Free Short Fiction Distributed at http://paranormalpoppy.blogspot.com, and http://www.goodreads.com by Poppy Dennison. This is a work of fiction. Characters, places, and incidents are products of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the authors. Blindsided © 2011 Poppy Dennison All rights reserved worldwide. This eBook may be distributed freely in its entirety courtesy of the author, Poppy Dennison. This work may not be sold, manipulated, or reproduced in any format without express written permission from the author. This work contains graphic language and sexual content between two men and is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. Cover Design © 2011 by A.J. Corza

Blindsided by Poppy Dennison

~* Written as part of the Hot Summer Days anthology for the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. *~

~* Visit them at: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/20149 *~

Noah held his fist in front of his face, the bloody knuckles wrapped up in an old t-shirt after last night’s fight. He moved his fist slowly to the side and after an inch or so, it disappeared. Fuck. The peripheral vision in his right eye was gone. A crowd’s muffled roar came from above and he looked up as he undid the make-shift bandages from his hands. One fight down, two to go. His fight was the last of the night. It would probably be his last period. The boss had brought in some monster of a Russian for the bout. His nickname was the Terminator and Noah’d heard stories as to why. His opponents didn’t always walk away. The boss told Noah it would be the best fight of the night. Huge bets on the match guaranteed that he’d make plenty of money, even though he wouldn’t see a penny of it. No, the boss got it all. Would keep getting it all until he no longer owned Noah’s ass. But with one eye barely working, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could fight. One solid punch from the Russian’s ham-sized fist and Noah was pretty sure he’d be totally blinded in his right eye. He considered dropping the left and giving the other fighter an opening on his good side. He just didn’t know how much damage that would cause. Still fifty grand in the hole, Noah couldn’t risk losing sight in his other eye. He heard footsteps coming toward the locker room and cleared his expression. It wouldn’t do for anyone else to know he was scared shitless to face this fighter. Noah stood up and started his dance, his fists up in front of his face and his feet moving from side to side as he dodged imaginary punches. One of the other fighters, known as The Jackal, sauntered into the room, his face slightly battered after his time in the ring. A relative newcomer to the scene, Jason Jackson was rapidly becoming the fighter to beat. His quick fists and quicker feet made him hard to take down. His nickname fit, Noah thought, because he stalked his opponents and wore them down until he went in for the kill. Something about him had drawn Noah in from their first meeting. Maybe he recognized a little of himself in him? They were a bit similar in appearance, both with cropped dark hair and lean frames. Jax also had a number of tattoos, and they’d compared ink and stories that first time they’d met while working out. Noah remembered that night with mixed feelings. Jax was brand new to the scene, hadn’t even had his first fight for the boss yet. Mr. Salvatore kept a run-down warehouse that they used as a gym. He wanted his fighters in tip-top shape, which was laughable really, since the equipment he provided was so worn out and beat up that it was barely usable. That night Jax had made the rounds, introducing himself to the few other guys there before making his way over to the bag Noah was punching. He’d grabbed it and kept it from swinging while Noah kept up his hooks and jabs. After a few minutes, Noah had stopped to shake the stiffness out of his arms and Jax had stuck out a hand.

“Jason Jackson, but you can call me Jax.” Noah had raised a brow, but returned the handshake. “Noah.” He didn’t really have much to say to anyone and wasn’t looking to make friends, so he’d turned and gone over to the corner where a few jump ropes hung from a peg on the wall. He’d grabbed the least dilapidated one and continued his workout. Jax took a second one from the wall and tested the handles. He huffed out a frustrated breath at the shabby state of the rope but started to use it anyway. Noah had tried to ignore him, but Jax moved so fast that Noah found himself wanting to compete. He picked up his pace, and they found a rhythm together, the slap-slapping of the ropes hitting the concrete floor matched by the slight squeaks from their shoes as they found purchase. After several minutes, Noah was a sweaty mess. His breath came in harsh pants and his feet began to miss their steps. He stumbled over the rope and stopped, resting his hands on his knees. Jax stopped also, and Noah was relieved to see that he was struggling to breathe as well. When Jax looked like he was going to speak, Noah hung his rope back up and went over to the weights. The guy was unshakable. He followed Noah to the bench and spotted while Noah pressed the heavy barbell up and down. He leaned over and Noah couldn’t help but stare at his crotch in his loose, black boxing shorts. There was a nice size bulge in them and Noah felt a stirring of his own that he tried to ignore. He looked away and concentrated on counting his reps, but his eyes kept drifting back to that one spot where he shouldn’t be fixated. When he finished his first set of presses, Noah sat up and rested his arms. Jax came around and Noah did the polite thing and gave up his seat to him. Jax laid back and got ready to do his exercise then watched Noah expectantly. Noah held back a sigh and took his turn at spotting. Of course, the position put his groin in the same position and Jax definitely noticed. He licked his lips a bit and Noah pretended that the gesture didn’t mean anything. “We going bigger?” Jax asked when he’d finished. “Yeah.” Noah grabbed another large weight off the stand and brought it over to the equipment. After loading it on and tightening the bolts to secure it, he returned to his spot and started his next set. Jax again stood at his head, but this time he seemed to be just a little closer. Noah couldn’t tear his gaze away and when that bulge jerked and grew bigger, he fumbled the bar and nearly crushed himself. Jax grabbed it and helped Noah guide it back to the rest. Noah covered his slip by wiping his hands on his shorts. “Sorry. My hands were sweaty.” “You should be more careful,” Jax said with a wink.

