes me. Being in the amateur tournament was stressful, beyond stressful. Before every fight, Dad’s words would ring through my mind.
     
    “ When have you succeeded at anything in life? Ever? You’re dedicated, sure, but you’re also stupid. You always get your own way and this…fighting thing is no different. I’ll watch your fights, but only to see you ruin it for yourself. You always do.”
     
    Every time I fought in the amateur comp, it was a ‘win or die’ situation. It was win or prove my father right and I refuse to admit that I’m the loser he believed I was. There isn’t a submission in the world that can force me to tap out. If you get me in a hold, you better be prepared to snap a bone or kill me because I will not surrender. Call me stubborn, I know I am. Call me competitive or spoiled, I’m those things too, but what I am not, is weak. I’ll never give up on anything that I want and now that I’m pro, the stakes are higher—the fights, meaner. There’s a lot more stress on my mind and my body than ever before, but I’m ready.
    I think.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    Olivia
     
    I pull up outside the small grocery store by the gym and I sit in my car for a few long seconds because I have no idea what Seth has in his fridge…doubling up would be pointless. With a heavy sigh, I open the door, drag myself from the seat and slam the door behind me. I’m happy being here by myself. The last time I went to a grocery store with Seth and his nutritionist, Mina, I swear I was going to have a mental breakdown. The looks I received from her every time I suggested something not ‘organic’ were ridiculous. It seems a fighter’s diet is extremely strict. Did you know there are different kinds of carbs and fats? I didn’t. Thankfully, Selena doesn’t care if something is organic or grown purely from chemicals. She’s not one to care what she puts into her body and yet, her body remains perfect.
    My thoughts of healthy foods and perfect bodies distract me until I’m standing outside the store’s Deli section.
    “ Twenty-nine.” The woman’s high voice commands my attention and I glance down at the number in my hand.
    Oh, t hat’s me. I step forward, hand her the ticket, and order a few chicken drumsticks and a rack of lamb ribs. Everything is coated in a thick layer of smoky barbeque sauce and it makes my mouth water. My mouth isn’t the only thing