Noah could feel a blush forming and tried to fight it. Jax came around to his side and ran a finger down Noah’s arm. “Nice ink,” he whispered as he touched the lines of Noah’s tattoo. “Thanks.” Noah searched the room and realized that the other guys had left. He felt more exposed than he had just moments before knowing they were alone. Jax traced the lines of the woman on Noah’s arm before asking, “Who is she?” No one had asked him before and Noah didn’t want to answer. The tattoo looked like a woman in old-fashioned clothes. She wore a big brimmed hat and resembled a southern belle. “My sister,” Noah finally replied. “She’s beautiful.” “Yeah, she was.” Every time Noah remembered Natalie, he got this big lump in his throat. The tattoo honored her in the only way he knew how, especially since he couldn’t really talk about her to anyone. She was the only family he had, and now she was gone. The medical treatments she’d needed were so expensive that he’d taken a loan from Mr. Salvatore to pay for what she had to have, but they didn’t work and he’d lost her anyway. And now he was trapped here, paying off a seemingly endless debt with his fists. “I’m sorry.” Everyone always said that, Noah thought, but the words didn’t help. “I’m going to go shower. I’ll see you around.” This time, Jax didn’t follow. Noah pushed the memory aside and forced his attention back to the empty locker room where they now stood. Again that spark between them burned brightly. Jax looked Noah up and down and Noah felt a surge of something in his belly that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Noah gave him a little nod and looked away, uncomfortable with the intensity of his stare. “You ready to fight?” Jax asked, stepping back into Noah’s field of vision. “Yeah,” Noah answered. “Gonna be a good one.” Jax snorted. “Not if you don’t get that right arm up. The Terminator has a wicked left hook and you’re dropping that side.” He took a practice swing at Noah, who jerked back and nearly tripped. “What the hell?” Jax jumped forward and grabbed Noah by the arms to steady him. Noah shook out of his hold. “Back off, man” He hated showing his weakness in front of anyone, but he hadn’t been expecting that swing. His mind was focused a little further south. Jax pulled him in closer and when Noah tried to look away, he pulled his head up

so their eyes met. “Fuck. What’s wrong with your eye?” Noah flinched and tried to pull away. “Nothing. I’m fine.” Jax ran his thumb over Noah’s cheek. “You aren’t fine.” Noah couldn’t afford to let the other guys know about him. He wasn’t quite sure how Jax had figured it out so fast. Maybe that’s where his nickname came from. Weren’t Jackals known for having good instincts or something? Before Noah could think of a response, he heard more footsteps in the hall. Heavy and slow, with a distinctive click, Noah realized the boss was on his way down. He jerked away from Jax and spun around to face the hook that served as his locker. Mr. Salvatore’s slick black boots appeared at Noah’s side. One meaty mitt clapped down on Noah’s left shoulder and he tried not to flinch as the boss gave his muscle a tight squeeze. His guard went over to Jax and crossed his arms. “Out,” he demanded. Jax nodded and left. No one questioned the boss or his goons, not if they knew what was good for them. The guard followed him to the door and left Noah and the boss alone. “Big fight tonight, boy.” “Yes, sir. I’m ready.” “You better be. I’ve got a lot riding on this one. In fact, that’s what I’m here for. Got a job for you.” Noah lowered his head and held back a sigh. He knew what was coming. “Yes, sir.” “Third round, you go down and don’t get back up. Make it look good.” It wasn’t the first time he’d been asked to throw a fight. Mr. Salvatore liked to know where he was going to make his money for each of the events he hosted. “You got it, boss.” Noah knew it was pointless to argue. “That’s my boy.” Mr. Salvatore patted his face and smirked. “You do it right and it’ll be five G’s off what you owe me.” Damn. Five grand for one fight would be his best payout yet. Problem was, he wasn’t sure he could last three rounds against his opponent. He’d planned on getting in and getting out fast, using his speed to his advantage in the first round or two. The Terminator was known for his stamina, taking fights low and slow and wearing his opponent down.

As Mr. Salvatore left, Noah realized just how badly he was screwed. To go three rounds and make it look good, he was going to have to take some early hits. He’d have to go down once by round two or a knockout by three just wouldn’t sell. That meant taking a lot more hits early than he normally did. The crowd went wild and Noah knew the end of the fight was getting closer. His was next. He checked the wrappings on his hands one last time and left the locker room. The hallway was dimly lit and getting hotter by the minute. The air conditioning didn’t work very well in the basement and it was starting to bake from all the heat upstairs. He heard movement in front of him and realized Jax had slipped out from behind a support pillar. Their eyes locked on each other and Noah took a step closer before he realized what he was doing. Jax reached out to him, more slowly this time so he didn’t surprise Noah again. His fingers trailed over Noah’s right cheek, tracing a lingering bruise from his last fight. Noah’s eyes closed and he rolled his head into the touch. It had been so long, too long, since he’d let anyone comfort him. He didn’t want to admit he was worried about this fight, but Jax knew without him having to say anything. He could be weak for a few moments then he’d put his fighting face back on and become The Rainmaker once again. Jax’s hands drifted down, over Noah’s tense, muscled shoulders and further. Noah dropped his head back and let out a gasping breath. “Yes, please.” Jax dragged him back into a shadowed corner and leaned against the wall. Noah leaned into him, pressing their bodies closer together. He wanted skin, more of that incredible heat he could feel pouring from Jax’s body. He ripped at the thin, white tank top Jax wore and it practically shredded in his hands. He left the sides hanging on Jax’s shoulders and looked his fill of the muscled torso he’d revealed. With a groan, Jax grabbed Noah’s head and pulled him closer. Their lips met and Noah’s heart began to thud. This was what he’d been missing. Passion, loving touches. Jax devoured him, but it was more than raw lust. Noah could feel the longing in his kiss and poured every ounce of pent up emotion in return. Their chests slipped against each other, the heat of the hallway and their bodies causing both of them to be wet with sweat. It still wasn’t enough, so Noah released his hold on Jax long enough to jerk his own shorts down. Jax seemed to like the idea and pulled his own until they fell to his feet then he grabbed Noah and jerked his jock down. Noah kicked them both off and stood there gasping for breath as Jax looked him over. Before he could regain his thoughts, Jax had them together again. The rough cotton of Jax jock rubbed against the sensitive tip of Noah’s dick. He whimpered and Jax wrapped his arms around Noah, one muscled arm around his shoulders and the other at his waist. Noah held onto Jack’s head, his hand gripping the side. With his other hand, he reached around to rub his own ass, needed to feel something there, even if it was just his own

fingers. He’d never wanted like this before. His mind left everything behind and all he could focus on was this moment, the man who held him so tightly. Noah dipped his fingers into his own crease, and groaned when the tips brushed his hole. It clenched and relaxed against him, his body responding to his need without a thought from him. Jax’s mouth on his continued to claim ownership, branding Noah in a way no one ever had before. Noah slipped a finger inside himself and arched further into Jax. His cock leaked, leaving streaks of wetness against Jax’s stomach. Jax pushed back against him, their thick lengths both hard and aching for more. His breath quickened and before Noah knew it he was exploding, his cock shooting stream after stream against Jax. “Fuck,” he cried softly against Jax’s lips. Jax moaned and jerked against him and Noah could feel the jock against him grow wetter. Noah brushed his own still hard dick against it, feeling Jax’s come through the soaked material. Jax kept holding him and leaned their foreheads together as they fought to get their breathing under control. Before Noah could gather his thoughts, he heard shouts from above. He thought for a moment that the match was over then realized that the sounds weren’t right. Something else was going on. He looked up, trying to puzzle out the noises. Jax tightened his arms around him. “Stay here,” he commanded in a tone Noah had never heard in use before. Jax jerked up his shorts and ran into the locker room. Noah righted his own clothing while trying to figure out what was going on. When Jax came back, he had his duffle bag in his hand and a dark t-shirt on. He tossed another toward Noah. “Put it on. Hurry.” Noah’s brain still wasn’t functioning at full speed, but he complied, jerking the shirt over his head. Jax dropped his duffle on the floor and pulled out a wallet. And a gun. Noah took several quick steps back before he realized what he could see on the back of Jax’s shirt. Three big white letters. F.B.I. “What the hell?” “It’s a raid,” Jax responded. “Just stay here and you’ll be fine.” “You’re a...” “Yeah, I’m a fed. Just relax, okay. I’ve got you covered.” “What...was this...”

Jax turned to him and rested a hand against Noah’s cheek. “This was just us. Me and you. I swear.” Noah felt like his universe was imploding around him. He couldn’t seem to function and leaned against the wall before sinking down onto the floor. Jax knelt beside him and rubbed his hands over his arms. “Come on, Noah. Get ahold of yourself.” “I don’t know what’s going on.” “You don’t have to worry about that. Just know that I’m going to keep you safe, okay?” Noah could only nod, hoping that Jax would keep his word. **** 3 months later “Hey, Joe! Someone’s here to see you.” Noah looked up from the stack of produce boxes he was unloading from a delivery truck. He still wasn’t used to answering to ‘Joe’, but it was starting to get easier. “On my way, boss.” He figured his contact with the U.S. Marshal’s was here to check up on him again. The guy stopped by periodically to make sure Noah was toeing the line. He hopped from the back of the truck onto the loading dock and went to the back office. He had to stop and stare when he saw Jax standing there waiting on him. “Hi, Joe.” Noah couldn’t speak. He just kept looking at Jax. Hell, he didn’t even know if Jax was really his name. Jax walked forward the few steps that separated them and held out his hand. Noah took it automatically. Jax gave it a squeeze then rubbed his thumb across Noah’s. “Hey,” Noah finally managed to force out. “Did you miss me?” Jax asked with a smirk. “Not really.” Only every minute for the first few terrifying weeks. But he wouldn’t tell Jax that. “That’s a shame. I couldn’t wait to see you again. Your contact finally caved and let me come visit. I’ll be going with you to testify.” Oh, yeah. The trial. Noah managed to keep it out of his thoughts most of the time. He’d worked out a deal with the prosecutor so no charges would be brought against him as

long as he did his part and told the jury his story. “That’s cool.” It really wasn’t. Noah didn’t know if he could handle Jax in such close proximity after what had happened the night of the raid. “And then I was thinking we could maybe go somewhere, get to know each other a little more.” Noah realized Jax was still holding his hand and he moved it away. He wiped it down his black uniform pants and stuffed it into his pocket. “Why?” Jax stepped in even closer and ran his now free hand over Noah’s cheek. “Because I can’t get you out of my mind. I’ve never felt this way before and I want to know what it means,” Jax paused and took a breath. “Tell me if you don’t feel the same and I’ll leave you alone.” Noah took a deep breath and blew it out. In a way, he did feel the same. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to confess that. Wasn’t sure he was ready to say that out loud to anyone, much less someone he didn’t even really know. He took another breath and looked up into Jax’s eyes. “What’s your name?” “Jackson Michael Edwards.” “So I can still call you Jax?” “Yeah, you can.” Noah couldn’t help it. He smiled. It felt weird since he hadn’t used the expression in so long. “Okay, Jax. If you’ll take me somewhere warm and sunny after all this is over, I’ll go.” Jax laughed and leaned their foreheads together. “Tired of Indiana winter already?” “So fucking tired you don’t even know. And if I have to unload another damn box of apples, I’ll scream.” Jax pulled him closer and pressed a quick kiss to Noah’s lips. “Then let’s get going. You have a family emergency and I’m here to take you home.” Noah didn’t miss the emphasis Jax put on the word. Home. That sounded good. The End

About Poppy Dennison Who is Poppy Dennison, you ask? Well, let me tell you that you aren't the only one asking that question. In fact, most of the time even I'm hard put to answer. You see, I have a flair for reinventing myself on a whim. I might start the day as a one of the goddesses of cookies, sewing and small children, but by lunch, I've transformed into an enchantress of the creatures of the night capturing them to do my wicked wiles (from behind the safety of my laptop, of course) You can find more information on Poppy and her writing at http://paranormalpoppy.blogspot.com/